Guitar Center Return Policy: 45 Days, 15% Restocking Fee & Exceptions
By ReturnClerk · Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 1 official source · next review Dec 15, 2026 · Report a change
Quick answer
45days
from purchase
Guitar Center offers a 45-day satisfaction guarantee: return an item in its original condition within 45 days of purchase for a full refund 1. Recording devices, DJ gear, workstation keyboards and some other electronics have 14 days, vintage instruments have 3 days, and items such as clearance, clothing and special orders can't be returned 1. Gear that isn't in brand-new condition with all packaging and accessories may face a handling charge or a minimum 15% restocking fee 1.
On this page
Guitar Center's return policy is generous on time but strict on condition. Musical gear has to come back looking new, some categories have much shorter windows, and a number of items can't be returned at all. Here's what the official GuitarCenter.com return policy says. For price matching and other policies, see the Guitar Center store page.
The 45-day satisfaction guarantee
If you're not happy with a purchase for any reason, you can return it in its original condition within 45 days of purchase for a full refund 1. Some product types have shorter windows or can't be returned, as explained below 1.
Condition rules: brand new or pay a fee
Returned items must be in original, brand-new condition with no signs of wear or use, such as belt-buckle or pick scratches, scuffs, dings or scrapes on the instrument or its materials 1.
Include all original packaging, manuals, warranties and accessories 1. If anything is missing, or the item isn't in original brand-new condition, the return may face a return handling charge or a minimum 15% restocking fee 1. Items with excessive wear or damage may be disqualified altogether 1.
Shorter return windows
| Item type | Return window |
|---|---|
| Most products | 45 days from purchase 1 |
| Recording devices, DJ equipment, workstation keyboards, rack signal processors, lighting and fog machines | 14 days from purchase 1 |
| Vintage instruments | 3 days from purchase 1 |
Items you can't return
Guitar Center doesn't accept returns of 1:
- Clearance and discontinued items
- Apple hardware
- Opened software and software downloads
- Books, CDs, videos and vinyl records
- Turntable cartridges and tubes
- In-ear buds, earplugs and in-ear monitors
- Clothing
- Special orders, including custom orders and items Guitar Center doesn't stock
Band and orchestra return fees
School-band instruments carry extra fees 1:
- Woodwind and brass instruments: $10.00 sanitization fee 1
- Bows: $4.00 restocking fee 1
- Mouthpieces over $300: $8.00 sanitization fee; mouthpieces under $300: $4.00 1
How to return
In a store. Online purchases can be returned at your nearest Guitar Center store, which avoids return shipping fees 1. Find locations at guitarcenter.com/locations 1.
By mail. Call 1-866-498-7882 to get a return authorization first 1. Mailed returns go to Guitar Center, with your RA number, at 4005 N. Norfleet, Kansas City, MO 64161-9231 1.
International orders. Follow the return instructions on your packing list, or call 1-866-498-7882 for help 1.
Refunds and shipping costs
Once Guitar Center finishes evaluating your return, the refund is processed in 2-3 business days 1. Refunds cover the product value only, not shipping and handling 1. If your order shipped free, the value of that free shipping is deducted from your refund 1. Returning in a store saves you the return shipping fees 1, but Guitar Center doesn't say it waives that free-shipping deduction, so expect it either way.
Return limits
Guitar Center says customers with excessive returns may have their return privileges limited or suspended 1.
Quick tips
- Check your item type first: 14 days for DJ and recording gear, 3 days for vintage 1.
- Play-test gently and keep the plastic, tags and accessories; wear or missing parts can cost you 15% or more 1.
- Return in a store to avoid return shipping fees 1; the deduction for free original shipping can still apply 1.
- Get a return authorization before mailing anything back 1.
- More guides: return policies.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to return something to Guitar Center?
Does Guitar Center charge a restocking fee?
It can. If an item is missing original packaging, manuals, warranties or accessories, or isn't in original brand-new condition, the return may face a handling charge or a minimum 15% restocking fee 1. Band and orchestra returns have their own fees, such as $10.00 for woodwind and brass instruments 1.
Can I return a guitar I've played?
Can I return an online order to a Guitar Center store?
Yes. Guitar Center suggests returning online purchases at your nearest store to avoid return shipping fees 1.
What can't be returned to Guitar Center?
Clearance and discontinued items, Apple hardware, opened software, software downloads, books, CDs, videos, vinyl, turntable cartridges, tubes, in-ear buds, earplugs, in-ear monitors, clothing and special orders 1.
Sources
- 1GuitarCenter.com Return Policy (What is your Return Policy?)Guitar Center, text captured Oct 31, 2026
Verified Oct 31, 2026 against 1 official source. Next review Dec 15, 2026.
ReturnClerk is not affiliated with Guitar Center. Policies change and individual stores may apply them differently, so confirm with the retailer before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us or read how we verify.