As a beginner guitar player wanting to move onto their first nice guitar this was about as perfect of an experience I could have asked for. John the manager linked me up with Aiden who was beyond knowledge about guitars and the particular one I was interested in. He gave me in depth knowledge and honesty that made the process easy and I never felt in any way pressured to purchase. I could tell he really cared about making sure I had the right guitar for me, and spent a lot of time making sure that I knew the best ways to care for it and ensure it did everything I wanted it to. The store itself is the nicest guitar center I have been to and all of the departments were well stocked and welcoming. 10/10 recommend, the manager John was fantastic and Aiden was the best I could ask for! read more

Guess who got a new guitar for their birthday? The hubs!!! And good timing too as they were having a Guitar-a-thon i.e. sale on select guitars. This store is huge with lots of selection of wide ranging guitars. You can try them - they have these plugin amp stations. The gentleman Glenno who helped us was great! He showed us the guitars that the hubs wanted to try out. He explained relevant things. We got to talking about music and playing in bands and he said he plays in a band called The Pitches - great name btw and that they were going to be playing a show in the near future. Anyway the hubs needed a second guitar and chose a beautiful teal-ish colored one. We also asked about a case and straps. They had a bag not case but the bag actually turned out to be pretty good and much better than we expected. Good quality and has backpack straps so it's easy to carry. We also picked out a strap - there were a lot to choose from - hubs chose a simple black one. Overall we were very satisfied with the store, the amazing selection of guitars and the friendly customer service! Glenno knew what he was talking about! We'll be back in case we need any other guitar supplies for sure! read more

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Every guitar center store has started listing used instruments for 50% more than they're worth brand new from the elsewhere. There must be some backdoor shadiness going on. Beware. Look elsewhere. Ps. Get rekt, Guitar Center. Serves you right for holding a monopoly on guitar retail for a decade. read more

Guitar Center in Boston is a feels like a Musical Playground. They have hundreds of instruments for you to try. They are SO open to anyone testing out guitars, amps, drums, keys, etc. Last week I was trying out a new guitar. Aiden - one of the guys that work there - answered my questions then gave me an impromptu lesson on strumming patters. Dave and Mirabelle in the Guitar Repair department repaired and set up my guitars. They always sound sweet. And they accommodate my rush "jobs." Finally Davey who also works at GC has helped me countless times. He is so amused and patient whenever I come in and deliberate over which amp, guitar or picks I should buy. He doesn't hover. He helps me find what I need and leaves me to play with it. He makes me feel confident that I can become a the musician I dream of being. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Aidan at Guitar Center in Boston was so kind and helpful! He helped me choose between a cheap tuning pedal and a slightly more expensive (but much nicer) version--I was really impressed by his knowledge of all of the equipment and his accommodation of my budget needs read more

I'm puzzled that I even need to write this as no one from Guitar Center has yet to reach out to me to attempt a resolution. One star is too many in this case. I recently ordered and received a used Fender Acoustasonic Guitar from Guitar Center. I wanted one in "great" condition and found one on the Guitar Center site marked "great" condition. Conditions determine salability and pricing so it is very important that they are properly assessed as to the real condition. I was very disappointed in what I received. The outside of the box was ripped open (I have photos) and the guitar itself was not as advertised. Clearly I received one that was only in "fair" shape at best and clearly I was overcharged. The guitar arrived with a dirty body and and an even dirtier fret board. Sticky substance on it even. Nothing had been cleaned or wiped and not even were the strings wiped down. Nowhere did the ad mention indentations on the front body, nor scratches on the black metal electronics covers on the rear, nor that the back of the guitar neck was badly stained from what likely was hand sweat. Although not all that significant, It was not evenly closely tuned and the built-in battery was completely dead. I would have expected much more from a $1000+ guitar and from Guitar Center's standards. This guitar is easily worth hundreds less than I paid and would hope that Guitar Center makes this "right". I've reached out on their fillable customer service form website, emailed the national sales rep that took my order and have continued to email. Received an email saying that my service issue will be responded to within 24 hours but no responses in a week. I'm left with no alternative but to attempt a return of the guitar for a full refund and start the search and order process all over again. Major customer service issues exist at Guitar Center so I'd steer clear of them untill they get in control of their service model! I will not be ordering from them again as their are too many service superior guitar retailers across the US that actually "care" about their customers! Very disappointed, John read more

I ordered a gift card and it arrived promptly in the mail! My son-in-law can never have too many guitars so he'll love this for Christmas!

