Guitar Center

This was today, I go into the store, head to the accessories department where there 4 people behind the counter.
I am THE ONLY ONE standing there. They are all standing around gossiping, no one asks me if I need help. A girl behind the counter glances in my direction and then ignores me, goes back to her gossip.
3 minutes later a guy finally does ask…
No wonder Guitar Center is such a horrible place to visit.
OK EDIT, I read down and similar experiences with past comments are answered by the same posted script saying contact us with more details. If people are saying the same exact thing about your then maybe it’s not the staff but management.

Spent half an hour on the phone while the drum counter guy searched for a used cymbal that was supposed to be in stock. He couldn’t find it so he told me he would waive the shipping charges and get me the same cymbal from another store. Someone eventually found the missing cymbal in the store but it wasn’t correctly entered into their computer, so it was a different cymbal than the one I wanted. He still offered to have the cymbal I wanted delivered from another store for free. When the drum counter guy asked his manager to waive the shipping charges, the manager said no. I canceled my purchase. Half hour of my life I’ll never get back.
When an employee makes a promise, and you then renege on this promise, customers will question your integrity about other products or services. You should have honored the promise. Now you lost this sale, and my future business.
Two stars because I’ve had other positive experiences here; but one bad experience, especially involving trust and integrity, negates my previous experiences.

Stood at the guitar repair stand for over 15 minutes without getting any help. Had walked in to the store and a manager told me to go to the guitar repair stand for help. You would figure since he sent me over there, he would send someone to help, but no.

Went in today to look, possibly purchase, an electronic drum set. The sales associate apparently was too busy conversing with his buddy to help me… oh well. I’m sure there’s someone that wants to sell a drum set…

There are two kinds of dudes that work here:
Friendly idiots who try to help but can’t
Experienced assholes who can help you but won’t
If you’re looking for something here, get on your device, get on their website and find out
Otherwise, these people are useless
You will find some amazing deals, and occasionally some fun stuff in their bargain bins
You might be willing to buy cheap crap from China
Please note:
Last time I checked, they owed the company, «musicians friend»
Realize you can probably do business with both companies at the same time when it comes to their products and prices
Do not let them advise you about selecting an instrument for a young person
Do us a favor and ask a few experienced music instructors before trying to start a new instrument

As a professional DJ who performs regularly across the west coast, I’ve gone to many guitar centers to buy equipment… I’ve found this location to be the best in terms of customer satisfaction. They’ve a great team over at pro audio who are willing to take extra time to help as & when needed. The store manager David is very hands-​on & personable.
They truly care & it shows. Highly recommend you pay a visit next time you need music equipment.

Just went here to buy my first acoustic guitar. I stopped in several times to look at different ones and talk to the guys about my budget and what I could possibly afford. They answered all my questions and got me pretty stoked. I ended up going with a nice solid-​top acoustic in the $ 400 range. The manager, David, helped schedule a setup with the guitar tech and made me a nice package deal with a hard case, strings, a capo, and the setup fee. They had my guitar done the next day and it sounded amazing. Really happy with the service and the deal. I’ll be back!

As a regular customer ever since they opened, I feel like a have enough experiences to give a rating that is well balanced, based on average service rather than a single event. I shop mostly in drums, but I have also spent many a dollar in pro audio, basses, electric guitars, as well as keyboards. Over the years I’d say that the store management actually really cares about satisfying the customer as they know that their customer base is mostly composed of returning customers. Also, for a while, they had basically a local monopoly for any level of seriousness in the area. Now, with the flourishing of convenient (read free/​fast shipping, and hassle free return policies) internet-​based retailers, as well as local competitors (such as rhythm traders for drums), they know they have to work a little harder to earn that loyalty.
I’ll rate the company in three different areas I think must be separated in order for the review to be fair:
Sales Staff (8 out of 10): This is the one that tends to vary. Sometimes I’ll find reps that are impressively knowledgeable, mostly musicians themselves. Every once in a while, less experienced reps are found, but they are also usually aware of their own limitations and act humbly, and are quick to ask for help from their support staff if asked something they don’t know. As a seasoned musician, I usually don’t need any help from the reps, other than checking stock, doing a price match, or something administrative like that, which has never been a problem.
Store Management (10 out 10): This is where Guitar Center shines for me. I’ve had some of the most memorable customer service experiences of any business with the folks in store management over the years. I have had people patiently listen to me whine, make exceptions to rules when called for, cut me insane price match deals, and worked tirelessly to right wrongs. In once sad instance, GC Corporate became involved and they gracefully stepped over everything and everyone and made things right for me.
Store Itself (10 out of 10): The stores are highly stocked (most of the time whatever I need is available immediately and I get to walk home with it the same day). Everything is clearly organized and easy for the customer to access. Another very important thing is that they freely allow you to play ANY, and I mean ANY instrument in the store for a long as you need/​want. I have banged on $ 5000 DW sets for hours without a single bad look. The North Portland store is particularly well setup to check out and play kits, as they have a separate room with closing doors. One more things, is that they are able to seamlessly coordinate with other local and non-​local stores if the product you are looking for is out of stock at a specific store.
Overall, Guitar Center has been an incredible resource to have in the area. I hope they continue to operate under the notion that they are here to serve the customer. In my experience I feel that is their focus, and I hope it stays that way.
*********** TRUE REVIEW RATING: 4.8 out of 5 ************

I have been to many Guitar Centers and this one stands out for it’s knowledgeable staff, speedy service, and selection. Check out the live sound room in particular. This location is my go to for nearly all professional music purchasing.

