MrMiguel!!! You sir were absolutely AH'mazing in assisting our family picking-out a new Roland piano - even to the extent of assuring we got all the "perfect" add-ons, was nothing but A DREAM!! Miguel was so honest, kind, helpful, patient and most of all FUN during our spontaneous trip! That's the kind of service you only "hope" to receive in this day-in-age! THANK YOU Miguel for ALL you-do, we cannot WAIT to see you again upon pick-up of our newest funnest addition to our jammin-out family..sincerely the happiest Yuma/EastCounty Miles/Flowers family :o) read more

Guitar Center - Roland beauty - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

You lost a sale a week ago. I came in keen on getting a Roland 8s to be told that there was an open box that they were going to try to sell me at full price. Do you think I'm an idiot? Nobody pays full price for an open box item but the dude tried to convince me that the used piece of gear was totally copacetic and should be sold at full price. That ploy didn't work out very well did it now. Because I left and bought it elsewhere! read more

EDIT: My statement remains but literally the only person at this location who even deserves a job is CODY. Everyone else can learn from the guy who's only been there for a year. These guys don't care about their customers. Not even customers dropping $2k in a day. No inspections on used gear. They won't look at anything but a guitar. They won't even offer a dolly to get your stuff out to your car after purchase. If your amp isn't working they suggest sending it in to GC for weeks to months on end or just returning it. Pretty tough for a busy musician to just give up their gear that was clearly not inspected before selling it. The service in general? Every associate you up walk to points you in an arbitrary direction and tells you "they can help you over there". Been stuck so deeply in a hard spot because the gear I bought is faulty and there's nothing they'll do about it so I either have to spend MORE money getting it fixed or return this stuff and hope to find something to replace it immediately. Such a hassle. Worst staff on the planet. read more

I placed an order on line and while I hadn't received a pickup notice I was in the neighborhood , it was in a stage in their system that had it tied up. rather than shrugging his shoulders and saying I'll have to wait for another day a gentleman by the name of Norm stopped what he was doing and said "no we'll get this figured out" he pulled in the right folks to get it sorted and got me on my way a happy customer. I didn't follow protocol, so kind of on me, but he got me on my way with my gear. The manager also hopped in to assist and everyone was super friendly and accommodating. Dropped over 4k there the last week and I'll continue to shop there!!! read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Stopped by Guitar Center and ended up walking out with a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster I'd been eyeing. Big shoutout to Norman and Dave--once they were able to help, they were knowledgeable, patient, and helped me land a really good deal. At first it felt like assistance was a bit slow. The floor looked busy and it seemed like there weren't enough staff for the number of people trying out guitars and effects pedals. But once things opened up, Norman and Dave made the experience smooth and enjoyable. They answered my questions, let me properly test the guitar, and didn't rush the process. In the end, I walked away happy with the purchase and the overall service. If you stop by, just be a little patient--when they get to you, the team knows their stuff read more

Guitar Center - Great way to really feel the neck, pickups, and overall vibe of the guitar before pulling the trigger. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

A culture driven store with a tremendous quantity of products of high quality. I played guitar in college and came back 21 years later to get an acoustic Yamaha. My family and I got lost in the best way possible when we arrived. The drums, the pianos, the guitars, the paraphernalia were all awesome. 1 month in I've rediscovered my old favorite songs such as pardon me and everlong and am discovering how how to play chords which I never really knew how to do. I've purchased guitar lessons and will make room for these when I can. Great spot. It offers the same feelings as tower records felt in the late 1990s when cds and posters were all the rage when I was in high school. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I was immediately helped by sales associate Cody. He provided exceptional service during my transaction. Please ask for him when in need of gear. I will confidently shop here because of him. Thank you! read more

Peter, I believe his name was, restrung my Electric ukulele. He was very kind and looked for a string that could work with my electric ukulele even though there wasn't really any electric ukulele strings available. Knowing that i had an event to play the next day, he did his best to search for a string that could match my ukulele and found one :) I appreciate him searching for a new string, the quality of how he restrung it, and his kind service:) read more

