Guitar Center's Restringing Prices
Guitar Center charges between $25 and $35 for a basic restringing service, depending on the guitar type and your location. The price covers removing old strings, cleaning the fretboard, and installing new strings. If you bring your own strings, the labor cost is usually the same. Some locations may charge slightly more or less, so calling ahead to confirm your local store's exact price is worth doing.
The base restringing fee does not include the cost of new strings if you need Guitar Center to supply them. A basic set of acoustic or electric strings runs $8 to $20, and specialty strings (coated, higher gauge, or premium brands) can cost $20 to $40 or more. If you already own strings you want installed, you pay only the labor fee.
Key Takeaways
- Guitar Center's restringing labor costs $25 to $35 and covers removal, cleaning, and installation of new strings.
- You can bring your own strings and pay only the labor fee, or buy strings from Guitar Center and pay both labor and string cost.
- Specialty strings, coated strings, and premium brands cost more than basic sets and will increase your total bill.
- Prices vary slightly by location, so calling your local Guitar Center before dropping off your guitar ensures you know the exact cost.
What's Included in the Restringing Service
When you pay for restringing at Guitar Center, the technician removes your old strings, cleans the fretboard and body, and installs the new strings. The technician will also tune the guitar to pitch and stretch the strings slightly so they hold tuning better. This full process typically takes 24 to 48 hours, though some locations offer same-day service for an additional fee.
The service does not include bridge pin replacement, nut filing, or fret leveling. If your bridge pins are cracked or your nut needs work, those are separate charges. A technician can assess whether your guitar needs additional work when you drop it off.
Bringing Your Own Strings vs. Buying at Guitar Center
If you already own strings you want installed, bring them with your guitar and pay only the $25 to $35 labor fee. This is the cheapest option if you have found strings you prefer elsewhere or want to use a specific brand.
If you buy strings from Guitar Center, you pay the labor fee plus the string cost. A standard acoustic string set costs $10 to $18, and electric string sets run $8 to $15. Coated strings (which last longer) cost $20 to $35 per set. Premium brands like Ernie Ball, D'Addario, and Martin are stocked in most locations and fall in the mid to upper range of these prices.
How Long Restringing Takes
Standard turnaround at Guitar Center is 24 to 48 hours. If you need your guitar back faster, some locations offer same-day restringing for an additional $10 to $15 fee. Call your local store to confirm whether same-day service is available and what time you need to drop off your guitar to have it ready by closing time.
During busy seasons (holidays, back-to-school, summer) or if the repair department is understaffed, turnaround can stretch to three to five business days. Asking when you drop off your guitar gives you a realistic pickup date.
Additional Repairs That Affect Total Cost
If your guitar needs work beyond restringing, the total cost rises. Bridge pin replacement runs $5 to $10 per pin. Nut filing or replacement costs $30 to $75 depending on whether the nut is adjusted or replaced entirely. Fret leveling and polishing can run $50 to $150. A technician will point out these issues when you drop off your guitar and give you a quote before proceeding.
You are not obligated to authorize additional work. If you want only restringing, tell the technician that upfront so they do not perform extra services without your permission.
Comparing Guitar Center to Other Repair Options
Independent guitar repair shops often charge $20 to $40 for restringing, which overlaps with Guitar Center's pricing. The difference is usually in turnaround time and the technician's specialization. A shop that focuses on vintage guitars or custom builds may charge more but offer informed Guitar Center's high-volume service may not match.
Restringing your own guitar costs only the price of strings ($8 to $40) if you have the tools and know-how. You need wire cutters, a string winder (optional but helpful), and a tuner. Many guitarists restring their own instruments to save money and learn their guitar better. Online tutorials and YouTube videos walk through the process for acoustic and electric guitars step by step.
How to Schedule Restringing at Guitar Center
Walk into your local Guitar Center with your guitar, or call ahead to schedule a drop-off. Most locations accept guitars without an appointment, but calling first lets you confirm the current turnaround time and exact price. When you drop off your guitar, tell the staff whether you are bringing your own strings or want them to supply them.
You can also ask the technician for recommendations on string type and gauge based on your playing style and guitar. If you are unsure what strings suit your needs, the staff can suggest options in different price ranges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch while Guitar Center restrings my guitar?
Most locations do not allow customers in the repair area for safety and liability reasons. You drop off your guitar and pick it up when it is ready. If you want to learn how to restring your own guitar, ask a technician if they offer lessons or demonstrations — some do for a small fee.
What if I do not like how my guitar sounds after restringing?
If the restringing was done incorrectly — strings are not seated properly, tuning pegs are damaged, or the guitar sounds obviously wrong — bring it back to Guitar Center. They will inspect the work and correct it at no charge if the fault is theirs. If the issue is the strings themselves (wrong gauge, brand, or type for your guitar), that is a separate conversation about string choice.
Does Guitar Center restring 12-string guitars or bass guitars?
Yes, Guitar Center restrings 12-string acoustics, electric basses, and acoustic basses. The labor cost may be slightly higher — $30 to $40 — because the work takes longer. Call your local store to confirm the exact price for your instrument type.
Can I drop off my guitar and pick it up the same day?
Some locations offer same-day restringing for an extra $10 to $15 fee if you drop off your guitar early in the day. Not all stores have this option, so call ahead to ask. During busy periods, same-day service may not be available.
What happens if my strings break during restringing?
If a string breaks while the technician is working, they will replace it at no extra charge if you brought your own strings. If Guitar Center supplied the strings, the replacement is covered under the service. This is rare but can happen with old or brittle strings.