Modesto~ I took 2 stars off for the excessively LONG wait time to sell a guitar. The 3 stars are for Javi who was very sweet to work with. The poor employees are definitely lacking support in this establishment. I tried calling for 3 solid days with no answer at all. We thought they had gone out of business so I drove over to check and see. Once I got there, I realized why they do not answer their phone. They are swamped with customers and not enough employees. I waited patiently for 1 1/2 hours to sell my cool guitar. I think it should have been worth more because it was 20 years old, pristine condition, and left-handed, but after I waited there such a long time I figured I just wanted to get out! They have to wait on people who are paying customers before they will wait on anybody else. Makes sense...BUT...My tip would be to have a completely separate area where one person is doing all the buying. That's very logical and should happen immediately. I saw people get frustrated and leave. If you plan to go to this place, pack your patience! read more

It's really nice to have a music store, not just Amazon, I really appreciate that. It's cool to browse all of the guitars, drums, lights, amps, etc. The guy who was helping us was very knowledgeable. The store was busier than I expected at 2pm on a Wednesday, so I guess business is good. Parking is easy, so no problem there. I recommend stopping here for any of your music needs. read more

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The employees there were nice. Big guitar selections with a bunch of working amplifiers (for guitar and bass). The acoustic guitar section was a bit empty because most of the guitars were either too high to reach or locked on the wall mount unlike the electric guitars. Overall this place was really cool and fun. read more

Guitar Center - A really nice black and white fender telecaster - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Modesto, California

This store is pathetic, employees don't like helping, weak inventory, don't even know what they don't carry. The guy in pro audio I asked him after looking on my own for 15 min if they had gaff tape he didn't know what that was and said "I dont know? then proceeded to help someone else. I think I rather do online shopping than depending on A store that has no idea why the online community is not going into shop there.... read more

Weston is one good employee and excellent customer service. He is always really helpful. When ever I call him things get done right. Keep him on the payroll please. Thank you. Joe read more

Staff at guitar center went above and beyond in fixing my son's guitar. 'Much appreciated!!

Horrible experience with this place. Drove 2 hours to come and get a guitar that Weston (I believe was his name) said he'd put on hold for us, and we show up and the guitar sold half an hour before we came. Waste of time and gas. Won't support this shop! Don't rely on the workers here to be honorable. read more