Not to be confused with the Sitar Center which mostly sells Indian instruments, or the Bitcoin Center which deals in Kryptonite Currency, that which only Superman can't use. Much smaller than your average Guitar Center location, no doubt because Boston real estate is expensive, especially around here in a rich area. They have a lot of vital stuff but they're expensive as well, so it really depends how you look at it. I'd rather use a local place but sometimes this is the best option, especially in expensive Boston, where you're probably going to pay a lot anyway. read more

Guitar Center - My guitar center gently weeps - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Huge inventory of music gear! Two floors and super friendly staff. They helped us with any and every question we had, and there was no shortage of belly rubs! read more

Guitar Center - Guitars and amps galore! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I am a beginner guitar player and have never been to a GC before, so I was a little overwhelmed walking in. I started trying out acoustic guitars when Aidan popped in and offered to help. He was helpful in asking about what I was looking for and my playing style, and picked a few guitars for me to try out. I was impressed by the level of customer service he gave me, and really felt he was trying to find the best guitar for me without being pushy and trying to upsell me. I walked out with a new guitar that fit my experience level, sound/aesthetic preferences, and budget. I was very pleased with my visit, and with my new guitar. read more

Aidan is a super knowledgable and helpful guy who wont try to sell you a bad deal! Definitely ask for him when youre there. One other guy tried to sell me a used guitar that wasn't worth buying though. Be wary about who you're getting help from and trust your gut. read more

James did a fantastic job explaining the necessary equipment I need. His professional and knowledgeable explanation was at my level which I appreciated. As I'm so new to keyboards. If you have any questions, consider buying from James! read more

What a subpar, pathetic representation of what guitar center has degraded to. It's all one man's fault- Gleno. Or whatever it is, I have not been able to stand around him for longer than four seconds without feeling disgusted. I have lived in Fenway for 2 years and cannot believe the level of negativity and asinine mediocre customer service that comes out of this man's mouth. Every waking second he interacts with others he perpetually has a problem with anyone who approaches him. He makes me want to never come back in the store. read more

Chill place. I played guitar for like 2 hours and bought a $20 item. Helped me shed off some anxiety.

Every time I into a guitar center they employees always treat me great. They are friendly engaging and knowledgeable. Well done guitar center. read more

Kevin & Logan have been very helpful and I love shopping here because of them !!! This place ROCKS & open till 9pm to boot:-) read more

Guitar Center - Guitar Center rear parking but must enter from the front entrance. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Very comprehensive instruments, especially guitars on the first floor. The salesman are nice and willing to help. After helping you pick a guitar, they will intentionally leave you play it for test without any interference. The price is also pretty fair. read more

Guitar Center - Guitar section - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Heard that some employees who originally worked at the Mass Ave Guitar Center will be working in the Boylston Street store, so be careful when you buy something, don't give them your phone number when you purchase anything. Some of the clerks are kind of creepy and immature. One particular likes to talk about how much he dislikes John Mayer, not realizing some of the Berklee faculty who go to the store, may know him personally. Would love to see this particular clerk, who's skinny as a broomstick, say that crap to John Mayer's face, since Mayer's 6′ 3″. In other words some of these salespeople are too stupid to realize they're rubbing people the wrong way. Like I said before, don't give them your phone number when making a purchase. God I miss Daddy's Junky Music on Mass Ave. read more

Good selection, good products, good service. I liked shopping there and got great guidance on my purchase.

I would have left 0 stars if that was an option. As a licensed EMT and first responder, the stores covid precautions are ineffective and inefficient. The guidelines are neither explained to customers upon entrance nor are they publicly posted. When I asked for clarification from the employees, they were incredibly rude to me (I'm a woman) despite acting completely normal to the men around me. They did not answer my questions directly and brushed me off completely. Two other customers waiting told me they'd either driven an hour to get there and were then told to wait indefinitely, or had placed an order for curbside pickup which had not been filled on time and still was not ready despite them waiting quite a while. Tl;dr Rude Inefficient Ineffective Bad service Sexist read more

I was helped out over the phone by an employee named Glenno and man, I really appreciate his help in getting my order request fulfilled. My order had been canceled twice due to some mishaps in the logistics. He continued to work on my request for over 2 hours and made sure everything got sorted out and I was left super satisfied with his help. His enthusiasm in making sure the customer got help left me so thankful I wanted to write this review. I promised to stop the Guitar Center in Boston just to give him a shoutout if I'm ever in the area. Really appreciate you Glenno! read more

