1. Quick links
2. Editor's picks
3. Electric guitar deals
4. Acoustic guitar deals
5. Pedal & amp deals
6. FAQ
Black Friday may have officially ended, but the Guitar Center Black Friday deals are still up and running, offering massive savings of up to 40% on a huge range of guitars and guitar gear. There are still big discounts on some absolutely huge brands in the sale too with heavy hitters like Fender, Gibson, Earthquaker Devices, PRS, and many more making an appearance.
Whilst the sale is still going at the moment, we're expecting that GC will launch a fresh sale on Monday, and we'll be keeping track of all the goings on via our Guitar Center Cyber Monday deals page. Cyber Monday sales often lean towards software and music tech, so if you're holding out for something of that ilk make sure you check the page regularly for the best deals.
There are still chunky reductions on a huge range of Earthquaker Devices pedals in the Guitar Center sale with discounts of up to $59.80. It includes some of their most popular pedals like the EQD Plumes, Hizumitas Fuzz, and the Dispatch Master as well as some of their more creative offerings like the absolutely bonkers Data Corrupter and our personal favorite, the spacious and sleek sounds of the Astral Destiny shimmer reverb.
Keep scrolling for quick links to the Guitar Center sale, and a selection of products handpicked by the expert writing team here at Guitar World.
Guitar Center Black Friday deals: Quick links
Head straight for the right department on Guitar Center with these links:
- Guitar deals: Big money off PRS & Fender
- Amp deals: Massive savings on Mesa/Boogie
- Pedal deals: Big savings on EQD pedals
- Bass deals: Save big on Fender & Ibanez
- Recording deals: Huge savings on Shure
- Live sound deals: Massive live sound savings
Guitar Center Black Friday deals: Editor's picks
Guitar Center Black Friday Sale: Up to 40% off
From guitars to PA systems, pianos to recording gear, there's something for every type of musician in Guitar Center's epic Black Friday sale. Guitar Center has stated that these are the "best deals of the year" so if you're on the fence about purchasing a new piece of music gear, then now is the time - the deals won't get any better than this!
Guitar Center: 15% off coupon on 15,000+ products
Featuring the fantastically-spec'd BMG Brian May signature model, the brand-new, Tosin Abasi-favored Bad Cat Jet Black amp, a fire-breathing Maxon SM-9 Pro+ Super Metal, and more, Guitar Center's mega-sale is the farthest thing from a get-these-out-of-our-inventory push.
PRS SE John Mayer Silver Sky: Was $849, now $679
Both the maple and rosewood-equipped versions of John Mayer's highly praised SE Silver Sky signature guitar is now 20% off at Guitar Center, so trust me when I say now is as good a time as any if you've been thinking about getting one. 635JM single-coils, serious playability and that Sob Rock flair make this an absolute winner for Black Friday. What's more, all of the finish options are on offer, too. A Nylon Blue maple SE Silver Sky? for $679?! Don't mind if I do.
Huge Epiphone sale: Up to 25% off
Whether it's a 1959 Les Paul, ES-335 semi-acoustic, or a Silverburst Les Paul Custom, Guitar Center might have just served up one of the most drool-worthy lists of guitar deals we're going to see this Black Friday, with up to $250 off. The guitars mentioned are just a few of the stunning deals that caught our eye, click through for the full list.
Guild OM-240CE: was $529 now $249
Given Guild is one of the most storied acoustic guitar builders on the planet, you wouldn’t typically see its acoustics in a beginner roundup. But with an astonishing $280 off – that’s 53%, percentage fans – you can get a record-and-gig-ready acoustic as your very first. Available with a solid Sitka spruce top (a feature normally only found on more expensive models), plus mahogany sides and built-in Guild electronics, this Charcoal Burst-finished model is an undeniable bargain at this price, and one of the most impressive offers we’ve seen this year.
