I highly recommend avoiding the Guitar Center for lessons. Their system is designed make it difficult to get all the lessons you pay for. I wanted to take the summer off but still have make up lessons I was owed. They use automatic deduction for payment and refuse to refund any money claiming that they can't once the money has been taken from your account. So I was charged for four more lessons than I wanted but here's the thing - once you are no longer allowing automatic deductions they remove you from the schedule. Pretty difficult to get the make up lessons you may be owed if you're not on the schedule. I spoke to the manager about this and he personally scheduled a make up lesson for me for yesterday. I showed on time only to be told the teacher wasn't there and I wasn't on the schedule. Then he tried to blame the lessons manager. Another interesting thing that happened was that once I was no longer doing automatic deductions the teacher canceled twice. She had not canceled once since I started in September. Avoid this place for lessons. read more

Low rating is for the corporation. This GC location itself is good. The people that work there are underpaid and asked to do an awful lot. But they still are pretty cool people who genuinely care about instruments and want to help you. They're really cool. I like to sometimes bring nice guitars in to them that I have no intention of trading in. I do it just so that the employees can take a few minutes free break just to jam on a nice guitar. But the GC corporation itself just grows and grows taking on more and more debt that they're not planning on repaying. They're just gonna use bankruptcy protection and will have wiped out all the small stores in the meanwhile. If you're in the albany/saratoga area take your business to Parkway Music in Clifton Park instead. It's a small business but their facility and inventory makes GC look crappy. But these folks that work at this GC are pretty cool, as is their management that I know of anyway. read more

I just picked up my Guild D-240e flamed maple acoustic electric from Guitar Center and am absolutely in love with it. However, the strings on the higher frets wouldn't ring out. They said it is likely just a wood moisture content issue (too low) and a few days with the humidifier would rectify it. If not, to bring it back. They were very helpful. After reading the Guild manual, there is a lot of instructions on moisture content level and to let the guitar acclimate after receiving it. If that corrects the issue, all is good. The guitar is gorgeous, feels and plays great. Great value! read more

Guitar Center - Flamed Maple - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Colonie, New York

purchased a guitar at one point. it arrived in the box broken. I returned it in person, understanding things happen. the rude staff took over a half hour to go to the back and provide me with a new guitar. only to take it home and realize that this one was broken too. went back to the store and stated my frustration. they did absolutely nothing about it. They were having nice conversations about sports instead. I demanded a manager and they said not one was around. I ordered a guitar online to avoid this awful experience with the gift card they provided me via my return. it hasn't even shipped yet and it's been over a week. I chat online with a staff member this morning. absolutely zero help. Guitar center is a terrible place it has gone downhill consistently over the years and I will never shop here again and make sure my friends and family do not either. read more

Correction to my review; AJ... I meant Jay. Jay in service/repair ect. Lol He's great. AJ is my car guy. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Colonie, New York

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I have wanted a bass guitar for some time now, and after a stressful afternoon I decided to stop at Guitar Center and am so glad I did. Staff was friendly enough, but then came Vinny and from the second upon his greeting just went above and beyond for me. I told him I was just looking for a bass, what I had to spend, didn't try to upsell or make me feel dumb or like a bum for not buying one of the beautiful ones we all wish we could but also no beginner should be start like that... regardless he finds me a bass and I asked to plug it in and he gave me a private room because I told him I was a bit embarrassed to play out in the main open floor. He hooked me up. I learned he is a bass player too and he actually taught me an A scale and was more than happy to help and answer any of my beginner questions with no judgment or how a lot of times people get discouraged because of how the employee responds to their stupidity. Vinny did the exact opposite. He was patient, kind, and a genuine soul that Guitar Center should be thanking him for delivering exceptional customer service and encouraging anyone to try what they came in there hoping to. The staff was all very great, but Vinny really went above and beyond and is an asset to Guitar Center for his knowledge and common sense, and has the answers to every question before you even ask. Thank you Vinny! I have my first bass and been playing it for the last 4 hours jamming with my nephew, who is 11 and learning guitar. The world needs more passion, music, and caring staff like VINNY! thanks man!!! read more

