Great selection and in my experience the staff has been very helpful.My only complaint is that they open at 10 am. Bro, what!? As John Wayne would say youre burning daylight

I took my guitar in to have the output jack reattached after the washer came loose, a tech named Richard provided the parts and fixed the problem free of charge. I also needed a new tuning machine and Richard was able to recommend the perfect replacement part. After the part arrived I took my guitar in again to have the tuning machine installed. The install was clean and the new part goes great with my guitar. Great results and great customer service.

Good selection, helpful staff. Jason in the drum department was very nice and helpful. He helped our son try out several cymbals. He wasnt trying to make a sale yet wanted to make sure he chose the cymbals he would be happy with.

Guitar parts are limited but can be ordered depending on make otherwise the store is a great place to shop.

Theres an acoustic Ivan is there that is set up perfectly. its not rare but unusual to find a guitar right off the rack that sounds so good. Whoever the lucky person is to acquire that guitar take care of it and itll take care of you

Really helpful staff and nice selection of acoustics! I like how I didnt feel judged despite being a newbie. They also gave me a few money saving tips which is really cool since I was just browsing with friends and didnt buy anything.

People love to rag on big stores. The staff in San Marcos is terrific. Very helpful. Very friendly. No holier than thou attitude.

Haven’t been in the store in years. Went in to purchase guitar strings. Stood around for probaby 5 minutes trying to pay and not one person would help me. The staff were talking amongst themselves. Very unprofessional environment. I guess you have to be “cool” to get respect. This place felt more like ‘Hot Topic’ for adults if that makes any sense. I finally got someones attention and they rang me up without saying a godamn word to me. Handed my receipt to me while he was talking to someone else. I said, “thanks” and no acknowledgment. I’m sure the next time I go back in a few years there will be completely new staff to help me...lol.

The store has a lot of inventory. Some staff members are very friendly and knowledgeable, some arent. They offer lessons and allow you to test out the instruments which is really helpful. Its usually clean and organized unless its a busy day. They are a little more expensive and if you need pedals for the electric guitar they dont usually have them in stock.

I’ve bought 2 guitars (1 electric & 1 acoustic) at the San Marcos location and 1 at the La Mesa location. At the San Marcos location I pretty much had to pick out the guitars myself … the only help I received was to unlock them. No one ever seemed available to help or answer any questions (they were busy looking busy doing nothing). Of course when I picked out my guitars and brought them up to the counter to purchase them they heavily promoted their extended “anything happens” warranty … “if kids poor water on it or dog eats it — no matter what happens it’s covered”. Exxxceppt … if something like the the finish melting away after only 3 months, etc…. (As I found out when I took it to San Marcos). I had to wait at the counter for 15 minutes to be acknowledged (and that was only because I moved where one of the clerks wanted to come and sit and do nothing). He meandered by me 4 times until he realized I wasn’t leaving and finally asked if he could help me (but more in a tone as if I was bothering him). Then I show him the problem and he quickly dismissed me - as if I was an idiot. So I pointed out how stupid it is that he would expect me to leave and come back with a “broken guitar” that would qualify. When he realized that I wasn’t going to easily accept his answer he gets his manager who reinforced the statement and didn’t really care either. I also asked about trading it in since it is literally only 3 months old for a new Taylor guitar that I was interested in that is 4x the price. She said nope… she didn’t offer to show it to me - it didn’t really matter to her and she didn’t really care if I went someplace else to buy my new guitar.So Guitar Center just lost 10’s of thousands of dollars of my future business. In fact I will be buying a new guitar in the next day… BUT it will never be from Guitar Center until they teach their employees customer service.

Still a great place for audio, recording, and digital. Lots of fun for drum, and always guitar and amp. My kids had plenty to do and I was greeted by a salesperson which was nice that he knew his stuff about woodwind instruments even though they were not in stock. They have the option to order and deliver to the store and play the instruments to ensure its the right one before taking it home. Still a great place 😎🎷

If your trying to sell your Guitar wouldnt recommend. But they do have some cool stuff. 😎🎸

Went in looking for an item I saw online, was told it was not available in store and was offered alternatives for what was needed. I wasnt made to feel embarrassed, I was welcomed as I entered, willingly assisted and thanked as I left. It cost me a few more bucks, but what I left with gives me more flexibility for the future.

Got to hear some true artist do what they love and live for.the staff are legit knowledgeable and really cool my little daughter made a mess they wouldnt even let me clean. Thanks guys i had my hands full keeping up with my beautiful little firecracker

I drove from Poway to the San Marcos Guitar Center to find a couple specialty effects pedals. One Morley pedal was mismarked as a Wah/Volume pedal. It was just a volume pedal. They had a used MXR delay pedal on display that couldnt be sold until the next day to be sure it wasnt stolen. Then I asked about a good boost pedal. The sales rep suggested a very good brand. After a search, they didnt have one in stock. The management needs a check up.

