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2.5 86 Reviews

Guitar Center Complaints Summary

32 Resolved
54 Unresolved
Our verdict: Engaging with Guitar Center, which has a below-average resolution rate, demands caution. Thoroughly assess their service reviews and explore how they handle unresolved complaints. If you encounter issues, document your experiences meticulously and be persistent in seeking resolutions.
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Guitar Center reviews & complaints 86

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3:44 pm EDT

Guitar Center repair not done, lack of communication

So on 4/17 i dropped my guitar off at Guitar Center (Gainesville, Fl) to get the 5 position blade switch replaced, full intonation and the bridge calibrated.Today almost 3 weeks later (5/5) I go pick it up because no work has been done to it and in the 3 weeks not once did Guitar Center call me to let me know the status of my guitar. The guitar is a '94 PRS EG-II Seafoam Green, my prized possession. When I dropped it off I specifically told the tech that I needed it done before May 6th because of an important gig on 5/6. Words can not express my disapointment and to an extent anger because of the let down and also because when I went to pick my guitar up they couldn't find it. When they finally got it the gig bag was dirty as if it was laying on the floor somewhere. Needless to say that I will never entrust Guitar Center with any instrument I owe ever again.
Eugene Torres
1105 Fort Clarke Blvd. Apt. 408 Gainesville, FL
[protected]

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Update by Eugene JimmyStrings Torres
Jul 21, 2017 8:29 am EDT

Update on the repair of my PRS EG-2. Took it to Vinciguerra Custom Shop in Palatka Fl. and in 1 day it was done, No wonder Mark Vinciguerra shop is so busy. With customer service like that who can complain.

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4:15 am EDT

Guitar Center online purchase

In the last week, I purchase a used guitar from online at a Guitar Centers San Jose store. The listing stated...Guitar in stock, ready to ship. I purchased with credit card. I get a confirmation, my credit card is charged, the email states I will get tracking # once item is shipped. 3 days go by, no follow up email, no phone call. I check the status of my order on line...it's shows "processing".

I call a GC customer service. They say they will investigate. Hours later, I receive email stating...Time sold, no longer available. They have my money, I have order confirmation, they sold the guitar.

Ok, so... a few days later, I show the guitar is available again. I suspect it's the same guitar because it's the same location, same used instrument, same price.
I order it again online. Guitar in stock, ready to ship. Get confirmation, my card is charged, email says I will get tracking #. I call San Jose store explain that I want to make sure Guitar is taken off floor, get out on eternal hold and call drops off. So, I call my local store and ask them to contact San Jose store to make sure Guitar is held for me to ship next day. Jeremy in Alpharetta says he will. Hours later, no phone call...just an email that says my item is on Bacorder and they don't have it yet, but the manufacturer is sending them more.the item in question is a USED ITEM AT A PRICE CLOSE TO HALF OFF RETAIL. Are they really getting more Used items straight from the manufacturer? Hour later, I get an email that my order is cancelled because the item is no longer available.

I have yet to receive refund on the first order and now they have my money for two guitars. They say that neither on is available.

So...after taking in all that is transpired the only conclusion I can come up with is GUITAR CENTER IS RUNNING AN ONLINE SCAM WHERE THEY TAKE YOUR MONEY FOR ITEMS THEY DONT HAVE IN STOCK. THAT IS FACT.

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12:38 pm EST
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Guitar Center - rude manager, unresolved answer from guitar center

Order cg11840385 I am really disappointed with the experience I had in this shop and with guitar center. I made the purchase of some items including an acoustic guitar. I asked to deliver in the shop. I called the customer service and they said that the order was available, once I came to the shop, the guitar was not there. I was really upset as I live very...

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3:03 am EDT

Guitar Center very unprofessional customer service!

I wanted to buy a guitar for my son as a birthday present. I went online and found Guitar Center store which seemed like a trustworthy company.
My son was in a band and I wanted to buy something really great, but I did not understand anything in these things so I really needed some help and advice from customer service. I called them and was hoping to get some help, but the person on the phone said that he does not know anything either and that he's just selling things and that's all.
Well, no words can describe how disappointed I was.
In my opinion it is not right to hire someone who can't even give a proper advice to a customer.