I came here again to try out new guitars (I am in the market for a new acoustic) and so I thought I would spend a nice hour here browsing and perhaps finding something to come home with me. I really wanted to try an Ovation, as they can be very polarizing. The website showed four in stock here, and though it took a long time to find them all I eventually tried all four. Sadly, the two I think I would have enjoyed the most had dead batteries in the on-board electronics so I could only play them acoustically. I tried another three or four guitars, but didn't find one that sung to me. One of the demo rooms had three college age (or younger?) kids jamming on guitars and singing and making a royal racket. Had they known how to play or sing, it might have been tolerable. I wouldn't be surprised if they scratched up the guitars. They had a much better selection of Fender Telecasters than I remembered, and even a 1991 Rickenbacker 325 in Fireglo (which I loved), though being on the upper row (smart move... keep it out of reach of the riff raff!) I didn't try it. I only saw two employees but one was super helpful even though he was trying to seemingly take care of the entire store. My view of GC has changed, and I have upped my rating. I still think they are spread a bit thin on various things, and their prices seem high, but I had a much better experience this time around. read more

I previously had a positive review of their guitar repair center, but this last transaction was so awful I won't be returning, even to repair the NEW problems this guitar has currently. I dropped the guitar off for a few minor tweaks on 10/22. Last time it took 2 days, this time they said 10 days. I was ok with this. 10 days passed. 15, 20. On 11/15 I got a call saying it was done. I picked it up and it was twice what it was last time, and when I got home to play it not only was one of the problems not fixed, there was a new problem with the grounding. Nearly a month of waiting, 77 dollars later, and it sounds even worse. Awful, and I'm so angry with this situation I won't ever be returning and I'll be sure to trash GC to anyone who'll listen. Thanks for nothing. read more

I recently purchased two brand new guitars from Guitar Center. One of which (Fender) developed a nasty buzzing sound after I had changed the strings. Because of the newness of the guitar, I brought it back to have it looked at. After they briefly inspected the guitar, I was told the neck was off and required a $60 adjustment. I was told that this was not unusual (due to dryness) even though I was sold a humidifier when I bought the guitar. This is the LAST guitar I'm purchasing from this store as they certainly don't stand by their products or seem to care at all about repeat business. read more

Not a fan. Was looking to take some guitar lessons. $110 for 4 half hour sessions wasnt a bad deal but when I went to sign up they wanted to throw an Extra $30 fee at me. I asked what it was for and they said Registration Fee. I took lessons from Drome Sound and Adirondack Strings and neither of them charged a Registration Fee. Its not like I am going to college. I am bringing a guitar to your store and sitting there for a half hour. Told them to go screw and took private lessons with no registration fee. read more

I needed restrung, the service was great. They isolated the problem and educated me on what I had done wrong during my attempt. I'll be back for all future needs. read more

Lack of help is a huge issue here. Over the years it's totally hit or miss. On my most recent visit on a Saturday-I walked around for 20 min and needed some guidance on drum stuff and nobody asked me if they could help. At one point another customer needing help (and not getting any) helped himself behind the drum counter to rummage through stuff trying to find what he was looking for. I asked two associates for help-and got the brush off twice. 1 who finally did help me - rushed, was preoccupied and didn't take the time to truly understand what I was looking for... I ended up buying and leaving with the wrong thing. GEE THANKS Wish I just researched and bought online. 1 star for waisting my time and zero customer consideration or service. It's so easy to say "sorry I'm with a another customer right now, please give me a few min and I'll be right with you". Nobody saying that here - get it together, you're in retail. read more

Thought I'd give this place another try. After being ignored on my first trip, I find myself back in the area a few days later with time to spare and I'm still thinking about spending money on a piece of gear I don't need, but let's go see if it's still on sale. The prior visit was on a weekend, this second one was in the middle of a weekday so the store wasn't anywhere near as busy..... So there's no excuse for no one coming to help me. I more or less make a direct line to the proaudio/synth counter at the back of the store. There's one employee in front of the counter talking to a second person, may or may not be an employee - they're talking about local clubs and promoters, who they know in common etc. Me, I'm standing there at the counter, clearly waiting to be helped - a well dressed person there in the middle of the work day with discretionary income to spend. And no one offers to help me. I'm there a good five minutes, and no one wants to take my money. I finally turn away from the counter and leave. The guy in the audio department doesn't ask me if I wanted to buy something or needed help. None of the other employees make any effort to connect with me as I take the long walk of shame to the front door. If you want someplace to try out your lame hair metal licks on poorly setup guitars before you buy something from a better online retailer - maybe this is a spot worth visiting. Otherwise I don't know why anyone would come here or how they stay in business - which they clearly won't be doing much longer if the stories in the financial press are to be believed. They won't be missed. read more

Let's call it what it is, the Walmart of guitar stores. I miss some of the mom and pop Stores it put out of businesses. Is it loaded with high quality guitars? (no), with that said, does it have high end guitars, (yes) does it have a knowledgeable staff (some) but plenty not knowledgeable. I do like the pricing and selection, and it is a cool spot to meet other guitar enthusiasts. While it does not have the cool mystique and vibe of a privately owned guitar shop. It does have guitars that you can handle and play in person . Musical instruments still need brick and morter locations. I'm not committing my hard earned money buy guitars online. read more