James just helped us out with finding the perfect DJ lightening equipment for newbies. He made the whole experience delightful. Thank you for your jokes and great customer service! read more

best guitar center in bostonThey were super friendly and awesome!!! The guitars were all cool

A sad day at Guitar Center Boston (Boylston Street location). At approximately 4:05pm on Saturday, June 13th, Guitar Center associate Eric Hatch was assigned to manage the doorway of the Guitar Center Boston store located at 1255 Boylston Street. There were 4 customers in line waiting. I watched as people left the store and Eric motioned silently for others to enter. Finally, it was my turn. FYI, I am a Berklee graduate, professional musician in Boston for 20+ years and given my receipts over the years, I presume a core customer. As I waited to enter the store, Eric Hatch asked me what are you going to buy? I replied "I am not sure yet". Eric responded, "no browsing, you must buy something". I replied, yes, I haven't entered the store yet. Incidently, Eric never spoke to the other three customers in line. He gestured silently to enter and in one case asked a customer to adjust her mask a bit higher. Ultimately, Eric Hatch did not allow me to enter the store. As I looked into his eyes somewhat surprised and silent, Eric then states... "you can just call corporate if you like". I stood silently somewhat stunned by his communication. Yes, Eric Hatch, I intend to email corporate and will speak to the Store Manager of Boylston Street location at my earliest convenience. FYI, after returning to my car, I called (617) 247-1389 three times, however, no one answered the store phone? In closing, Eric Hatch your communication is unprofessional. You did not represent yourself or the Guitar Center team well. As you reflect on your contribution to the company and society today, you may decide to request training and/or transition to a position where you do not interact with the public. read more

This location repaired my son's acoustic guitar. He is really pleased with the results. He is also happy with the strings they put on it. When I picked up the guitar, I found the staff very friendly & happy to welcome customers. A nice touch as I often find folks in Boston "too cool" or stand offish (I'm from Houston). Recommend the store! read more

The sales people here aren't particularly helpful. This is made up for by. A. The foot traffic at this store is intense. B. Holy Crap is the selection amazing. Dozens of everything you could ever hope to buy. a Massive selection of beautiful museum grade guitars I've never even seen outside of the internet. read more

Very unhelpful and rude staff. Treat customers rudely from the get go and are impatient. This place needs to be better staffed...and with decent, non-nasty people! It's absolutely pathetic!! Sad! read more

I went here to get a unique guitar for my boyfriend for his birthday... The location was perfect and I've been in there enough times to know about the wide selection. But that's where the love fest ends. Because going there with an actual musician (who was kind enough to play every guitar I considered buying), I learned more about guitars than I have ever learned from the staff. They could barely answer his or my questions and had to "check with the manager" on pretty much every detail. Then when I finally made my decision, I told them 10 times it was a gift and I would need a box to put it in, any box. I called the week before picking it up to remind the guy who helped me to save me a box. Then on the day I go to pick it up, of course he forgot the box. And they claimed to have absolutely no boxes in the back, but "You could buy a case for about $50. No!! I walked over to the CVS nextdoor, bought a bow, and walked out the store with a shiny, all-chrome resonator guitar, with a 99 cent bow on the front. I was heated. And yes, I totally overpayed by going there, but it was the closest place I knew of at the time. read more

I worked at Guitar Center (Professional Audio and keyboards) for over a year and while it's fun at times to work at, it is also honestly the best place in New England to buy gear. The veterans in the store are mostly class-act guys who SERIOUSLY know their gear. My former co-workers Chaz and Jon Dusoe are both managers there and are more than ideal salesguys. Really. The store's selection is wide and they can usually get what you need. Special orders are a pain and take forever but it's not the employees fault..so yeah....not always recommended. Haggling isn't always a good idea. There is some room to move on prices, provided you are spending a lot and getting the RIGHT stuff (and are a loyal customer who stays with one salesman). If you are a cheapo buying crap gear, don't be "that guy." I can honestly say as a musician and a salesman, with gear, you get what you pay for. You want a good sound? Get the good stuff. Cables ARE important. I still love going in there and the good guys will let you demo stuff, but if you are a jerk, they will be back to you. Don't be a total gear snob and play it cool. I always hated when some hack with a lot of money and great gear would come in and talk down to me. Having lots of gear won't make you a success, it's the songs that matter, Mr. Gear Snob Customer. Who cares? And one more thing...if you are talking to one salesperson, STAY WITH HIM. There is nothing more annoying than customers bouncing from salesguy to salesguy. It creates conflict between everyone involved. The store is VERY busy. Get over it. There are tons of musicians and not enough salesguys. Overall, it's a great place and I highly recommend it. I hated working there at times, but I still loyally shop there because I have learned that the service (most of them) are great guys and the gear is great and ALWAYS available. Message me if you need more advice or recommendations on ANY gear. I know my stuff read more

