To day ,Had the chance to test out the guitars that I like,,no prob ...treated the guitars as they should be carefully...The staff was nice. I then purchased my Fender Champion 20 AMP.. NOW What a good AMP..great for anyone... Mike F. read more

I am sure that many have had a good experience at the Tampa Guitar Center. Unfortunately, my experience has been a disappointment on several occasions: an inattentive staff, a disregard for customer service when it comes to guitar setups, repairs, and basic tech work. Today was the last straw for me. I had visited the store with the intention of making a trade-in and a purchase, but was told that they would not accept any trade-ins until sometime next week. I was not aware that management could simply decide when to allow or disallow trade-ins, especially when the corporate advertising proudly promotes their trade-in policies. In any event, a brief notice on the the relevant store website would have been appreciated, but no such announcement. As such, I wasted two hours of my time driving out and back (not the first time regarding other issues). From this point forward, my go-to will always be Sweetwater, GearExchange, Reverb, and privately owned guitar and music stores. read more

You couldn't ask for a better customer service experience when it comes to having Anthony by your side. Generally one of the most honest, helpful, and motivating person to help ensure you get the instrument that is right for you. And I kid you not, you will be the most excited person when you get your new instrument, and Anthony will be the 2nd. An absolute legend! read more

I took my son today to buy an amplifier for his guitar. He's a beginner and didn't know exactly what he needed. I had no idea either. Kolin was absolutely amazing helping my boy, he took the time to explain in details and answered all of my sons questions (lots of them lol). Kolin Provided an exceptional customer service. He is very knowledgeable and friendly. The store has a great selection, they also offer some used items at a discounted price. Conveniently located right off of dale mabery hwy. it was our first time at this store, we greatly appreciated all the great information shared by Kolin and we will absolutely be back. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Idk what is going on at this location. I spent 3 hours trying to buy a guitar today. Nobody spoke to me after being placed on hold. I didn't call back to complain because these stores are horribly staffed. Guitar center needs to downsize ASAP! Don't waste your time here - especially with online purchases. read more

Guitar Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I ordered a used keyboard from them. GC is disgustingly notorious for terrible packing of their used items. So I repeatedly and incessantly pleaded with the salesman who sold me the board to make sure that they packed it right, and he assured me that they would and that the packing department "were all his friends!" Well - I got the keyboard and guess what? It was packed like absolute crap. I didn't even bother opening it because we all know what USPS does with their packages. The packing was so bac that the box was flimsy, and i was able to put my hand in through an opening in the box and find out there was no bubble wrap around the board, only a few pieces of styrofoam, and the keyboard slipping and sliding around in the box. So - just gonna return it to my local GC without opening it so that they can see the "phenomenal" job that their employees do with selling used items. read more

Anthony helped me pick out my new guitar. That guy rocks! Doves fly and maybe i will too with this bitchin acoustic epiphone dove pro

this store is a complete joke. purchased a used charvel wild card online through their used inventory. called store to make sure guitar was still in stock. associate told me yes it was still in stock. later the same day after store closes. i get an email saying order canceled with no explanation. take your business elsewhere, they do not care about the customer anymore!! and mind you this is the second time this store has canceled my online order with no explanation!! read more

I was there on Saturday, around 6 o'clock, to trade in a really nice Fender bass on a Charvelle. There are 14 Charvelle basses in your chain. You had zero of the fender bass models I I was trying to trade in. First there are only three people working a huge store. Two young girls and a fat guy with big, bushy, black hair. He did nothing! He said he was just an employee bit when the girls needed help he played manager. Was he lying? They attempted to hugely undervalue my bass. Then they would not honor the price of the Charvelle that was in my cart. I specifically came to this location because they had what I wanted in stock. When I wanted to open a gear card to get the 10% off the girl at the register said:" I never heard of that!" there are three signs within eyesight of her register stating 10% off gear card purchase and a sign when you walk inside! They did not want to give me 10% off with my trade either AND then wanted to charge a $100 more then what was in my cart! These two should be fired! The guy is a liar and the girl is just nasty and has no customer service skills. Whoever heard of a price going UP when a manager comes over. I left. I have spent $4000 in the past two years including buying a full Ampeg bass stack, in the past two years. They need training, training and more training. The guy is useless! He helped nobody the whole time I was there. They did NOT attempt to make me happy. They did NOT attempt to negotiate. They did NOT attempt to close the sale much less open a credit card for me. Do these two have any idea why they are there and the purpose of getting someone to open a card? Do they know (or care) the issues Guitar center has as a chain? How these two acted is a big reason why. Based on what i was trading, I should not have to pay more then $300 after discounts. including my $100 cart discount, trade discount, and opening a Gear Card discount. A horrible store. Stick to ordering online or go to Clearwater instead. read more

