Guitar Center is a retail chain that sells musical instruments, audio equipment, and accessories in physical stores and online

Guitar Center operates over 150 locations across the United States, plus an online store at guitarcenter.com. The chain stocks guitars, basses, drums, keyboards, microphones, amplifiers, recording equipment, DJ gear, and parts for most of these instruments. You can walk into a store to play an instrument before buying, order online for delivery or in-store pickup, or call a location directly to ask if they have something in stock.

The company also runs a rental program for instruments, offers repair services at most locations, and buys used instruments as trade-ins. Staff at individual stores vary in knowledge and helpfulness — some locations have experienced musicians working the floor, while others do not. Reading reviews for your specific store location before visiting can give you a sense of what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • Guitar Center stocks new and used instruments, amplifiers, microphones, recording equipment, and accessories across 150+ U.S. locations and online.
  • You can test instruments in-store before buying, but selection and staff knowledge vary significantly by location.
  • The chain offers instrument rentals, trade-in credit toward purchases, and repair services at most stores.
  • Prices are often higher than online-only retailers, but you can return items within 30 days if you keep the receipt and original packaging.
  • Guitar Center runs frequent sales and clearance events, and price-matching is available on some items if you bring a competitor's current price.

What you can buy at Guitar Center

The core inventory includes acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, drum kits, keyboards, synthesizers, and digital pianos. The amplifier section covers guitar amps, bass amps, keyboard amps, and PA systems. Microphones range from budget USB models for home recording to professional condenser and dynamic mics. You will also find cables, strings, picks, stands, cases, straps, tuners, and other small parts.

Recording equipment includes audio interfaces, microphone preamps, mixing consoles, studio monitors, and headphones. DJ gear covers turntables, mixers, controllers, and speakers. Most locations also stock music books, instructional DVDs, and software. The used section varies by store — some have a dedicated area with trade-in instruments, while others keep used stock minimal.

How to find what you need in a store

Guitar Center organizes inventory by instrument type and category. Guitars and basses occupy the front and side walls. Drums and percussion are usually grouped together. Keyboards and digital pianos sit in their own section. Amplifiers are displayed near the instruments they pair with — guitar amps near guitars, bass amps near basses. Microphones, cables, and accessories fill the middle aisles and wall displays.

If you cannot find something, ask a staff member. Larger stores have a computer system you can search to see if an item is in stock at that location or at nearby stores. If an item is not in stock, you can order it online for delivery or in-store pickup, usually within a few days. Some stores also allow you to special-order items that are not in their normal inventory.

Pricing and how it compares

Guitar Center's prices are typically higher than online-only retailers like Sweetwater, Thomann, or B&H Photo, especially on popular items. The trade-off is that you can see and play instruments before buying, and you can take them home the same day if you buy in-store. For less common or specialty items, prices may be more competitive.

Guitar Center runs frequent sales, clearance events, and seasonal promotions. You can check their website or sign up for email notifications to see current deals. The chain also offers price-matching on some items if you bring in a current price from a competitor — policies vary by location, so ask before you buy. Used instruments are usually priced lower than new ones, but condition and warranty coverage vary.

Renting instruments from Guitar Center

Guitar Center's rental program lets you rent guitars, basses, keyboards, drums, and other instruments by the month. Rental rates vary by instrument and location — a beginner guitar might rent for $20 to $40 per month, while a higher-end model or keyboard could cost more. You can explore rental payments toward a purchase if you decide to buy the instrument later.

Rentals require a credit card and proof of identity. Damage beyond normal wear may result in additional charges. The rental agreement specifies what is covered and what is not. If you are unsure whether renting makes sense for your situation, ask a staff member at your local store about their specific terms and rates.

Trade-ins and selling used instruments

Guitar Center accepts used instruments as trade-ins toward the purchase of new gear. You bring in the instrument, a staff member evaluates its condition, and you receive a quote. If you accept, the credit goes toward your purchase when ready. Trade-in value depends on the instrument's age, condition, brand, and current demand — a well-maintained guitar from a popular brand will be worth more than a damaged or obscure one.

You can also sell used instruments outright to Guitar Center, though the store will offer less than trade-in value since they need to resell it. The process is the same: bring the item in, get an evaluation, and accept or decline the offer. Not all locations buy used instruments, so call ahead to confirm your store does.

Repair and setup services

Most Guitar Center locations offer repair and setup services for guitars, basses, drums, and other instruments. Common services include string replacement, fret leveling, bridge replacement, amplifier repair, and drum head replacement. Prices vary by service and location. You can drop off an instrument and pick it up later, or ask about turnaround time when you bring it in.

Quality and turnaround time vary by store and technician. Some locations have experienced luthiers or repair specialists, while others handle only basic maintenance. Call your local store to describe what you need and ask about their experience with that type of repair before committing.

Returns and warranties

Guitar Center allows returns within 30 days of purchase if you have your receipt and the item is in original packaging and condition. Used instruments and rental returns have different policies — ask about these when you buy or rent. Opened software and some other items may not be returnable.

New instruments typically come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects. The length and terms depend on the brand and product. Guitar Center also sells extended warranty plans on some items, though whether these are worth the cost depends on the instrument and your situation. Read the warranty terms before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online and pick up in-store?

Yes. You can order on guitarcenter.com and choose in-store pickup at a location near you. Pickup is usually available within a few days. You will receive an email when the item is ready, and you can pick it up during store hours with your order confirmation and ID.

Does Guitar Center price-match?

Some locations offer price-matching on certain items if you bring in a current competitor's price. Policies vary by store and product category, so ask before you buy. Online prices from other retailers may or may not may have access to — call your local store to confirm.

What is the return policy on used instruments?

Used instruments have a shorter return window than new ones, typically 15 days instead of 30. The item must be in the same condition as when you bought it. Ask about the specific policy when you purchase a used instrument, since terms can vary by location and item type.

Do I need an appointment to test instruments in-store?

No appointment is required at most Guitar Center locations. You can walk in and ask to play guitars, keyboards, or other instruments. Busier times may mean a short wait. If you want to test a high-end or specialty item, calling ahead to confirm it is in stock can save you a trip.

What happens if I rent an instrument and then want to buy it?

Guitar Center applies your rental payments toward the purchase price if you decide to buy. The amount credited and the final purchase price depend on the instrument and how long you rented it. Ask about the buyout terms when you start the rental so you know what to expect.