Guitar Center Return Policy, Explained
Guitar Center takes most returns in original condition within 45 days for a full refund, with 14-day, 3-day and no-return exceptions for some gear.
By Olivia HarperContributing writer. Policy checked .
On this page
Store policies change. This is a summary in our own words of Guitar Center's Return Policy page (last revised February 11, 2026, according to the page), read on October 27, 2026. The official page is the one that applies; check it before you send anything back.
The 45-day satisfaction guarantee
Guitar Center calls its standard policy a 45 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not happy with a purchase for any reason, return it in its original condition within the return period and you get a full refund of the purchase price. Shipping and handling charges are not refunded.
Some product groups get a shorter window, and some cannot go back at all:
| Product | Return window |
|---|---|
| Most items | 45 days |
| Recording devices, DJ equipment, workstation keyboards, rack signal processors, lighting and fog machines | 14 days |
| Vintage instruments | 3 days |
| Clearance, discontinued and non-returnable items, Apple hardware, computers and the other items listed below | No returns |
What Guitar Center does not take back
- Clearance items, discontinued items and anything marked 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, both custom orders and items the store does not stock
Apple products that are returned open box carry a 10% restocking fee, and Apple hardware with a defect under its one-year limited warranty follows Apple's own return policy.
Band and orchestra fees
| Returned item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Woodwind or brass instrument | $10 sanitization fee |
| Bow | $4 restocking fee |
| Mouthpiece over $300 | $8 sanitization fee |
| Mouthpiece under $300 | $4 sanitization fee |
Two ways to return
- At any Guitar Center store. Online and in-store purchases can both go back to a store. Bring the order confirmation email or the packing slip. Guitar Center says credit is issued right away, there is no return shipping to pay, and no return authorization code is needed.
- By mail. You need a return authorization number first, from Guitar Center's customer service line at 1-866-498-7882 or its service email address. Online orders go to the Kansas City, Missouri return address on the policy page, with the authorization number on the label. The refund is processed once Guitar Center confirms the item meets the requirements.
International orders follow the return instructions on the packing list.
Missing parts can cost you
The return page links to a Return Handling Charges sheet. The copy linked today is dated June 11, 2012, so treat it as a guide to how charges work rather than current prices. It lists a charge for each missing piece, such as the manual, power cable, footswitch, software or original packaging, which differs by product type. Keeping the box and every accessory until the return window closes avoids these charges.
Cash refunds and repeat returns
Cash purchases over $250 are refunded by check or, in select locations, a Visa debit card. Guitar Center also says it may limit or suspend return privileges for customers it sees as abusing the policy, for example through excessive returns or trying to return gear that is no longer in brand-new condition.
Sources
Return Policy and Return Handling Charges, Guitar Center. Policy checked October 27, 2026.