I was really unhappy with the way that I was treated at Replay Guitar Exchange. I have been doing business with GC since 1988. I worked and few stores in Southern California, and I have been around the retail music industry for a long time .. Replay had unvalued my trade , and then insulted my intelligence by telling me why .. I went back to GC TAMPA . It was, and always has been the right move. I have done a couple really fair trades recently and was really frustrated at the time ...I was happy to see Tampa Legend , Al on duty and felt even better when I saw GM Juan. These guys took it to the next level for me . I was offered a Suhr that had not hit the floor yet ,,,,The trade was easy and very fair. I woke up and could not believe that I owned that guitar ...I cant put it down. The only place to buy gear in TAMPA BAY is TAMPA GC...DREAM MAKERS read more

Ladies I would advise against going to the store or dealing with anyone named ERNESTO the assistant manager who absolutely proved his misogyny for women. I drove an hour away to pick up a guitar that I already made a deal with a manager earlier for 10% off. I was also going to buy a keyboard. However Ernesto did everything he could to get me to leave without the guitar. He didn't care about selling a guitar today. Guitar center should know about this. I told him who I spoke to and he called up the man because Ernesto did not believe me It was obvious that I was right however Ernesto walked away with the phone so I couldn't hear our business conversation. After all this is about me and my guitar. I said This is a business call I would like to hear what's going on. He told me I should respect him!!!! He started speaking Spanish and possibly thought I was a gringa but I understood every word. It was obvious that I was supposed to get the guitar for that price but Ernesto Would not budge And even sad "he has kids to feed" and I wasn't getting a discount. I knew something was terribly wrong with this guy. I was buying the guitar because I just lost my brother and I was buying the guitar to do a memorial.. My best friend was there and it was humiliating She heard everything. The store was completely empty. I'm sure corporate would not like this at all. corporate needs to know about this because this man does not care if he sells anything. How many other sales did he let go??? I'm a professional musician I worked in music stores This is not the way we treat people. I'm asking the management to review "Ernesto" The store should investigate ERNESTO's practices because he is very greedy I left without buying the guitar and he didn't care Even when he got the word from the man I spoke to. He would rather lose a sale So he can be right. And to bring up his kids??? He's greedy and does not care about guitar center. If I owned guitar center this guy would be out the door. I would not let anyone bully me into paying more. I don't believe he would ever speak like this to a man. I'm calling corporate tomorrow. I was also planning to buy a keyboard but they will not be getting my business thanks to Ernesto and his misogynistic ways. He won't get that far continuing to treat people in this manner. Bye-bye Ernesto! read more

Guitar Center - Los lobos David hildago - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Terrible customer service. I was there the other night to buy a Taylor. Asked a guy to unlock it so I could play it. He sighed heavily said he would be there in a minute. I waited 20 minutes and he never came. I tried to find the guy and again and couldn't so I left and the next morning I ordered a Taylor from Sweetwater. I don't like buying before trying but I'll never purchase from guitar center again. read more

I would this store is good for any starter with their beginner guitar. You can find it below $500. May to start your own guitar garage band. They many type of guitars. Electrical guitar with acoustic or base. Their guitar has classical and ukulele. Other than guitar, they have the key board, amplified, semi hollow, foot change. The store clerk is helpful, they have special on sale and give away on the drawing if you sign up with your email. Other items they carry are stage use light, mic, sequencing light, electrical paddle, speaker and more. It show you can be one person band or multi people band. They also have guitar lessons. They carry item is not top of the line but definitely have what you want or they can order for you. The store space is big. You can try out their instruments at sound proof room. read more

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This is literally the worst GC I've ever been to. IDK if it's management or the young morons working who are more interested in their phones than helping customers. EVERY time I go in it takes minimum 45-60mins to get a simple thing and checkout. God forbid you have a question about something because they definitely are not knowledgable of anything regarding music, equipment or customer service. Been shopping at GC's for years and have spent tens of thousands of dollars there and still no discount on anything. Just moved to town and built a recording studio here, guess I'll be taking my artists to SamAsh. read more

My visit to this location was nothing short of amazing. Where im located normally in Sanford FL, the quality and selection was incredible. Shelves where stocked and had a great variety in all instruments. I am partial towards keyboards, so when I asked questions to team member named Eric G., they were were very helpful and informative. Any and all questions or concerns got covered. I called in and Eric was the one to answer and remember me from previous conversation. The place has an inviting atmosphere and decent prices with price matching as well, as long as the other stores are reputable brands of course. Enjoyed my stay, playing, and listening. Best music store I've had the pleasure of visiting! 10/10! read more