Probably the worst customer service experience of my entire life. An entire day was completely wasted here because the staff are completely unreliable. This isn't even just a review, it's a horror story. I had a ton of gear to trade in, an old bass, a 16x2 mixer, 2 amps, an equalizer, microphones, mic stands, etc. All in a big custom road case. I called in the morning because I didn't know how trade-ins worked at guitar center, or what they accepted. I spent FIFTY MINUTES on hold before someone picked up the phone and answered me. Finally being on the phone with an employee, I explained what I had to him, and he let me know I should bring it all in and they would have to see it before they could give a price. That all made sense to me, and they assured me that they would most likely take all of the gear I had. My buddy and I packed up our stuff and drove nearly 2 hours, as we don't have a guitar center nearby. Once we got there, we immediately let one of the staff we were there for a trade in, and that we had lots of gear in the car. I had many questions to ask but they helped buying customers first. There was a lady waiting for a trade in standing in front of us that had been there for over an hour already so we knew we were in for a pickle. For trade ins, the staff help every single customer that is there to buy, look at gear, etc. before they even begin to help the trade in people. They claimed that trade-ins take a long time so they help customers first. We stood there for TWO DAMN HOURS and were asked by countless staff members if we were being helped and we kept saying we needed to do a trade in. It was so infuriating to wait for 2 hours and watch people that just walked through the door get helped by staff. Not to mention the staff sit there and play guitars and dick off the whole time so the only person that said he handled trade ins was checking everyone out. After waiting all of that time some dude clocked in and finally started helping us with the trade in. He asked us to show him what we had, and we took the bass we brought out of the case. He took one look at it and immediately said "Sorry we can't take this bass in because of the backplate" That means we spent TWO HOURS with NO HELP for an employee to take TEN SECONDS to say they couldn't take that. Okay, that's fine, we still have tons of gear in the car, which I left there so as to not bring a giant road case into the middle of the store. So we walk out to my car and show him everything, and he says sorry we don't take mixers or power amps, but I can take a look at the microphones. So basically I called in the morning, waited an hour to speak to someone, the guy said that they take in mixers and power amps on the phone, and after waiting in for hours they immediately don't take them. Okay, that's fine, at least they'll give me a price on the wireless mics and mic stands. It was a SHURE sm58, very high quality mic with the wireless receiver. He says "Let me take care of the paying customers and then we can start the process" So after all of that time, they still prioritize a guy that has been waiting 30 seconds to buy some drum heads. He puts in everything in the computer and says this is looking good, it looks like we can take this in, let me go grab my "Boss Boss" to make sure I'm giving you the right amount. So the other guy walks in and immediately goes "Sorry we're not going to be able to make you guys happy today, we don't take those in" SO WHAT DO YOU TAKE?? Not Mixers, not equalizers, not mic stands, not mics, not amps, not gear cases. They claim to take in all sorts of equipment, they tell me on the phone they take all of this stuff, and then they take none of it. What a joke. So it's like okay, can you at least take these pedals? They go sure we can give you a price on that. And you know how they say they'll give you 50-70% of what they sell it for? That's hogwash. They rang it up and said we'd sell this one for $42, and I can give you $17 for it. Wait a minute, that's not 50%, that's just over 40%. After all of that they wouldn't even give a fair price on our pedal trade in. It was an absolute joke, an absolute waste of time, and incredibly infuriating. The staff are all incompetent, they refuse to help customers, and they do not care about customer service. The sales manager saw us standing in front of the counter for 2 hours and did NOTHING. If I could give negative stars I would because man what a bunch of idiots. With all that being said while I was waiting I was playing 'Right Now' by Van Halen on the keyboard and one of the instrument coach guys in the red shirt came up and was like yooooo I know that song. And we played van halen together. It was hella cool that guy is rad af. Everyone else in that store can go get bent though read more

Amazing knowledgeable staff. Just finished my first guitar lesson with Angel, awesome instructor with a great method. I'm on the right track! read more

I purchased a brand new Yamaha psr ew300 piano keyboard from them a few years back when I got home opened the box up the plug was not with the unit not looking for a refund lol especially not now I used my old pianos plug and it got me by but just posting this for other people anytime you buy an item there open up the box and read the instruction manual on what is all supposed to be in the box this tactic makes you potentially return to the store in the hopes of the slimy staff getting more money out of the customer don't play games with them inspect the items you buy closely and make sure everything is in the box that's supposed to be in the box. read more

We went in tonight into the for the parts for my drum set Alex with his customer service skills Thank you Alex for going above and beyond for us! read more

I can say without a doubt, that I experience the WORST customer service of my I'm life at this store. For every musician / guitar player out there BEWARE. If you purchase a BRAND NEW guitar make sure to budget extra money to give guitar center for string changes. I bought a new guitar and changed my strings. When the nut and bridge fell off I took it to the store to return it. And was told that I completed "maintenance that altered the original condition of the guitar" so they wouldn't accept it. The whole team was argumentative, and had a negative attitude, not the least of which was the store manager. And considering that guitar center isn't exactly known for having the items taken care of, or their great repair services anyway you'd think they'd be more understanding of incidents like this. Even the online guitar center rep I spoke to afterward said "if I was in the store I would've returned it for you" You're much better off skipping their crappy broken down selection and going through a local shop or sweetwater. I will never step foot into this store again and will likely never drop a dime with guitar center ever again. read more

I have done my research and I'm ready to buy. However, salespeople aren't ready to take my money. I walked in on a slow Sunday, and am practically begging for someone to help me. Guitar Center you've got to do better. read more

