Guitar Center

I usually try to steer clear from corporate businesses and go to small local music shops but so far Guitar Center has been the best option for getting guitar setups done. Their guitar tech is super friendly and honest and he always does awesome work. Sure, you might have to wait two weeks or more but when you get it back it’s perfect and exactly how you want it. They ask how you want it done and keep you in the loop.

On and off through the years, I get a bug to scratch my (very) amateur musician itch. Now that I have GarageBand on my Mac and iPad, it’s come up again. And many times since the 80s, I go into a Guitar Center for help and advice, to see equipment (keyboards and synths usually), and get that «hands-​on» experience. And many times since the 80s, a trip to a Guitar Center — whether it be Ohio or California, wherever I happened to be at the time — felt like a chore. Hard to get someone’s attention, hard to find someone who is empathetic to my plight as «forever amateur».
I had three goals: check out some entry level keyboard controllers I’d looked at online, see if there was any value to selling my old keyboard, and take a look and compare two more expensive synths in person, to see if either is something I’ll eventually want to sink money and time into.
I came in on a lark on Saturday around noon, so it was busy. I found some of what I was looking for, but I needed assistance. Kenny (Kenneth W P) saw my lost look and came out to help me. I rattled off my situation and he pointed me in the right direction. When I asked something he wasn’t sure about, he brought over Sam (Samuel K).
Sometimes being a nearly 50 year old guy dealing with «young ones» can be frustrating and/​or intimidating (think of the horrors of Best Buy), but these two were the coolest, most helpful cats I’ve _​ever_​dealt with in 3 decades of being a prodigal GC customer. I got my questions and my hands-​on, never was made to feel stupid or unimportant, and they set me up with just the right product (IK Irig Keys plus 2 year plan) for a price better than any I’d seen online the night before. I hadn’t even planned on buying anything that day (Christmas and all), but it was a great deal. And at no time did I get the hard sell. I could have walked away buying nothing, but still got the impression that either of them would be happy to help me again when the time was right.
I got a killer deal, I felt like an important customer, Sam encouraged me to come back for some GarageBand courses you have, and I know when the time comes to buy that synth (Mininova or a MicroKorg XL) in two or three months, I’ll be heading right back to this store. It feels rare to get an exceptional customer service experience these days, but Kenny and Sam made sure I got two. They almost made the shopping for music equipment as fun and satisfying as actually playing with it, and that’s the ideal experience someone should have at a place like GC.

The store has a decent inventory, although their vocal books are almost non existent. The low rating is for the complete and utter lack of customer service. I have been to this location a number of times and have experienced only neglect and severe rudeness from the staff. I’m amazed anything gets sold! Never, EVER again.

I would definitely recommend this place if:
a) you’re a musical dummy and you need some help
b) you’re an ok musician and you want to be left alone
I was looking for a used guitar and was able to browse myself without anyone hounding me. But then, as soon as I needed assistance, they were there in the friendliest way. They suggested things without doing that annoying «you NEED this» spiel that people tend to do when they have to sell you extra crap (like the mini socks and stain protection I never got from Journeys — no thank you). After visiting a couple local guitar shops, and not getting what I was looking for, Guitar Center came through. Great selection and knowledgeable staff. Good prices too.

The place is amazing and what a selection. The staff is very helpful and knowledgable, you can try any guitar you want regardless of price. I purchased an amp and a guitar and felt I received excellent service and an exceptional buy for money.

I had to get ahold of them over the phone to order a used ampeg cab. Jonny was great, he acted really quick and took care of everything for me. Thanks North Olmsted GC! — Tim (DGD)

Seriously, what can you say about ‘GC’? It’s a mecca of guitars and other popular musical instruments and equipment, priced at fair market value (and often better)! The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and selection is mind-​numbing! I’ve been to large guitar shops in NYC, and North Olmsted comes close in selection, and is often better in price! A North Olmsted GEM!