They've been awful for years. I got hired by them in... idk around 2009. My first day, the guitar dept. manager (and a salesman I had known for years from going in there) told me "so you finally got a job here, huh? Working at guitar center is the same feeling as when you learn Santa Claus isn't real." I didn't know what he meant, until I had worked there for a few more months. Anyway, GC blows, and always have (even before making any political statements) -- don't give them $$

edit - I can, however, vouch for Sam Ash (but in full transparency: I write for them for money, and [somewhat] know the owner's son)

They've been awful for years. I got hired by them in... idk around 2009. My first day, the guitar dept. manager (and a salesman I had known for years from going in there) told me "so you finally got a job here, huh? Working at guitar center is the same feeling as when you learn Santa Claus isn't real." I didn't know what he meant, until I had worked there for a few more months. Anyway, GC blows, and always have (even before making any political statements) -- don't give them $$