I've been going to this Guitar Center for 20 years or so, before that I was going to their location across the street which is now a Mattress store. In all that time, I never cared to write a review, until now. Here's what happened, brace yourselves for the feelgood story of 2025. I went in with my wife a week ago, so that after all these years of guitar playing, I could buy my first bass. I ended up leaving with a Taylor 12 string, go figure. Jadon was the employee who helped me, and this dude was the first Guitar Center employee I've met who was more excited to sell me a guitar, than I was to buy one! Fast forward 1 week later, and I was regretting putting down so much money on a guitar that I always wanted, but didn't quite need. I went in looking for a bass after all, but the only basses I actually liked were $3,000 plus. After some thought, I came to the conclusion that I didn't want a cheap bass, I couldn't afford a good bass, and I didn't feel too good about a 12 string. What my collection always needed was a 7 string, so back to Guitar Center I went. This time I met Chad, and Chad was yet another awesome Guitar Center employee. He was actually interested in discussing my collection, and talking about the subtle differences between Martins and Taylors. We nerded out over guitar stuff, while he made the return process quick and painless. He let me know that the day after Christmas there's a big sale, and he and Jadon would be working that day if I decided to come back. December 26th arrived, and I woke up bright and early, ready to head to Guitar Center for a 7 string. Unfortunately, the selection was slim, just a handful of Schecters and Ibanez's that really didn't do it for me. I've always wanted an Iceman, but they didn't have the 7 string version in stock. I was contemplating having them order one for me, without having played it, but it just didn't feel right. At this point, my wife was noodling around on an acoustic bass. I've always tried to get her into guitar, and after almost 20 years of marriage, she was contemplating buying an acoustic bass for herself! Life is definitely strange. Jadon let me know that he could order the Ibanez Iceman, and if I didn't like it when it arrived, I could return it. Something told me that I wouldn't return this one, and it was a good idea to pull the trigger. I asked Jadon if he could give me a good deal on the Iceman, I might end up also buying an acoustic bass. He said it was up to his manager, and that he would ask. Shortly after that, he returned with a decent discount offer that would take off 5%, which isn't too bad for a $1,500 guitar. At the end of the day, I ended up getting the 7 string version of a guitar I always wanted, and my wife is learning an instrument I never expected her to be interested in. The guitar was her Christmas gift to me, but her interest in playing bass, is a far greater gift if you ask me. I'm currently counting down the days until the Iceman arrives and I could go and pick it up from Guitar Center. The main reason I'm leaving this (very long) review, is to highlight how awesome the staff at this location is, particularly Jadon. The guy has a great attitude, and takes pride in helping people. My past experiences with Guitar Center employees have typically not been the best. I couldn't tell you why, I always just assumed it was just the way it was, and dealt with it. In my recent visits, that pattern seems to have changed. Jadon was awesome, Chad was awesome, and a few other employees (whose names I didn't catch), were awesome too. This type of service is what inspired me to write a review for the first time in over 20 years of going to Guitar Center. Management should be proud of themselves for hiring an excellent team! read more

I've shopped at this Guitar Center for 20+ years, and today was the worst experience I've ever had. A Roland rep named Joel spoke to me and my 3‑year‑old son in a rude, condescending tone while my son was trying a display electronic drum kit. He snapped, "That's a 2k drum set," and then told us to use the "kids set" instead. Completely unprofessional. He even refused to get a manager and falsely claimed he was one. A real manager later told me he wasn't even Guitar Center staff. Joel ruined my son's first visit here. After two decades of loyalty, I'm taking my business elsewhere -- likely Starving Musician down the street. read more

Came here with my drummer friend to get some gear. The associate I think his name was Sandro was very nice and gave us great service. Other associates working were very friendly they also give music lessons. This is definitely the store to come if you are a musician or looking into being one. read more

