Guitar Center — Local services in Murrieta

Typical Guitar Center layout, clean and organized as usual, I know because I've spent countless hours in Guitar Centers and over 20k in these stores all over Southern California. Recently I went to purchase a new bass for my son, not a floor model, a new in box bass. One of the managers I wasn't even dealing with overheard me asking about an unopened one so I can check it out and he had the nerve to tell me "the one in the box is the same, I don't know why you need to see if first". I told him, "you must not be a musician because every instrument is unique and I want to see the new one" he said he was a music producer and I replied simply "cool" and ended our interaction. I kept my mouth shut, but what nerve. I also checked the one out in the box they had and the grain on the neck was superior to the used one he wanted to sell me. I purchased the new one. LOL. All I was thinking was, you obviously made it big producing, must be why you're working in Retail in your 40's.

Then today I went in to exchange a broken cable under warranty. He was working behind the counter and wouldn't help me. I asked if someone could help me find the one I needed and he just pointed me to the guitar section and said go get it yourself and bring it back. This manager obviously doesn't like me and that's fine, but If I treated my customers like this I would have been fired on the spot. I'm not going to name names, but he is the only person there wearing dreadlocks. He needs some coaching on how to treat paying customers to say the least and if he is a manager he needs some leadership training as well

Other than that. GC is fine, this...

I had been trying to get some parts for some pro audio gear and had problems with numerous distributors. At first, I didn't think that this Guitar Center location could help either due to some misunderstandings. When I visited the store recently regarding this issue, the manager Randy met me at the door. He was humble, gracious, personable and accommodating. He even took the time to get to know me, my business and my music background. This store may have gotten off to a slow start from when they first opened but they have come a long way since. Their entire staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The entire Guitar Center corporation has treated me well for decades. This store is another shining example of their uncompromising professionalism in a sometimes misunderstood and under-appreciated industry.

►►►UPDATE: I have been in the "industry" for many decades. I never skimp on my own equipment but am hesitant to invest large sums that will be in the hands of customers and guests. However, it came back to bite me in the a** today. Then, I went in and spoke to Jessie and Travis in Pro Audio. Yes, they are influenced to make sales but I asked them as friends and fellow musicians and businessmen for a sincere recommendation on wireless microphones and I received one. As I see it, they see customers and equipment come and go and get returned. They know what's hot for what you want to pay. Today, they pointed me in a superb direction with an Audio Technica microphone and I couldn't be happier. Trust these representatives, they do not hire people who do not know their industry! Many, many...

For what ever reason. This particular store has people who don't know anything. Which might explain why it's a ghost town. Only two or three other customers are in the store Everytime I go in. But just simply. The musical instrument IQ. People not knowing what I am asking for. People not wanting to help with questions I might have. Just acting like they don't want to help. Yet, when I go to the San Marcos store. It's full, the people are musician friendly and know what I'm saying. I can have an actual conversation with them on different experiences. That store is 50 miles away. I worked for guitar center in the 80's we Hussle to get the sale, we worked with the customer to get him satisfied. I noticed, Sam Ash is like that. They are 60 miles away. The merchandising is wrong in that store. All the guitars and amps are out a distance when, they should be one of the first things you see. Not an accessory counter with no one behind it. Maybe the location is wrong. Either way. People on the sells floor need to be more enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and inviting. I know having a actual store is tuff to compete with online but, people still want to see it first. If you can get them in the door. You can get them to buy. I know because I was a successful bicycle retail store. Anyway fix it or you'll probably be...