Wow what a great experience. I met with Chris Williams to purchase some new PA's. I have been in the music business for 30 years so I know what I'm after, but Chris helped me in ways I didn't know possible and information that I thought I knew but didn't . He was very informative and courteous listening to my needs and steering me in the right direction. This purchase was made so easy and effortless . If you're looking for any type music equipment see Chris Williams at Guitar Center and ask for him by name you will be happy you did! read more

See all

Lots of guitars to look at. My son loves playing different models. The staff is friendly and willing to help.

I mean, it's a Guitar Center, which means that if follows the corporate model of tons of really cool guitars, a smaller selection of mostly new percussion stuff, and three teenage boys trying hard to ignore the 35 people in the store. Because these stores are staffed by people working for hourly wages instead of the owner-operators you usually get in the mom-and-pops, the levels of product knowledge and service are rarely ever as good, and for that reason I generally prefer to deal with the latter, where you can form personal connections and have people better attend to your needs. I did ask at this one about that love-it-or-hate-it Martin Backpacker that seems to sometimes be in stock but was not that day. No one had any idea when they might get another one, which is of course a fairly typical Guitar Center experience. But you know what? If you're experienced enough to self-guide your way through the products, the store is still worth shopping. There's a great Gretsch selection, a huge range of available items at big-box prices, and plenty of space to plug something in and play it without being drowned out by the person next to you. That sometimes means that you'll walk out after 20 minutes of staring at something on the top shelf without being helped, but you probably knew that might happen going in. read more

See all

WOW! I'm glad it's not just me. These reviews are pretty accurate to way they treat people there. I usually deal with Connor when I go there and he seems to be the only guy willing to help out and answer my 21 questions. However, when I get the older manager with glasses and dark hair is a nightmare to deal with. he saw me walk into the store with the a guitar that I wanted to return. I placed it on the counter with the receipt and waiting for about 15 seconds. He just stared at me from the used guitar section. (about 25 feet away). Not a "I'll be right there" How can i help you?" Nothing... He then waited until the other associate came by and told him to take care of me. I must have been interrupting his chat time with his buddy who wasn't buying anything. the other associate ended up doing the return and the transaction was questioned. "Well, when did you buy this? "what's wrong with it?" however, Mr. Glasses guy kept chiming into his ear like I was a bother for return a cheap tinny guitar. sorry bud, didn't like it and found something of much better quality. i returned the guitar but i stated that I wanted to buy something that was literally 4x the price. but apparently my other guitar that i also brought with I wanted to trade in was too much of a hassle to do "trade in process" at that time. Mind you myself and in one other person was in the store. Um ok.... so I bought some strings and cleaning supplies for my other guitar at home. very rude transaction and didn't even get a "thank you, have a great day" just slid the products towards me and proceeded to talk to someone else. very unwelcoming store, people are miserable there. almost seems like they treat people like there a problem. the problem is the staff or maybe the company in general of the way of doing things suck. I'm sick of every time I go in there (which is a lot) I'm treated like a second hand citizen. lost my business for good!! clean up the staffing. that needs the most help. I really hope all the people who respond to what us "paying customers" are reviewing are actually doing what they say they're going to do. fix the problem because that store has less and less traffic every time I go in there. there's a reason for that. read more

Have made a small purchase or two from this location before but definitely prefer the Cheektowaga location. Quite difficult to get any help from salespeople here unless you work really hard at it. I always say, don't make it hard for me to spend $2,800 on a guitar! ... because I won't, I'll buy somewhere else. read more

Went in with the intent on buying a small practice amp with blue tooth capability and was treated like garbage the whole time I was there. Took my GC gift card and and called their customer service number and bought the amp over the phone read more

Scheduled a guitar lesson for my son, when we showed up there was no guitar instructor. The drum instructor that was there had no access to "the system" to see if an instructor was coming and there was also no manager. He told us to call the next day and speak with the manager. When we called, the manager was too busy to talk and was supposed to call us back within an hour. After 3 hours we called back and the manager had left for the day. We've already prepaid for a month of lessons, show up for our first scheduled appt just to be disappointed, and now are being ignored by the manager. I really dont understand how you make a bad situation worse by ignoring your customers when they are dealing with issues at your store. Still waiting on the manager to call and straighten this out! read more

I love Guitar Center, and gave a very high rating to the one in Oklahoma City. For a chain, they can be so helpful, so friendly, so vital to a musician's career. However I don't like the ownership of this one. Even though I got some of my most awesome equipment here, one time I bought a keyboard that simply didn't do anything that they said it'd do. I took it back the very next day, hardly even used, and explained their mistake and that I wanted my money back. They sent me in a special room, when I was basically yelled at by the boss of the store. I had to get into a big argument *just to get store credit* and even then, he acted like he was doing me the biggest favour in the history of favours. He was a short, heavy-set guy who looked like a bouncer. Not only did they refuse to give me my money back, but the "store credit" that they insisted on, *was not even equivalent to what I spent.* They knocked off a 15% restocking fee, which off a $500 keyboard was over $80 after you take the taxes into account. So I had to pay them $80 for a 1-day trial of a keyboard that they essentially lied about (told me it did x, y, z when they had no idea), and then had to spend my $420 in-store rather than elsewhere because they only gave store credit. Now, let me say... I would have spent that $420 in this store anyway... because it was at the time when I was building up my collection of music gear. However, because of that experience, I have never been back to this store and never will again. There's a new one in Cheektowaga (new-ish), I'd go there instead. The guys here clearly didn't like me anyway. Well guess what guys. The guys in Oklahoma City Guitar Center loved me, bought CDs off me, and treated me like a King. So thanks, but you lost a lifelong customer when you ripped me off for that $80. Have a good one. read more