An update : guitar centers' pr people who monitor these reviews left a comment on mine encouraging me to reach out to an email they listed so the store could make an attempt to make things right. I reached out to the email immediately. Not a single response. Please don't let these companies" social media accounts paint the picture that they're trying when they could give one care about 1 client. Do me a favor. Please consider Barkers music or Gottachalks or even Janis. This place does not deserve our business read more

Lied to me that all guitar centers don't take in trade ins the last 2 hours before close when the guitar center in Dublin, Sacramento, Emeryville and Concord have never given me issues. Wasn't the first time the staff has given me a random bs excuse they made up on the spot just to get away with not doing their job. Never coming back, going to Sacramento next time read more

Went in today to search for a new keyboard. I was there for about an hour or so. Played all 16 models that they have on display. I even found the one I wanted and would've purchased. But, I was COMPLETELY ignored. Found it funny that every other customer was engaged by a member of staff and helped- except me. I had to flag someone down to plug in one of the keyboards. And even then that's all she did. She didn't ask if I needed anything. But, the moment this weirdo had other merch in my hands, they began to pay attention. At that point she just asked if I was ready to check out. More got the feeling of "Let's hurry him out of our store." vibe than actually trying to help me. And THEN I heard it- "Have you been helped yet." I responded, "No. I haven't been helped yet. But, I can just continue to look around I guess." AND THEN SHE JUST LEFT. I ended up buying a lil cheap Yamaha guitar and some strings for my other instruments (banjo and mando). I spent about $200. But, they would've made five times that much if they simply just asked the weirdly-dressed guy if he needed help. I CLEARLY was someone who could handle a keyboard (I've played for ~30 years) and I was CLEARLY trying out every keyboard, all the settings and sounds. It was rather obvious I was on the hunt. All it would have taken was "Hi, is there anything we can help you find or do you have any questions?" and I would've walked out spending much more. Just because someone dresses funny or you ASSUME they are homeless or gay or different SHOULD NOT DICTATE THE LEVEL OF SERVICE THEY RECEIVE. Every customer deserves respect and assistance. [Cuz, not to brag, but, I'm kinda loaded. I just dress like a poor hippie.] I will never step foot in this GC again. They will never make a penny off of me again. And I was at their grand opening back when it FIRST opened! I waited in line forever with my friend and bought drumsticks- I was poor and 19! I guess I'll purchase my keyboard online- I guess I'll pay less too. read more

Guitar Center - Beware. Weirdos have money too. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Modesto, California

The staff is always welcoming and eager to help out. For being a mid-sized store compared to other GC's I've been to they have a nice selection of products to choose from and try out. read more

I posted this on Google, but hope I can help someone avoid what I went through by posting it here as well. If you need any repair or electrical work done, stay far away from this place. I brought in a stew Mac wiring kit for my Les Paul, so Bret (the tech) could install it. When I got my guitar back, he had forgotten 3 screws for the Jack plate. Unfortunately that was the least of my problems. The wiring was done extremely poorly, incorrectly (Bret said he gave me 50s wiring. He did not), messily, and dangerously. Furthermore, Bret tried to steal my brand new part and switch it out for another "brand new" off the shelf part. It was bent to hell and clearly used (see picture below). I came in with a short toggle switch, and left with a completely different one. When I went into the store to get a full refund so I could get it done correctly somewhere else, Bret absolutely refused. He said I didn't need a refund because I "wanted" to get it rewired, not that it needed to be. He said that almost immediately after ripping one of the ground wires off of a pot, yet refused to refund me. Him and the manager Scott even accused me of messing up the wiring. Although I had pictures from within an hour after picking it up, Scott said that didn't prove anything. Both of them were extremely rude and aggressive, and angrily stormed off in different fits. It was absolutely the worst customer service experience I've ever had. I ended up taking it to Hatch Guitar Works (I cannot recommend them highly enough) who were able to determine the guitar wasn't grounded properly, and 2 of the brand new pots had been damaged due to the poor soldering job and had to be replaced. They had to do a complete rewrite to fix all the terribly done solder joints. They got it working and sounding much better than GC did. I wouldn't trust GC to put strings on my guitar. read more