Val is a terrific asset to Guitar Center. Guitar Repair. Actually cares about the guitar hes working on.

Dean made sure we got the right sound board for our needs. There was an open box unit seen on the website but turned out to be a shelf display model. So we ordered a new one. Dean compared slightly different models for us to ensure we made best selection and gave us some options including store pickup or ship to home no extra charge which we did. Unit arrived NIB within the week in plenty of time for our event. It works great. Thanks, Dean, and the fine folks at Guitar Center.

The store is cluttered and disorganized. It’s a tossup as to whether you’ll get a knowledgeable staff member or somebody incompetent. They are also in capable of shipping requested items. They sent me a used instrument twice and then messed up my refund. Go somewhere else

Lots of shiny objects to buy! Good inventory of acoustic guitars.

Very knowledgeable staff, awesome selection of electric and acoustic guitars. If they dont have it, they will get it. Some of the best Luthers in the business are located here. There private guitar lessons are fantastic, the kids live their instructors.

Purchased online guitar and it came without advertised bag, But store manager Emma was so helpful and understanding so she resolved situation to my satisfaction. Happy 4th of July !!!!

Looked on their website and selecting to shop the online San Marcos location which is closest to me - about 30 miles. I liked the selection of acoustic bases supposedly in San Marcos. I drove there to find ZERO acoustic bass guitars. Last time ever giving this retailer a chance - back to Sweetwater for me.

Great place, great staff. I found what I wa looking for. Great prices.

Everyone in the shop is helpful and kind. Jason, and Elli took the time to listen to my needs and got me going products in hand in under 30 minutes and this place was slammed when I came in. Adding a bonus ⭐.Thank you for your help.

There piano section is where its at! Most musical commodities can be found here and the staff is nice.

Customer Service is pleasant here, but I was a bit bummed to find they didnt have any mini guitars for kids to learn on under $400 in store.

Val the guitar tech was so helpful, knowledgeable and fast setting up my bass. It plays beautifully! If you need work done or a set up, go see this guy!

Just bought a Martin d41 and Sabrina did a great job for me. I discovered the first guitar I got had a small scratch and Sabrina found me another one in a box untouched in Colorado. It’s perfect. Great job Sabrina !!

Cool store (I mean; they sell guitars and musical instruments. Duh.)Corporate but whatever. The employees are nice and helpful and they have a decently large selection of gear.

Excellent experience ☺️, Jay, our salesman, was exemplary 👍

The employees/staff answered every one of my questions, and were friendly as well!

Best place to take lessen. Great prices in town.

The customer service was great and its so cool there and fun

I came into the San Marcos location with quite a few questions for online orders and supplies I needed. Everyone on staff was readily available and knowledgeable/professional. I can’t stress enough how dope the staff here is, they genuinely care about music and customer satisfaction. I was helped by Nicole and a few others. 5 stars for being legit and amazing. A million stars irl!

Cant go wrong with a visit to the sound room.Its the best.

Enjoy going in there to see what they got used for sale.

Look like all the employees ...there are busy....o the play busy ...so busy. I try to get some help. ...good luck...not a good experience...and you better pay whit plastic....if u try cash be sure u have the right amoun. aint go back there ever....

Came to sell some used audio equipment. The guy was fair with his offer and really knowledgeable.

Great selection and staff is friendly. I rated 4 stats because the cleanliness good use some work.

Very helpful in helping find and choose my first ukelele.

This place hasnt changed. It dosnt matter which store you go to.. Theyre so pretty much the same.

Dean was knowledgeable on products and helped my husband get the right sound board.

Independent music stores are friendlier and more knowledgeable.Here they will always recommend to up sell.Good for cheap learner instruments for the first 10 years of playing.

Always have everything I need

Great staff, best place in the area for equipment and service

Good service. Quality products. Got more than I expected. I went in to buy a used guitar I saw online. It was sold already and the customer service rep helped me find a better guitar for less money. Way to go GC!

Nice store packed with guitars and related musical accessories and equipment. Very attentive staff. Too many guitars hanging all over the place. It is like heaven for me! Time passes quickly because of the great selection of guitars, amps and up to date accessories. Make sure you have some extra time to spend. I love Guitar Center. They have a wide variety of lower priced to high end guitars. If they dont have it, they can get it for you. I usually leave there spending between $100 - $800 dollars. Be careful of the pricing on small accessories that you can get much cheaper from Amazon Prime if you are a member. You can usually find the same items on Prime for about 50% less if you can wait a couple of days. Have fun!

Guitar Center is great. Not a place to goto if you dont have self control on spending. Lol... if they dont have it in stock they will help track it down and see if they can order it. They also price match. My wish list is as always bigger then my bank account, but Im still in here often.... either for new equipment or cables or parts.... the staff especially Pro Audio is great, very friendly and really goes out of their way in the customer service experience.

