Guitar Center backs most of its gear with a 45-day Satisfaction Guarantee, one of the most generous return windows in music retail. Whether you bought a guitar, a keyboard, or studio monitors, this guide covers every rule you need to know about the Guitar Center return policy before walking back through that door.
Contents
- 1 Guitar Center Return Policy Summary
- 2 The 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee: What It Covers
- 3 Return Windows by Product Category
- 4 Items That Cannot Be Returned to Guitar Center
- 5 Special Fees to Know Before You Return
- 6 How to Make a Return at Guitar Center
- 7 Guitar Center Refund Policy
- 8 Guitar Center Return Abuse Policy
- 9 Guitar Center Holiday Return Policy
- 10 Guitar Center Social Media Handles
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions: Guitar Center Return Policy
- 12 Conclusion
Guitar Center Return Policy Summary
| Information | Details |
| Website | www.guitarcenter.com |
| Return Time | 45 days for most items; 30 days for used gear; 14 days for select electronics; 3 days for vintage instruments |
| Return Medium | In Store and Online (by mail) |
| Exchange Period | 45 days (return original item first, then place new order) |
| Refund Time | 2 to 4 business days after return is reviewed |
| Refund Method | Original payment method (cash purchases over $250 refunded by check or Visa Debit) |
| Contact | 1-866-498-7882 |
| Email Support | service@guitarcenter.com |
The 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee: What It Covers
The Guitar Center return policy gives you 45 days from the purchase date to return most items for a full refund. This applies to guitars, basses, amps, effects pedals, drums, band and orchestra instruments, pro audio gear, and accessories purchased either in-store or online.
All returned items must be in original, brand-new condition, showing no signs of wear such as belt-buckle scratches, pick marks, dings, scuffs, or scrapes on the instrument body or hardware. Every returned item must include all original packaging, manuals, warranties, and accessories. Missing any of these components can trigger a return handling charge.
Return Windows by Product Category
Standard 45-Day Items
Guitars, basses, acoustic instruments, amps, effects, drums, studio equipment, lighting, and most accessories fall under the standard 45-day return window.
Used Gear: 30-Day Window
Used instruments and gear purchased at Guitar Center come with a 30-day return window. These items typically carry notes about any existing imperfections, scratches, or cracks. Read that documentation carefully before purchasing, as condition disputes during a return will reference what was disclosed at the time of sale.
14-Day Return Items
The following products must be returned within 14 days of purchase:
- Recording devices
- DJ equipment
- Workstation keyboards
- Rack signal processors
- Lighting and fog machines
3-Day Return: Vintage Instruments
Vintage instruments carry only a 3-day return window from purchase. If you are buying vintage gear, inspect it closely in-store or read every product detail and photo carefully for online purchases. This is Guitar Center’s shortest return window and applies regardless of the item’s price.
Items That Cannot Be Returned to Guitar Center
The following items are final sale and cannot be returned under any circumstances:
- Clearance items
- Discontinued items
- Items listed as non-returnable
- Apple hardware and computers
- Opened software and electronic software downloads
- Books, CDs, videos, and vinyl records
- Turntable cartridges and tubes
- In-ear buds, earplugs, and in-ear monitors
- Fog fluid, harmonicas, and cleaning products
- Special orders (custom orders and items not stocked by Guitar Center)
Special Fees to Know Before You Return
Band and Orchestra Instrument Sanitization Fee
Returns of woodwind and brass instruments incur a $10.00 sanitization fee deducted from your refund. Mouthpieces carry a smaller fee: $4.00 for purchases under $300 and $8.00 for purchases over $300. Bow returns incur a $4.00 restocking fee.
Apple Product Restocking Fee
Opened Apple products are subject to a 10% restocking fee, deducted directly from your refund. Defective Apple hardware is handled through Apple’s own warranty program, not Guitar Center’s return process.
How to Make a Return at Guitar Center
In-Store Returns
In-store returns are the fastest and cheapest option. Bring your item, a copy of your order confirmation email or packing slip, and a photo ID. Guitar Center may ask for ID to verify identity and track return history. The store issues credit immediately and you avoid all return shipping fees.
Mail Returns
To return an online order by mail, you must obtain a Return Authorization (RA) code first. Get it by calling 1-866-498-7882 or emailing service@guitarcenter.com. Once you have your RA code, ship the item to:
Guitar Center (Your RA#) 4005 N. Norfleet Kansas City, MO 64161-9231
You are responsible for return shipping and handling costs when returning by mail. Guitar Center will not refund original shipping charges, and if you received free shipping on your order, the value of that shipping cost will be deducted from your refund.
Guitar Center Refund Policy
Refunds are processed 2 to 4 business days after Guitar Center receives and inspects your return. The refund goes back to your original payment method. Cash purchases over $250 are refunded by check or Visa Debit Card (at select locations). Cash purchases of $50 or less may be refunded in cash in some locations.
Guitar Center Return Abuse Policy
Guitar Center tracks customer returns and enforces limits on excessive or suspicious return activity. Customers who violate the spirit of the return policy can have their return privileges limited or suspended permanently. Always shop with the intention of keeping what you buy, and if you are unsure about a product, ask a store associate to let you try it in-store before purchasing.
Guitar Center Holiday Return Policy
During the holiday season, Guitar Center extends return deadlines for eligible products purchased as gifts. The extended window typically allows returns until January 31 for qualifying purchases. The extended policy does not apply to non-returnable items or those with a 3- or 14-day return window.
Guitar Center Social Media Handles
Stay connected with Guitar Center on these official platforms:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guitarcenter
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guitarcenter
- Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/guitarcenter
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/guitarcenter
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@guitarcenter
Frequently Asked Questions: Guitar Center Return Policy
1. Can I return a guitar I have already played?
Items must be in brand-new condition with no signs of play, including pick scratches, dings, or wear on the hardware. If the guitar shows any use, Guitar Center may charge a restocking fee or decline the return.
2. Do I need a receipt to return something at Guitar Center?
An order confirmation email or packing slip is required for online purchases. For in-store purchases, a photo ID is used to look up the transaction. Returns without documentation may be declined.
3. Can I return a guitar amplifier by mail?
Yes, but you must call 1-866-498-7882 or email service@guitarcenter.com first to get a Return Authorization code. You pay for return shipping unless the item arrived defective.
4. What happens if my Guitar Center return is denied?
Guitar Center can deny returns for items that do not meet condition requirements or that were not purchased through Guitar Center. If you believe your return was wrongly denied, escalate by calling 1-866-498-7882.
5. Can I exchange a guitar for a different model at Guitar Center?
Guitar Center does not have a direct exchange process. You return the original item, receive a refund, and then place a new order for the item you want. The return must meet all standard policy conditions.
Conclusion
The Guitar Center return policy is genuinely customer-focused for most gear categories. The 45-day standard window gives musicians plenty of time to test their purchase thoroughly. The main traps are the 3-day vintage window, the 14-day electronics window, and the hygiene fees on band instruments. For any questions, reach Guitar Center at 1-866-498-7882 or service@guitarcenter.com before shipping anything back.
Disclaimer: The return policy information on ReturnsPolicies.info is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the latest updates. Always verify the current policy directly on the retailer’s official website before making any purchase or return decision. We are not affiliated with any of the retailers mentioned.