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6:03 am EDT

Guitar Center service, company policy

I traded & got ripped off when I returned what I purchased after only having it over the weekend they said they sold my trade.
Now I am out my trade & because I lost the discount of 10% for trading in you got my guitar for far less than I would have sold it for.
I have complained but all I get back is see your store.They are the ones who ripped me off!
They wont help! This was one bad deal that I will never forget or live down.
Right now I have never hated a company more than GC!
I will do all I can to put you out of business. that's my mission!
PS, the manager was a jerk & your policies suck!
Goodbye

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5:45 am EDT
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Guitar Center Online order

May 1st. Paid $74.00 UP FRONT CASH in the Toledo store for a baritone ukulele made by Kohala. None in stock there at the store. Web site said instrument would be available to ship by the 18th so I bought it. Sent E-mail to the department mngr. on the 23rd. He got right back to me. He said he would "look into it". He asked me for the sales man's name. I gave him the name and associates number on the receipt. I also explained that it took over an hour for a simple cash transaction. The store salesman fumbled and screwed around not knowing how to order the item online and have it paid for by cash. That was the end of that. I haven't heard back and it is three days later. So I paid for the uke on the 1st of May and it is now the 26th and I have no idea when, if ever, I will get my instrument. I told the manager that I would like my money back if I can't get it by the 29th of May. No reply.

DO NOT DEAL WITH GUITAR CENTER FOR BACK ORDER ITEMS.

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8:43 pm EST
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Guitar Center Bait and switch and not honoring coupon

Bait and switch tactics used and not honoring advertised coupon that was listed on website. I will never purchase anything from Guitar Center again! Unethical company and people to deal with!

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7:56 pm EST
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Guitar Center rude, rude, rude

I continue to have difficulty with the people in the Pro Audio department and Managers at this store .
first let me tell you that both managers are RUDE . quick to answer before you even finish talking. they assume they know what you want to say . I hate being cut off. and this is an on going trend from this store. Scott who used to be in audio is a manager now would turn and walk away while i was talking to him .

this hurry up and buy crap at the Indianapolis store is getting old. I don't want to be told . you can look that up on line. You can return it in 30 days . I want the Info i asked about. they can't even take the time to look it up.
I used to deal with Anthony all the time . I found out that Anthony was not at guitar center after Scott said that he fired Anthony to an employee and was laughing about it, I needed to buy more speakers and lights for the Youth Group but looks like i will have to go to SamAsh to be taken Serious. THANK YOU GUITAR CENTER for getting rid of the only employee who cared

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Independent Music Store
, US
Feb 21, 2012 11:21 pm EST
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I'd love to remind those who have complaints about Guitar Center to consider finding their Local Independent Music Store and patronize it. They are knowledgeable and care about your business. We have a new music store (bias) and we will order almost anything a customer needs and offer competitive prices. We have a lot of stock, but few independents can carry what GC can. Remember, Independents don't look down their noses at any musicians/customers. We know who keeps us going and we own music stores because we have the Passion! Thank you for letting me put in a plug for Local, Personalized Service, Music Stores.

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11:48 am EST

Guitar Center customer appreciation-wrong!

So much for your Guitar Center 's customer appreciation. It is time for me to buy from another music retailer. I have spent thousands of dollars at guitar center, and you will not give me an credit Limit increase. I have never been late, always paid my account off ahead of time. So much for Guitar Centers Customer Satisfaction and Appreciation. I have a 735 credit score. I am sure another Music Retailer is going to enjoy my purchases. I will be posting this online.

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Rockvillejj
Chevy Chase, US
Oct 10, 2009 6:11 pm EDT

In 2006, I bought an ovation guitar with a lifetime warranty that was supposed to be serviced by guitar center. Three years later it is warped and Guitar center refuses to stand behind it. Avoid these people like the plague

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Anonymous
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Nov 13, 2008 10:07 am EST

I was told to go to a hardware store to purchase screws for a guitar. This, of course, was after they told me that they had the screws and come on down to purchase them. I wasted my time and my gas! I got screwed!

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BarbaraJ106
131 Main Street, US
Mar 07, 2015 12:58 pm EST

I just saw your post. Good for you. Based on my personal experience Guitar Center is a highly unethical company and I hope to help spread the word about how bad they are. When they bought Music and Arts Center in 2005 they knowingly helped Music and Arts Center cheat me out of almost 1.8 million dollars I was due for my Class A Preferred stock. Both companies don't deserve to be in business in my opinion. When I worked as a manager for Music and Arts Center the former owner's son, Kenny O'Brien used to tell me to do things that were highly unethical, which I would not do. Oh, the stories I could and intend to start telling . . .