This Guitar Center is pretty amazing. The people are friendly and the selection is choice. It’s really the easiest location to get to from close in PDX and with the price matching bit, it’s kind of a no brainer. I look forward to continuing business with them in the future.

The staff at this guitar center is knowledgable and stands unique in its expertise among my Guitar Center experiences. They ask have the best synth selections of the areas GCs. Enjoyable.

I had an excellent customer service experience today in the Pro Audio department. I had difficulty using a keyboard with a certain music software. I thought it might be a problem with the keyboard, but the sales associate helped me solve the issue. He was patient, courteous, and wasn’t overly aggressive in sales. I met the department manager as well and he was the same type of guy. I was pleased since I live closest to this Guitar Center and I’m sure I’ll need something else in the near future.

I purchased my VOX VT+ amp from Guitar Center in Clackamas and very extremely impressed with the service, selection and price. They didn’t pressure me, and allowed me to take the time to try several different amps before making my selection. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. I give them a thumbs up. By the was the amp is great!

Guitar Center is like the cluster-​bombing B-​52 of the guitar sales world. Shock and awe. Sure, they have hundreds, probably thousands of beautiful guitars, amps, effects, and stuff, however, their prices typically suck, and when you have that many guitars in stock, its impossible to keep them all properly maintained. In the guitar section, finding someone to help is next to impossible, although from my recent trips, the folks in the recording dept have all been super friendly and helpful, even going so far as to look up a competitors price online and match it.

I shop at different GCs a lot. All over the country. They have the best prices and they consistently honor their low price guarantee.
That said, I always know that I’m going to be dealing with a sales guy who acts way too friendly and calls me dude or man (or dude-​man) and has a BS attitude that says «I’m your bro, bro!»
At least they usually know their stuff.
I came in here looking for a simple MIDI keyboard/​controller to use at my hotel. I told the sales guy the brand I had previously had and asked if they had something similar. He showed me various things I didn’t need and wasn’t looking for. I repeated the brand/​model I used to have, described it’s functionality and asked again if they had something similar. No go.
Finally I gave up and just said «I’m just gonna look around.»
It took me about two minutes to notice a stack of the exact brand/​model I had been mentioning the whole time.
I’ve been back twice since then and both times I’ve hung around for about 20 minutes and been completely ignored. Not going back.

I love this place! Say what you will about Guitar Center as a corporation.
The staff here are AWESOME! They have ALWAYS been tolerant of the individuals I serve that have developmental disabilities, the staff even have gone out of their way and played instruments for the individuals.
Most of the time I am unable to afford to purchase anything, but I will make small purchases here and there, and in the over 2 years I have been bringing them here they have ALWAYS made us feel welcome, and comfortable to even play instruments for, and with the individuals I serve.
A+++++++Customer Service!!!

If u want to feel like a convicted fellon talk to Mike Byrd. He seemed incredibly annoyed that he had to waste time with me on the phone. Cut me off before I could finish a sentence. He also talks like how a correctional officer talks to an inmate. A stranger on the street acts friendlier that this guy! I got to the store and was greeted by two awesome guys. Then I met Mike and he still talked that way. If there is a way to make «Hey how are you doing?» sound like an accusation he’s mastered it. Unbelievable.

It’s one of the only guitar shops I visit in town… and I mainly visit only when certain employees are working because they’re very helpful and friendly (such as Assistant Mgr. Jake Houck and Associate Jon Bailey… ask for either one).
If you want some more «unique» or vintage guitars check out Centuar Guitar. Otherwise, GC has pretty much most things that a musician needs and the prices are pretty decent. I usually get annoyed by the amount of Metallic or Zepplin riffs being cranked too loud on amps here but that’s part of shopping here.

We walked in with only a limited amount of what we knew we were interested in. We got nothing but good info from all the staff and they were enthusiastic and seemed to really know their stuff. They were also very polite and very customer service oriented. Their prices are extremely reasonable. Lots of product out there that you can pick up and strum to your heart’s delight. I noticed a sweet used guitar and was set. The price even included the guitar case!

I’m rating the same as the others — 4 stars.
I’ve come here on occasion when I’m in the area. Only have bought one guitar here before. The selection is only ok. They have mostly Gibsons and Fenders. Several Gretsch and Rickenbackers. Lots of Epiphone and Squiers.
The staff has always been super nice and helpful. I like that they let you browse at your will and don’t talk to you much unless you need help.
The amp selection could be better. They have mostly Fenders and Vox. I was surprised that they don’t carry the great little amp called Vox 15R, probably the best practice amp out there for the money.
One time I was in here and a couple of their registers were broke and I had to wait awhile to get service but other than that’s it’s a fun place to go if you want to try out some guitars or other musical equipment. The only rare/​oddball guitar I’ve seen here was a 1960’s Kawaii MIJ priced at $ 120. Wish they carried more stuff like that or old American stuff from the 1950’s/1960’s in general and old used amps.
Gonna try to stop in today ’cause I’m looking for an acoustic.
(Oh, I think it’s funny that they have a large Johnny Lang picture on the front of this place. He’s wonderful but I don’t think anyone really knows him anymore. He was big in the mid-90’s. Saw him once during that period on a daytime TV chat show playing with Buddy Guy! Talk about some blues heaven! Wonderful.)