A very, very generous 2 stars for disrespectful, smug, and ultimately dishonest salespeople. Why so drastic? Where should we start.... I am back at home from New York. The first time I went to brush up my gentle, budding studio. I was looking for a condenser mic and a sound card. Mac (whose overconfident attitude made me wonder if he'd live up to his name) told me some useful things, some of which I knew, some of which I didn't. My dad also asked some questions about why you would need a soundcard as an interface when recording, etc etc. I contributed my knowledge to the discussion as well- at least a third of the time it was me. But none of that mattered, because Mac would rather make a show of pretending I don't exist, and continuing to bro-bond with my dad, man-thumping him at the end of the info-session, as if we are at some kind of music awards ceremony. I don't know if people think I wouldn't pick up on this level of disrespect, or if they knew I would but didn't care. You know, because maybe their archetypal self-image as a rapper-by-night depends on having plenty of girl musicians around to talk down to. He then goes on to try and push a designer microphone that is around 400 dollars, when I said more than once that my budget was 100 and under. Incredibly, his reply is "well, this one is a great starter mic." and then another pearl: "I always tell people...its better to go slowly than not to go at all" What luck of mine, to stumble upon such a clairvoyant musical guru! The infinite blessings!! It makes me want to go zen-meditate until steam comes out of my ears. Of course, maybe in his mind he can pull off these kind of boys-club glory stunts because he's the best rapper Jersey never heard of. About to blow up real big! I wish he would, and get out of a position where he is relied upon for integrity. And an actual good nature, not an insatiable and transparent desire to be better than others. People don't come to music stores often...it's like buying an engagement ring. If I am going to buy a piece of equipment I will continue to bond with for years, and you decide to come in between that. Well...you get two stars, and a lot of heat. And even that is a gift, a GIFT, only because I don't want to be too extreme, and I also know that this kind of sales dynamic is becoming scarce and that is a damn shame... I guess. read more

My husband (a life long musician) and I came to this store last weekend to check it out. None of the staff even noticed us, even when the hubby picked up and started playing a guitar. Obviously, these guys don't work on commission. We were already out the first set of doors when the customer service girl looked up and asked if we found everything ok. read more

Use Sweetwater sound if you possible can. No local stores around here, but customer service at Sweetwater is off the charts.

This is one of the better Guitar Centers. However, over the years the selection of higher quality guitars has decreased. This Guitar Center is located near many affluent towns, so you would expect a larger inventory of higher-end instruments for serious musicians and professionals. Its located on a center island of Rt 22. The entrance is on the westbound side of 22. There's plenty of parking, and a Sam Ash across the street if you want to price shop. Note that there are more guitars at the Guitar Center, where Sam Ash has more band instruments. The store is clean and kept up well. I've found the staff to be mostly helpful and friendly. As in most guitar stores, you will be treated to some beginner trying to play Sweet Child or Iron Man at full volume, while out of tune and missing most of the notes. But, that's par for the course. You can usually try to negotiate prices if you are serious about buying something, and don't be afraid to ask for a manager if you want the best possible deal. read more

Seems they started to notice their poor rating over the yelp, even after it is too late to get their reputation back (if there was any before). These guys are really amateur and unprofessional, they don't know what you want and what you really care (but they do care about your pocket lol), for those who want to buy high end guitar, this is really not your place to go to (but hmm... still nice place to try because no one's gonna disturb you). The manager there is quite rude, still remembered that once I was going to adjust my guitar's pickup for the UST unbalanced issue, while the unbalanced issue didn't get any improved after the guitar tech did some simple sanding on the saddle, he insisted that the pickup was already balanced and charged me 15 bucks. He even took out a $1,800 Gibson to let me do comparison, and asked me to take care when I tried it because it was "expensive". I guess this poor guy has never seen a really expensive guitar or ever afforded to buy one. So few weeks ago I went there to exchange a GS-mini (because their poor storage in NY city when it was delivered it was fxxx dead dry), that manager was very impatient and asked me not to return the guitar again like the bad condition of the guitar they sold to me was all of my fault. After the exchange was unhappily done, when I rejected to purchase the funny protection plan he was quite surprised and further explained what it could do and asked me why I wouldn't like to buy it. This query was so silly, I gently rejected him again but thought who the hell was gonna put the money in waste by purchasing the insurance for a GS-mini? Even for hd28v I wouldn't buy one because this plan does nothing to your guitar. That manager really needs to take some lesson to learn how to talk to people, especially his customers. Anyway I would never go here again. read more

