Guitar Center is a legitimate, publicly traded music retailer with physical stores and an online presence
Guitar Center is a real company that has operated since 1987. It is owned by Ares Management, a private equity firm that acquired it in 2014. The company runs over 200 physical locations across the United States and sells instruments, amplifiers, recording equipment, and accessories both in stores and online at guitarcenter.com.
The company is not a scam or front operation. It generates revenue by selling merchandise at standard retail markups, renting equipment, and offering repair services. You can walk into a Guitar Center store, handle instruments, speak to staff, and make purchases the same way you would at any other brick-and-mortar retailer.
That said, "legitimate" does not mean every transaction will go smoothly or that prices are always competitive. Like any large retailer, Guitar Center has both strengths and weaknesses that matter depending on what you are buying and how you shop there.
Key Takeaways
- Guitar Center is a real company with over 200 physical stores and an online store, owned by private equity firm Ares Management since 2014.
- Prices at Guitar Center are often higher than specialty retailers or online competitors, so comparing prices before buying is worth your time.
- Guitar Center's return policy allows 30 days for most items, but used instruments and clearance items have shorter windows or no returns.
- The company offers repair services, rentals, and trade-in programs, which can be useful but should be evaluated against local alternatives.
- Customer service experiences vary widely by location; some stores have knowledgeable staff while others do not, so visiting in person or calling ahead is helpful.
How Guitar Center makes money and stays in business
Guitar Center operates as a traditional retail business. It buys instruments and gear from manufacturers at wholesale cost and sells them to customers at retail prices. The markup on most items ranges from 20 to 40 percent, depending on the product category and whether there is a sale running.
The company also generates revenue from services: repair work, equipment rentals for touring musicians and studios, trade-in programs where customers exchange old gear for store credit, and financing through third-party lenders. These services are how Guitar Center stays profitable even when competing on price with online retailers.
Guitar Center also operates a used instrument section in many stores and online. Used gear typically carries higher margins because the company acquires it through trade-ins and direct purchases from customers, rather than from manufacturers.
Price comparison: when Guitar Center is and is not competitive
Guitar Center's prices are often higher than specialty retailers and online competitors. A new electric guitar that costs $499 at Guitar Center might cost $459 at a smaller music shop or $439 on Sweetwater or Thomann. The difference grows on accessories: a cable that costs $12.99 at Guitar Center might be $7.99 elsewhere.
Guitar Center sometimes runs sales and promotions that close the gap, particularly during Black Friday, back-to-school season, and clearance events. If you have a coupon code or are buying during a sale, the final price can be competitive.
Where Guitar Center has an advantage is convenience: if you need something today and have a store nearby, you avoid shipping time and can inspect the item in person. For people who value that immediacy, the price premium may be worth it. For planned purchases, comparing prices across retailers before you buy is the smarter move.
Return policy and what you cannot return
Guitar Center allows returns within 30 days of purchase for most new items, provided they are in original condition with all parts and documentation. You can return items in-store or by mail. If you return an item in-store, you get a refund to your original payment method. Mail returns are processed after the company receives and inspects the item.
The 30-day window does not explore to everything. Used instruments, clearance items, and open-box merchandise often have a 15-day return window or no return option at all. Rental equipment, special orders, and items marked as final sale cannot be returned. Always check the receipt or product page before buying to see which category an item falls into.
If you buy a guitar and play it for two weeks before deciding you do not like it, you can return it within the 30-day window as long as it shows no signs of use. Once you have played it enough that there is visible wear, the store may refuse the return or charge a restocking fee.
Repair services and whether to use them
Guitar Center offers repair and setup services at most locations. Common work includes string replacement, fret leveling, electronics repair, amplifier service, and drum head replacement. Pricing varies by location and the complexity of the work, but a basic setup typically costs $50 to $100.
