Picked out a $500 nice acoustic I was interested in - brought it out, associate asked me if I was ready, I said I would like a gig bag included with this. She said let me check tag, oh, there isn't one offered on the tag. But I can give you one if you sign up for some lessons!! I said well, I actually am also looking for a Telecaster, so you work on finding me that gig bag while I check out some more guitars. Found a Telecaster I liked for $900 after playing many models. Carried it up to the desk, and a different associate says did you want to purchase that? I said yes, also that acoustic you have behind the desk, but I want two gig bags included. Mind you, at this point, I was the only customer in the store. Four associates and a manager working - do the math on the overhead on that one alone. I did not question paying their ticket price, but I said for $1400 I want a gig bag for each guitar. What does a gig bag cost somebody like Guitar Center wholesale, $5 maybe $10?? I also asked for picks but said I would pay for those... The first associate asked the manager, who stared at her computer and said if the label does not include it, we cannot do it. I was being very personable and laughing and smiling throughout this negotiation, by the way. At that point, I said, OK seriously, you're going to let a $1400 before tax sale walk out the door over a demand for a couple of gig bags that might amount to a whole $25-$30 loss to you guys? Manager stared at her computer, the associates didn't know what to do. I did - I walked out the door. Bought both guitars with hard cases instead for the same initial price of $1400 combined from your competitors online. Good luck and happy trails! read more

I really loved this guitar center, it was really clean and well organized. I could tell the workers cared, they were really nice, chill people. it was not weird and I didn't feel rude when I was asking questions, because I knew they wanted to help me out. If I didn't live so far, they would be the only music store I would give business. read more

Joel did a great job! Our son wanted to get into playing bass guitar, and we needed some guidance and advice, and he was a bass player. He showed us a couple models and explained some differences along with amps and accessories. Thanks! read more

For what looks to be a relatively younger staff working at the Guitar Center Cedar Rapids location, the customer service is friendly and helpful. I live in a college town and this is not the norm among the younger workers I encounter. Each time I visited this store the employees engaged me right away without coming off too strongly, all seemed to be focused on a task or engaged with a customer. First, I had two male associates help me with with some returns from online purchases, each of whom made the whole process quick and easy. They were also very good at politely requesting that all customers wear some PPE or supplying a face mask if the person had none. Another associate, Alyssa, was very helpful while I was deciding between two different guitars. She had taken the time to look up info about both guitar models while I was playing them in the acoustic room which eventually led to me purchasing a Gibson J-15. Later while browsing, I watched the guitar tech actually sit down to talk with a customer about what a pleasure it was to work on his guitar. I thought that was such a cool thing for the tech to take the time to share his thoughts with the customer. Lastly, I spoke over the phone with Emma about a return mishap which she quickly resolved. This saved me a trip to the store which I appreciated. The whole staff seems engaged, excited, and that they're having fun at their jobs. I believe this translates into a quality experience each time I visit this location. Thank you to the Cedar Rapids team! read more

Took a guitar in to get worked on by these guys. After one week, no call back. I called and they said they would start working on it immediately. After two weeks, same thing. Oh we will start working on it soon. After about a month, I said screw it, I'm coming in to take my guitar. "Sure, well have it ready when you get here." Get there an hour later and no strings on it. Haven't even started working on it. Edit- came back again to look at a particular guitar to buy, with 2 to trade in. Absolute terrible attitudes here. It's insane they get any business whatsoever. read more

Long time customer no more! The associates do not know anything about the guitars and amps they sell. Their trade in trade up offers are very low even on 6 month old equipment that was purchased from them. This location has a very poor selection. The tech here Chris is their only plus. He is solid and really knows his stuff. Every other aspect is trash. read more

Took my son in here to get some picks for his new guitar! Very friendly help and we were in and out in a hurry! read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Thank you to Guitar Center in Cedar Rapids for making it easy to NOT shop with you! Came in with my daughter to pick out an acoustic guitar for her birthday...the only thing anybody said to us was that we had to put on masks (which, incidentally, do absolutely no good). Only one person allowed in the acoustic room at a time, so we were unable to look at anything together. Nobody approached us at all to answer any questions, though several employees were standing around. After 10 minutes, we walked out, and I guarantee we won't be returning. read more

I'm generally skeptical about major chains of any kind, ranging from WalMart to McDonalds, simply because of the impersonal image I have about corporations. I thought the local privately owned guitar shop would be more personal and helpful than a Guitar Center chain, but boy was I wrong. I recently had to replace the pickups on my bass and do some minor setup, and Ian, who helped me out was the most helpful employee I've dealt with anywhere. Despite my numerous requests to get things just right, all my needs were met to full satisfaction without any hesitation. I wish I was allowed to tip everyone who helped me out ;-) read more