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GalloNegro
North Hollywood, US
Oct 26, 2012 9:41 am EDT
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Credit limit increases are given at the discretion of the bank that issues the GC credit card. Store employees don't have any access to or control over GC credit card info. Call the number on the card, (in a friendly tone) talk to a supervisor and ask them to reconsider - they should be able to explain what factors into their decision.

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Chitakins
Lakewood, US
Oct 02, 2012 12:25 pm EDT

Rude is the code word for the treatment I just received over the phone from a local Guitar Center. I called to check availibility on a guitar and the guy I talked to on the phone became very aggresive and argumentive immediately, Maybe he had a bad day ? Dont know, But I do know it cost them a lot of money as I was planning on purchasing a Guitar and Amp today for my son at their store. I certainly will not be giving them my business now ! I asked them to check stock on a particular guitar and told him I did not want onte that has been hanging on the wall and has been used and abused as all of those on display are, He did NOT respect the fact I wanted one in the box and continued to argue his point that it would not matter to him if it was damaged and it shouldnt matter to me. Well it does MATTER to me and It is MY MONEY that is going to be spent, I wouldnt buy a damaged car, furniture, clothes etc, And neither would he. but that didnt stop him from copping an attitude. Their loss. I wont ever buy from them anymore, He should be fired.

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iamjcole
, US
Mar 27, 2012 3:10 pm EDT

I'd love a chance to show you that we're better than you've experienced. My name is Jeremy Cole and I am responsible for Customer Service in Guitar Center stores. I can be reached at 818.735.8800 ext 2115 or jcole@guitarcenter.com.

Thanks,
Jeremy

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iamjcole
, US
Mar 27, 2012 3:07 pm EDT

I wish I had known about this back then! I'd love a chance to help. My name is Jeremy Cole and I am responsible for Customer Service in Guitar Center stores. I can be reached at 818.735.8800 ext 2115 or jcole@guitarcenter.com.

Thanks,
Jeremy

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9:48 pm EDT

Guitar Center rip off

I went to the Guitar Center in West Covina, California and got ripped-off! I bought two pedals and instead of putting them in the same receipt they made two different tickets and charged me double the tax. And the pedal I bought for $52. they charged me $15. more for it.

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GalloNegro
North Hollywood, US
Oct 26, 2012 10:03 am EDT
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You need a math lesson. The tax amount is the same whether they're on the same or separate receipts. Tax is a percentage of the order's subtotal or all of the product's prices, not a flat per-transaction fee. For an easy illustration using nice round numbers...Let's say the pedals were $5 each and tax is 10% ---> One receipt: $5+$5= $10, 10% of $10 is $1, $10+$1=$11 /// Two receipts: each are $5, 10% of $5 is $0.50, $5+$0.50= $5.50, $5.50+$5.50= $11... $11 on one receipt = $11 total on two.

GC has many issues (demanding work for low pay, loss of commission for lack of warranty sales, opening more stores when they claim they can't afford to give employees an Xmas bonus...) this is not one.

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Camaroguy11
Los Angeles, US
Nov 06, 2011 6:50 am EST

They can't charge you the wrong amount of tax. The computer figures it in. If you were charged the wrong amount for the pedal - also very hard to imagine - just return it.

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8:30 pm EDT
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Guitar Center Dishonor Offer

Order: Ovation iDea Celebrity Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Built-In MP3 Recorder Regular Black – #[protected]
Cost: 619.00
Coupon Code 4THSAVE ($92.85 discount)
Price after discount: 526.15
Order Date: July 4, 2011
They are selling this product online and have postponed the shipping date thrice, this time for a month. Customer care have been blaming it on manufacturers and absolutely not taking any responsibility for the delays. Its difficult to believe such reputed businesses have no agreements with the manufacturers and allow indefinite delays in the products they are selling people through their website. I totally believe they have no intent of honoring the deals they are offering, deals are just marketing scams. Its very disappointing to see how the management at Guitar Center is totally disconnected from the operations or are even part of this scam.