Typical condescending, difficult staff that one would expect from GC. They interrogate you, talk down to you, and turn even the simplest requests difficult and inconvenient. The guy I talked to for a restring seriously acted dead inside. I had to tell him what tuning I wanted 3 different times, right to his face. Couldnt even hold a friendly conversation to pass the time; just made the whole vibe awkward and uncomfortable. I am now reminded why I never come here. Thanks for nothing! 🤣

Got a good deal on a 414CE-R!!!Michael did a great job under time constraints!

Its a well run guitar center. Nothing fancy about it.

Its GC. You go there because you have to. Never because you want to.

Great service.

Val helped me out.great store.couldnt be happier

My son got a Fender American Ultra Strat recently. When we got home, under the protective plastic, the guitar was scratched. We went back and TJ went above and beyond to make it right. He got a brand new guitar direct from Fender to replace the scratched one. I know others have written negative things about their customer service, but TJ was awesome and made sure my son, who was spending his own money, got exactly the guitar he wanted.

This place has the best selection of guitars anywhere. There are guitars there for any budget. Electric acoustic and whatever accessories you might need. I got a good guitar for a good price and Im happy with it. They also have a warranty that you can purchase when you purchase a new guitar. My guitar was not expensive so I did not purchase it before an expensive guitar I think it would be worth it.

Went into the Montrose store to buy a banjo. No customers were in the store but no one came to help me and just ignored me. I will never go there again. I think it was because I’m an older woman. I was ready to buy but they lost a sale and I went somewhere else and bought one the same day.

Guitars everywhere, of course, bass and acoustic served up in separate rooms let you really check the tones. Remember it’s not just guitars. All things music ! Drums, keyboards, electronics, PA systems, microphones, and more! Lessons available for most instruments and styles. Top it off with good service and a fantastic return policy for a solid music center.

Cuz there a little more expensive than what u can find on ebay or something but they have a great warranty for anything u get there

I like this location as its very easy to find, parking is readily available, and staff are friendly.Prices can be really good, especially during sales and specials. They have everything you could imagine for most types of music.You can get things for home studio use, first time aspiring musicians, to professional set ups.Its a big store and its easy to pop in here to pick up strings, picks, or any other supplies you might need.

The guy who attended me was incredible, he help me with my purchase and give me the best option. Thank you

The service its awesome

I went to buy myself a Cajon on my birthday (09-21). I chose the product, when I arrived at the checkout the value was absurdly more expensive and they removed the value that was on the label. Would I go back to the guitar center? Never ... The store has no credibility for me. I left very unhappy and will never come back.

Friendly knowledgeable staff.

I regularly have great visits here and I have bought 3 guitars from Guitar Center in the past. The staff is knowledgeable and they always help me find a guitar that works with my sound as well as my budget. Today Joe helped me find a great guitar and gave me a good deal on the guitar I traded in. I am very happy with the new purchase and will definitely be back!

So much to see in here... now i want piano lesssons..came for a karoake machine n mics.

Bought a Fender Superchamp online from this store and they sent me it with blown tubes. Shows the lack of regard for their customers that they werent even willing to test it out before they shipped it.You reap what you sow I guess..

Guitar centers everywhere are pretty similar. As a bass player I find it hard to get a good variety from store to store. Unless theres a good used section that is. This Guitar Center in particular did not have much of a used section.

Wide selection of everything related to music and performing. Great staff who are knowledgeable and friendly. Plus, you can buy equipment to try out for 45 days, and return it for a full refund if not satisfied, no questions asked.

Helpful, knowledgeable staff. My toddler fell asleep in the car, so I was carrying her when I went in to buy some gear (strings and picks). Seeing that I was trying to precariously balance the sleeping 2-year-old without waking her, a salesperson came over to help me grab the strings and picks I wanted.

These guys are incredibly helpful and go out of their way to provide excellent customer service every time. Nothing more needs to be said except, go here for your instrument and music making gear.

Efficient pick up of merchandise. Sad not to hear people playing instruments due to Covid-19. Took the life out of the music store experience!

Sam Cary was amazing to work with! She was very helpful, very friendly and very respectful. She was knowledgeable and able to walk us through all of our questions. I definitely reccomend Guitar Center and if you get the chance, ask for Sam.

Staff was cool! Tries to upsell other equipment, but can definitely understand, its a tough business. Nice selection of guitars!

It was so busy here when k walked in that it took me standing in line for 20 minutes just to ask a question about a specific guitar. Its good that they are so popular, but maybe hire an extra worker to help away from the register?

A nice Guitar Center to find great Music instruments a few choices concentrating mainly or party on Guitars & Drum instruments. Along with music sheets and other great music varieties you may find ! Great instrument to choose from .