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass: $449 $349
Squier’s Classic Vibe instruments have rewritten the rulebook when it comes to vintage feel and value for money in the affordable end of the bass and guitar market. The ’60s Precision Bass is no exception. Our review named it “one of the best pound-for-dollar models you can get”, noting it boasts “build quality and attention to detail that far exceed what you’d expect for the price.” Now this Limited Edition Sonic Blue option is 25% cheaper at just $349.99 – whether you’re a beginner looking to buy something that lasts, or a seasoned player after a new option or backup bass, this is a superb opportunity to snap one up.
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass: $449 $349
Squier’s Classic Vibe instruments have rewritten the rulebook when it comes to vintage feel and value for money in the affordable end of the bass and guitar market. The ’60s Precision Bass is no exception. Our review named it “one of the best pound-for-dollar models you can get”, noting it boasts “build quality and attention to detail that far exceed what you’d expect for the price.” Now this Limited Edition Sonic Blue option is 25% cheaper at just $349.99 – whether you’re a beginner looking to buy something that lasts, or a seasoned player after a new option or backup bass, this is a superb opportunity to snap one up.
DigiTech Whammy: was $299 now $249
You’ve heard this perennially popular pitch-shifter on countless recordings, from Rage Against the Machine to Muse, Steve Vai, Radiohead and beyond. Its trademark octave-up squeals and synthesizer-esque harmonies have made it one of the most iconic pedals of all time, so any kind of discount is a rare thing indeed. Save $50 now at Guitar Center and revolutionize your pedalboard.
Line 6 Catalyst 200: $499.99, now $379.99
The powerful Line 6 Catalyst 200 is a fantastic modeling amplifier and now you can get it for much less over at Guitar Center. It's got a hefty $100 discount, making it phenomenal value for such a powerful and versatile amplifier.
Price check - Sweetwater $379.99
Universal Audio UAFX Pedals: Was $399, now $319
The UAFX Ruby, Woodrow and Dream pedals offer emulations of the Vox AC30, ‘55 Fender 5E3 Deluxe Tweed, and ‘65 Fender Deluxe Reverb amps, respectively. These pedals are the best way to get their sound and feel in an ultra-portable, studio-, home-, and stage-friendly package. At $319 this Black Friday, they're an absolute steal.
EarthQuaker Devices pedals: 20% off
Head to Guitar Center before November 29 to take advantage of a 20% discount on ALL the renowned pedal company's stompboxes, including the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3, plus great prices on the Rainbow Machine V2, Avalanche Run and Hizumitas Fuzz Sustainar.
Boss Katana Head MKII 100W $369.99 $299.99
You might not guess it, but this Katana head can handle anything from bedroom jams through to medium-sized gig settings. It’s been a runaway success since its introduction in 2015 and this second generation edition scored 4.5/5 stars in our 2021 review – being lauded for its rock solid build, library of beloved Boss effects and a great variety of useable tones on offer. Guitar Center is offering discounts on several Katana models, but this head has one of the chunkiest: with nearly 20% off the list price.
Electric guitar deals
Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro V: $2,499, now $1,999
The Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro V is about as versatile as a Les Paul gets, packing coil-splits and out-of-phase switches, and comes in a luxurious Satin Wine Red finish. If you're in the market for a bonafide rock machine, this has to be your next guitar – especially with Guitar Center slashing the price to just $1,999.
Price check: Musician's Friend $2,499
Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro: was $599, now $449
What do you call a guitar that has you covered for everything from jazz to blues, indie to classic rock and more? Easy, it’s the ES-335. Check out the ES-335 Traditional Pro. It’s on sale for $449 (down from $599) with a choice of Inverness Green, or Metallic Gold. You'll get a double-bound, 5-ply maple body, a mahogany neck (with the classic dot fretboard markers) and a pair of Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers. Bag yourself a slice of semi-hollow royalty for less before they’re gone.