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I called guitar center in Colonie NY, the day after Christmas. I needed strings changed on a guitar that my son just got for Christmas. It had a Floyd Rose bridge and my son was having trouble changing them himself. When I called I was told that it would cost a little more than a normal string change and that it would be about $30. I asked when I could bring it up, as I live almost an hour away and wanted to wait for it and not have to travel back and forth. He told me to bring it in the next day and it shouldn't be a problem. Well, when I got there the following day I was informed that it would be $60...I told the sales person that isn't what I was quoted. He went to talk to a manager which took at least 15 minutes and when he got back he told me he got distracted. He told me they decided they would do it for the $30 I was quoted. So, I asked about how long it would take because we were going to get some dinner, and he told me a week, maybe 2. I was floored. He told me the tech wasn't there until the next day. Seriously? I asked him if anyone else in the store knew this besides him because I was told it could be done that day. He said, I don't know. Then I was about to tell him that I wanted to get a hold of my son before I left it with them for two weeks and he completely turned away from me and started talking to another sales person! In the end I left it there but after reading all of the horrible reviews online I am getting nervous and am thinking about picking it up tomorrow. From making the guitar worse than what it was when brought in, to losing it altogether! This is the 2nd time I have had issues with guitar center. But rest assured it will be the last time! I don't know how you stay in business. ** Update- I picked up the unfinished guitar the next day and took it to another music store nearby. The restringing took less than 30 minutes. In addition to that, they replaced a broken string on another guitar we had and we purchased a few things and everything costs less than $30! Avoid Guitar Center at all cost. Go to Music and Arts in Latham. Friendly atmosphere, great customer service, and good prices. They even price match! read more

Guitar Center ruined my marriage. Yes, it's true. And it's a difficult thing for me to talk about, but I think it's important that I share my story with others. My husband and I went to Guitar Center on a Friday night with the intention of making a quick stop before dinner to replace a drum pedal for his Dad's kit, which hubby uses from time to time. He is an experienced drummer, but because we rent, he's been without a drum set of his own since he moved out of his parent's house over a decade ago. He spent over an hour in the drum section of the store, trying out pedals while I watched (or to be honest, I sat patiently and played with my iPhone). The staff person who helped us, Aaron, was very pleasant, knowledgeable, and super helpful without being at all overbearing. If Aaron didn't have an answer to one of my husband's many specific questions, he found the answer. But the amount of information he knew about their products off the top of his head was quite impressive. The husband spent a little more time trying stuff out, and I watched as a cute little girl, roughly age 6, and her parents came into the drum section to look around. Aaron was very attentive and helpful with them also, answering their many basic questions about the drums. He warmly offered the girl a set of drumsticks to try out a kit she was eying, took the initiative to show her a few things, and low and behold... her parents decided to buy her her very first drum set. If you're a musician, I'm sure you can appreciate what a cool moment this was for a little girl who was so excited to play the drums. At this point I looked at my watch and realized it was quickly approaching closing time. My husband and I are conscientious customers and don't like to *those* people who stick around late, so I gave hubby the watch-point signal. Long story short, we left Guitar Center with not only a new pedal and a few sets of drumsticks, but also a digital drum kit for our apartment. Several kits were on sale and the one hubby liked was a whopping 53% off. Can't beat that. As Aaron was checking us out, rather than feeling like we were being rushed out of the door, another staff person struck up a conversation with us about digital vs. regular drum kits. Jason identified himself as a "recording person" and explained that he dabbles in various instruments and really enjoys plugging in and mixing them up on his computer. Jason strongly encouraged my husband to come back and see him if he ever decides he's interested in doing any recording with his new kit so that Jason could help him set it up with the right stuff. In summary, the staff here kicks butt. Very knowledgeable, super friendly, and they go above and beyond to help both the more experienced musician and the 6-year-old newbie. Plus the place is huge - It's like a department store of music. Really very impressive. My husband, however, WILL NOT STOP DRUMMING. Seriously, he's been going for hours now, and refuses to stop. Out of principle, I'd like to deduct a star from my rating of Guitar Center since it's their fault I lost my husband to a drum kit. But I suppose since the products and service at Guitar Center made my husband happy, I should give them a full five stars. Those home wreckers earned it. read more

