Guitar Center

UPDATE: renovations look good. Better gear selection than before. Service is still lacking. Better than before. Will do to in a pinch if I already know what I want.

I just started playing guitar almost 2 months ago. I had no idea what I was getting myself into upon entering Guitar Center yesterday for a pick and maybe a strap. The store is simply amazing, so many things to look at, and the staff is wonderful! I was impressed with the humidified acoustic room and the employee in there that was very friendly and informational upon answering my «dumb questions» I had for him lol. A different employee directed me where I could find the accessories I was looking for. The wall of electric guitars was quite something to look at… very nice. I almost expected a bunch of guitar snob employees with no time to deal with a silly little girls questions like myself. But was very pleasantly surprised when everyone was kind, respectful, and very helpful. I will be excited to return to Guitar Center when I come back to purchase the fuzzy zebra print strap I had my eyes on in there, and for any of my other needs in my very fun and exciting journey of mastering the ol’ 6 string! :)

This particular guitar center is the worst of the worst. the poster child of every guitar center stereotype. The rows of poorly set up Chinese made guitars. The predatory staff that will surround you like sharks upon entry. Just terrible.
The staff here is the main problem. Not only will you be asked if you need help every 3 minutes by every employee on the floor looking for commission they will try to sell you the more expensive product every time. «THIS ONES A LOT BETTER I’D RECOMMEND IT. IT’S ONLY $ 15 MORE» etc.

After seeing the movie Purple Rain I was determined to get a purple guitar just like Prince! I went in this joint and they had a purple one but not like the one Prince had it was more pinkish purple. I was excited when I arrived but sad when they didn’t have it. Who ever they offered to order me one! Yessss! Then I thought bout it and said well I don’t even know how to play yet so maybe I should learn first. So I didn’t order I brought a beginners one to learn.

I stress, the 5-​star review is for the in-​house guitar tech ONLY.
Jennifer is a friendly, competent, confident, and straightforward tech. This gal grew up around guitars and definitely knows what she’s doing on set-​ups and repairs. She won’t make you feel like you have to do all kinds of crazy stuff to get your 6-​string up and running. Basically, she does a fantastic job and if you need a guitar set-​up, take it to her.
The rest I would give **
There are some other friendly people on the sales staff and some knuckleheads as well, «No shit, you STEP on a stomp-​box» lol!
The inventory is a bit woeful, although once in awhile something nice appears.

Ugh. Guitar Center is the only thing left for a musician. They’ve run all the little guys out of business.
The definitely have a decent selection of low end equipment and some real nice high end acoustic guitars and keyboards, but overall. it’s a lot of flash and not much of substance.
I always feel like I’m in a used car lot when I go here. They’re always trying to give you a deal on something that looks pretty, really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. At least they give you lots of time to «kick the tires» and take the instrument for a «ride around the block». If you get there at an off time, this works great. Get there at a busy time and you’ll be trying to play subtle blues licks while some kid next to you is cranking out metal with no regard for anyone in the store.
Like I said. it’s virtually all that’s left. Sure there’s Herb David in AA and Elderly in Lansing, but both of those shops really cater to more of an acoustic crowd.
So every so often I begrudgingly go to Guitar Center and take a look around, always leaving with nothing in hand.