Great selection for the musician in your life, whether it's guitars, keyboards, or drums. They have it all here! read more

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This location has gone downhill since Covid. Heavy set, balding half-hearted ponytail dude w/glasses & tatts at the center of the new counter near the electric guitars/amps, needs better customer service skills. He's been there awhile and he just sucks! Tells us to turn amp down when everyone has their's way up! We had to spend $$ on gear which I now regret. Felt unwelcome. Next time I'm ordering online! read more

The salespeople at Guitar Center were great- available for help when we were ready but not hovering over us or pressuring us to choose a particular brand. There were plenty of used instruments available. I very much appreciated their price match, too. read more

Question: How do you get your 25 year old guitar to look like you bought it yesterday? Answer: You put it into the hands of Peter, who strings and cleans guitars at the La Mesa Guitar Center, and then come back later with your jaw dropped! Peter did such an amazing job on my guitar. It literally looks brand new. He actually did the same to my classical guitar I brought in, too, on the same day! Super cool, dude! We talked guitar, equipment, and concert experiences. Thank you, Guitar Center for hiring great staff like him. I have been a customer for many, many years. Will absolutely continue to be so. I will continue to bring my guitars in for maintenance. All your staff are extremely appreciated. read more

I have been getting lessons from Chenelle, and she is an amazing violin teacher! Especially for beginners. She is patient, kind, and creates such a welcoming and encouraging learning environment. She explains concepts clearly and makes each lesson enjoyable and easy to follow. She is also willing to work with schedules as best she can which is greatly appreciated since my schedule fluctuates due to work. If you are looking for violin lessons at Guitar Center, I highly recommend Chenelle. 10 out of 10 experience! read more

Novice here, although I have been "guitaring" for decades..well this time I decided I needed guitar #2 so I decided on an an electric guitar. Squire Stratocaster makes a nice entry level guitar package--, strap, picks & amp, all for $350. The salesperson was very helpful & made me feel comfortable amid all my questions.... a few weeks later I had an issue w/the cable. I took it back, they gladly replaced the cable for free & no attitude! I would definitely recommend. read more

I called today about renting a PA for my company event. After being on Hold for 20 minutes and Transferred twice, they hung up the call. Ive been to this guitar center. It's never busy enough to not be able to pick up a phone. read more

The perfect place to purchase a guitar or any other musical instrument. I have been coming here for 30 years, and the service has always been outstanding. I recently purchased an acoustic guitar I didn't like as much as I thought. They gladly took it back and assisted me with a better choice to my likings. Thank you, Brett, and your wonderful staff at La Mesa Guitar center. read more

Dan was very knowledgeable and super helpful! I was originally trained on playing piano and violin and dabbled a bit on acoustic guitar, but have been really wanting an electric guitar forever. I was a little intimidated walking in because I didn't know where to start, but the staff at Guitar Center were so helpful and welcoming. Dan assisted us in selecting an amp and guitar, as well as a few other accessories to start me off. Not only was the price extremely fair, he was super kind and understanding and extremely encouraging when I said I was a little nervous switching over, and even gave some tips on how to upgrade should I continue on this path. Every question we asked, his advice was solid! Will definitely come back to look at other guitars and accessories :) thank you!! read more

Kevin!!!! You're the man. I had a few questions on DJ controllers and speakers and he pointed me in the right direction. The financing option was great as well. Kevin really went above and beyond and helped me from start to finish. I walked out with a Pioneer DDJ Rev 7 and it works amazing with the speakers he recommended. Thanks read more

Guitar Center - Love everything about this set up!!!! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

I went in looking for an acoustic guitar with a budget and an idea of what I was after. I was helped by the coolest, most knowledgable guy I've ever encountered in a retail setting... Dan. He only works weekends, but ask for Dan. Immediately starts feeling me out, asking questions about my favorite sounds, bringing me guitars that were in my price range - no salesy tactics or pushing me in any direction. TAKE NOTES salespeople. But thats not all... In an effort to hook me up with the fattest discount possible, he helped me secure a personal discount from another employee (the gracious Chad, thank you my man). I walked out with a brand new Martin that sounds incredible and is exactly what I had hoped to gain and more - at a price I didn't think possible. 12/10 experience, go in on a weekend just for Dan (and Chad). read more

