Guitar Center - San Mateo, California

Randy C.

It's always great to walk into a store and fantasize about playing an instrument. Each is a challenge to learn, to become confident only makes a dream become real. To walk into the room of stunning, glossy acoustic guitars, is quite an experience, even the ones that are used are immaculately gorgeous.

I recently traded some gear and sold a couple items and bought a nice beginner guitar, that was great and the young gentlemen that assisted me in the process to add credit and buy my guitar, were very helpful.
But just like other stores that once stood proud now are rare, but like an amusement park there are still a few left where you can wonder in and still dream.
I saw a video recently that bolstered my respect for Guitar Center, as the Owner of Guitar Center was being interviewed about the future of the Business moving forward. But what I learned was heart wrenching but so beautiful and it was that the teenager that lost all their musical instruments in the recent L.A. fires, when they returned to their music class the music teacher surprised the students with a huge donation of new and used instruments made by the Owner of Guitar Center. The excitement and love for music was evident and the look on these teens faces was a moment that a new love for Guitar Center was Born.
There are expensive and affordable instruments that even online one could spend a very long time looking at a huge variety of music that is life and life that is love.
Randy Chavez

Jared C.

I’ve unfortunately had multiple negative experiences at this Guitar Center. Their selection is comparable to most other Guitar Centers, but the service is lacking.

My first time here, I came to buy some drumsticks - the payment system was down and I could tell from the cashier’s screens that their system was ancient, which is unreasonable for such a large and established chain. They had to take down my credit card details on paper and it took a good 15+ minutes for a simple purchase. I’ve had similar problems at other GCs before but this was definitely the worst.

Upon a recent visit, I was disappointed that there were no kick drum pedals set up for demo - something that most GCs and other music stores have. Since I wasn’t going to be able to test any pedals, I took a look at the sticks and figured I’d pick up a few pairs since I was already here. I saw a pair of nylon Vic Firth Rute bundle sticks that I was interested in, and proceeded to test them on the nearest electric drum kit. I was immediately approached by an employee and told that I was not allowed to demo the sticks. This was very strange, as every music store I’ve ever been to has allowed and encouraged customers to demo sticks to get a feel for them. I could understand not wanting people to mess with something more fragile like light-gauge metal brushes or fluffy timpani mallets, but nylon bundle sticks on an electric kit? Come on, people.

It’s frustrating to go to a music store known for a large inventory but not be allowed to demo very reasonable products. It’s especially bothersome when I see other customers freely testing out other equipment around the store at the same time. I unfortunately cannot say that being watched like a hawk in a store like this is a new experience for me. Please do better.

John V. T.

Thanks for the cashier in charge, have ask an employee which seems does not need a custumer .

Judy M. C.

A great music instrument store in San Mateo. They have various new and used pieces on display, from guitar to drums, to pianos, speakers, and other accessories that I don’t know the name.

I don’t play music, but my husband play guitars, so we tagged along with him when he wanted a new cable for his electric guitar.

While he was enjoying himself in the store, my son and I explored the area. My baby was ecstatic to find small instruments his size, ukuleles and other small pieces. He had blissful time here. I guess I’ll buy him a small piece when he’s a year older to play with his father.

The staff didn’t bother us at all the entire time, which is great. I would feel uncomfortable if anyone approached or looked at me when I was taking off the hanging instruments to try.

Sagan S.

The sales and service team here is great. They are very helpful and courteous. They are willing to take the time to explain things in detail, with no pressure. This is a well run store. We will be back!

Darrell R.

Smaller store so if you are a drummer looking for hardware and accessories, you may want to visit another location. If you are not a drummer, this is your store. Parking is rather nightmarish. Store was clean and well organized. Staff was not overly friendly and were saying some pretty inappropriate things while they stood in a group waiting for customers to approach them. I walked by the group three times and they never asked if I needed assistance or even acknowledged me. They were too busy laughing and joking about images on one of their cell phones.

Andrew C.

I've been enjoying some great deals going on, and some phenomenal used equipment as well. And so far, everyone there has been extremely helpful

giovanni V.

I purchased my first electric from this location a few months ago and the experience was great! I forgot the name of the gentleman that helped me out but he's the only reason I'm not giving this place 1 star.

Today I went in to purchase my first acoustic and get another guitar of mine repaired. As soon as I walked in I was greeted by an older caucasian man with gray hair that was sitting at a table that said customer service. Before I could say hello he said "I can't help you, we're only letting people in for lessons. Our systems are down" I then explained that I was there to drop off my guitar for repair and wanted to ask if I can just leave it there and when their systems are back up they can work on it. Before I could get another word out this man cut me off and repeated himself in a stern and aggressive voice. He then said "I cant help you. Trust me I would rather be selling and making money". I asked if I can just look around as I was looking for a new acoustic and he said "No I can't help you" again in a rude voice.

I understand the frustration behind their systems being down but don't take it out on your customers. This location has lost a customer for life! I went straight to the SF location and spent over $1000 on my new Martin D10E and the repairs needed for my other guitar. I was given great customer service and have not one complaint about my experience at the SF location and will now be shopping there moving forward.