Fender Player Tex-Mex Strat: $849.99, now $699.99
This upgraded take on Fender's popular Player format is equipped with a set of the company's Tex-Mex pickups for a fatter single-coil sound that's perfect for Texas blues. It's one of this year's best lookers, too, with a Sonic Blue finish, complemented by a mint green-hued pickguard. Guitar Center has shaved $150 off its $849 asking price, bringing the final figure down to $699.
D'Angelico Premier Bedford SH: $899.99 now $509.99 Guitar Center is offering a huge $390 discount on this stunning semi-hollow offset from D'Angelico. It's got retro charms a-plenty, but a seriously flexible HSS setup that – thanks to the Duncan Design mini humbucker – gives you access to a huge range of tones, but doesn't look like it's been culled from a Super Strat...
Schecter C-1 Platinum: Was $979, now $799
This stunning-looking metal machine has got a sensational $180 discount in the Guitar Center Black Friday sale at the moment. As you’d expect from a metal guitar the EMG pickups are ultra-aggressive, so will give you tight chugs for days. It’s a versatile instrument too, thanks to the Floyd Rose Special locking tremolo and Sustainiac pickup in the neck position. The Sustainiac is a superb addition, whether you’re looking for expressive cleans or distorted leads that quite literally sustain forever.
PRS SE Custom 24: Was $879, now $699
As part of a larger PRS SE holiday sale, Guitar Center has a range of PRS SE guitars with 20% discounts across the board. The SE Custom 24 caught our eye immediately, as it's one of the best bang-for-buck guitars you can buy in the modern age. With a $180 discount, it's a brilliant way to get a top-tier guitar for less.
Price check - Sweetwater $699
Epiphone SG Special-I: Was: $199, now: $149
For those wanting to harness their inner Angus, you will not find a deal more perfect than this Epiphone Special-I SG, which is 25% off at Guitar Center. Young AC/DC fanatics will be able to cut their teeth on the real deal, with the guitar offering a no-nonsense wraparound bridge and a dual humbucker setup for classic rock tones.
Fender Player Strat in Shell Pink: $824, now $649
This might be the best-looking Stratocaster on sale this Black Friday: this Limited Edition Fender Player Stratocaster not only boasts a stunning Shell Pink finish, but it's topped off with a tortoiseshell scratchplate. And with $175 off the list price at Guitar Center, it’s a steal to boot.
Squier Bullet Mustang HH: Was: $199, now: $149
The Squier Bullet Mustang HH isn’t going to be with us for much longer, so you’ll need to act fast if you want to snap this one up for just $149 at Guitar Center. We gave it a 4.5-star rating when we reviewed it, and for good reason: it’s playable, well-built, stocked with great tones and that Surf Green finish looks uber cool. Beginner guitars don’t get much better than this.
Fender Player Stratocaster: Was $799, now $599
This Strat will appeal to fans of David Gilmour. There aren't too many Stratocaster spec combos more iconic than a black body and pickguard with a maple fingerboard, and thanks to this tasty Guitar Center deal you can harness that classic Gilmour black Strat vibe and those sought-after Strat sounds for $200 cheaper than usual.
Acoustic guitar deals
Yamaha F335 acoustic: was $189 now $129
Acoustic guitars for beginners simply do not get much better than this – especially with $50 off at Guitar Center. The F335's dreadnought body delivers a deep bass response with a rosewood fingerboard and comfortable neck shape. It features a laminated spruce top with meranti back and sides, and comes in a choice of three finishes: natural, black and Tobacco Brown Sunburst.
Guild OM-240CE: was $529 now $249
Given Guild is one of the most storied acoustic guitar builders on the planet, you wouldn’t typically see its acoustics in a beginner roundup. But with an astonishing $280 off – that’s 53%, percentage fans – you can get a record-and-gig-ready acoustic as your very first. Available with a solid Sitka spruce top (a feature normally only found on more expensive models), plus mahogany sides and built-in Guild electronics, this Charcoal Burst-finished model is an undeniable bargain at this price, and one of the most impressive offers we’ve seen this year.