See all

I have been shopping here for a couple of years. Bought a Yamaha acoustic and an electrical guitar, and an amp, and countless small accessories. Overall this is my to-go place for trying and buying guitars. But please set some rules for your acoustic room. I appreciate you let people come and try your guitars in the acoustic room. But for my recent visits, there are always some groups of people making the acoustic room an karaoke place. Play guitars to hear the sound, no problem. Play guitars loudly, OK, but please keep your volume down a bit so others can hear their instrument as well. But playing loudly while singing loudly, and even have some small chorus just making other people not able to experience and browse the guitar at all. Please do something for this. read more

It was still a fun place to hang out and chatting about Music or getting instruments. However, time changes, and most of the staffs I know don't work there anymore read more

I appreciate the staff here at Guitar Center because of their patience and assistance. They were very helpful with all of our questions and needs. My friend and I took a group of musicians here to purchase a guitar. They were very particular about what they needed, but unfortunately, Guitar Center did not have the exact guitar. However, they recommended a bunch of other similar guitars, having them play them. Over time, they were able to choose a guitar, and the staff were helpful all along the process. We spent about 2 hours in the store. As my friend and I waited, we browsed around and also asked questions to other staff members. We were given very informational knowledge regarding guitars and other equipment, especially since we had zero knowledge. Thank you, Guitar Center, for a well-trained staff with excellent customer service. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Clara, California

See all

Very good service today from GC Stevens Creek. The 2 gentlemen that helped me portrayed excellent customer service and they were very honest about what I was trying to accomplish. They were also very friendly and fun. read more

Walked in twice today with $3k in my pocket, ready to buy an electronic drum kit. I knew exactly what I wanted, but couldn't get anyone to take my money for goods. Easiest sale in the business. The only person who spoke to me was the Roland rep--who politely stopped on his way out to lunch--and he earns the one star. I asked two sales reps for help and each said they'd get to me. One I asked twice. The other just sat behind the counter chatting another employee up between occasionally ringings up of someone for strings or picks. I'm calling Sweetwater tomorrow. Thanks for letting me try the gear, GC--but once again, you made it impossible to actually buy anything. Not sure why I even bother with Guitar Center anymore. NEXT DAY - UPDATE: Hey Sales Reps--next time you miss your SPH goal and wonder why you didn't get commission... again... here's what 40 minutes with someone willing to help turned into: * Roland V-Drums TD-17KVX2 * Bose L1 Pro16 PA System * Bose S1 Pro+ * Mackie ProFX12v3 12-Channel Mixer ...plus all the extras. It'll be at my house Saturday. Bonus: I won't have to haul it out to my car by myself--like the guy I helped to his car on my way out, while your staff just watched. Call Aaron @ Sweetwater if you want an easy experience. read more

Perfect store for browsing not only the guitar (and there are a a lot of guitar to choose from!) but also the piano, drums, strings, etc. The store inside is pretty specious with a couple of sound proof rooms where you can try the guitar you like. The staff is friendly and you can tell they love what they do! There is parking just in front of the main entrance. Next to the store there is a newly opened car wash. There is a restroom inside. read more

See all

This is a review for the repair service at the Stevens Creek store. The switch on my son's 2004 American stratocaster HSS was intermittent. It had to be replaced with a new fender four pole five throw "super switch". Diego was my repair tech, and suggested that I order the switch myself since a consumer would get faster delivery than a store order. I found the Fender switch on Amazon, and had it in two days. The rewiring job was really complicated, because this guitar has an S1 switch with 12 connections, and the 5 position selector switch has 24 solder joints! Diego did a fantastic job of replacing the switch and figuring out the wiring. Apparently he has been at the store for nine years - and his experience really shows. The price for the repair was very reasonable and I would definitely recommend Diego for any future repairs. read more

One of the workers were rude for just being in a "premium" room,and they kicked me out their store. They basically called me broke,said that i wasn't worth being here. They asked me to leave by basically doing nothing, they accused me of moving stuff around, which yes i did but i wasn't ruining their store? Yes the service was great when i FIRST came here but that new employee will HATE you if your not there in the store to make him commission from your sale. I bought my amp and my $1000 guitar at guitar center and i bought plenty of more stuff from them before to, and i cant have a day to just enjoy their inventory cmon man. read more

Guitar Center - Cool guitars - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Clara, California

THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE STAFF!! You guys helped me pick a microphone and an audio interface. The guy that was helping us was incredibly friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I really enjoyed his vibe and all of the great advice he gave us. We even came back later that day with my nephew to get a microphone stand and a couple of other things to build a bedroom studio. Strongly recommend coming to this guitar center for all your needs!! This place is super cool to hang out at and try some of the instruments.. it was a very fun and comfortable experience. read more

First time coming here. It was busy but employees were helpful and responsive. Special shoutout for Diego, who was very kind and willing to go beyond to help. read more

As usual, great experience at Guitar Center Santa Clara. I have been buying and selling equipment there for years and never had a problem or a bad experience. All staff are totally kind and professional and they really know their stuff. I would recommend this store for any musician. read more

Our First time coming to this place. I must say, their customer service is superb! Moses who help us, answers every question(s) we have. He is very diligent and passionate of what he does. Kudos Moses! We bought Yamaha Piano... read more

My recent Guitar Center Santa Clara location experience. I've been coming to Santa Clara location for at least 20 years and have allows experienced great customer service. My most recent experience was awesome. I had the fortunate pleasure of working with Chrissy she's super knowledgeable and passionate about music. She went above and beyond to make sure that the guitar I was purchasing was the right fit for me. I was pleasantly surprised by the competitive pricing compared to other stores and online marketplaces such as eBay and Reverb. I also received a fair price for my Gibson SG trade in. Thank You Santa Clara Guitar Center for your great service. Thumbs up! Frank read more

Guitar Center - EVH Baby :) - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I don't usually associate GC with great service, but today was the exception. Nick Kelso from the repairs department was simply outstanding today. I came in with a bass guitar that was repaired twice by another guitar shop in the area. Once because they screwed it up and twice because they screwed it up further. The original problem was the nut was cross threaded with the jack. After 2 repairs and some pretty dismissive explanations, I was left with a bass guitar that couldn't consistently connect. I would be on stage and never know if my first note would actually sound. Nick's shift was done at 5 and I came in around 4 and told him what happened. He got to work right away and was really careful about explaining what he was doing and why and getting my buy in before he moved forward. Nick was super honest and had high integrity and I really appreciated that. There was no sleazy upsell. He just told you what it was, and what it was going to cost you. He was also really clear about the things he was not going to do and I really respected that. I really appreciated that, especially since the last shop wasn't like that and I felt like I was being taken for a ride. Nick worked past his shift and ultimately put in a new jack for my guitar, tested it thoroughly, re-soldered the wires so they weren't makeshiftly done. He put in a cable, twisted it all around and not one pop or crackle. He knew that we had paid about 2-3 times more than what we should have for this kind of repair and he took that personally. He made sure that I was taken care of and I know who I'm going to go to next for my next guitar repair. read more

I love this guitar center. I bought and sold my several gears at this location in last 10 years and I am looking for my new guitar and often visit them to try a bunch of guitars and they are always patient. Currently, i am loving the telecaster but want to explore a bunch before i connect with the instrument and model. The guitar center gets very very busy on weekends so you may have to check back on your associate who is helping you because they get bombarded with so many customers. read more

Went here looking for new guitar picks and strings for my acoustic which was easy. But I was also hoping to get some help about maybe buying a bass guitar and an amp but no one was available to help me, so I just got the picks and strings and left. Still I would've spent upwards of $500 if there were more employees to help me. But a more patient person wouldn't have had any problems. read more