Bought over $800 worth of used DJ gear from this location over their online store, only to find out after the fact that they didn't properly request the Native Instruments transfer ID (which is necessary for proper registration of this hardware with Native Instruments) when they bought it used for resale to customers. This seems to me to be akin to selling a car without a title. I was surprised that a major retailor like Guitar Center would do something like that but even more surprised when they were unwilling to even try to reach out to whoever they bought it from to request the transfer ID. They never mentioned online or over the phone that it doesn't come with official substantiation for registering with Native Instruments. The whole reason i bought from Guitar Center and not craigslist, etc, was to avoid this kind of fly by night stuff. Beware when it comes to buying used gear from guitar center, because apparently they're not into properly transfering officiated ownership to the people they resell products to. Now I have to hope that Native Instruments can make this right, otherwise I will have to return this item and look elsewhere. read more

I've bought many things here, I got my most recent guitar here. It's located very conveniently on the boulevard, and the employees are helpful. They have a great selection of gear, and the essentials to keep you going. Be sure to support other local music shops too! read more

The counter boys at the Amherst location look like they've never seen a girl drummer before. Hombres, it's 2019 -- read an issue of Tom Tom mag or two. Anywhoosies, I came in here for a PDP hi hat stand and the percussion counter help found me a used stand, a slightly less used stand, and a new model in the showroom of shiny goodies. He was solid with the price points. Thanks, bucko. Mucho appreciatado for that. Rock on, my friend. :) read more

Their selection is meh. It seems like they don't have very much in stock, compared to what I'm used to in the Baltimore area, this location is a smaller store. The staff aren't very helpful and attentive, something else I'm not used to... This place is meh, the people who work here are meh, the selection is meh. read more

Good selection of items. Good return policy. Reasonable prices. It can be a pain to buy small items like guitar picks and strings. Several years ago I wanted to trade in a few guitar effect pedals and they treated me like a criminal. They put you through the wringer having to summon several different employees to complete the process. After over an hour, they then demanded my friggin' fingerprints, to give me $40 in trade value on a few minor items. They had my name address, my credit card, a copy of my drivers license, but they still want my fingerprints? MY FINGERPRINTS?!?!?! That's something the mom & pop places would NEVER do. Sure, the locally owned music stores will lowball you, but they never disrespect their customers like that. After that, I stopped shopping there. read more

Every time I go into guitar center I'm ignored while their staff are standing at the counter having their own conversation. It's like they don't want or care for your business. I chalk this up to poor upper management. Not hiring skilled enough employees,not "weeding" out bad employees,not running their business properly. No wonder the company is chapter 11. I'm done with guitar center-there are plenty of other music stores that actually want my business. Both stores in Buffalo are awful but the niagara falls blvd. store really takes the cake. read more

String Me Along! I cant say enough about Guitar Center. Did you know they don't only sell guitars'? They also sell basses and drums and harmonnicas and keyboards and triangles and books' and electric guitars! You can test out stuff their which is good but I think some of them are showing off. I cant go back until I learn another cord. G and C are not sufficient. They are very careful about shoplifters and make you check your bags on the way in there. That way noone can walk out with a drum under their unseasonably large coat. The staffs are friendly and can point to stuff for you. Make sure you talk loud, tho, because all the noise has made them a mite deaf. PROS: Music galore CONS: The wrong kind of G string read more

I've shopped at Guitar Centers across the country but have had only negative experiences at this location. My first incident was this summer. After working with the sales staff to select a mid-priced used guitar from the online inventory, I was excited to have home delivery. Unfortunately, the guitar was damaged and not playable. It looked like Wolverine from The X-Men had slashed the body with his claws, plus some of the body trim was missing. Worst of all, the second fret was completely worn and needed to be replaced. I do not know if the sales associate knew that the instrument was damaged but was not happy that he sold me an unplayable instrument. I immediately returned the guitar and requested a refund at this location. The employee who accepted the return was initially skeptical that the guitar was not playable and questioned my desire to return it. I don't know if he was a trainee, but it would have been obvious to anyone familiar with guitars that a completely worn fret is not an minor issue. I eventually received the refund and was on my way. The second incident occurred recently. I attempted to trade in some percussion accessories and a mic stand, all in good condition. All of these items had previously been purchased at this location within the past 1.5 years. The percussion accessories were 39.99 -- new -- and the mic stand was approximately 10.00 -- used. I was informed that none of the items would be accepted. The staff told me that they did not sell used stands, which was not consistent with my previous purchase of a used stand from that location. The staff also told me that the percussion accessories had no value. This was troubling as essentially 100% of the items' value had depreciated in a relatively short time. I was also told something along the lines of "we would never accept a damaged instrument," which was completely fallacious as 1) my items were not damaged, and 2) they had sold me a damaged guitar earlier in the year. When I pointed this out, they said that maybe the guitar had been damaged in transit. Unless someone at UPS opened the package and played the guitar, this would not be possible. I left with the understanding that there is no used market for accessories. Further, it would seem that Guitar Center policies are not consistent. Finally, I do not feel that return customers are appreciated. I will be looking elsewhere for my music purchases. read more