Went to Tampa G C and couldn't hear the acoustic guitar because a guy in the middle of the store had headphones on playing drums super loud. It went on and on. The acoustic room was vibrating inside. They said he had been playing for two hours. I said I can't evaluate the guitar that I was interested in. I asked for the manager and waited. He could not be found. 180 mile trip to be totally disappointed. What a rude self centered drummer. A staff that didn't care. I'm not planning on going back. A similar situation happened in the Ocala store a few weeks ago. read more

Guitar Center resolved the product issue, furthermore they made me an even more satisfied customer when I read the email that I'd also be receiving a full refund in 2-5 business days. This is currently day 6, but I will update as soon as the refund hits my account. read more

Sorry I feel that way ? LoL. I'm just gonna state the FACTS in this Update... since guitar center wouldn't setup the guitar to factory recommended specs, I Opted to return the guitar since I was within the return period. I also want to post that Sam Ash gladly sold me a nice Taylor guitar and assured me that adjustments would be made free of charge during the return policy period and threw in a free adjustment 1 year out to top it off. Talk about great customer service. Next time don't try to undermine my review by insinuating that it's "feelings" that are driving the review. When it's really your lack of customer service. Very disappointed, bought a new guitar with the case and warranty plan and spent over 600 bucks To see that the guitar needed to be setup due to the action being too high and they wanted to charge me 90 more bucks when the guitar was two weeks old, returned it and now shopping around at other spots. Unbelievable. I hate leaving bad reviews but that is ridiculous. read more

Don't even bother. Tried to get a guitar restrung, after waiting a few minutes at the front check out the employee tells me to go to the back for repairs. Twenty-five minutes later they tell me no one is there to provide the service. I watched 3 other customers walk out because there were no employees to check them out. I hate to leave bad reviews but this is crazy. Sam Ash it is. read more

Always my go to store for anything work related! (I'm a DJ). They have everything I need and all the help I could ask for! Always up to date with the newest equipment. Hardware and software. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful. Plus it's cool to just look around in the store lol it's a bit of a drive for me but worth it! read more

My acoustic Guitar hadn't been working for ages, I took it to numerous stores-Sam ash, replay, even places out of state-but no one could fix it. Drew from guitar center Tampa did in 10 minutes. Drew is awesome. see drew for all repairs!!! read more

Some staff are great, but the management is horrible. Everytime, you're waiting for services. Either they're 'under staffed or waiting on the person for a particular instrument to get there. Ridiculous! Some folks, like me, travel over 40 miles to get here and purchase. Their services are not considerate to buyers. Sam Ash gives better service. C'mon Guitar Center, you're acting like Walmart! Lots of merchandise, but not enough employees. I've tried online, even worse. I want to support, but we may be moving our patronage elsewhere. Kudos to the guitar guy who stepped in to help us in the drums section. You're great, and should be a manager/owner. You made all the difference in the world to us! read more

Why does it take them so long to just give you the guitar you buy I mean really I've been waiting 3 hours and no sign of getting it

Tried to purchase a $3000 les Paul. Couldn't even get enough help to get it off the wall. I'll be ordering from Sweetwater.com

I must have stood waiting at the main counter with a guitar in my hand that I was ready to buy, for 15 minutes, before the clerk finally started waiting on me. At first, he was doing something on the computer (WHILE I WAS STANDING THERE) and then the phone rang. He got on the phone, and I was amazed that he took this phone call ahead of me, when I had already been waiting for 5 minutes before the phone rang (couldn't the phone caller be asked to wait ?). Then I really got annoyed when I overheard the conversation, and the clerk was signing the guy up for a store credit card, and asking him a thousand questions. He got off the the phone and started taking my sale just in the nick of time, One more minute, and I was about to put the guitar back on the rack, and walk out. The name and location listed on this review is wrong and ludicrous. My name is Bert Emanuel, and the store I'm reviewing is in Tampa, Florida. read more

Employees just advise you to buy what is the most known products, without any prior knowledge with musical equipments

The Tampa store badly needs some customer service training. I tried to buy a $588 Shure Wireless Microphone System today. The sales representative didn't inquire as to what I wanted but told me that I'd have to wear a mask to enter the store. I told him what I wanted, offered my debit card, and told him I'd take delivery at the outside pickup. He shrugged and walked away. I used to be a good customer. If you're too busy to service my husband, who is confined to a wheelchair, you don't need our business. I went online and saved $100 by buying it from an online vendor. I won't be back to Guitar Center in this lifetime but we will give them some negative advertisement. read more