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I've been a lot of guitar centers around the country, and maybe I'm one of the lucky ones but I've always had the best experience and customer service. And today my experience just got even better at Modesto guitar center. Tonight, I decided to change my luck (before closing at 9pm) and purchase an ukulele. Not only did I get lucky but I found the most perfect ukulele by fender. California coast surf green limit addition ukulele. And it was on sale! Hell yeah! During my visit I was helped by an exceptional worker, Jaron (He goes by Jay), Who help me find this rare gem and help me all the way through. A huge thank you to you Jay and thank you for helping me tonight. read more

Guitar Center - Huge thank you to Jaron for all the help. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Modesto, California

Your best bet is to shop online or at a local music store that has the time to answer your questions. This location has literally never let me down when it comes to customer service. They suck. And they're pretty good at it. Not only will the associates ignore you, but they double down and act annoyed when you ask for help. Me holding a 800 dollar gutair... "Can I ask what kind of amp will make this sound the best?" Them "Im helping someone else right now...so..." I don't mind if your busy but please grab someone!!! Anyone would have prevented me from walking out. I don't get it. read more

Well, just an update on Guitar Center customer service. After spending hours on the phone, sending emails, and waiting a week, GC decided I should be stuck with a broken moving-head light they sold me that they had used as a demo...for who knows how long...even had a demo sticker on the bottom of the light. And how did they communicate that they weren't going to make this right? They ghosted me. Yes, as I explained before, I went into one of their stores and spent $12,000 on brand new DJ equipment. Unfortunately, one item they handed me wasn't even close to new. In fact, it didn't even work. I didn't open the box right away because I wasn't ready to use the light. Sadly, when I needed the light, I pulled the tape off of the box and found a used, broken demo light inside that they had sold me a few months before. And now, I have to spend money to ship it to the manufacturer because ADJ (American DJ) said they'd fix it if Guitar Center didn't stand behind the light...and they didn't. When all is said and done, I'll have a used, refurbished light that I bought for a brad new price. So, if you dont like dealing with drama and getting the run around, go somewhere else. The whole experience of doing business with GC is like dealing with a bunch of kids that show up to get paid. And that's not just at the store level. I dont have time, or the desire, to explain everything that went on, but needless to say, my days of shadowing Guitar Center's doors are over. I did find a place in San Francisco called "House of Stereo." They've been there for years, and they have everything. The guys at House of Stereo are very knowledgeable, and most importantly, they don't sell used, broken equipment for brand new prices, and then ghost their customers when there's an issue. There are plenty of music equipment retailers out there, just watch your back on who you give your money to. And for the record, I was pleasant every step of the way while trying to get this resolved. Best of luck to all of you aspiring musicians, DJs and music enthusiasts. And be careful who you give your money to. read more

They have amazing workers, very helpful. Lots of guitars and amps, nice store. The best store for electronic guitars in Modesto!

I must admit i have never played a musical instrument in my life. I came here to assist in out of town musician in pickup up a sound mixer he had ordered! While waiting i perused around the store! This store is magnificent! Everything a musician could possibly want all in one place! My friend said that guitar city was his "Disneyland". I could definitely see that! They offered lessons here, had recording booths and areas you could play your instruments! If i ever take up music, this will be my first stop! read more

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The employees have forged a weird atmosphere in this location. Definitely not a welcoming helpful demeanor. If anything the dudes were on some elitist type vibe. Chin in the air instead of interested in good customer service. I went ahead and purchased my goods but, won't go back. read more

Very well received and taken care of. Staff was knowledgeable and very attentive to this rookie guitar player. They took the time to answer all my questions and made sure I was completely satisfied before purchase. read more

When you can get service here, they're fantastic. Every guy that's helped me here has been both knowledgeable and friendly. But you have to wait a long time to get helped. I really only do it because they're the closest Guitar Center nearby but otherwise, I prefer to go to smaller music shops for this very reason. read more