I went there to buy a new electric guitar after I got a ukulele and started craving the feel of a guitar which I used to play. I went in knowing exact what I needed/wanted. Got talked out of a Marshall amplifier like I went in planning on purchasing. Got a spider something amplifier, it's alright. Then I pick out my cord and the guy at the register insisted that I purchased a certain brand instead of the one I picked out (which was more expensive btw) and talked me into getting a cheap peice of shit cable that cuts out anytime it moves. If a tall dude with blonde hair and a bald spot tells you to get something go with your gut, not his advice, it's not worth it. I'm sitting in my room pissed as all hell that I'm cutting in and out. I am NOT one to write Yelp reviews as I work in the service Industry but this guy needs to be called out. Great guitar though, got a nice epiphone SG mute black for 175$ so I'm pleased with that. But I can't play it on my amp so.... read more

Been going to this store for about 10 years now. The store is always clean and neat, but it seems like they have to rearrange the gear all the time. I've gotten some great equipment here used. I've also bought new guitars etc. it can be busy but the staff is always helpful. One thing I like is that they don't talk down to you and they price match. I went in to look for a used guitar that they showed on their website, I didn't see it, but a salesman hunted it down for me, got me hooked up and let me alone to play it. Great place for used guitars and gear. read more

First things first, their manager is a really nice and honest guy. I came in here to get an issue fixed with a guitar that I had only bought from them a month ago. I was told that I need a $50 set up. The manager took a quick look and realized that my issue was actually just a quick fix and did it within a minute. My issue is with one of the employees there. He was dealing with a couple foreign people who didn't have the best English. They were being perfectly polite to him, but he lost his patience and started yelling at them and bring very rude. "There's only 4 people in the store right now I'm sorry there isn't someone here that knows EVERYTHING!!!" What a douchebag. If you're working in any sort of customer service job (like I do myself), you need to either learn how to be patient or go find a different job. I guess his G-string was a little tight (pun intended) read more

I came to this location to look at the guitars and bass guitars. It's a good location, and easy to get into, and the store looks good on the inside too. There is plenty of guitar inventory, though like most places I felt the bass-guitar area lacking. The people were friendly enough, once asking if I could be helped. The overall atmosphere of the place though, is what got me. I felt like the customer service was not genuine. I ended up leaving without spending any money. I ended up coming back because they had a case I wanted in stock and are closer than the other store however, for what it is worth, I found myself near the other Guitar Center near Walden Galleria mall, and ended up dropping another $150 on a cable, and iRig HD because I felt more comfortable in that location asking questions and dealing with the people. read more

Too bad this is a chain because it's so close to my house and usually has everything I need. None of the local stores can do that for me. I guess I'll keep going here. Staff is usually pretty friendly and they do price match online stores which is really nice. I did hear that guitar center was millions of dollars in debt and they were going to go out of business. Well see. read more

Went in here looking for ukelee picks, but to no avail. Not that I'm surprised, it's a ridiculous thing to be looking for in the first place. The staff greeted us as soon as we walked in the door, and helped us right away. read more

I just purchased an audiobox usb. The recording footprint was horrible. Had to have the volume input almost all the way( between 9/10) up. I got nothing under 8. There's a fine line between a good recording and distortion. Long story short, they would not allow me to return the item. They did some tests and told me it was the studio one software that came with it. Told me I should get a copy of Cubase. Do ya know what a copy runs? Its expensive. Defeats the whole purpose of buying a low cost D.A.W. I will never return to the store again or guide anybody there. read more

firstly, and most importantly is the service...i can only rate what i got, none, not even a welcome, zero interest from the staff, and there seemed to be a lot of employees there. the store is nice inside, the displays are good and full, probably have any part/accessory you'd ever need for your guitar, very professional looking store. the selection of used gear is decent, a lot of Schecters(a good thing), and the prices on used gear seemed reasonable. I will go back in the store if i pass through the area again, maybe they just had an off day per customer service, or maybe i smelled...lol read more

Ordered a used amp online, after 5 days of no movement on the order I called to cancel. Used shipping times are unacceptable.

The problem with big box retail stores like this are they hire the lowest common denominator. Some poor kid is not qualified to sell you anything other than what he is told to. The selection is pretty generic and if all you want is a basic low cost, no frills instrument then this is the place to shop. The higher end instruments are all dinged up and filthy. No care is given to develop a relationship , all they want to so is sell something today versus having you return again. read more

never had a problem with the guitar center.always helpful, very professional. many thanks to Andy the guitar tech who set up my guitar on 7/24/17 this guy is the best! read more