This guitar center has the worst customer service i have ever seen at any other guitar center. First of all getting the attention of an employee here alone is extremely hard because they don't pay attention to anyone and you can never even find them. Then once you get their attention they don't help you in explaining anything at all or just recommend the most expensive products without even asking for what you're looking for. Just today I came looking for a power supply because they did not tell me i needed one for a product they tried selling me last time. There was a line at the register and Ernesto asked for the next customer in line. we moved over to his register and then he moved to the one we were just at and started helping the other customers in line??? then when i told him that we were before them, he told us that the line was over there?? After arguing with him, he finally took us and was rushing us to checkout. We tried asking him for where the power supplies were and he just pointed and said that they were "over there". He literally just pointed in a general direction and we couldn't find it? so he finally came over and showed us where it was without explaining what it was or if it was the right one. It's just ridiculous. There's no sort of management or anything for these employees. Just because someone knows about guitars doesn't mean they should work in a customer service position here. read more

I went here to see if they wanted to buy a drum set I was selling and to check out the electric drum sets for purchase. The young man who helped me was quite pleasant and friendly. He helped me get the used set out of my car and inside. He was just as nice as he could be. I believe due to his youth he lacked professionalism and prioritizing skills. He began researching on the computer immediately to figure out a price to offer me for my drum set. He read and he read and he consulted with other employees.I honestly do not know what was taking so long. He left me to go help a couple look at a drum set and was gone for quite sometime. When he returned he apologized with an excuse that he was the only Spanish speaking employee. Instead of having them wait he had me wait. Then he answered a call and spent quite sometime on the phone with this customer. Now anyone in customer service and retail knows you deal with the customer who came in first and who is in front of you first. A person on the phone should be called back. An hour has now gone by and he decides to go speak with his manager. He returned to inform me that his manager was not interested in buying the drum set at this time. Are you kidding me???? I went thru all that to be told I had just wasted my time. He should have asked his manager first before we ever got the drum set out of the car and saved us both a lot of time. I then was getting ready to buy an electric drum set and an amp. Not an inexpensive purchase. His lack of attention continued and I walked out. He was so nice. I hated to call the manager but I did because he requires some coaching skills. They lost a sale and I took my business to Sam Ash. read more

Pretty shocking how terrible the customer service was here. The guy at the front counter was checking me out, taking a very long time and kept talking to me like I was a total nuisance to him. This isn't even a quarter of the story, but I don't want to spend the time rehashing the ridiculousness of it. At the end he finally figured out how to check my order out and I told him I was going to pay cash. He looked at me with disgust, rolled and his eyes and frustratingly said "that's like a WHOLE extra process to go through." I simply said "oh is it a problem? Can I not pay cash?" And he said "yeah you CAN but I have other customers to get through." So I said "Is this a bad time for you? Should I just leave? Would you prefer I come back another time?" And he said with a tone of obviousness "yeah that would be great." So I said ok, put my wallet away and walked out. I was going to spend $1,200 at this store but instead I walked out with nothing. Why would I ever shop at guitar center again? They won't even let me buy anything there. I won't be buying anything here or at guitarcenter.com ever again. read more

The GC store on Hillsborough is a pleasant, clean and spacious store with a huge selection, especially in guitars and basses. The employees are always helpful and attentive. Prices seem reasonable; I don't think I've ever found a really good 'deal' (surprisingly low price) but I've never felt ripped off either. Over many years, I have learned that their buyback prices are always low, but I understand--- it's a business and they have to make money. Bottom line: entering Guitar Center is always a treat! read more

I've also had the pleasure of receiving great service from this store in person and on the phone. Al has been great in helping me pick out the right accessories to go with my new Takamine Acoustic Electric Guitar. Today I actually arrived home just in time to meet my UPS Guy at my front door with my Guitar. As a Retired Disabled Vet I needed a new hobby so at 72 years of age I'm striking out on a new adventure and I'm glad to have this Guitar Center Store on board with me. Charles O. Tampa, Florida read more

This is probably my least favorite of the three Guitar Centers in my area, even though it is the closest. What they always do right is used gear. They get in some great guitars, and sometimes other instruments as well, not to mention pedals. Even if I don't buy, it's cool to see what they get in. Sadly, this is the slowest GC, and it's been that way quite consistently for years. GCs always seem to hire good players, but not customer service "pros", for lack of a better term. It takes forever to get anyone at the register, and a long time to check out. That's true at any GC, but particularly this one. Luckily, I do my own research, but I always pity the fool that asks a question when I see it. They will not give you answers, unless it's about their own ability to play. read more

