Guitar Center — Attraction in Lancaster Township

Been here twice now as of this review. First, before the proverbial pandemic hit, this place was loaded with inventory. Something for everyone from beginner to professional to look for, sit down and sample, and no pressure sales with helpful guidance when requested. An acoustic guitar room was great, and filled with economical guitars, as well as very expensive Taylors and Martins on display! I had my fill of sampling different acoustical guitars as I was looking for a nice Martin. Although I didn't buy it here, it pointed me in the right direction as to which kind I wanted. In general, this store was filled with guitars on walls, a dj sound room, a drum room, and a separate lessons area for any and all. I found the help very knowledgeable and courteous. A definite 5 star rating... The second time...today, not so much. It's post COVID now, and supply and demand has definitely caught this store as well. They still have quite a selection of guitars, but amps are in short supply, pedals and processors are practically non existent as I saw many empty spaces of effects pedals. The staff was busy, which is good, helping folks. I sat down and played through a Marshall Head and Cabinet attachment. The price was marked down from $800 to $599. There was no pricing whatsoever on the cabinet, so I was thinking, maybe I found a deal here! Head and Cabinet for $599??? When I asked about it I was told "No, that's just for the Head, the cabinet is separate." I asked how much for the Cabinet? He replied, "I don't know, I'll have to look it up". Ok, why isn't it marked separately, I thought? The cabinet, he said, would be an extra $500 or $499 plus. I asked "Does this come with its own switching pedal"? I never did get an answer to that. Well that was disappointing to me. This Marshall Head sitting on and attached to a Marshall Cabinet priced at $599. I would buy that, as would anyone! But not for the extra $499. Sorry folks, I can do better on line. The only thing I found an abundance of, were guitar straps, from which I purchased two that I found I needed. All in all, a good second trip to this store and I'll probably go back after inventory picks back up. But not the 5 star rating I gave my first visit, so for today I gave them a 3, and if you average it out, that makes my 4 star rating here. They profess, they will match any proven deal outside their store. But from the "average" service and down sized inventory, I truly don't think I need them to match something, I find...

Probably the worst retail store (of any kind) that I have visited in the past 20 years! The “sales people” stood around talking to each other, stocking shelves, or just staring into space while customers were left to find items they needed. I finally found someone who appeared to be conscious- I asked him if he worked there. I was surprised when he said “yes”. I asked for help in the book section- he showed me where they were, but had little more to offer. I asked about a gig bag - he showed me where they were. I finally found the one I wanted by myself. I asked about picks- he pointed to a shelf and said “ they’re over there”. The store itself was a mess! Piles of “stuff” on the floor, packing materials scattered around, total disorganization! No one greeted me at the door and no one asked if they could help me find what I wanted. So, I went from Wilmington, DE to Lancaster, PA to shop at the Guitar Center there. A totally different experience! Great staff - helpful, knowledgeable, willing to spend time with you, and anxious to see you leave as a happy customer. It’s worth the extra time and PA sales tax to have a pleasant shopping experience. I will never return to the...

A grateful testimonial and a shout out to Adam. 3/2 An hour before closing I'm greeted by the manager just after I walk in. I explain the reason for my visit. I said strings for a tenor uke and information from both drums and elect. sound department. He quickly grabbed the strings and put the one I needed on my instrument on the spot. Very cool, I'm new to it and this is the first string being replaced so its was a relief to have it done properly and quickly. I head towards the keyboards and microphones and Adam approaches me offering assistance (not knowing im a difficult customer with a lot of questions he was inviting to talk to) Adam thank you. What YOU KNOW about the product saved me time and help me buy what I needed for the sound and function I wanted. You knew when to cut my train of thought and not search down the wrong paths to what I was describing. You come off kinda blunt but its reassuring when you need it. Same thing happened when I bought my AAX hats from you about 10 months ago because they werent what I was originally coming in for but you were right then and I'm so happy I got them. So nice job again. I appreciate you...