Quick answer: most items can be returned to Guitar Center within 45 days. 4 exceptions below can shorten or change that.
Free shipping: Not listed · Returns: 45 days
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We read Guitar Center's policy pages ourselves and last checked them on October 13, 2026. Every rule below links to its source.
Guitar Center return policy at a glance
| What you bought | Return rule |
|---|---|
| Most items | 45 days |
| Recording devices, DJ gear, workstation keyboards, rack processors and lighting or fog machines | 14 days |
| Vintage instruments | 3 days |
| Not returnable | Clearance and discontinued items, Apple hardware, computers, opened software, books and media, tubes, in-ear monitors, harmonicas and special orders |
| Fees | 10% restocking on open-box Apple; $10 sanitization on woodwind and brass instruments |
How returns work at Guitar Center
- Guitar Center's 45 Day Satisfaction Guarantee gives a full refund of the purchase price, minus shipping, for items returned in original condition within the return period.
- In-store returns need the order confirmation email or packing slip and are credited immediately. Shipped returns need a return authorization code first, and return handling charges apply.
- Cash purchases over $250 are refunded by check or Visa debit card.
Can you return to Guitar Center without a receipt?
Guitar Center's return policy pages we checked do not spell out a no-receipt rule. Keep your receipt or order email, and ask at the store before you count on a refund. Compare other stores in our no-receipt returns guide.
Free shipping at Guitar Center
We could not confirm Guitar Center's free shipping rules on its own pages, so we have left them out rather than guess. Compare the stores we could check on our free shipping minimums page.
How Guitar Center compares
Guitar Center's standard 45-day window is longer than most: only 75 of the 229 stores we track with a fixed window give you more time. See every store side by side in our return window comparison.
Other electronics stores:
- Best Buy return policy: 15 days, shipping free at $35
- Apple return policy: 14 days, shipping free, no minimum
- Newegg return policy: 30 days, shipping not listed
- GameStop return policy: 15 days, shipping not listed
Sources
We took every rule on this page from Guitar Center's own website and checked it on October 13, 2026. Policies change, sometimes without notice, so confirm on Guitar Center's site before you rely on a deadline.
Spotted a change? Tell us and we will recheck it. Past changes are in our policy change log.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you have to return something to Guitar Center?
45 days for most items. Exceptions include: Recording devices, DJ gear, workstation keyboards, rack processors and lighting or fog machines: 14 days; Vintage instruments: 3 days; Not returnable: clearance and discontinued items, Apple hardware, computers, opened software, books and media, tubes, in-ear monitors, harmonicas and special orders.
Can you return to Guitar Center without a receipt?
Guitar Center's policy pages we checked do not spell out a no-receipt rule. Ask at the store first.
Does Guitar Center extend returns for the holidays?
The Guitar Center policy pages we checked on October 13, 2026 do not mention an extended holiday return window.