The quality of repair work depends heavily on the individual technician and store location. Some Guitar Center repair departments are staffed by experienced luthiers who do excellent work. Others are staffed by less experienced technicians who may not catch subtle issues or may rush through jobs.
Before sending an instrument to Guitar Center for repair, ask whether you can speak to the technician who will do the work, or call ahead and ask about their experience with your specific instrument type. If you have a high-end guitar or a rare instrument, a specialized repair shop in your area may be a better choice.
Trade-in and rental programs
Guitar Center runs a trade-in program where you can exchange used gear for store credit. The store appraises your instrument and offers you a credit amount based on its condition and current market value. You can then use that credit toward a new purchase.
Trade-in values are typically lower than what you would get selling the item yourself online, because the store needs to resell it and account for the cost of inspecting and cleaning it. However, if you want to upgrade quickly and do not want to deal with listing and shipping, a trade-in is convenient.
Guitar Center also rents instruments and equipment, primarily to touring musicians, studios, and event venues. Rental rates vary by item and location. If you need a drum kit for a one-off gig or want to try an expensive amplifier before buying, rentals can be a low-risk way to test gear.
Red flags and common complaints
The most common complaints about Guitar Center involve high-pressure sales tactics, inconsistent staff knowledge, and difficulty reaching customer service by phone. Some customers report being steered toward more expensive items than they need, or being given incorrect information about product compatibility.
Staff quality varies significantly by location. Busy urban stores may have experienced musicians on staff, while smaller or less busy locations may have employees with limited product knowledge. If you are buying something technical, asking to speak with a manager or calling ahead to confirm staff informed is a reasonable precaution.
Customer service wait times on the phone can be long, particularly during peak seasons. If you need to return something or have a billing question, visiting a store in person is often faster than calling.
How to shop at Guitar Center safely
Know what you want before you go in. If you arrive without a clear idea of what you are looking for, you are more vulnerable to upselling. Research the specific model and price online beforehand so you can compare what the store is offering.
Ask questions and do not accept vague answers. If a staff member cannot explain why one guitar is better than another, or cannot demonstrate a feature, that is a sign to either ask for a different employee or shop elsewhere.
Check the return policy on your receipt before you leave the store. Confirm whether the item you bought is returnable within 30 days or falls into a restricted category. If you are unsure, ask at the register.
Compare prices on your phone before checking out. If you find the same item significantly cheaper elsewhere, ask whether Guitar Center will match the price. The company does not have a formal price-match policy, but individual stores sometimes negotiate on price, particularly on higher-ticket items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guitar Center owned by a Chinese company or a foreign entity?
No. Guitar Center is owned by Ares Management, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm. The company is headquartered in Westlake Village, California, and operates as a U.S. business. Ares Management is a legitimate investment firm that owns stakes in many American companies across different industries.
Can I return an instrument if I have played it?
It depends on how much you have played it and whether it shows visible wear. If the instrument looks unused and is in original condition, you can return it within 30 days. If there are visible signs of play—scratches, string marks, or other wear—the store may refuse the return or charge a restocking fee. Ask the staff member at the register what condition the item must be in to may have access to for a return.
Does Guitar Center price match competitors?
Guitar Center does not have a published price-match policy, but individual stores may negotiate on price, especially on expensive items like amplifiers or high-end guitars. It never hurts to ask, but do not expect a may provide. Bringing a screenshot of a lower price from a competitor gives you the best chance of negotiating.
What should I do if I have a bad experience at a Guitar Center store?
Contact Guitar Center's customer service through their website or call the corporate office. Document what happened, including the store location, date, and the names of any staff members involved. The company takes complaints seriously and may offer a refund, store credit, or other resolution depending on the situation.
Is it safe to buy used instruments from Guitar Center?
Yes, used instruments at Guitar Center are inspected and priced based on their condition. The return window for used items is shorter (typically 15 days instead of 30), and some used items are final sale. Inspect the instrument carefully in-store before buying, and ask the staff member about any visible damage or repairs that have been done.