So I have been going to this location for years. The drum section is great, pro audio is decent, and the rest of the store is mediocre. What I have a real problem with is customer service over the phone, and having the sales people check the in-store inventory. I live closer to the Somerville Circle location, and customer service at that one is horrible. I have been lied to over the phone about "new in box" products, and inventory, which is unacceptable. At the Springfield location, they have somewhat knowledgeable salespeople, but nothing that great. I would not recommend buying any high quality gear from Guitar Center. If you need a decent drum set, decent PA, a decent guitar, and so on, they are ok, but there are much better stores around that you can shop at. For better customer service and higher quality gear go to Sweetwater, B&H Photo/Video, or Canal Hi-Fi. read more

I had called prior and was told they definitely had the amp I wanted. I showed up and was immediately offered help by a twenty something year old guy, about my age. And I told him what I was there to get. He proceeded to tell me they didn't have it. Knowing I had literally just called minutes before showing up, I asked again, "are you sure you don't have it? Because I just called." And he, with unnecessary attitude, responded by saying, "dude, I told you we don't have it." Practically raising his voice to me. I walked away from him furiously and around the corner only steps away from that ridiculous encounter, I found the amp I wanted. Never going back. Guitar center sucks. read more

I am reviewing my experience with Guitar center, but not a particular Guitar center and not the one in Springfield, New Jersey. I recently purchased a used set of drums from them. It was located in a Dallas, Tex. Store. But almost all my dealings were with a Sales person. I received several emails from prior to it's being shipped. I asked him about the condition of the drums. Specifically I asked about scratches or gouges in the finish. He told me there were some minor scratches., To be expected with used gear. I tried to get the price of the drums down a little but he told me the prices were set to sell the item. It was however priced as if it were new. I knew because I had priced them back when they were new but didn't buy at that time. When the drums arrived the first drum I pulled out of its box was the bass drum. The finish in the inlay of the hoop had lifting at one end. Not to bad but noticeable. The finish material was lifting along the seam of the bass drum for about 4 inches. And there was a buckling of the finish material under one of the lugs on the bass drum. I tried to contact this guy at his email and once by phone but to no avail. I called a customer service number and spoke to someone who seemed to be trying to be helpful. He tried to locate this gentleman but could not. I never heard from him. I even called the store where the set was originally from. The damage to the bass drum was obvious to anyone who looked the drum over at least Once. I'm not sure how to fix it and would probably have to go to a drum store for repair. I've had dealings before with guitar center before with satisfactory results but this time they blew it. I have refrained from using any names of individuals but maybe I shouldn't be concerned about them. I should have been made aware of the damage to the bass drum. As I say I haven't heard from anyone from guitar center. Not good read more

I've purchase a classical guitar and most recently, a ukulele from this location. They were willing to not only match the price I found at another place for the ukulele but beat it! Then about a week later, I received a follow up email on my purchase checking in to see if everything is okay. Easy, friendly, personalized shopping is what will keep me coming back. Would recommend. read more

I know it wasn't much but I walked in looking for a gift card. (I don't play instruments) the guy by the door pointed me in the direction, there was a cashier ready, I was in and out in less than three minutes. It looked clean, plenty of staff, and instruments everywhere. Plenty of parking and Sam ash across the street? I suppose if you're look big for something this is a good place to go. read more

The clerk was really helpful and listen to my needs and recommend the best product for my son who will start soon to play piano. Good first experience will be coming back for sure read more

Walked in not knowing what was wrong with my daughters bass guitar. It just stopped working and we can hear no sound. Joe took her bass and in about 10 minutes her bass was working again. Didnt need an appointment, didnt have a long list of questions to answer, he just fixed it! Thanks Joe for excellent customer service! read more

