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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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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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'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

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

Clean store. Decent selection.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

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

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

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

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

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 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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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

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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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

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

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

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

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

Hauled 2 guitars a bass and an amp down there to exchange and sell (bass and amp I just bought but want to exchange those and the guitars for a bass and amp upgrade). Was told it would be 2 to 3 hours until someone could help me. This is the second time Ive hauled my stuff over there and they cant help me. Not blaming staff, They are buried in the guitar area seemingly always. Guitar area needs more staff or cross train the other dept employees to help out in guitars when they are busy. Ive spent lord knows how much here and the crew is nice... but 1 guy cannot help 6 or 7 customers. Maybe allow people to make an appt to sell gear? Its super frustrating to load up and drive all the way over. Worst part is I waited 25 minutes to be told it would probably be 2/3 hours. 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

Went in to have some work done on a bass. I was inconvenienced by having to take it out of the case to check it in with some guy sitting at the front desk. Then a long wait at the tech counter where it had to be checked in a second time. Service at this location has gone consistently down hill. 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

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

Maybe the sales people could learn about the products they are selling rather than just guessing and hoping customers won't know any better. Martin Guitars has a relatively new design guitar that I had questions about. When a sales person finally came into the acoustic area and asked me if I had any questions, I asked him about the guitar. He told me the onboard tuner was a pickup, along with some other plausible sounding answers about a few other things I asked about and then walked out. Not having a warm fuzzy about the answers, I decided to not spend $2k today. When I went home, I got online, and after looking at just two articles, I had tons of information about this guitar, and the innovative style. I'm sure I will be buying one soon, just not from Guitar Center in La Mesa. I would like to say that this is the first time this has happened, but that would be a lie. Do yourself a favor, do your research before you go in, or before you drop any cash. These guys don't have a clue, or just don't care. Also, most of what they have in the store is low end crap. San Diego has a couple of good, independent stores, with good quality merch and good, knowledgeable sales people. One is right down the street from this GC. If you are a serious buyer, go to those!! read more

Mishka was super helpful in working with me to help me pick out a pedal and amp! Was very knowledgeable on any questions I had about each product and made everything easy to understand. Very friendly as well. read more

I've gone to this store plenty of times, and it's great, but what makes it amazing is the level of customer service. I want to specifically shout out one of your sales associates, Miska. A couple months ago she helped me find the perfect bass guitar, and she just recently helped my find the perfect electric guitar. She is very knowledgeable about all the specs, and informative of how they affect sound and playing, not just for guitars and basses, but also cables and other sound equipment such as mixers, speakers, or pedals you name it. I don't know how much she gets paid but if you guys can give her a raise or something please do, she deserves it. read more

Dan was the best!!! Its my first time buying a guitar and he made the experience so memorable and amazing! He helped us out so much and even helped us carry everything to the car! So sweet, best employee ever thank you Dan!!!! read more

Bought an amp here a year ago. When the time came to buy another amp, I strolled on down. Whilst playing with the amp I had in mind, a GC salesman rudely policed me out for playing too loud. It really wasnt all that loud for a darn MUSIC STORE! I wasnt even the loudest one there. I was on the fence with the amp, since it was missing a couple of things in the "nice to have" column. But, I buy gear all the time and tend to resell what doesnt get used, so I was leaning towards buying it. Operative word "was", right up until the customer service jerk convinced me to go look at amps at a local non-chain store down the road. Thanks. read more

Exceptional service from Xander! If you're looking to buy your next guitar, make sure to ask for him. He gave me the space I needed to make a decision and answered all my questions without being pushy. It's clear he genuinely cares about helping his customers, not just making a sale. Highly recommend. Thanks Xander! read more

Had the pleasure of interacting with Steve a young guy with a mohawk....absolute gem of a person!!i went in to see about a sequencer...unfortunately had the misfortune of interacting with an older rockerbilly looking guy,who was a douche...i asked whether the sequencer came with any cables,power supply etc...he literally points to the used section said its in there!!turned his back on me!!then i went to Steve..amazing customer service,went and got it out of the case even tried to get it working..went above and beyond..and i so appreciated it,seems like a good sort and so glad i spoke to him..just wish i hadnt bothered with the other guy tho!! EDit: one star off for the rockerbilly douche!!would be 5 if it wasn't for him! read more

Been here a few times, but this last time I wanted a Guitar. Walked into the guitar room and Dan was there to guide me in the right direction. I did not feel pressured, he was asking questions to kind of feel out what I was looking for, price range and what type of guitar really called my attention. He was super helpful and knowledgeable and I am now a proud owner of a Washburn Guitar! First time guitar owner and got the books, and a cool case to go along with my new washburn. Thanks again Dan, you Da Man. read more

Been going to guitar center since I was a kid back home, moved to SD and went to this location, and never went back. Security guards made me feel like a peasant, and felt as if they thought I was going to steal something, while wearing just shorts, a shirt and flip flops to be exact. Either these guys are new or know or love nothing about their job or music. I saw them eying me at from the beginning I walked in, no greeting, and from afar stared at me while I was admiring the guitars and playing some, and since my it's my first visit, took my time touring the store, which I'm pretty damn sure everyone does at guitar center. As I finally walked to the counter, ready to purchase some new guitar strings, cable and string cleaner to restore my guitar at home, one guard decided to stand next to me in line, with anxious figety body language while mugging me as I waited to pay for my stuff. Very noticeable at this point, and I just smiled back... As much as I would of loved saying something to them, as if they couldn't at least be less predatorial, I have more respect for myself, however I would not want anyone else to have this experience. Sorry guitar center, my loyalty and musician needs will look elsewhere. Maybe one day if I decide to walk in those doors again, those guys will be long gone... Please try and hire some at least genuine music loving security guards, as greeters right when you walk in, they set the experience. read more