Just a typical Guitar center if you ask me. You go in to the noise of a whole bunch of guys trying to "shred" on a guitar with the amp loud enough to get any recognition by a musician hoping to be asked to join their band. Or you got a guy banging on the drums, and some guys "ripping it" on the bass. Almost like walking into a preschool classroom and every child has a toy instrument in their hand. The staff is alright I guess. They kinda do their own thing, unless you go up to them and ask for assistance. The prices are, in my opinion, mediocre. I guess if you want it right then and there, then the convenience aspect is a plus, but if you don't mind waiting for it, you better off ordering it from Musician's Friend, Reverb, Sweetwater, etc. And there is no tax. I like to play my guitar personally before buying it, but the only drawback is I keep thinking there was some 16 year old kid before me playing it and and banging it around cause they weren't planning on buying it anyway, and now I would be stuck with some beautiful playing/ sounding guitar with scratches or dings on it. If I'm in a pinch, I'll stop in, but other than that, I choose to go to locally owned music stores... one, because you get better one on one customer service, and second, they make sure the guitars or instruments they have in stock is not being trashed by some kid that doesn't appreciate the value of a beautiful instrument. read more

Guitar Center is not my first choice of music store, but it is certainly the most convenient to me. Their prices are fair, their stock is pretty good and their staff, while kind of pretentious and leaning toward douchey really know their stuff. The older guys on staff are wealths of information and really seem to want to help young musicians get what they need from instruments and accessories. My most recent trip was to take my 17 y/o son to buy a $700 bass. He had been saving for the better part of the year and finally had enough to get everything he needed. I watched from a distance, but let him handle his transaction on his own while I made a few minor purchases myself. He was working with an older employee, who explained the reasoning behind his recommendations. Until that moment, my son felt like he was being sold, but once the explanations started coming, he was more comfortable. The employee (I didn't get his name) also went out of his way to find a coupon to bring the cost of everything down a little. A sale that easily could have totaled well over $1k came in just under $850. I was exceptionally impressed with the level of assistance given to us. The staff was findable when we needed them, but didn't hover and gave us the freedom and space to find the things we were looking for without feeling pressured for rushed. read more

Run of the mill music store. Used to be a lot better. Selection is limited to strats and metal guitars. If you are looking for a Jazzmaster or something different like a Rickenbacker you've come to the wrong store. It's too bad, there was a time when the sales staff could work with you on the price - not anymore. You would think a big company like this would dominate the market but all the musicians I know go to Parkway. Everything I said above was true, however, they got a new manager recently and the inventory has gotten a lot better and more diverse. You can actually get Jazzmasters at guitar center now. They've got some cool vintage stuff but they price the it so ridiculously above market. $1100 for a danelectro U1??? read more

I ordered a recently discontinued classical guitar that was otherwise hard to find, from the website. When I noticed the order would be filled directly from a store and not a central processing location, I was a bit puzzled. I called the fulfilling store directly, Albany, to see what the situation was. Arnie, who I spoke to first looked in the system and let me know only floor models were left so it defaulted to fill from the closest store to my location - I am actually in Boston. I stated it was a gift and was worried about the condition of a demo. He said he would go lay eyes on it himself, restring it, polish and give me a call back. A couple hours later another employee, Jason, gave me a call to let me know there were playability issues. Instead of just cancelling the order he looked to see what other store might still have the model. Again, said he would call me back. After calling every store on his list, Jason called me back to say he found one that was supposed to be in great condition in South Carolina. But, instead of just trusting that, he actually had the guitar shipped to HIM first, since I was totally not local and said he would give me a full report and bring it up to the best condition possible before sending it on. This was service above and beyond! They were helpful, understanding and went out of their way to make sure this was a positive experience for me. Bravo and thank you so much. read more

I was formerly a huge Guitar Center fan, but over the years that's changed somewhat. I've found that (at least at this location) their selection has thinned out considerably and the sales staff can be a bit too static on prices, especially on some overpriced used gear that I've had interest in. This isn't to say that I dislike them or don't recommend them, but they're not my first choice anymore. What I do like about them, however, is the brand selection. I couldn't care less about Gibson (I've always held that Gibson is simply overrated). They carry Schecter guitars, which I love, and also have Ibanez and Cordoba guitars. The thing with Cordoba is that it is a really great and fairly-priced option for classical guitars. The Cordoba line isn't ALL inexpensive, but they've also got some nice entry-level options around the $300 mark. The key with these is to look for the ones from Portugal or Spain because they are very well-made and have a beautiful sound. Avoid the Chinese models. The only negative experience I had here was with a douche of an assistant manager a few years back who ended up getting fired as a result of his douchiness. He sold me a defective guitar and refused to do anything about it when I brought it back the next day. His successor, however, was very good to deal with and resolved the situation to my satisfaction. Probably the best thing that Guitar Center is good for is accessories. Aside from that, I really prefer dealing with the local shops like Saratoga Guitar or (ideally) Chris' Guitars. read more