I'll make this one pretty short and sweet. Ive had my share of problems with buying used gear from guitar center, but, since they've always offered a risk-free 30 day policy if a piece of gear truly didn't work, or had major issues, I took my chances. I ordered a Roland Gaia synth from this store (I live and work in Baltimore Maryland) - it was listed in 4/5 star condition. (very good/excellent) Notwithstanding the missing knobs the unit (didn't) come with, the unit came with a completely incorrect power supply. I called and asked about this and was told that the supply would work just fine. So - halfway into a gig, unit resets. then does it again, and again. The TC Electronic power supply used for the Roland unit apparently wasn't up to snuff. I was certainly ( and I think understandably ) annoyed (but very polite when returning the unit to Towson - it wasn't their fault - Jersey shipped the units with the missing knobs and wrong power supply) Apparently Towson coded the return as "buyer's remorse" (Meaning I'm arbitrarily returning it with no reason other than I changed my mind... NOT SO - I wanted the unit, just a working unit) However. if by buyer's remorse, they mean do I regret not having the proper power supply to use the unit correctly --- yet, that's true... Then, to the real point, because they didn't acknowledge fact the unit had an issue, they didn't not refund me the shipping for the unit, as was always the policy with not working units. So, I'm out of pocket for the privledge of testing the theory of whether a Roland GAIA keyboard will work with a TC Electronic power supply designed for one of the guitar pedals. I should've learned my lesson after receiving a fair amount of used equipment that was in terrible shape from various GC's but, I always felt the risk was worth it because there was no penalty is something was truly not working or damaged. It doesn't get much worse than having a unit consistently fail on a gig because a salesperson who obviously doesn't understand power supplies wouldn't acknowledge there was an issue, but, on my end, I am penalized.... Now, there's no chance in H88L of EVER taking a chance on a used piece from any of their stores--- if they screw up and send you the wrong necessary power cable, refuse to acknowledge thats a problem, you're going to be penalized -So, if you don't want to be held to paying money for the privilege of trying a unit without even the correct accessories to make it work, don't buy GC Used! read more

My teenage son has been playing the guitar, acoustic and electric, for many years now, and we always have good experiences at the Guitar Center. The other day we went in and were helped by Mike. My son needed new strings, etc for his guitar. Mike was extremely helpful and nice, he spent a good deal of time with my son and gave him some great advice. We so appreciated it!! Great customer service, and we will be back! By the way, I don't quite understand the less than favorable reviews as we have always been treated kindly and with respect, they are always helpful, without being overbearing, and they even let my son hang out there and play his guitar--super nice, great advice (on how to clean/maintain his guitar), and always professional! read more

I'd like to thank Guitar Center for explaining to me what a gig bag is and how I should care for my first guitar. You see, my father allowed me to leave the house today and since I'm not married off yet, I appreciate the help with reading. My lady brain just couldn't handle shopping for myself, (I just learned how to drive as well, it's been an exciting year!). I would also like to thank the cashier for only addressing my father as I handed him the money I earned myself, really took the stress of small talk off my fragile lady shoulders. Would return, 10/10 experience. I feel alive and well informed. Just wish my boobs didn't get in the way of playing! I've played guitar for 11 years, I own 5 guitars, and am treated as an incompetent child the second I walk through the door. Misogynistic pricks. I will never go back. read more

Visited this store to buy some ukulele picks and it took me over 30 minutes to do so, because Jorge, the cashier was a total MORON and a NASTY individual. He stops in the middle of the transaction to clear his throat of phlem and spits it in a trash bin that was by him, no apologies or excuses for this disgusting behavior! Then he proceeds to ask me all sorts of personal questions, and last he cheats me out of $1 when he finally gave me back my change! NEVER AGAIN! read more

well i knew what i wanted...went in to get a fender....i got the one i wanted..but what blew me away was how awesome these people were...real helpful and very cordial...i highly rate them.....and do have a bit of research on your side as to what models you're looking for...it'll help both sides to have the best outcome....i know i did...i even got a nice discount on the guitar...woohoo.... read more