Hmm let's see... aloof unprofessional dumb ass employees horrible time sucking service that would be insane in any other situation kindergarten level knowledge of gear and actual playing circumstances But ya, a great place to be taken advantage of if you're an amateur player... So basically it's a guitar center read more

In and out. Tech even knew a friend (local musician) who left for LA and then Nashville decades ago. I say this because you never know the talent you are dealing with behind the register. Norman went above and beyond BEFORE finding out we had a mutual friend from late 1980s San Diego music scene. It was only through his detailed questions about my gear, my needs and my music interests before finding out our mutual connection. Guitar Center has always been helpful - when I know what I am looking for or when I don't. Thank you again and see ya later. read more

I stopped at guitar center on 11/8 /25 to do a trade in on a guitar and purchase. Dan at Guitar Center La Mesa is the best. He made trading in my old guitar and buying the one I wanted completely seamless--no pressure, fair trade value, and total confidence in my choice. He went above and beyond to make the experience easy. Thank you again Dan! Management: recognize this guy! Ask for Dan--you'll leave happy. read more

When you sell your gear to them they give you a 10% coupon nice! I purchased a new 12 string Taylor and saved a ton! Forgot the guys name in guitars but he was kind knowledgeable and helped me as much as I could and that is amazing customer service! Thank you Guitar center' read more

I've been going to Gtr Cntr La Mesa for over twenty years, most recently to have work done on my 50-yr-old bass (thank you, Matt). I'm always in a good mood once inside those doors and have always been treated very well by the staff and managers. read more

Clean store. Decent selection.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I was looking for a cheap Turntable system online and almost bought one on EBay. After doing some research I saw a Gemini setup with ok ratings at Guitar Center. I was just looking for a cheap setup for Xmas. I noticed GC dropped the price almost in half so I drove over there. The store was very nice with a lot of parking. We enter and the place is huge. It reminded me of the old Wurlitzer music stores In Massachusetts. It was very clean and inviting. Someone was able to help me find a turntable setup that was on special for $85 compared to the regular price of $160. It was busy but the service was good and wow what a selection! I'll be back at this location next time I need some equipment. read more

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I haven't been to Guitar Center in years. I needed to get a few percussion instruments so I popped in. The store is clean and laid out well. They have tons of employees all over the place. But it took forever for one to come help me out. They were out of 3 items that I was looking for and said it would be a few weeks on back order. Prices are kinda high there though. I know everything is high quality but I found what I was looking for at Sam Ash for a little cheaper. read more