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3:44 am EDT
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Guitar Center bad management

This is by far the WORST managed store run by the WORST possible human being. The store manager is a self indulgent ###. I know this because as an employee I witness this first hand and Human Resources refuses to do anything about it. He does nothing but talk down to and belittle his employees. And if there is ever a disagreement with him that he ends up being wrong anyway, he either fires you or makes your life hell until you just quit. Also, if you are a customer then forget it. He puts on the smile and the dance to make them feel important, then bad mouths the hell out of them the second they turn their backs to walk away. He is greedy, lies, and changes stories or events so that he is always right and anything that anyone else could ever do will always be wrong. I could make more money and have less stress working at a gas station than at Guitar Center. And also do not sell any used items to him he will pay you less than dirt for any used gear that has value to it. Plus, on a final rant, of course company and store rules do not apply to him, but heaven help you if you even mess up a little. He'll rip your head off. This is not the military you jerk, it's retail.

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Update by FUGC
Jul 03, 2011 4:47 am EDT

Alto's Music has better pricing. WAY better.

Update by FUGC
Jul 03, 2011 4:05 am EDT

Josh Kates is the store manager here. I've met him before, and yes he is a huge [censored]. I saw him embarrass one of his own employees in the drum section just to make himself seem like a big shot in front of other customers. I felt sorry for the employee. It makes you want to not shop there, but it is a commission based pay and i pity any Guitar Center employee. Management is terrible and it hurts the employee trying to make a living.

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Paul Garcia
, US
Apr 04, 2017 4:55 pm EDT

Same experience I just bought I went to the store to return unit but they said can not return it. just bought the unit March 31. 2017 return it April 4. I call their customer service pretty much the same thing happen. THIS IS NOT! a good store. The product I bought was scarlet solo. Even the manager from customer service was not helpful!

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guitarcenterkeith
West Warwick, US
Oct 03, 2009 9:58 pm EDT

I worked at Guitar Center for nearly 8 years and led all sales and profit for the Rhode Island location each year...then they sent a new younger store manager named Anthony Barber to the location and things started going bad...
I questioned his ethics when he started dating a girl that worked at the door after the first week of being the 'new store manager'...
I noticed that money was missing more and more and that our operations team was saying that stuff was being stolen more and more...
Then after several months of not getting along with this IDIOT I was fired because I bought a guitar case at cost...
I DID NOT DO ANYTHING WRONG IN THIS SITUATION BUT NOW I AM OUT OF A JOB THAT I LOVED AND THAT I WAS VERY GOOD AT...I AM ALSO WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 7 YEARS!
I JUST WANT TO LET PEOPLE KNOW MY STORY AND HOW THIS GUY ABUSED HIS POWER TO GET RID OF ME BECAUSE I DIDN"T AGREE WITH HIM AND BECAUSE I WAS MORE QUALIFIED AND CERTIFIED THAN HE WAS!
I have attached pictures of this guitar case that I bought for cost and you can see that it was old and broken and I was treated unfair!
I WENT TO HUMAN RESOURCES AND THEY DID NOTHING...THE LADY THAT RUNS THE DISTRICT HUMAN RESOURCES IS ALSO THE LADY THAT HIRED THIS GUY AND HELPED GET HIM PROMOTED!
IF ANYONE HAS EVER HAD TROUBLE IN THE RHODE ISLAND GUITAR CENTER, PLEASE WRITE A LETTER AND LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU WERE TREATED!

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Richard D. Over
, US
May 17, 2011 10:34 pm EDT

Guitar Center El Paso has a store manager dating a sales training manager. This is wrong and serious and exemplifies a situation that IS taboo. Other people that have worked there have been fired for less without a write up! Kenny Flamer needs to involve himself in this A.S.A.P.! This relationship has been presented in public as well while some employees are aware but too afraid to say anything since it may cost them their jobs. Do something please.

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fgc6969
, US
Mar 20, 2010 3:51 pm EDT