You'll stay in Guitar Center for a long time for 2 reasons... 1. They have a great humongous range of stuff, helpful, knowledgeable and super-keen staff, and all the electronic gadgets, adapters, connectors and cables to keep a Bleep-freak wannabe laptop DJ like me happy. 2. It takes ages to get to try out anything for yourself, there's only one till that can take cash and they need you to jump through all sorts of hoops when you want to pay and leave... "give your address, give your phone number, give ticket to a guy on the door as you leave" - really... all for a 4 dollar stereo splitter? read more

Total joke. I've had mostly terrible experiences at this store, but today's was the worst. And last. In short: I was totally ignored, then treated like a nuisance when I asked for help. When the idiot* dropped an incredulous "are you buying today?" I was... but instead I walked out. The whole thing felt hostile. He didn't seem surprised or concerned that a customer was upset... it was like that's how it usually goes there. The kids who were straight-up just loitering nearby got better service. *I don't use idiot lightly. Listening to him help another customer it was clear he didn't know what he was talking about. Very little product knowledge. I wish I had caught his name so I could call him out here. read more

I've been back recently since my last handful of awful experiences at the Boylston GC, and I must say the overall attitude there is a lot nicer now. I don't know if it's because I went in dressed differently, or because of the time of day, or because it was a full moon or something, but something definitely changed for the better. I had gotten used to to being ignored (par for the course, thus far), but the last two times I stopped in, I was impressed by how helpful everyone was. In particular, Chad and Sean from Pro Sound upstairs and Ernesto the guitar repair guy totally went above and beyond to help me with what I needed (or, in one instance, what I didn't need and could handle with the stuff I already had). It's like magic. They were all so kind, and so very very patient. I cannot even express how happy I am about this. read more

Always very attentive customer service at this location. Note that you will be required to check all bags upon entering and all purchases will be checked fir a receipt on your way out. read more

If it wasn't for the guy at the door who I explained that I was dbl parked out front and in a huge rush because I didn't want to get a ticket (RedSox home game) and that I was picking up an online order. And if it wasn't for the what appeared to be a manager that saw my total frustration and asked me how he could help, I would be leaving one star. Long story short. I get to the door.. Me: dude, I'm dbl parked out front, and am picking up an online order, I need to make this fast. Dude at door: all right, go right over there to the strings counter and that man will help you out. Me: Hi, thanks, um. here Is my ID I am picking up an online order, I'm dbl parked out front and don't want to get a ticket. Guy at counter: Picture a cow chewing, that real, distressed, over worked, I'm about to have my break type look. Takes my ID and proceeds to one finger type my information (exaggerated) Me: waiting.. waiting.. Waiting....WAITING... Guy at counter: says I need to go down stairs to get it. and walks away. Not a walk as in I have a customer that is important to us and I want to give him great customer service and show I care, type of walk... But more of a WTF.. this is Jimmy's job, or I was just down there, or I have my G.D period type of walk. ( I remind him as he walks away that I am still dbl parked out front, and would appreciate it if he could make this quick) Me: standing at counter while several employees discuss music stuff, This is when what appeared to be a manager asked if there was anyway he could help me. I explained this situation to him and he intelligently goes and prints my receipt for me before the counter guy gets back. As I am still standing at the counter, I see my excellent customer service rep come walking back, no pep in his step at all, as if to be dragging a bum leg behind him. Transaction completed... I basically run out the store. BTW it was a home game night for the Sox, so this is why there was no parking, and I sure as hell wasn't gonna pay 40$ to park for a few minutes. Just to sum it all up.. If you hate your job, quit, leave, what ever. I, ME, MYSEL, personally understand that an emergency on my part, doesn't constitute one on someone else's. If you give 2 ****'s about the people you service, show it. Appear to understand that there is absolutely ZERO parking for this location and do your best to make your customer feel like they are important. To the Red headed guy that was the "Guy at counter," you would either be scrubbing toilets for a month, or fired. To the two awesome employees that facilitated my needs as best as they could, thank you.. Really, thank you. Unfortunately, in the future, I will be doing my business through the Danvers store. read more