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This is got to be the most poorly managed guitar center in the US. I am a professional musician that has been a customer since the late 80s. I have never experienced as bad of customer service (multiple) at La Mesa Guitar Center.I had a simple return that had to turn into a fiasco. When I made purchase, I bought a piece called a BOSS PX 1. I took it home and tried it out. I paid with Apple Pay. I didn't like the pedal, had a lot of issues from firmware updates/app sync and just didn't really like the way it sounded. So there was another new piece called the XS-100 that I was also curious about so I figured I would swap that out and try it. They have a nice return policy so you can actually get it home and check it out. I took the PX 1 back, but was told they have Apple Pay issues and cannot do returns back to card, they couldn't refund me back to the Apple Pay method that I have used, which I find bizarre because Apple Pay is being used worldwide. For some reason guitar centers system is not caught up with the times. As it was explained to me (I actually talked to the manager there on the phone and talked to a manager friend of mine up in Los Angeles previous to doing this ) What they told me was if I wanted to go ahead and get the XS 100 they would take credit on account from that Apple Pay purchase, I would pay the difference on another card and then if I need to return this piece that I would in fact be able to just put all of that amount onto my normal credit card I paid the difference with. I said OK that so I did just that got the pedal took it home, tried it for a couple of days and realized I didn't like what it did to my tone. The day after Christmas I had a little time and I thought I would run over to La Mesa from downtown about a 20 min drive and just get this done there. I try to return stuff fast out of respect for their policy.....Boy was that a mistake. So for starters I walk in , they don't have any sign of the line starts and the guy snapped at me that I wasn't standing in the right position so I said OK. I moved to the right position in line waited in line. It's just a big square with big point of sale registers everywhere and people standing around so it's very confusing. Anyway, bottom line is is a guy finally helps me named Miguel. He says he cannot refund it to one card. I told him that's not how it was explained to me and calmly let him know before I did the swap out and it was explained to me totally differently and I was assured it would all go back on that one card, so I asked him can you just grab the manager. Miguel starts smirking at me and basically acts like I'm being difficult as well as the employee behind him shaking his head. Miguel goes into the managers office and they're in there literally 10 minutes. I've been there a while at this point.I'm late for a dinner & they're just yukking it up in there Laughing etc. I just decided, I'll be in Los Angeles next week. I know the management staff at that guitar center. I'll just go ahead and go there and deal with this return. They seem to be purposely playing games. So I simply went over to the door and I knocked on the managers door which is a clear glass door and the guy wouldn't come to the door. He just stared at me so I finally went ahead and opened the door and said, I'm just gonna go ahead and takeoff and deal with this at guitar center Hollywood.... I am running behind....then the guy behind the desk Brett said oh I'm dealing with this now, then says to me Why are you coming in here all hot and heavy. Which I wasn't. I was actually polite. Frustrated and in a hurry yes. I then said look , I've had multiple issues at this location,. This should be an easy return and you guys are making it difficult. Then he says oh well I'm just gonna cut you a check and I said that's not what I was told per earlier by 2 managers.... I was told that you guys could just put it back on the card that made up the difference on the purchase before since you have all these issues with Apple Pay. Mind you this is a guitar center issue not me if they could refund Apple Pay it would've been very simple with the last pedal. It would've just gone back to Apple Pay. This purchase would've been done on Apple Pay and it'd be the same thing right now. So this is on them. Anyway, this guy starts getting angry at me trying to turn it back on me because I need to leave because I'm late for a dinner function and basically trying to make it look like I'm being difficult and I just told him that's not how it was explained, it's supposed to go back on my card. And that's where I left it. He gave me attitude. He ripped up the receipt as I went out the door smirking....I will return at LA. I called the manager up there afterwards and talked to him. He was super helpful and said yeah thats wring. I won't get into details of my past bad experiences with the management and staff at this location but they have been many. read more

I visited this store intending to purchase a guitar amp in the $500-$1000 range. I wanted to hear the sound of a few amps before making a decision, so I asked an employee if he could play a quick demo. He told me flatly that they don't do that. I explained that I wasn't comfortable playing myself, as it had been a while since I'd played, but I still needed to hear the amp's tone and warmth before buying. Without further discussion, he turned his back and walked away, saying he was too busy to sit and play guitar. That response was disappointing and dismissive, especially as I was a serious customer ready to make a purchase. When I pointed out that I was trying to buy something and felt brushed off, he suddenly changed his tune and offered to demonstrate an amp after all -- contradicting what he had just said. At that point, I had lost confidence in the interaction and chose to leave. There may be other staff members with better customer service, but this experience left a very negative impression. read more

Things to improve: Management- allowance for better employees. Sufficient staffing during holiday season Staff that actually wants to help instead of reprimand customers who have to try to help themselves. Also, maybe a little less focus on "looking cool". You are going to end up driving this business into the ground with the way it is run. I will not be spending another dime here. This is from a local musician who has spent over 20K here in total (I know, not a lot in the grand scheme). You have lost me. Never again. This was my second art, after being almost as disappointed as the first time. Not gonna name names. But you know who you are... too concerned with me reaching the beat machine myself. read more