I rented a wireless mic for a week. The night of the performance we could not get the mic to work without significant feedback and static. I told the manager at Guitar Center about the issue...and that the mic was essentially useless for the night of the performance he said "sorry about that". No refund. No discount. VERY DISAPPOINTING! I will not be renting from this establishment ever again. read more

Highly do not recommend! I dropped an instrument off there on August 3, and by September 2 it still was not worked on. The employees kept giving me the runaround, first saying that the technician was on vacation and then he was sick. I finally picked up my uke on sep 2 and brought it to another store that fixed it in 30 minutes. read more

Above and beyond is an understatement! Howard was super helpful and called Devon the manager. Which saved the wedding I am the DJ later on today!!! Thank you so much!!!!!!! read more

Complete incompetence. Can't get stuff shipped! Can't get their inventory right either. Been waiting two weeks for a pair of speakers to ship come to find out they are not in stock because of an inventory screw up. BOOOOO YOU SUCK! read more

Obnoxious place to deal with. Do not buy vintage gear from here: they don't know what they're talking about and half of the stuff is just flat out broken. They don't have techs on staff who can fix it so they just sell it broken. It's priced by a person over the phone who has no way of knowing playability or tone quality and they basically just price everything up by 20% so they know they won't lose money. The employees are basically kids who don't know anything and half of them aren't even musicians. If you are just starting at guitar they might have some throw-away models that would interest you but honestly you can get a better deal elsewhere in the area. Don't waste your time at the big box. read more

I went shopping the day after Christmas. And the store was completely packed BUT every time a sales associate walked by me they always stoped and asked if I need something and that's what makes a good music store. I walked out with 2 guitars and a bag full of accessories and could be happier with my purchase.... thank you and I will see you again read more

What you read in the reviews is true,their was 4 people in the store,5 employees and to get any type of help at least 20 minutes as they were too busy on their phones.They have daily sales and asked if they had any of those items in stock and all 1 of the guys said I can ship it in as we don't carry any of those items,what a waste of space this store is nothing like the one in Buffalo by Walden Galleria at least they acknowledge you there,don't waste your time going to the one in Albany as customer service is the pits.I had better service at the Beach. read more

It's faster to buy something online than get help here. Asked twice to get help purchasing something. Nada. Nada. Nada.

People who buy online and never go in the store should not be given preference over an actual human in the store ready to buy.

I like to come in an look at the instruments I cant play, Im usually in here for somebody else. But anytime I have come, the staff was helpful and knowledgeable of what I was looking for. and they are not like other places with pushy sales people either. Prices are what I would expect them to be, from a get yourself started guitar kit at about $150 to the Vault with guitars in the thousands of $$. You can try out items, and its a relaxed environment. Prefer this place over the places in the malls without a doubt. read more

This place is like a shark pit. Me and my friend were bothered the whole time by a tacky old man in a suit coat and white long hair the whole time. They give an image of car salesmen hoping for a commission check. I don't think id recommend going when they don't have customers because all they want to do is bother you instead of letting you get a feel for the instrument. read more

I went in looking for violins, but discovered the violins they sell are online only. Otherwise it looked like a great shop, very friendly service. read more

I would just like to thank all the people who work at the Colonie store for their professionalism and courtesy to my sister. She had lost her husband a few weeks ago and needed some help with some musical purchases that he had made before he died. The staff there couldn't have been more kind and respectful in her time of need. As someone who frequents the store as well, I can honestly say that the way my sister and I were treated made me know that I will continue to do all my musical purchases at the Guitar Center. Thanks to all! read more

Stock is slim, better prices can be found elsewhere on what they do have unless it is garbage that no one else will sell. If you know exactly what you want you'll have a better experience calling in ahead. If you're interested in browsing don't bother, buy your picks and sticks from a locally owned shop. The staff can come off that they know what you want better than you do and simply don't have enough life experience to handle any questions a more experienced player may have when choosing a product. This is the place where people who don't know better go. I haven't been helped by anyone there that knew more about a product than I already knew from reading through a manufactures web page. Sorry but the corporate machine can't deliver better service or offer expertise like the local shops can. Drome and Parkway both outshine this place in selection, prices and expertise, Hermes and Collar City are better options as well. read more

Every single time I come here employees make eye contact with me and continue doing other things as I wait to be helped. It is extremely annoying and rude and we have waited almost 20 minutes to be helped more than once!! There were plenty of employees that could have been of assistance but were not. The last time I came, we were standing in line for 10 minutes, but an employee went off and helped another customer that had just walked in the door. This store is terribly run read more