I worked for the Guitar Center many years and had some great times and some not so great times.
Unfortunately all the good times I had at Guitar Center were recently ruined forever for me. Most people
who had a bad experience working for Guitar Center blamed it on the pay structure. If I had a nickel for
every time Guitar Center messed up on my pay check I would be rich. I know I have had missing money
on several of my pay check that probably adds up to thousands of dollars. If you are a employee
at Guitar Center and you miss a punch on your time card there is a good chance you will never see that
money or get terminated for missing punches. The right thing to do is for Guitar Center to correct your
time card before it goes to payroll so you get paid. I remember a time when I was on team pay and I sold
$10, 000 gross profit for the company, and when I got my paycheck there was only hourly on the check no commission.
I then asked the manager what happened and he said “I have nothing for you sorry”. Let’s talk about
floor deals. This is when a certain product is sold and the cash has to be put in the safe right then when purchase is done. Here is the problem, nobody wants to carry the companies money in there pocket. And sometimes it could be $30, 000 or more in cash in your pocket, and if the money comes up missing the employee has to pay back or get fired. Well there are so many different variables that could happen to money in you pocket, or you give to a manager who takes it home and blames it on employee.
Lets think about this, that means that Guitar Center is never responsible for cash, check, etc and always the employees has to pay back. These are just a couple of the problems at Guitar Center, and honestly I forgave Guitar Center for stuff like this sometime ago because I liked working there. I was recently fired from Guitar Center in Lewisville TX for something that I learned from the store manager. Keep in mind I was a STM stands for Sales Training Manager and well experienced in buying used gear. A kid walked in Guitar Center to sell a guitar, and some effects pedals. The guitar did not work, and had no strings, ducted taped up with other stickers all over it. We told the kid that we could not buy this guitar (Schecter Omen 6). The kid offered to get rid of the guitar for $20, I wanted help the kid so I gave him $20 in the parking lot not in the store and it was done. The next day I told the store manager out of good faith about the guitar, and he said he would take care of it. I came in for work and after buying new strings and donating money to Haiti through Guitar Center I got a phone call, it
was the HR dept at corporate office. After asking me many questions about the guitar I was told to go home. Three days later they called and fired me for this. The only reason I did this is because my store manager had bought a Schecter Hellraiser for $150 from a customer after telling him we cannot buy it for the store, the guitar he bought worked great and he needed a guitar because he just joined a band. ( This is a Conflict of interest). I explained to the Hr dept about this and they did not care about the store manager buying a $900 guitar for $150 from a customer, he still is the manager of Guitar Center Lewisville.
Guitar Center, Inc.
A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of current and former employees against the guitar and amplifier retail store. The class claimed Guitar Center improperly documented and enforced break time and lunch time periods for hourly retail store employees in the State of California. Guitar Center has agreed to a preliminary agreement which will make cash payments of up to $3.5 million to fully resolve claims by eligible class members. (Dec-16-05)
Leland P. Smith, Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Guitar Center, commented, "While the Company denies all liability or wrongdoing in these cases, we chose to settle these lawsuits in order to put them behind us and avoid the distraction and additional, unnecessary legal expenses that we would otherwise incur."
For the people that do not know what a settlement is, it’s when a company or person pays there way out of trouble. I was one of there managers that would enforce no lunch breaks. The way it worked was Guitar Center would get a bunch of cheap pizza on a really busy day like July 4th sale. The employees where given
a couple minutes to gobble down some food and then was told to get back on the sales floor for a really long day, not even a fifteen minute break, also Guitar Center will take an hour out of your day for lunch even if you do not take a lunch.
Guitar Centers mission statements.
Our Core Purpose
Build a vehicle that allows all associates and customers to achieve their goals, pursue their dreams
and reach their destiny.
Our Core Values
INTEGRITY Steadfastly adhering to our commitments and ethical code.
HONESTY Doing the right thing in our business decisions and not allowing deception or fraudulent
conduct to have a place in our culture.
WINNING Playing and winning as a team at everything we do and never being satisfied with just
Competing.
LEADERSHIP Encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit in everyone so as to bring innovations and creative

solutions to the forefront and mentoring associates to achieve their full potential.
Guitar Center will lie too you.
Think again when you are filling out that application at Guitar Center for a job.
I worked for Guitar Center for almost eight years and now I have to start over. I’m 33 years old with a house, wife, and five month old daughter.
I always thought Guitar Center’s idea of business and store layout was awesome, but its all about the people and a lot of the employee’s at Guitar Center do not live up to the core purpose not even close especially a lot of managers, Hr, and all the people who are doing the wrong thing. You know who you are it will come back you one day. Also keep in mind that you have no job security like you think. One day maybe Guitar Center will respond to all the complaints made by good people out there in the world that were unfairly treated at Guitar Center and stop making gin pigs out of employee’s. I now do not recommend anyone to shop or work there, they don’t care about you believe me I was one of the brain washed managers who only saw dollars signs in my head when I saw a customer. “Guitar Center made me screw some of my best friends over and, so that being said I’m truly sorry for anything I did to any of my friends while working at Guitar Center. I now see the light and all the good things in people again. Thank you Guitar Center for firing me! And by the way I still get a check every two weeks that comes from Guitar Center, I guess it’s just another way too settle for Guitar Center!