I Just wanted to Thank Bobbie for helping our daughter get a mix machine for her birthday.There was one she wanted but wasn't there.He sold us another one of better quality and he helped us. His Customer Service was impeccable.His professionalism and positiveness spoke volumes.Guitae center is blessed to have a employee like him.He sold us a better mix machine of higher quality.I just wanted to let the management know. Thankyou Bobbie for all you do God bless you.Appreciate your Customer Service.Your ever in Guitar center See Bobbie.Thanks again Appreciate you Walter and Susan Burcher. read more

Cody: was very nice and calm as the travel guitar I bought had a defect. I am about to travel overseas and I need this traveling guitar so I was a bit stressed. Cody, was so professional dealing with 3 customers simultaneously...then the card reader froze. At this point Cody became brain fried as it was closing time and he could not complete my transaction. Then with the assistance of MIGUEL (333) who was leaving for home after a long hard days work took time off the clock to unfreeze the card reader to complete my new purchase (travel guitar). How he unfroze the card reader is a mystery to all of us who witnessed. ALWAYS listen to MUGUEL! In addition, another teammate named Miska (fabulous jazz bassist) took time to make me feel important with her charm and professionalism during all the organized chaos. Now, Turns out this return for a new travelers guitar was even better than I could imagine. You see this particular store is ran by a top notch professional manager(name?) What is my point? Guitar Center in La Mesa is where the heart is for us soul travelers seeking meaning in our daily experiences. Little things matter! The teamwork of Cody, MIGUEL, & Miska made my dream work. I must say Juan, the front door dude was seriously part of the chain of teamwork that should also be recognized. Attitude Of gratitude is what I am left with as I walked out the closing doors of Guitar Center of La Mesa read more

There's a reason most of us musicians go to Guitar Center. If you need it, they've either got it or can get it, all at a reasonable price. That's why we're all here, so they must be doing something right. This store definitely feels understaffed but I'm okay with that. I understand that there's a balance between low prices and customer service, and I'm willing to be patient for a good deal. I came here looking for a new mic and I was able to get one at a decent price due to going with a used model. I wanted a new mic, however they wouldn't be able to get me the one I wanted by the time that I needed it. The used model was $100-200 cheaper than the new unit, and it came with a 45 day satisfaction guarantee- so I figured I couldn't go wrong. Ernie provided excellent information and customer service so I left pleased with my purchase. Fast forward 5 weeks and I was able to get the same mic, brand new and with a 2 year warranty, for $80 more than I paid for the used model. Since I was still well within the 45 days, I decided to return the mic. As I was attempting to return the mic, the associate immediately told me that my allotted return window had lapsed and I could no longer return the item. I alerted the associate that I had 45 days to return the item and I was still within the 45 days. They then looked at my receipt and pointed out that the mic was purchased December 26th, and therefore could no longer be returned. Now had I not done my due diligence, I may have picked up my stuff and left highly dissatisfied. Luckily for all parties involved, I assured the associate I was within the return window, and pointed to the sign on the package that read 45 day satisfaction guarantee. At this point, it would have been nice to receive a "my bad" or "my apologies" since they had twice mistakenly told me I could not return the item...but no hard feelings on my end. Before my return was processed, the associate asserted the computer was telling them the item could only be returned within 30 days and therefore, they would need to get assistance from another associate. In comes Ernie to the rescue and assists the return to completion. Thanks Ernie! If you don't mind waiting for assistance to get what you need, then you're likely to leave satisfied. Just be sure you know what you're looking for, as you might not find the assistance you're looking for. Also, I highly recommend you make double sure you know what the return policy is before making that purchase. Now get out there and make some sweet music! read more