This place is a shit hole. I would give Zero star if that option is available. Called and asked if they can tune my acoustic guitar. The guy said sure can tune but for $35 can also change the strings. Told that that is ok with me and I am bringing my guitar. When I arrived with my guitar, I was made to wait for 15 minutes although I told that I had called by phone and there were free guys just standing around. After that wait, one of the free guys came to me and sorry for keep you waiting and asked me what I needed I told him that I needed a tune up and I was told that you can also change the strings. He asked me if I was told how much will that cost, I said I was told $35. The guy said yes $35. But we can also clean, polish and do something else for $109. I said no do the tune and string change for $35 today. Another guy had come in and was listening to this , who said he will do it. I told him I can leave my guitar and come back another day to pick if he will need that. He said no, it going to take about 15 minutes and he will do it now. So I told him I will just handle around in that case. I was looking at things in other sections and almost 20 minutes passed so went to check if my guitar was done. The guy said he got busy with other customers and told me to give him another 5 minutes. So I went and browsing things and gave 10 minutes instead of 4 minutes to be sure. When I went to him, he was not there but a different person. I was told by that person that he is not sure if the guy has finished in my guitar and the guy is not there. I told him that I can come back tomorrow. He asked me to write my name and number on a paper which did and left. Next day I went to pick my guitar and the same guy who was repairing said I am going to bring your guitar and asked me to go wait at the cashier. He brought my guitar and after I paid $35 he handed my guitar to me I noticed that he had not done anything whatsoever, not tune up, but loose strings and same old strings. Not only that but he had done some serious damage which appeared from some sharp object. All the other guys were just standing there free and side looking at me, smiling. I felt helpless and walked away with my guitar without a word. I pondered a lot as to why they did this to me. May be because I had rejected the $109 work or just because I am a transgender person which they may have hate for Any way, whatever the reason, that was the treatment they gave me read more

Dog shit service. Workers tell you to come in before pick up orders are ready and they can push it forward for me to pick up when I arrive and then waste 40 minutes to drive there just for them to tell me they can't. On top of that, the employee cancels my order without even asking me after telling him no that I don't want to wait 3-5 days for a refund I'll just wait until order is ready. Garbage all around. I'd rather pay extra at small shops who actually value their customers. Never stepping foot in a guitar center ever again. read more

Best music store with a huge selection and deals. Helpful knowledgeable staff ready to aaaist in any way.

I had a positive experience at this Guitar Center location. I bought strings for my acoustic guitar and purchased a little drum set for my neice. I called ahead of time to arrange a pick up for the drum set and strings. Juan helped me through the entire process. It was packed and ready to go upon my arrival. Thank you for the good, reliable customer service. I always appreciate it when I can save precious time. Thank you, Juan... read more

I needed a ukulele and had a great experience at Guitar Center in Santa Clara. Lloyd spent a lot of time with me to select the best one for me. He was informative, helpful and seemed to really care. Great experience. Top notch customer service! read more

The customer service here is frustrating. Most of the time, no one is available, or they ask you to wait with no clear follow-up. The only person who actually spoke to me was the Roland rep--everyone else seemed uninterested or unhelpful. I came in ready to buy a keyboard but ended up waiting around just to get assistance. After going up to the counter multiple times, someone finally checked if the model I wanted was in stock. I returned to the piano section, waited another 25 minutes, and saw the same staff member helping someone else. When I followed up, he claimed he couldn't find me--though it was obvious he didn't really try. Not a great experience for someone who came in ready to make a purchase. read more

A good G.C.with helpful staff and wide selection of used and new gear. Good guitar repair and refurbishing. Made my guitar look as good as new for a reasonable price. read more

Have been coming here for years for anything from cables, reeds, strings, audio interfaces, instruments! My last experience just left a great impression so I figured I'd share my experience. I went in looking for an electric bass and I just browsed in the bass section, looking for an affordable but well made 4-string. I ended up helping my self to a Squire Precision Bass and when I went to check out, the worker asked if I wanted to add the protection plan. I'm pretty good about not damaging instruments so I figured I'd pass. But then the man offered to lower the price for the plan (by adding a discount on the guitar) and at that point I couldn't pass on it given the price! Some may see that as pushy retail technique but for me it was appreciated. Now I'm enjoying my bass everyday like a little kid with a new toy. Thank you Guitar Center! read more

These reviews are crazy. Just go to Jordan & Nick. They'll take care of you, with professionalism & with knowledge. Going to keep going back to them. They need raises ASAP. read more

Their customer service was above and beyond. I went in looking for headphones and the sales person walked me over to the display and explained each one to me. I really really wish I could remember his name. Such a sweet guy. read more

