Yes, Guitar Center will restring your guitar, and you can bring it in without an appointment
Guitar Center offers restringing at most of its locations. You walk in with your guitar, ask at the service desk, and they will tell you the cost and how long the job takes — usually a few days, depending on how busy they are. You do not need to call ahead or book a time slot, though calling first to confirm your local store offers the service and to ask about current wait times is sensible.
The price varies by location and the type of strings you choose. Guitar Center stocks their own house-brand strings and name-brand options like Ernie Ball, D'Addario, and Fender. You can bring your own strings if you prefer, though some locations charge a small labor fee if you do. Ask the service desk what they charge for labor alone before you decide.
The service includes removing old strings, cleaning the fretboard while it is exposed, and setting up the guitar so it plays properly after the new strings settle. This is not a full professional setup — that is a separate, more expensive service — but it covers the basics of making sure your guitar is playable when you pick it up.
Key Takeaways
- Guitar Center restrings guitars at most locations without requiring an appointment, though wait times vary by store and season.
- You can use Guitar Center's strings or bring your own, but bringing your own may include a small labor charge at some locations.
- The service includes string replacement, fretboard cleaning, and basic setup to may support the guitar plays properly.
- Prices differ by location and string choice, so ask the service desk for a quote before leaving your guitar.
- If you need a full professional setup — intonation adjustment, truss rod work, or bridge filing — that is a separate, more involved service.
What the restringing service actually includes
When you drop off your guitar for restringing, the technician removes all six strings, cleans the fretboard and body where the strings normally sit, and installs the new strings. They then tune the guitar and stretch the strings — new strings go flat quickly at first, so stretching them helps them hold pitch longer.
The technician will also check that the strings sit properly in the nut (the piece at the headstock) and bridge (the piece at the body end). If a string is sitting too high or too low, they may file the nut or bridge slot slightly to center it. This is part of the standard restringing service and keeps your guitar from buzzing or playing unevenly across the strings.
What the service does not include is a full setup. A full setup involves adjusting the truss rod (which controls the curve of the neck), measuring and adjusting the action (string height), and checking intonation (whether the guitar plays in tune up and down the neck). If you need those things, ask the service desk whether they offer setup as a separate service and what it costs.
Choosing between Guitar Center strings and your own
Guitar Center stocks a wide range of strings in common gauges and materials. Their house brand is cheaper than name brands, and the quality is acceptable for most players. If you already know which strings you like — Ernie Ball Regular Slinky, D'Addario NYXL, GHS Boomers — you can buy them elsewhere and bring them in.
If you bring your own strings, confirm the labor cost first. Some locations charge the same price whether you provide strings or they do; others charge less if you bring your own, or slightly more if you do. The difference is usually small, but it is worth asking. Make sure the strings you bring are the right gauge for your guitar — if they are not, the technician may refuse to install them or charge extra.
If you are not sure which strings to buy or you want the job done quickly, letting Guitar Center provide the strings is simpler. You will pay a bit more, but you avoid the risk of buying the wrong gauge or type.
How long restringing takes and when to expect your guitar back
Restringing typically takes three to five business days, though this varies by how busy the store is. During peak seasons — late fall and winter, when many people buy guitars — the wait can stretch to a week or longer. If you need your guitar sooner, ask the service desk whether they can rush the job; some locations offer same-day or next-day service for an extra fee.
When you drop off your guitar, the technician will give you a receipt with an estimated pickup date. Call the store a day or two before that date to confirm your guitar is ready, rather than making a trip and finding out it is still in the queue. If the store is very busy, they may not have started your guitar yet, and you will want to know that before you drive over.
What to do if your local Guitar Center does not offer restringing
Not every Guitar Center location has a service department. Smaller or newer stores sometimes do not. If your store does not offer restringing, the service desk can tell you which nearby locations do. You can also call ahead or check the Guitar Center website to see whether your store lists a service department.
If no Guitar Center near you offers the service, local music shops, independent guitar repair technicians, and some music teachers offer restringing. Prices are often similar to Guitar Center, and a local shop may offer faster turnaround. Search for "guitar repair near me" or ask at a local music store for a recommendation.
Preparing your guitar before you drop it off
Before you bring your guitar in, wipe down the body and neck to remove dust and grime. The technician will clean the fretboard while the strings are off, but removing surface dirt beforehand is considerate and makes their job easier.
If your guitar has any damage — a crack, a loose tuning peg, a dent — mention it to the service desk when you drop it off. Write it on the receipt or work order so there is no confusion about whether the damage happened during restringing. The technician is not responsible for pre-existing damage, but documenting it protects both you and the shop.
If your guitar has not been played in a long time or has visible problems — fret buzz, high action, or strings that sound dead — tell the service desk. They may recommend a full setup instead of or in addition to restringing. A setup costs more but solves problems that new strings alone cannot fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch while they restring my guitar?
Most Guitar Center locations do not allow customers in the service area while work is being done. This is for safety and liability reasons. You can ask the technician questions before they start, and you can call or visit to check on progress, but you will not be able to watch the work happen.
What if the strings break or go dead shortly after I pick up my guitar?
New strings occasionally break or fail, especially if they were defective. If this happens within a few days of pickup, bring your guitar back to the service desk with your receipt. They will usually replace the broken string or restring the guitar again at no charge. Keep your receipt for this reason.
Do I need to bring anything besides my guitar?
Bring your guitar and a valid ID. You will receive a receipt when you drop off the guitar; keep it so you can pick it up later. If you are paying by card, bring that card or cash. Some locations may ask for a phone number to contact you when the guitar is ready.
Is restringing the same as a setup?
No. Restringing replaces the strings and includes basic cleanup and tuning. A setup adjusts the neck, action, and intonation — more involved work that takes longer and costs more. You can get restringing alone, or you can ask for a setup, which usually includes restringing as part of the service.
What if my guitar needs new tuning pegs or a bridge repair while it is being restrung?
The technician will inspect your guitar when you drop it off. If they spot damage that needs repair, they will tell you and give you a separate quote. You can choose to have the repair done at the same time or just get the restringing and handle repairs elsewhere. Ask for the quote in writing before you leave the guitar.