I have been a GC and MF customer for almost two decades. While traveling I visited this store. I don't know about the rest of the reviews but I received top notch service from the people in this store. People bitch and complain about GC and MF. Personally I have had nothing but excellent service from both. It is not an easy gig working at one of these stores if you treat the people with just a little curiosity you might get treated the same. read more

Dont buy here icame in and wanted to check out the new elite fender strat stood in front of the strats for 10 min they had no elites out to see. So i asked a man said there had some in the back so i waited for him to get one to see well he went back to the register and did not get the guitar so i asked again he said verry rudely to wait my turn well dude i time came and went.about 15 minites ago so itold the manager i will leave and go th sam ash down the road.they did not care so i left and bought a new cherrybust elite fender strat. Well dont you think they should have the best model out to see you loss guitar center. NEVER AGAIN RUDE SALES PERSON. read more

I recently went to Guitar Center to replace all of the heads on my drum set. In the 30min I was waiting around in the Percussion section, the salesman never even said Hello to me!! And when I tried to ask for help, he just stayed on a personal call and turned his back to me!!! I knew it was a personal call, because I could hear Every Word. So in an attempt to stay calm, I walked slowly through every section of the store. NOT ONE PERSON IN THE ENTIRE STORE SAID HELLO TO ME!!! So after walking around for over an hour, I found the Main manager to show him the $500 I was planning on spending at Sam Ash Music, instead of that Horrible overpriced store. I'll be Damned if I ever even spend another PENNY in Guitar Center again!!! read more

I ordered online for ship to store. My order was cancelled AFTER you took my money. It was a Christmas present for my son. I had to buy it from Amazon instead. And guess what. It's Christmas Eve and you still haven't refunded me. Worst experience. I will never do business with you again and will continue to bad mouth your business. read more

I've always received great service from this store. Shoutout to Al and the manager Albert!! They continually go out of their way to help. I've purchased and traded several instruments and they were always fair. Thanks again!! read more

Mom makes up big time for the birthday fiasco of last week. For those of you who read my review of "Kohn Sports Paintball Park", you will understand why I had to make up for my sons birthday fiasco in a MAJOR way...and Guitar Center helped me redeem my standing as World's Worst Mom Ever. I am now, and I quote: "The best frickin' Mom in the whole entire world!" Take THAT, Mrs. Huxtable. I purchased a Schecter Guitar Research Damien Elite-7 Electric Guitar for my son for his 16th birthday. While most kids this age want a car for their birthday, my son wanted this seven string guitar desperately. The guitar itself was absolutely beautiful. The sound quality of this guitar is simply amazing. Nice deep tones. The crimson color is magnificent and really stands out among his collection of 12 guitars. The guitar is not too heavy. He said it felt really good in his hands. Being a lefty, he often has trouble with certain guitars not accommodating the way he prefers to hold his guitars when he plays, but this was not a problem with this particular instrument. The folks at Guitar Center were extremely helpful when assisting me in choosing this bad boy for my birthday boy. He proceeded to play the hell out of the thing all night long and he is exceptionally happy with it. Mom reaped all the rewards of a really happy kid. Tons of hugs, kisses and even a Facebook status about how awesome Mom is. Mom's live for this stuff and this guitar and Guitar Center did not disappoint in the least. As for Guitar Center themselves, they are always our "go to" place for my sons instruments, replacement parts and all our guitar needs. They shipped quickly. The guitar came beautifully packaged, wrapped very intensely to protect it and all its components. My son will be making beautiful, albeit LOUD, music on this bad boy for a LONG time to come. It takes a LOT to impress a 16 year old kid but Guitar Center manages to keep my son happy...and when the kid is happy, Mom is happy. Let's be honest...it's all about Mom. And this Mom is pleased. read more

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I've been going to Guitar Centers for years. No matter where you go they are a model of consistency. The stores are busy places usually full of folks who can play. Nothing like stepping into one and hearing someone totally shredding on guitar. Once you find this master they turn out to be 12 years old...Amazing, I've only experienced this at Guitar Centers and the reason why is 1. Largest inventory of instruments. Walls and walls and center displays full of instrument with a wide variety from beginner to pro. 2. All the instruments are there to try, pick one up, plug in and play. When a salesperson comes by they just ask if you're good or need anything. Musicians need to play instruments, not just look. Feel free to play at GC!. I've bought everything there, guitars, drums cymbals, sticks, cords, strings....they have it all. I also had my 62 Fender P authenticated at this store as being 100% date correct. No problem. One hint....Musicians Friend, the on-line music store is part of GC. If you see something in the Musicians Friend Catalog cheaper than in the GC store, just tell them MF has it cheaper and they will give you the lower price. read more