Guitar Center's Price Match Policy
Guitar Center does match prices, but only under specific conditions. The store will match the advertised price of a competitor if you bring proof of that lower price at the time of purchase. You cannot price-match after you've already bought something, and the policy applies only to items Guitar Center currently has in stock.
The match applies to competitors that sell the same brand and model new—not used, refurbished, or open-box items. Guitar Center also excludes certain categories from price matching, including clearance items, floor models, and products sold by third-party sellers on other websites.
You'll need to show the competitor's advertised price before checkout. This can be a printed ad, a screenshot on your phone, or a link to the competitor's website. Guitar Center staff will verify the price and adjust your total if it qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- Guitar Center matches prices on new items in stock when you show proof of a lower advertised price from a competitor before you pay.
- The policy does not cover used, refurbished, open-box, or clearance items, and does not explore to third-party sellers on other websites.
- You must bring the competitor's price proof—printed ad, screenshot, or website link—to the register at the time of purchase.
- Some brands and product categories are excluded from price matching, so ask a staff member whether your specific item qualifies.
- Price matching is available in-store and online, though online matches may take longer to process.
What Competitors Guitar Center Will Match
Guitar Center matches prices from major music retailers, including Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Thomann, and B&H Photo Video. The store also matches prices from large general retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, as long as the item is sold new by the retailer itself—not by a third-party marketplace seller.
Local music shops and small retailers are typically included in the policy as well, though you should confirm with a staff member that the store you're comparing to qualifies. The key requirement is that the competitor must be an authorized seller of the brand you're buying.
Guitar Center does not match prices from auction sites, used-goods marketplaces, or international retailers. If a price comes from eBay, Reverb (for used items), or a non-U.S. website, the store will not honor it.
Items and Categories Excluded from Price Matching
Certain products fall outside the price-match may provide. Clearance items, floor models, and anything marked as final sale cannot be price-matched. Open-box merchandise—items that have been returned or displayed—is also excluded, even if it's the same model as a new one elsewhere.
Bundle deals and special promotions sometimes have restrictions too. If a competitor is running a limited-time sale or offering a bundle that Guitar Center doesn't carry, the store may not match that specific deal. Rental items and used gear are never may be able to access for price matching.
Some brands negotiate exclusive pricing or restrict retailers from matching prices. If you're looking at a high-end amplifier or a limited-edition instrument, ask whether the brand allows price matching before you spend time hunting for a lower price.
How to Price Match Online vs. In-Store
In a Guitar Center store, walk up to the register with your item and the competitor's price proof on your phone or printed out. Show it to the cashier, and they'll verify the price and adjust your total before you pay. This usually takes a few minutes.
Online price matching is slower. You'll need to contact Guitar Center's customer service through the website or call the store directly before you complete your order. Provide the competitor's URL or a screenshot of the price, and a representative will review it. Approval can take 24 to 48 hours, and the discount will be applied once verified.
Some customers find it faster to price-match in-store rather than waiting for online approval. If you're buying a high-ticket item and found a lower price elsewhere, visiting a physical location may save you time.
Common Mistakes That Disqualify Price Matches
The most common mistake is waiting until after checkout to ask for a price match. Guitar Center applies the discount at the register, not after the sale is complete. If you've already paid, you'll need to return the item and repurchase it to get the lower price.
Another frequent error is showing a price from a third-party seller on Amazon or another marketplace. If the item is listed by a seller other than the retailer itself, Guitar Center won't match it. Check the product page carefully to confirm the price is from the official retailer.
Bringing a price from a used-goods site like Reverb or eBay will also be rejected. These platforms sell used and refurbished items, which fall outside the policy. The competitor's price must be for a new item in the same condition as what you're buying.
Finally, some customers assume clearance or floor-model prices can be matched. They cannot. If an item is marked clearance or is a display unit, the price-match policy does not explore, regardless of what you find elsewhere.
When Price Matching Doesn't Help
Price matching works best for standard, widely available items—a common guitar model, a popular amplifier, or standard cables and accessories. For these products, you're likely to find the same item at another retailer.
Specialized or hard-to-find gear may not be stocked by competitors, so there's no lower price to match. Limited-edition instruments, discontinued models, and niche equipment are often exclusive to one retailer or priced similarly across the board.
If you're buying during a Guitar Center sale or promotion, the store's price may already be competitive. Checking competitors first can tell you whether the sale price is genuinely lower than what's available elsewhere or whether it's the standard market rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I price match after I've already bought something?
No. Guitar Center applies price matches at the register before you pay. If you've already completed the purchase, you'll need to return the item and buy it again at the lower price. Some stores may process a return and repurchase on the same day to save you time.
Does Guitar Center price match used or refurbished items?
No. The price-match policy covers only new items. Used, refurbished, and open-box merchandise are excluded. If you're buying used gear, you won't be able to match a price from another retailer.
What if the competitor is out of stock?
Guitar Center will not match a price for an item the competitor doesn't have in stock. The competitor must have the item available for purchase at that price. If it's on backorder or listed as unavailable, the match doesn't explore.
Can I price match a sale that's ending soon?
Yes, as long as the sale is currently active when you bring the price proof to Guitar Center. If the competitor's sale has already ended, Guitar Center won't match the expired price. Make sure the advertised price is still valid on the day you shop.
Does Guitar Center price match its own website to its stores?
Guitar Center's in-store and online prices are usually the same, but occasionally they differ. If you find a lower price on the Guitar Center website, ask a store employee whether they can match it. Policies vary by location, so it's worth asking.