Best place to shop.no pressure. They will help u to find the best instrument

Buyer beware! I’ve been choosing gc for my instrument and supply needs for many many years, but, at this point, they will no longer be receiving any more of my money. My horror storys are far too long to go into on a google reviews forum, but i’ll just say, I have always felt robbed, and you’re obviously just a number to not only the sales staff, but the company as a whole. The vibe going inside the stores are always kind of verging on hostile and the staff always seem way too stressed out. I always get treated like i’m a burden at any gc i go to, even when I am trying to spend money there, and if you have a problem good luck finding anyone who will actually try and take the time to help you rather than passing you on to the next person because they’re too lazy. Yeah, guitar center is terrible. Find somewhere else to spend your money where they actually care about your needs. I guarantee, those smaller stores need your money a whole lot more than guitar center does. If giving zero stars was an option I would do it.

Always my go to for equipment in the music industry either on line or local store 5 stars for me. Now back to shopping

Had a good shopping experience. Had multiple workers ask if we needed any help, which I appreciate. Larger selection of instruments and equipment. Speedy checkout process. The parking lot is a little crowded since there are a lot of other stores within the plaza.

Great staff. Came in to look at Martin guitars & they had a selection you dont see in many places. 2 HD28s, D28 Modern Deluxe, D41, D35, 000-42 & others hanging on the wall.

Great selection on all music instruments! And a very helpful staff. I bought my 2nd guitar from Sabrina and was impressed with her knowledge on guitars. Will be retuning soon!

I only go here when I have to and this time was weird. Im not sure what the hiring process is but it seems like 70 percent of my experiences with the employees are rough. Rough in that they seem arrogant and talk down to you. But when I get lucky with someone who is helpful and cares--its great.

Place is thinning out

Its cool Im a student

I Have To Give This Place A Five Star Because They Have On Of The Best Sounding Basses At A Low Price.!!! In Addition I Broke My String And Went To Fix It And It Was Only 5 Bucks Amazing Place

Chris helped me find exactly what I needed to install our stage lights, fast plus affordable place to shop.

Great music store. Workers are always knowledgeable and helpful on topics I ask about. Often times they offer discounts that are very helpful as well.

If the experience I had today is typical of this place, I will never go back. I spent 30 minutes in the store. Not once did any of the 3 or 4 employees ask if I needed any help. I finally asked if I could pick up one of the guitars and the employee barked Thats what the hand sanitizer is for. Thank God there are more than this choice for guitar stores.

The Guitar Center is renown for being a musicians best friend, a veritable one stop shop equipped with every conceivable musical invention and the Vista location is no exception. If they dont stock what you need I suspect they can get it and if advice is what your after, that available in ample quantity. Your next guitar, or literally any other musical instrument waits for you at Guitar Center!

Always love going to guitar center. Always great customer service here

I came to look at the acoustic guitars and it was pretty crowded. I eventually moved around to look around the store because I was really interested in all of the instruments. Unfortunately, many of the demo items did not work at all. It would have been nice to have been able to try it out before (hypothetically) buying an instrument. Either way, great variety of all sorts of instruments and great place to find instruments at discounted prices New and Used.

I had never been to a guitar center I didn’t know what to expect. This dude Matt was working as a repair technician and totally went out of his way to show me the best model and saved me a bunch of money. He actually recommended I purchase a less expensive guitar based on what I actually needed. Dude should be managing that place I could totally tell he was slammed busy but took his time and helped me out. Really appreciate the experience I’ll be back.

Great customer service. They made every effort to make sure that I was pleased with my purchase. I even had a defective item. When I brought it back, they continued that same great customer service to make it right. I think of them first before I look to the internet for my audio and various other musical needs.

Very poor customer service as well as knowledge of product by the staff here. I have called several times looking for product in stock and when i show up ten minutes later they do not have the product that i have asked for. A lot of the staff is not even friendly very bad customer service and they always try to sell you stuff you dont want and they really do not have any knowledge what the differences are between different brands. If you can wait and order online from places like sweetwater do it. they have an amazing team very helpful and knowledgeable. everythign guitar center is not. GC might be good for the begginer musician but not at all for the experienced more advanced musician that actually know how instruments/amps/pedals work and what the differences are. GC, please get your staff properly trained in customer service and in products, not coming back here anytime soon

Children go to park, I go here.

Great place

We found a nice selections of strings there by recommendation of our music instructor buddy. They also have a great discount on Labour day weekend as well. Thanks.

I always go to San Marcos Guitar Center because I know I will be taken care of. The manager Sean D. helped me out with trading in my gear very quickly, and in the most professional manner. Its been one of my best experiences at Guitar Center so far. Thank you Sean for your hard work, and continuing to maintain excellent standards in customer service for Guitar Center.

They have everything you need