Guitar Center

Walked in here at 9:30 in the morning. At least half a dozen people working, and I waited at least 20 mins to ask somebody where I could buy strings. «Ask the other guy in black — he can help you.» Never wasting another minute here to buy a set of strings.

Tried to do a reset on their giftcards. Manager could care less and ignored me and wouldn’t bring out backstock. If this is the way you treat vendors, I will never be a customer! 10 empty pegs and not 1 full of your own Guitar Center giftcards! Great! Shot yourself in the foot! You deserve it!

I am conflicted on this one.
This is my first experience in this store and I don’t think I’ll be returning.
I really want to not have that snotty couldn’t be bothered mentality in a music store.
It’s fucking music. Really.
I got what I went in for, but only after being made to feel as if I’d inconvenienced the staff member.
This is after being almost pounced on by the 2 used car salesmen standing right inside the door wanting to know how they can help you.
Don’t let this tactic fool you, they will point you in a general direction and then they disappear.
Leaving you with staff that almost has to be forced into dealing…
Now this is a real shame because the guy who helped me knew what he was talking about.
I would have trusted him as a future resource bringing my business back if I wasn’t made to feel as if my very existence interrupted his regular plan or schedule…
This could have been a stellar review.
I am disappointed it’s not.

One word: HORRIBLE. Had to go to the store three times because the equipment they sold me didn’t work, THEN exchanged it for something used and didn’t work either. When I tried to speak to a manager, he/​she wasn’t available and «Could I wait 10 minutes??» I THINK NOT.

In the course of managing one’s life, there are certain products and services upon which trust in the provider is paramount because you as the consumer has no expertise whatsoever:
Auto mechanics, colonoscopies, dentistry… and buying your first guitar fall into this category.
Sadly, as a first-​tine buyer today, I felt like a combo fish out of water – one sitting in a barrel ready to shot — today as I was told the $ 79 model was terrible (then why do you carry it? And why does it supposedly retail for $ 199?), then was given the $ 89 model, and «accidentally» charged me or the $ 19.99 service contract that I already turned down («oh sorry, I do that out of habit» Seriously?)
Their pricing follows the Kohls model: everything has an absurdly high fake «retail» price. Isn’t there some kind of law against that, or is it so commonplace, that it has no meaning any longer, like Ethiopian princes seeking American ATM customers to help then cash enormous inheritance checks?
It seems by the various revues that service really depends on the sales person – but I, for one, was very unhappy (and see I didn’t say «playing the blues.»)

I had called this Guitar Center the day before Christmas Eve looking for a Decimator II pedal as a Christmas gift. Adam in accessories was the one to answer my call. He told me the only one they had in stock was the one in the case. He asked if I’d like him to try to locate the box for that one, and set it aside for me. I told him, if it weren’t a gift, my answer would be yes. I didn’t want him to waste time looking for the box, because I really wanted in a sealed box to give to my friend. He told me he’d call me right back. When Adam called me back, he told that he had searched for the box ANYWAYS just in case. He also checked all nearby guitar centers to see if they had any in stock. He then, called the closest one to make sure they had one in a box for me. I ended up able to get my gift super last second, with almost 0 effort on my end. I could not be happier with the service I received.

After browsing and playing for about a half hour with no one asking me if I needed assistance, I was actually grateful for the no-​pressure sales approach. I thought that may have been a new tactic for the sales team, especially knowing they work on commission. I left and headed to the nearby Sam Ash and another local Guitar Center to comparative shop. A few hours later, I returned to this Guitar Center intending to make a purchase. Getting assistance was like pulling teeth! When I finally got someone to assist me, I asked what I thought was a sincere question as I am, admittedly, a novice guitar player. The response was condescending and obnoxious. When he saw I was serious about buying, he upped his game and became fairly helpful, but I lost faith again when he took a personal call on his cell phone. I left and made the purchase at the Guitar Center on Route 4. With its awesome selection, the Route 17 Guitar Center could be a five-​star shop. It’s a shame that one smarmy, disinterested salesman could ruin it for me.

Asked a ponytailed staff member where the gaff tape was. My query was met with a blank stare from the paul reed smith smitten dork. I than proceeded to spend $ 60 and still have my bag searched and the individual guitar picks that are «behind the counter» hand counted in front of me… Worst business ever.

Maybe the managers saw Mick’s post, because I can’t remember the last time I had such great customer service from any store I walked into at all (I’m not just talking about an instrument shop).
I first came here a month ago right past closing time, as I glanced in and started walking away, they came rushing out through the entrance and asked if I needed something quick. I said no it’s alright and from then realized they had great service. You only get that kinda question if your a hot chick, and I’m just another skinny dude.
I came back expecting to get butt-​raped in costs for figuring out what was going on with my guitar, but Dr. Lee was the man. People kept coming in for troubles with their guitars, and Dr. Lee looked into everyone’s problems with much attention and care. Took him awhile to get to mine, I told him I can wait (waited a lot longer than expected but service was awesome).
Helped me figure out what was going on, stringed my guitar while I was at it. Checked out the guitar as a whole, even unscrewed the pick-​ups! But the problem was in the receiver jack. Gave me a few tips on re-​stringing the guitar, checked the alignment of the neck; this guy was just spot on.
While I was waiting, I tried a few bass guitars, surprised they were all in tune, and jammed away. Strangers would come in and start jamming together, which was pretty sick.
I inquired about bass amps, the guys could have helped in explaining more, but whatever. The amazing thing was it cost me a lot less than I expected, and after the experience they sent an e-​mail asking if everything was okay.
You never see this sort of service in any store, these guys run a nice shop, were helpful to all the patrons, I”m sure they have their bad days but I will definitely be back. I think Dr. Lee, assuming he got the name because he’s a guitar doctor, contributed a lot to this review. He is the man, gives discount pricing to the people depending on the job and is more than fair (Charged 1 guy before me for 2 strings for some simple issue or something like that).
Overall, glad I found a guitar store I can trust, prices are competitive, staff seemed to have improved and it definitely shows.

F U Guitar Center!
Commissioned sales people make it like being in a shark tank. Teachers? They couldn’t teach my ass how to sit in a chair. Wish this place was still Victors House Of Music! I miss VHOM they always had a wide selection, caring staff and great prices.
No thanks, you will never replace my favorite music store, never!