I really hesitated to attempt to buy from this outfit again. The last time I was in there, just to get strings, the staff seemed disorganized and unaware of the need for customers. For example, when I came in, there were two gentlemen waiting at the counter near the guitar strings. They were there when I got there, they stood waiting for a few minutes with no one assisting them. After a while, they got frustrated and left. I had to wait a while longer for someone who was of limited assistance. Previous visits were equally unimpressive. Against my better judgment, I decided to buy a case for a new Washburn semi-hollow body I had purchased online (I didn't go to Guitar Center first based on previous experiences.) While the gentleman who assisted, me was somewhat helpful in identifying which case GC sells that would fit my axe, when I asked if they would guarantee fit before I took it from the store, he laughed as if I was some idiot who expected service from an in person salesman. Again, against my better judgment, I ordered the case (of course they didn't have it in stock) and waited. The 1-5 days' ship time I was told turned to be untrue, with a second trip down to the store wasted when I found that the clerk who thought it was in, said it wasn't. (Again, the long wait time, disappearing clerks, etc.). As of today, I am still hearing the "it will be in tomorrow" explanation. I asked to cancel the order, to which I was told, that it had to come in to be canceled (apparently, that's supposed to make things better). One lesson I have learned and encourage all others, try these guys for hand feel, but buy online. With Amazon, you get solid service, return privileges and no hassle. Plus you are not paying for the bricks and mortar. I used to believe in supporting my local businesses, but with this concept of service, I believe in going for lower price and less hassle online. Best of luck Guitar Center Update: Am REALLY enjoying the axes I bought online (four so far). Thank you for the handfeel so I could decide which ones to buy from Amazon. read more

Got a couple of guitars here, had no issues. The staff is knowledgeable on fixing issues with instruments. Will buy another guitar from them again in the future. read more

I would like to start off this review by saying every guitar center that I had ever been too, Sad to say I've had the same experience everytime, the associate looks miserable, looks like they don't wanna be there or even to the extent of them catching an attitude when you asked them for help, but I'm so happy this experience was different all thanks to Nick. very knowledgeable and made the transaction easy I would recommend going through him if you're ever in need of equipment from here keep up the good work Nick and I hope other guitar centers can use you as an example of how a customer should be treated. read more

Came in on Christmas with a large list of musical accoutrements for my older brother, I was in and out fairly quickly and the service was knowledgeable and polite even for how busy it was. Highly recommend for fellow Musicians! Shane G. helped me out big time! read more

This specific location has a prejudice against Mexican music. Multiple times, my brother and I, or my brother and his friends, have been harassed for playing siérreno and norteño music in the acoustic room. They'll literally be timing us, and will tell us to stop and leave after 10 minutes. And they always tell us with an attitude that we gotta leave, too. Ironic they would want it quiet in a Music Store. Glad they always have parts and accessories, but the service has definitely dropped in quality big time. read more

Okay, so it's small, crowded, and a bit disorganized--or Guitar Center. I went to look for audio recorders, something for my current progress into making skate park videos. They had a few models, but not being a photographic shop, they couldn't tell me how to integrate them. Unfortunately, the photographic shop in Dublin doesn't have audio equipment. They were friendly, but obviously, couldn't specially help me, since my need was outside their typical range. Prices were good, although not always cheap. I never think of Guitar Center as being cheap, but in the summer, I bought the headphones I wanted for $100 off. That was a deal. read more