Whoa! I am reading some of the reviews about the Springfield Guitar center and I must say I am shocked. This store is a great place, so I don't agree with the reviews at all. First of all I was greeted at the front door by a sales person who said welcome to the Guitar Center let us know if we can help you. I was directed to the repair technician, since I had some questions about my daughter's acoustic guitar. The prices were displayed on poster, so I didn't have to haggle or guess. The guitar specialist said bring it in and I will fix it while you wait. The guy was a master technician, Bobby Longo. Super professional, courteous, and fair. He suggested that if I wanted to, I could check out the high end Gibson Les Pauls and browse around while I wait. Nobody bothered me unless I had some questions. A very nice and knowledgable salesman, Cristian showed me around and was very patient with the different brands and let me handle and play each instruments. They had a great selection of very high end and low end. He was not pushy and offered many options to purchase, lay away or no interest credit. I have bought several instruments and 2 guitars over the recent years and always had a good experience with fair prices. I would recommend this place to anyone and will continue to trade up and go back without hesitation. read more

Customer service is the worst, been waiting for 40 minutes to get a guitar appraised for my boyfriend, a guitar player for many years, and the sales clerk was explaining how volume knobs work...like really? Also the person that is supposed to be doing the appraisal hasn't gotten out of his chair except to go to the room where they keep the amps and sit there for a bit. So thanks a lot to the lost little rascal and baby bop. read more

Went to the store yesterday looking to trade in my Dean Dimebag Razorback V and purchase a new guitar from there. When i went to the front desk the sales person went to go find a employee who knew something about guitars because he adamantly did not. He was unable to find the employee and attempted to appraise it himself. He went online and started looking up guitars that were completely different models then mine. He was having trouble and took my guitar and started talking with another salesman behind the counter they then turned there backs to me and started talking very quietly about pealing off the plastic covers on the sides of my pickups. I noticed them starting to try and peal it (without asking my permission and trying to hide what they were doing from me) and told them to put my guitar back down, they ended up nicking the covering on my mint guitar. The sales person got defensive and told me "well I've never seen that on a pickup i don't know whats up or if it was holding it in" I explained to them that's how it was bought new but they really weren't believing me. Out of curiosity I looked up why it was on there when i got home and its something that Dean puts on all higher end Dimebag signature guitars at the factory because its something Dimebag used to do to the guitars he played to keep the strings from being caught on the pickups when doing dive-bombs. Had the employee pealed it off it would have reduced the value of a guitar that i have been keeping mint. Now there's a nick in it from wear they tried to rip it off. Before coming in my guitar was flawless, what type of person tries to tear stuff off someone else's equipment without asking. After this indecent not only did I leave mad but without getting a guitar from their store. I will never set foot in that store again. I will be looking to buy my next guitar from one of Guitar Centers competitors. I don't understand how a store called Guitar Center cant have at least one person scheduled on the floor who knows something about guitars read more

They say you only get one chance to make a first impression and its sad to say that my first time visiting this store was not pleasant. I called into this store around 11:30am and spoke to a representative concerning information on trading in and purchasing a DJ controller. I was told to bring in the current controller I have along with all its cable wires etc. I verified with the rep to make sure exactly what I needed to bring in thoroughly. Later on that day I came in, (took some time for a rep to acknowledge me but I digress) one of the reps in the DJ department looked at my controller and said he was unable to test it because I didn't have my laptop with me. I explained to the gentleman that I was not told to bring a laptop just what you see me have presented here. I even provided a name of the rep I spoke to. His response to this was I may have caught the previous rep on the phone on a tired day and that he was a new recruit currently there for just over a month. And with that they wouldn't trade if they couldn't test. Besides that terrible response I got, the rep did not seem eager to help in the first place. I cant seem to grab the fact that this store didn't have a single person there with a laptop who could've simply downloaded the driver necessary to run the test. Horrible first impression. Wouldn't recommend this store to anyone. read more