Guitar Center - San Mateo, California

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.

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.

Theo W.

Amazing selection of instruments and accessories. The staff was super kind and helpful. It was really quiet which was great for testing out guitars, and there's also separate rooms for the acoustic guitars.

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.

Vijay M.

Friendly staff, great service. Have bought multiple guitars and drum sets. My daughter dropped her guitar and broke the neck, and Adith was able to save it. The lessons are great too.

David

I recently had an issue with an online order from Guitar Center where I received the wrong model of a Boss Katana amp. I ordered the MKII but received the MKI instead. Despite the initial frustration and time invested, the customer service I received was proactive in ensuring the correct amp would be received in a timely manner. The sales agent was considerate in coordinating this with the team to bring about a favorable outcome.

Kramnik D.

The store is closed indefinitely but didn't update their hours on Google Maps.

Kuldeep M.

I bought a MARTIN (E) 00015M STREETMASTER acoustic guitar a few months ago. Even with the discount for being a display piece, it was the most expensive guitar I've purchased. But as a beginner player, I found it hard to play my regular tunes without buzzing out or damping out. My fingers hurt, and everyone just said "you need to make your fingers stronger". I have 2 other guitars, and no issues, so I knew something was off.

Fortunately, when I took it into the San Mateo, CA, store, Aadith, an instrument techs, was very knowledgeable, and as candid as they come. He taught me that Martin guitars have a very high action from the factory, and needs some tuning before they're ready for use. He spent an hour over 2 different sessions adjusting and filing the nut and saddle, and tuning it patiently until everything was just perfect.

Then, a couple days later, a mysterious scratch appeared on my guitar at home. None of the kids admitted to anything, and TBH, I didn't think it was them. Took it into GC and told them what happened. The manager just took it back and ordered a brand new one, and even threw in the special pricing I'd received for the "store piece". Fabulous.

After it arrived, Aadith, bless his soul, did the same setup stuff all over again, spending another 2-3 sessions to tune the new one! It plays fantastic, I've had it for months, and it's one of my favorite possessions. He really is one of the nicest guys I have worked with in any capacity, for anything. Didn't charge me a dime though some of the adjustments were pretty extensive.

Suffice it to say that Guitar Center has me hooked as a loyal customer. I don't think I will go anywhere else for my musical instruments.