I've been coming to Guitar Center since I was a kid with my dad, and I've had some great experiences over the years. I know there are many employees here who genuinely love what they do and take care of customers. That's why it's so disappointing when the negative experiences start to outweigh the good ones. On a recent visit, I asked a basic question and got a dismissive "I don't know, you gotta ask the front desk." That kind of response felt unhelpful--especially coming from someone who works there and could've easily followed up or pointed me in the right direction. On top of that, one staff member seemed annoyed when I mentioned I wasn't planning to buy anything that day. I'm not made of money, so of course I want to try out a few guitars before making a purchase. That shouldn't be met with judgment. Honestly, it's hard to feel good about spending money somewhere when it feels like you're only treated well if you look like someone who can buy a new guitar every time you walk in. I've made plenty of big purchases from Guitar Center in the past, and I want to keep shopping in person--not online--but at least online, I don't feel judged. I hate writing this review because of how much this store has meant to me growing up. But I hope my feedback is taken to heart. My advice is simple: just treat all customers with the same respect and willingness to help, whether they're ready to buy today or not. That change alone would make a big difference. read more

A 1200$ order was completely ruined and I never received my reimbursement. I will be taking legal action unless it's resolved today read more

Went in here today looking for PA and mic advice, as I'm just starting to get serious about my band. I talked to both Bobby and Juliana and they were both INCREDIBLY helpful (and not condescending at all, which is usually the experience I have with music store reps as a beginner performer and woman). They both took a ton of time to answer all my questions thoroughly and put it in a way that made sense. Thank you both so much! Wonderful team at this store. Also a plug to hire more women! Women need women read more

This place just missed the mark AGAIN. I came in right now to purchase a Simmons Titan 70 and prepared to spend $1000 here. Again, like my previous reviews, there was no staffing in the drum area. One guy came to help a family, told them they had the Titan 70 in stock. Looked at me. And walked past me out of the drum area without saying a word. I absolutely loathe this place and I encourage you to buy from Sweetwater or Alan's Music locally. Do not give a dime to this place. read more

I recently purchased an additional speaker for my PA system that I use for gigs. While pricing out equipment used equipment that was in good condition and comparing the new price for a new unit, I found that the guitar center actually had a little bit better pricing after you figured in the shipping cost and the warranty. No complaints on price. I do have concern with trying to find a person to provide me service. I made a mistake and went on a holiday weekend. Every young aspiring guitar player with money in their hands were getting taken care of first. I hung around for an hour and a half I left, I returned on a non-holiday day, day. I knew what I wanted so it was an easy transaction I didn't need cables or anything like that so I can appreciate the quickness of the service. I didn't get warm fuzzies from it Price great, the general knowledge of staff in their specific arenas was good but like I said no warm fuzzies. if you know what you're buying you get through it. I will state for an aspiring young artist especially in needing guitars they know what they're doing. hopefully this commentary works for you be a prepared consumer and you'll do well. read more

This review is specifically for the La Mesa Guitar Center and, more specifically, for the finest rep I have ever encountered at Guitar Center - Dave Zimmerman. I had a specific Martin that I was chasing at a different GC. The manager helped me line it up with a deal, and I agreed. They sent me a link to purchase it, but when I went to purchase it within an hour of so per my informing them, the same store decided to sell it to someone else. After some time, the instrument I was chasing popped back up at GC, but I could not get my deal. Long story short, Dave found the instrument and went the extra mile to hold the instrument for me and then painstakingly walked me through the process of purchasing the instrument, which was rather involved. During the multi-day process, Dave was very responsive and kept up with communication, among other things. Because of how this guitar had to be purchased, Dave did not get any credit for this sale. I knew it, and of course, he did. But it did not bother him - he want through the extra mile to facilitate this sale. This included his playing the instrument to give me an assessment. In short, I received extraordinary service. I have had a few GC reps that were excellent, but Dave really exceeded any reasonable expectations. Thanks, GC, for having great people. Bravo! ps: I note that Dave did not ask for any review or help. I received such excellent service that I feel compelled to note it publicly. Thanks. read more

I came in here hopeless and clueless about what I needed. If it wasn't for Ernie I would have not only spent thousands more but I wouldn't even have the sound that I wanted. He held my hand like a child and walked me through everything I needed. Set me up with all the best cables, wireless headsets and helped me set it up. Couldn't be more grateful for him and guitar center. Just a legit stand up guy. Thank you. read more