God Bless,
Dank

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Guitar Center Sucks
North Hollywood, US
Dec 15, 2009 9:35 pm EST

F U Guitar Center! I will NEVER EVER buy anything from Guitar Center again, I will never even set foot in Guitar Center again, I will not even accompany someone to Guitar Center and wait in the car!

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KILOWATZ
nyc, US
Nov 25, 2009 10:47 am EST

I HAVE ALSO SPENT YEARS BUYING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF STUDIO GEAR, RUMS, ETC FROM GTR CTR.THE SALESPEOPLE THERE ARE ABOUT THE SALE.WHAT EVER MAY HAPPEN W MISSING OR LOST SHIPPING ORDERS, PARTS, BACK ORDERS WHATEV.ARE LEFT TO YOU.THE MAIN THING I THINK IT TOOK ME A MINUTE TO UNDERSTAND IS(WE LOVE MUSIC, THEY WORK IN A STORE THAT CATERS TO MUSICIANS)YET..FROM THE RUDE STAFF(ONLINE)TO JUST NOT KNOWING HOW TO DEAL W LOST ORDERS, THEY JUST DONT HAVE THE SAME TRUE LEVEL OF PASSION OR KNOWLEDGE THAT WE WOULD EXPECT FROM A STORE GEARED TO SERVE@THUS TAKE OUR HARD EARNED CASH.I SPENT 8GRANG REDOING HALF MY STUDIO.I ORDERED THE GEAR ONLINE AT A GTR CENTER TO CHECK THAT ALL ITEMS WERE IN STOCK)THEY SAID ALL ITEM WERE IN@THAT DAY WHEN I WENT TO MY BANK THE FUNDS HAD BEEN WITHDRAWN ONLY TO SPEND THE NEXT 2 MONTHS CALLING, WAITING@TRYING TO CANCEL OVER HALF THE(BACKORDERED)GEAR!

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8:57 pm EDT

Guitar Center bad attendant

I bought a program and a Key board MIDI from the store in Kendall. Before I asked the attendant if the product that I bought was good for what I need. He looked at me like saying “Where you come from?” and replayed that he didn’t know how work every thing in the store, because he usually serve people that know what they by. He didn’t try to find an answer from any other attendant. I think that the guy thought that I am stupid because I said that I am a Composer that doesn’t know music at all. So I bought what I don’t need because the manuals don’t show any options to do these; and any body in the software Cakewalk community can tell me how.

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Henry Krinkle 2
Fair Lawn, US
Jun 20, 2011 9:56 pm EDT
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Most of the employees are musicians and they take the stuff out and gig with it. So when you check out a piece of gear, it's pre-broken.Or missing parts.

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5:39 pm EDT
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Guitar Center customer appreciation

So much for your customer appreciation. It is time for me to buy from another music retailer. I have spent thousands of dollars at guitar center, and you will not give me an increase. I have never been late, always paid my account off ahead of time. So much for Guitar Centers Customer Satisfaction and Appreciation. I have a 735 credit score. I am sure another Music Retailer is going to enjoy my purchases. I will be posting this online.
Dan Diamond

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Camaroguy11
Los Angeles, US
Nov 06, 2011 6:59 am EST

HSBC does the Sam Ash card as well, so...good luck taking your business elsewhere.

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Commonsenseless
Tacoma, US
Sep 27, 2011 1:42 am EDT

You do realize that Guitar Center actually has no control over the financial aspects of the in-store credit card, right? It's all run through HSBC, so if you'd like to file a complaint, file it against them. Guitar Center can no more get your credit limit increased than you can. But you know, do your thing.

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12:24 am EDT
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Guitar Center care no longer about the musician only their bottom line!!!