Very helpful staff lots of things to choose from for any musical needs and any recording needs any content needs if you are a blogger this is your place read more

We came here for a digital piano. Phil helped us find a low-cost solution. We have been looking at pianos that cost three times as much but we're not as good and full of features that we didn't need. The touch and sound are everything, for an instrument you cannot get this type of service and shopping experience on the Internet. The price and service were excellent. They even helped us take our purchase out to the car. They arranged free shipping of an additional item to our house. We would recommend This place. read more

Staff were patient, helpful, accommodating and friendly. They even threw in a few extras at no additional cost

HORRIBLE customer service. Last week I came in person to buy an item, some bald guy who works there I didn't get to catch his name but he was extremely rude and very unprofessional and tried making fun of my health problem. To avoid going in person, I needed to get headphone so I set it up as curb side pick up, when I checked in from the email it took them 30 mins to get back to me and worst part was they came saying they have inventory issues and did not have my item . Not happy. read more

The Guitar Tech, Diego, is a miracle worker. Brought in a Taylor Acoustic 114c with a high saddle and he somehow was able to modify it to where it now plays incredibly. This is the second setup that he has done for me. He both greatly improved the both guitars. read more

There at 2:30pm on a Wednesday wanted to purchase 2 Les Pauls but I wanted to try some of the less expensive Les Pauls first...when I was sure I patiently waited for help to get the two Gibsons but I was just ignored . This treatment is common. I will make my purchase from Sweetwater and just wait for delivery. They really seem to care about their customers. read more

My latest experience at this store was great. The staff took care of my return and exchange. I appreciate the customer service they provide as it's not easy making everyone happy. Thanks GC Santa Clara read more

Poor customer service. Asked if I could buy a guitar box and was told to wait while they did more important things for 20minutes until I left. I've spent thousands here and was shocked at the poor treatment. read more

Good place to get most of my DJ stuff they have big selection of things. It is always my go to. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Clara, California

I quite like this place! Come here pretty regularly when I'm in the area just to kill some time. Apparently they have a crapload of services to offer: tune ups, lessons, experienced staff and all that good stuff! Bought my first guitar here and will probably will probably pick up my next guitar somewhere else and closer. Like there's this cool little spot in Santa Rosa that I like to go to cuz supporting local is where it's at! Anyway, when you're here, feel free to play all the "forbidden" songs that everyone knows and I'm sure the staff have heard thousands of times more than they ever dreamed of. Haha. Dorks. LuvYou!!! :D read more

My dear reader, I must apologize for not writing about BMX today. I know it's a brutal deviation, and I'm sorry. I just had to comment on something that has made me sad: It is amazing how touchy people can be these days. Just the slightest thing can set them off. I understand, not everyone can enjoy the benefits of the Hikikomori lifestyle--especially when it is forced upon them. But when I read the recent reviews of GC I had to wonder just how hard do these people have it. Has life for them really been so horrible? Having been a decades long customer I must admit that I've never seen the store so under staffed, the stock so low, and the place in such disarray. It's shocking, but then consider that these cats are actually risking their lives to provide us with some toys (ah, yes they are very nice toys, very nice toys), should we really be all up in their face? My policy at GC has been to be patient, because there are more customers than there is help. I asked Ryan, one of the managers, about the situation. He explained that there are a lot of factors, and yes people are generally afraid to put their lives on the line to sell some guitars. The result is a crew of three or four. I've seen it when fifteen people weren't enough to keep things going smoothly at GC, just imagine how difficult it must be as a part of such a small crew. Wow--scary. There's a new Bill and Ted's movie out, and the running theme through all three movies is to be excellent to each other. When you are feeling stressed, and your inner amp wants to go to eleven just remember, that dude helping you could be safely at home playing Zelda, but instead he's at GC risking his well being just to help you get your next toy! My request to you is please dig deep down inside, and be excellent my dear reader. Be excellent, and maybe think about what you could do to put a smile on the face of the person helping you. It will bring you great joy, and who knows, maybe even a nice discount on a purple guitar. read more

Guitar Center - The Purple Guitar! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Clara, California