Guitar Center
reviews and complaints

I ordered an ElectroHarmonix 45000 looping 4 track recorder and it took a month to get here. The unit was packed like an eBay seller, very poorly. It also came with an 8GB memory card when a new unit only comes with a 4GB card. Immediately I realized that this was a used recorder that they sold to me as new (almost $500.00). I returned it and ordered a new one. Well it finally came and it won't read the files on the drum tracks as it should with the foot pedal. The pedal is operating as it should but the main unit is not recognizing the memory card where the card reads just fine on the computer and on my phone. I'm getting angry at this point and I believe that Guitar Center might be selling some used items as new. But I'm not sure... in any case I will be returning the main unit to Guitar Center for a full refund and ordering it elsewhere.

I contacted Guitar Center in Oklahoma City and I was inquiring about a Jose Ramirez Guitar model number FL2 and I asked if they could send me info as well as more pictures of the guitar. I had been in communication with them and finally decided to buy the guitar yesterday on May 7th. I received a text from someone there and also received a draft so I can go ahead and purchase the guitar along with a case. When I got off work I went ahead and tried to purchase it but to my dismay, the guitar was no longer on the draft nor on the website...the only thing on the draft was the guitar case. The person that had been contacting me was someone named Adam with phone number [protected]. I called the store in Oklahoma City this morning on May 8th to find out what had happened. I asked why the guitar was not on the draft and the manager named Adam stated that the person I had been in communication with, who was also named Adam must have sold it... my complaint is being misled to purchase and the product was not on the draft. I would like to get this resolved and I would like the Ramirez FL2 guitar. I was severely misled by the Guitar Center in Oklahoma City.

Unpredictable boss addison who bullies his fellow employers and highly disrespectful of amount of hours or days given to a worker. Alongside his side kick ryan for being rude also to his employees he works with! Defiantly not a team leader at all! Above all for the other employees they are wonderful and helpful and work together as a team! Would like to see these two gone. They both make me and a few others i've been with feel uncomfortable and something needs to be done. I wish to come into guitar center and shop while not being hovered over or anything above that! Thank you!

I sent an email to Guitar Center previous to 10/4/18 requesting info on Behringer KX1200 Keyboard Amp. They never answered, so I called on 10/4/18 to find out more info. I talked to a salesman (don't remember his name) who specifically told me the amp had been tested and worked fine, all the knobs were there, no problems with speakers or power output.

I ordered it on 10/8/18 paying a total of $207.75

I receive the amp on 10/8/18 but without a power cord. I called, talked a salesman and they sent a power cord a few days later.

On 10/12/18 in the evening I tried to use the amp with a guitar and my Yamaha electric piano that I bought here at the Guitar Center, Evansville, IN, where I live.

I turned it on and TRIED to turn up the volume but all it did was SCREECH like giant feed back. I did research on line and found a BLOG that told me to check the speaker while the amp was on and screaming to see what the woofer was doing.

I found, when I turned up the volume with no instrument plugged in, the woofer pegged, which according to the BLOG indicates a blown power amp.

Today is 10/14/18 and I'm still mad as [protected]@#$ because the salesman LIED to me!
I'm out over $200 because of a lying, incompetent salesman!

The components I have bought from Guitar Center have worked fine until now. I paid $454 for a Korg Kross Work Station recently.

I want the Beringer KX1200 repaired if possible. I will NOT deal with Indianapolis Guitar Center, only Corporate resolution will suffice.

I Did A Rental With Them Tuesday .. And The Wife Picked Up The Rental Equipment That Was Loaded Up By There Employee The Next Day When I Went Got To The Gig Used The Equpiment And One Of The XLR Cable Was Missing A Sleeve I Made Note Of It So When I Went To Bring The The Equipment Back The Next Dat I Mentioned It Too Ronald A Slow (Individual) Already Said Hold On Im Going Have To Charge U For This Cable We Argued Back & Forth He Got His Mgr Jennifer Who Said It Are Company Policy I Still Must Charge You For It! I Been A Loyal Customer With GC For Over 20 Years!

I ordered a Drum Set and the order was cancelled without my knowledge or consent. Once we found out the order was canceled we called Guitar Center Customer Service.

FRI 12 JAN (TAYLOR): Spoke with Taylor on FRI 12 JAN and Taylor said that the first cancellation was a mistake and I reordered the drum set... He said that it was in store and would be shipped to my house. I specifically asked Taylor about the set being on backorder and he said NO that there was a set in store and that the store would ship directly to my house.

SAT 13 JAN (MARVIN): On SAT I got an e-mail that stated the Drum set was on "backorder" so I called customer service back again and Spoke with Marvin on SAT 13 JAN and he told me that "Taylor" was on leave and that he could not find any notes in the system to see what store Taylor was referring to. He asked that I call back on MON, 15 JAN.