Guitar center was once a store that would adjust prices and haggle to a degree on the price of instruments, guitars in particular. Now the sticker price is the price charged. No more deals so no more reason to go there. Also they used to buy vintage instruments for resale. They paid a fair market price. Not any longer! They don't seem to even be familiar with many vintage instruments, their value etc. But they offer a pittance of the actual value. They are either really uneducated as to quality vintage instruments or they are trying to rip-off the seller and then charge top dollar from the buyer. I will not shop there any longer. They are not a good deal type place as they once were. It is a store that charges a premium for inferior instruments. Other guitar stores now blow guitar center prices service and inventory out of the water. Go shop anywhere but guitar center! They are only interested in making money not interested in the musician!
They even push lower end instruments. It seems as if the higher # of sales is all they care about! Also they used to honor their 30 day return policy no problem now it is like pulling teeth to get them to honor their agreement! Decide for yourself but be forwarned! One last point> the workers on the floor know very little about what they sell!

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iamjcole
, US
May 31, 2011 6:11 pm EDT

My name is Jeremy and I work for Guitar Center. I'll gladly make myself available to discuss any comments, questions or suggestions anyone would care to make about Guitar Center. Feedback is our favorite sound and we know that listening to our customers is how we will continue to improve.

I can be reached at jcole@guitarcenter.com or 818.735.8800 ext 2115.

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Guitar Center I got an electric shock

I was recently in Guitar Center and as I touched a Holy Stain guitar pedal on the rack a got a significant electric shock and jumped back. A member of staff and my friend witnessed the event. It hurt, and was quite scary. How should I move forward to claim some form of compensation? I have never done anything like this before. Thanks for your help.

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sarahjay
, US
Apr 28, 2011 5:50 am EDT

It doesn't sound as if you were injured.. I think you should just treat this as a fun story to tell your friends. Its also strange that you would immediately ask for compensation...that's really sad.

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Guitar Center san jose store

I have been trying to make a complaint to the Guitar Center ombudsman or similar dept for more than 1 week without success about the following situation:

Dear Mr. Lawrence,

I live in Brazil and I have been a loyal GC customer for more than 3 years. I travel round 2 to 3 times per year to the US and whenever it is possible I stop and buy products from your stores. I already bought from Las Vegas, NYC, Hollywood, Edina, Salt Lake City etc and never had problems before with any of your stores.

This time I spent the total amount of US$ 672.54, US$ 312.80 (attached orders #6174107 and #6174110 ) ordered by internet and delivered to the La Mesa Store in California, US$ 13, 12 in the La Mesa Store and US$ 346, 62(receipt attached) in the San Jose Store.

With La Mesa Store things went pretty good and what I would like to complain is about the San Jose Store.

I am attaching an excel spreadsheet about the list of products intended to be bought in the San Jose Store.
My main item was the Fender SKB Molded Case- Strat-Tele Right and Left Hand, code #[protected]. I had checked before the availability of that item in that particular store by the net. To sum up, I ended buying 15 items from that store, as you can see by the attached receipt.

Firstly I had to wait almost one hour in order to get the case. They said to me that checking the stock they had 4 of this item at the store, but they made me wait almost 1 hour to get it. But that was nothing compared to what was about to happen:
1. As you can see looking at the excel file, it was perfectly clear that my order for the electric guitar case was for the fender one, code # [protected]. If you check the GC receipt (last item), you can see that it stands for a similar brand (SKB), probably code #541664, configuring this way a Badwill of the San Jose Store employees. So after a wait of almost one hour they gave me the wrong product and did not even tell me that it was replaced!
2. To make things worse and to my surprise, when I get home and tried to accommodate my strato inside the case, I realized that it did not fit. If you could take a look at the attached photos, you could find out that although the case is described in the GC receipt as a Strato/Telecaster Electric Guitar, I was given a Bass Guitar case (probably code #[protected]), that unfortunately for me is useless. In this second episody, I really don´t know if it was Badwill again or incompetence of your employees.

I consider this an absurd! Guitar Center really let me down and I would like to know specifically what can be done to solve the problem that you have created.

Sincerely yours,

Roberto Braga

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Update by Roberto Braga
Apr 02, 2011 10:06 pm EDT

This issue was solved in March 29th through a refund in my credit card.
I would like to thank Mr. Mark Holley, the manager of San Jose store for the solution of the situation.

Roberto Braga

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Guitar Center congratulations guitar center, you just lost two more customers

Today, April 23rd, I called my local Guitar Center in Chattanooga to ask about a Digital Voice Recorder adapter cable. I’m a frequent shopper and former employee of the store.