This place is like a museum where you get to touch all the exhibits. You can walk in and take any guitar off the wall and plug it into any amp in the store and just rock out for the afternoon if you wanted to. It's a nice way to spend a rainy day. I recommend a Fender American Standard Telecaster through a Fender '65 Twin Reverb. Talk about saucy! My parents and I put together some cash to buy a new guitar for my bro's birthday. I was tasked with picking it out so I went to Guitar Center because they have the best prices and selection in town. I found the right guitar and the sales people were super helpful but WOW the upselling is a bit aggressive. I know that's part of retail culture but seriously...NO I don't want a tuner, NO I don't need a few sets of strings, NO I don't need that humidifier! It got pretty awkward at one point. Besides that, Guitar Center rocks! read more

I admit it, I often feel really uncomfortable stepping into Guitar Center--every time I've been here, I've been the only female in the entire place, and I get stared as if I'm hanging out in a men's locker room. Meanwhile, you've got the boys in their garage bands, Berklee music prodigies, the seasoned musicians, and then...there's me. I'm the one sneaking over to the Taylor Swift guitar chords sheet music. Laugh, you may, but it's not Justin Bieber, so I'm still safely not 100% teenybopper. GC has a pretty good selection of instruments and accessories, and they occasionally send you coupons so you can get pretty hefty discounts on pricey items. Most of the people who work here are pretty helpful, since they're all musicians and know their stuff. I believe some of them even teach guitar and other instruments. Sometimes it's a bit difficult to get anyone to help you, though--they're...well, half the time I don't know where to find anyone who can help. Which is part of the problem. I really don't think it should feel like a game of Where in the World is Carmen San Diego to get someone to help you get some new guitar picks. read more

The average Guitar Center is: - Filled to the brim with top-brand music equipment - Overpriced by about 50% (perhaps to leave bargaining room?) - High on service, medium-low on clue - Paranoid about theft - Soulless This is an average Guitar Center. read more

If you need strings or something, and are down the street, I guess it's fine. The people are sort of nice, depending who you get, but they're not incredibly knowledgeable or helpful. Good for explaining which end of the guitar does what, but not much further. The environment is also way loud, so I don't know how you can possibly figure out if what you're playing sounds good with all the noodling going on in the background. If you can help it, spend your dollars at local shops like Mr. Music or Music Emporium. read more

Two terrible experiences is enough. About two months ago I bought a Godin a6 ultra used from them. They'd had it forever, mainly because they were trying to ream customers on the price. I could have gotten it new for 100 more than they were asking, and the guitar isn't in perfect shape by a long shot. Anyway I got it, after playing it a little, even though there was some slight crackling the employee assured me it was the battery and gave me a new one when I left, nice guy I figured. Get back to my room and it turns out the preamp is totally busted. they sold me a broken guitar. finally i get them to agree to fix it (obviously their job) and all seems good. I decide they were mildly nice about it, i'd give them another chance in the future. so a few months later I decide I want to get a small used practice amp, apparently not having learned me lesson. So today I picked up a fender g-dec jr. for 85$ used. I test it in the store it seems to be working well, I don't know exactly how the different amp modes work because there is no box or manual, and it was noisy in the store, but i figure there is no way I am going to buy two broken things in a row. I ask the guy if he can give it to me for 70$ (its priced at 79) he says he can't because they've only had it for 40 days. (oh btw they are also now running a deal that if you buy a guitar for over 400 they throw in a free amp, guess i should have waited, its an 80 decent amp too). I get home try it out, and about half the presettings are busted. Now i'm a little pissed off. It may be a small amp but its not exactly light. I have now had to bring my guitar back and forth between the store and my house twice and now am going to have to carry the amp back as well. ridiculous. The salesman even gave me a whole talk today about how they intricately check each of their used products, what a load of bull. this will be my last experience with the store. I know there are lots of privately owned stores around, I'll try one of them. read more

This place makes me yearn for more free time and more professional musical training. The beautiful guitars that I shame just by strumming, the EXPANSIVE percussion section, the overpriced recording station section, and an awesome assortment of keyboards/synths/drum pads. I picked up a used Akai MPK49 here. I love it, and love the price ($150 under new). As for the staff, I've heard people have issues (MUSICIANS. Uy, am i rite?), but I guess that's if you act out of place or sketchy. Be nice to them, they'll be nice to you. read more