MON 15 JAN (MARVIN): I called back again on MON, 15 JAN and spoke with Marvin again who stated that Taylor was still on leave and he had not heard back from him and still did not know what store (if any) was shipping the drum set. Marvin asked me to call back AGAIN?!?! on the next day, TUES 16 JAN.

TUES 16 JAN (JOHN): John stated that that THERE WAS a Drum Set that was at the store, but it was an OPEN box return and the store said that it was beat up pretty bad. SO I told them that we didn't want it and that we would wait for the back order so that we got a new set.
John told me that a shipment came in today (16 JAN) and they "thought" that it should ship by FRI, if we don't get the shipping e-mail by FRI they want me to call back on SAT.

MON 22 JAN (TAYLOR): Order still has not shipped, Credit Card was charged but the order has not shipped. Taylor stated that it would ship by COB 22 JAN.

TUE 23 JAN (BREANNA): Order still has not shipped, Spoke with Breanna on 23 JAN and the order is still in the warehouse and has not shipped. I asked to speak with a supervisor and was placed on hold. After several minutes Breanna came back on and stated that the supervisor has "guaranteed" that the order would ship today, but she would not let me actually speak with the supervisor. I am still waiting for the shipment and as stated I was "guaranteed" that it would finally ship today, 23 JAN.

At this point I still do not have the order and my Credit Card has been charged and I cant even get a supervisor on the line... I am in absolute disbelief that a company can actually stay in business with customer service like this. I for one will NEVER shop here again and I'm still waiting on my order...

First of all: regardless of the issue or how wrong, a "client is always right" is a sacred must know rule to any and all employees entrusted with Customer Service issues.

That a 20 something, ignorant and rude Rep is not versed on that rule reflects poorly on the company that employs such [censor] and is therefore enough of a reason to never conduct business with such enterprise.

Secondly: A certain amount of common sense should be taught, emphasized, and always employed when dealing with situations that could adversely affect the company's bottom line.

That a 20 something Clerk cannot make a reasonable judgement that no one would claim a $5 piece of merchandise erroneously makes doing business with such entity undesirable.

Now to the issue: A Rep that hangs up the phone on a customer because he doesn't like what the customer is saying is unprofessional and incompetent. That is what happened to me.

Furthermore, a store clerk such be capable of making a judgement before denying merchandise worth $5 to a customer he knows and recognizes, and require that person drives 40 miles again in order to get an ID just because company rules demand an ID. Use some common sense. That is what happened to me.

Dear Guitar Center customer service,
I am having a trouble dealing with your website.
One week ago I ordered a Rogue Starter Acoustic Guitar Blue Burst in the color of my dreams - blue color.
I was extremely disappointed when I found out that my order was canceled. I was explained no reason why, wasn't offered anything as an alternative. But the saddest part is that my money was immediately taken off and I can't reach anyone to figure out ho to refund. Please, I need your assistance. Stop making me cry...

Kirsty

This is the second and last time that I or any of my friends will ever step foot in any Guitar Center. I went to the San Bernardino store on Hospitality Lane to unfortunately sell my gear. The date was 10/6/2017. I had till 5:00 pm to come up with $2, 200 to pay for repair work on my vehicle. I have kidney failure and need my car to get to my Dr's visits and dialysis. The Gibson SG with auto tuner was only 10 months old w/c. The JP6 I bought at that store in late 2o13. It was a John Patruci signature series that I paid 2, 000 for. I also brought in a brand new right out of the box EVH 5150 50 watt head. I didn't even get to plug it in and play because it was my gear or my car. It was like selling one of my kids. The bottom line is I paid just a little under $5, ooo for everything and I got 1, 800.02 for everything.That is the second time this store literally hosed me. There was not a scratch on any of it. I lost a lot. Even the guitar techs said that she was way low balling me which I already new. Guitar center treats you more like a pawn shop than a music store. My email is [protected]@aol.com. I seriously doubt that I will here anything from you because you will stand by your rip off employee.

I work at a school and have been trying to place an order for 3 mics and 3 mic cables. I placed the order via PO on Feb. 27th...it is now May 11th and I have yet to receive these items. The first performance they were supposed to be used for was back in April. The next performance is coming up on the 15th of May and I have called about this order 4 times now and emailed once and have still not received the order. The first time I called the man promised he would have the order out to me within the week...week went by and no order came in. The next few times they had promised it was being processed and one lady actually told me they would overnight it so I would have the order by Thursday. Now that I spoke with them today the man acted as if I didn't know what I was talking about and that I was just being impatient. Hello! It should not take 3 months to process and ship an order to a customer! I will never order from Guitar Center again because of this horrible experience. If I didn't really need these items I would tell Guitar Center to just forget the entire order and take my business elsewhere. The amount of time it has taken for this simple order to process is absurd!

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]

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.