Came here last night looking to purchase a Gibson Les Paul Standard.. The guy that sold me the 2001 Les Paul was a bit pushy about the guitar I was looking for and when I found the Les Paul to my interest he assured me that it was indeed a standard model and even asked the grumpy Kenny Rogers lookin luthier in the back of the shop to confirm and when I noticed a crack on the neck he also assured me that the crack was only cosmetic and proceeded to talk me into buying an overpriced case and some insurance. Well I came the next day to return alllll of it after studying the crack on the the neck and also finding out that the Gibson model that I brought wasnt even a standard but a classic. The gentlemen that assisted me last night was not there but a thick blond haired robot sideburns fellow with glasses was their to greet me. As a customer there's nothing more annoying than to have to stand there waiting for my refund to get processed and hearing his moans and complaints to get my money back. If he's so fed up with his job and doesn't know what he's doing than why doesn't he just quit? Should've checked on yelp first before even taking my business here. I can't stand these so called guitar experts on their high horse treating customers like idiots when it comes to guitar information. read more

I called to ask how much they charge to put on two missing guitar strings. I was quoted $30.00 plus an additional fee for the strings. Wow! Not going to happen. I called Gotchalks music center on Burney street. I was told if I buy the strings there they will put them on for free! You can buy the pack or you can pay per string and my total will be $10. It's been a while but now I remember why I went to got Gotchalks in the past. Update: I ended up paying under $5 dollars for the strings and installation at Gottschalk music Center on Burney street. (Price depends on the type of string used) read more

I've only been here twice and both visits i spent several hundreds of dollars. My first visit, I purchased a Yamaha full size (88-keys) electric piano, a piano stand and a seat. Customer service was above and beyond. The purchase transaction was fast and easy. They offered insurance on my products but was not pushy. They helped me load all my equipment into my van. My 2nd visit, I bought a new Fender Jaguar electric guitar and a Line 6 guitar amp and a guitar case. Aaron at the front register was a great help to me. He was very friendly with fast service and is very knowledgeable on all their products. They have great products and prices here; but what will make me come back is their great customer service! read more

Guitar Center - Store front on Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend 2015 - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Modesto, California

Although the instructors are cool at this place and I could see you learning of you have the time, don't sign up for reoccurring payments. I had to pay for 6 lessons I never got to use. They have weird cancellation policies they do t tell you about in the beginning so when you call to say "hey I cant make it can we reschedule for this" they say "yes, but you'll be charged for this session because we need 24 hours or more notice" ok, fine I didn't no that! No one, mention it also when I went to cancel because it just wasn't working for me they refused and I ended up paying for 6 lessons I never used. Not super expensive but expensive enough to leave a bad review. I would not try this company again, nor recommend it to anyone I liked. Company policy I understand but poor customer service and communication. For me it's a no, and if I could give it no stars I would! read more

I tried to get the shipping department to speed up the shipment. I was willing to pay extra. They weren't willing to cooperate in any manner. I cancelled my purchase. read more

I was ready to purchase a medium-priced guitar and amp. I was there for about 40 mins. I only saw 2 guys working there in the afternoon. They both looked busy with clipboards. Maybe taking inventory. Anyways I did not receive any help, so I just left. So, I guess I will buy my gear online from Sweetwater instead. read more

So, this is a follow-up to my review of a week ago. Shortly after I posted my review I got an email from the owner of the store who said that he had referred me to the manager. The manager emailed me the next day, basically thanking me for my fairly critical Yelp and offering me the opportunity to try again, implicitly promising a better in-store experience. I took him up on his offer, and he delivered with flying colors. He spent at least half an hour with me and sold me the guitar I wanted at a price I could afford - no small feat! I am home with my beautiful new classical guitar practicing. I am happy. My guitar is happy, you'll have to take my word for that, and Guitar Center Modesto is presumably happy as they made a sale and have a new happy customer who will be returning to the store soon to buy more guitar stuff and telling people what a great business they run. All's well as ends well. Fingers not happy though. Fingers sore. Too bad fingers, suck it up. You have to learn to make music worthy of this beautiful instrument. ;/) Thank you Kona. read more

Shitty service apparently standing in line doesn't matter when other people get helped before you do so many employees and no one came to help or aid me. Also doesn't help when I am trying to leave the store with my purchase and the employees are blocking the way. And to top it off the lady who I said kindly to too excuse me she mocked me and said excuse me.. f u you white racist b read more