My boyfriend I called to ask about a 1/8 inch cable unto USB. Once we were transferred over to Pro-Audio a man named “Jonathan” answered and we asked him about the cable. He started to laugh and say “Cmon man, what is this a joke?” and continued to be oblivious to the fact that we were good customers, and nothing else.

We told him, “No, I need a cable” and he explained “Oh, no I don’t think we have it”. By the time my boyfriend hung up the phone, ‘Jonathan’ had been rude to us, disrespectful and displayed no customer service skills what-so-over. We were asking a legitimate question, and he had scoffed at us like we were so below his level.

I don’t think anyone deserves to be treated like this. Especially not two good customers (and former employees).

Congratulations, Guitar Center. You just lost two more customers. And I will be contacting Guitar Center corporate. We’ll be shopping at Humbucker Music and Picker’s Exchange from now on.

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kbaweshum
, US
Jul 03, 2017 11:13 am EDT

All of the corporate is like that at G.C. good luck actually trying to get help without being bait and switched or shunned for "not knowing what you're looking for."

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iamjcole
, US
Mar 27, 2012 3:08 pm EDT

I'd love a chance to show you that we're better than you've experienced. My name is Jeremy Cole and I am responsible for Customer Service in Guitar Center stores. I can be reached at 818.735.8800 ext 2115 or jcole@guitarcenter.com.

Thanks,
Jeremy

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Guitar Center shady sales

After my last visit to guitar center and my complaint last night I thought I would see if I was just over reacting. Sorry to say nope right on the money. I waited around for noah for a wile but I guess he was on lunch. I told that new guy 4 times that noah had helped me already and I was ready to buy I was told no problem man I will take care of it. I get home and the name on the receipt is not noah.

How much more plain could I put it. Back when I would buy from ron when noah and ron worked in audio together if I asked for the person who helped to be on the ticket I got what I asked. So I am wondering did the policies change to every man for himself? I asked 4 times. 3 more times then I should have had too.

I got home to put my receipt away and saw, noah’s name was not on it. I am going to drive to greenwood and do a little experiment soon. I will buy something and ask that noah from indy store to be put on the ticket for helping me out. If they do it. I will never shop at the guitar center in indianapolis again. Greenwood will get my business I don't need creepy cut throat sales guys. I want strait forward sales only. Like it used to be. I will post what happens when I do.

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Update by DJONTHEGO1.2
Dec 04, 2010 5:15 am EST

the older employees are fine and the newer employee in guitars is wonderful. but most of my time is spent in audio looking at keyboards, recording and lighting .

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Guitar Center rude sales men

i found this site after searching for almost an hour to send a e-mail to the guitar center manager .

I make my rounds in Guitar Center about once or twice a month and, this new crew in audio department at the Castleton store make me want to drive to greenwood. There is a cut throat vibe going at that store and, i am not digging it .

My experience with the older employees Danial, Noah and Michael in audio is as always wonderful . but these new guys are overly forceful and that tall guy is almost combative with people while the bald guy just seem to want to walk off and find a bigger sale if your looking for cheaper gear.

I am no expert on employee customer relations but i think that maybe the new guys should take a lesson from the old dogs .
hear are just a few things . i have seen lately.

1) do not argue with a costumer in front of everyone . makes you look like the bad guy even in an indignant situation . The manager has the smoothest approach. he rolls in and says what he has to say and puts it out so natural and matter of fact that it leaves little room for rebuttal .

Like i said i spend a lot of time in guitar center.

2) do not tell a customer they are dumb or they are wasting your time. you can be blunt with out being rude.( tall guy )
3) Don't answer the phone while talking to a costumer without asking the customer if its ok i have seen just about every one do this .
they will cut a customer off and say hold on just a second. just ask
(do you mind if i get this?)
4) don't degrade peoples gear. I have seen and heard this exact line. you should have known better then to think this was worth anything (tall guy). People will always think there stuff is worth more then it is .
5) The new DJ cd's with the Guitar Center logo are lewd . i can't see how they passed and kind of censorship team with Guitar Center . and right at the entrance .

6) Telling a customer that a coworker has know idea what the are talking about is not cool. I asked about protools vs logic and told them that i was a mac owner and that Anthony (that's his name the big guy ) said logic would be best for Mac and in fact was made for Mac . I got " well he has no idea what he is talking about man protools 9 is the way to go i just got it and its grate. again not cool .

at this hour that's the most i can think of . just stick with the old crew when you shop Guitar Center at Castleton Mall .

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