Pedal & amp deals
Boss RE-202 Space Echo: Was $419.99, $378.49
As one of our top picks for best delay pedals, this supreme tape delay emulation pedal is one of the most expansive sounds you can put on your pedalboard. It's still very new, so we're happy to see a healthy $40 discount off the regular price over at Guitar Center.
Price check - Sweetwater $378.49
Bad Cat Jet Black: 15% off with coupon
This is one of the amps that convinced Tosin Abasi to switch from Axe-Fx and amp modeling back to tube amps – quite an endorsement, especially in this increasingly digital age. Packing four EL84 tubes, this thing is an absolute fire-breather, and this Guitar Center sale brings its price down to just a hair over $2,000. Not an insignificant discount on a product that's been out for less than a week...
UAFX 1176 Compressor: Was $199, now $169
There are many imitators to the ubiquitous 1176 compressor, but we love that the UAFX 1176 has all the versatility of the plugin and the same tone sculpting options we’d get when mixing in the box. Use it as a sustainer, a clean boost, or even an overdrive in dual mode, or just as an always-on tone sweetener for your rig.
Price check - Sweetwater $169
Kemper Profiler PowerHead 600W: $1,999, now $1,849
Pairing Kemper's legendary Profiler with a 600-watt solid-state power amp, the Profiler PowerHead is essentially all the amp you need for the stage and studio, and comes with heaps of effects, too. Not only is it still, in our book, one of the best amps you can buy, this Kemper is one of the most powerful music-making tools on the planet, full stop. If you've ever wanted to take the plunge – with $150 off at Guitar Center this Black Friday – this is the time to buy.
EarthQuaker Devices Plumes: Was $99, now $79.20
As one of our favorite Tube Screamer clones, we had to shout the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes. It’s a small-ish reduction at $19.80, but that still makes it cheaper than you’ll find anywhere else at the moment.
As you’d expect from a good TS clone, it’s perfect for pairing with a mid-scooped amp and goes nicely stacked with other drive and distortion pedals too. Already excellent value for money, it’s certainly that more tempting at the moment in the Guitar Center Black Friday sale. If you’re into EQD pedals then definitely check out the full EarthQuaker Devices pedal sale, with loads of offers from the Ohio-based pedal brand.
Price check: Sweetwater $79.20
Revv amps: Up to $300 off
Some of our favorite wall-shakers from Revv have received healthy price-cuts at Guitar Center for Black Friday, with $100 off the Revv G20 – which we awarded four-and-a-half stars in our review – $200 off some of the company's best-selling tube combos, and an even $300 off the firm's ferocious 100 and 120W Generator models.
MXR M66S Classic Overdrive: Was $69 now $49
MXR’s most affordable overdrive may not offer all the bells and whistles of its pricier brethren, but it’s no slouch in the tone department. Spanning a touch of grit to hairier overdrives, it’s an easy way to give you clean tone some punch or stack with other drives. Plus, if you believe certain internet rumors, it can be turned into a far pricier Zakk Wylde Overdrive with the flick of a switch on the circuit board. Two pedals for the price of one? You can’t say fairer than that, especially with $20 off at Guitar Center.
JHS 3 Series pedals: Was $99 now $74.25 each
Even at $99, the JHS 3 Series pedals are a bargain. The comprehensive lineup covers quite literally all tonal bases – overdrive, distortion, chorus, fuzz, delay, screamer, reverb and tremolo included – and each unit is so easy to use it practically operates itself: just three control knobs and mode-switching toggles. Plus, they’re built by JHS, so you know you’re investing in a top quality pedal. They are now a generous 25% off at Guitar Center.
Walrus Audio Fundamental Series: $99 now from $79
Walrus Audio’s answer to the JHS 3 Series, the Fundamental Series pedals are almost just as affordable, equally easy to use, and also cover a vast tonal range. Here, there are three voices per pedal, and (get this) sliders to control the parameters. Nifty, eh? A selection of fuzz, overdrive, distortion, reverb and all sorts of other pedals are now available from $79 thanks to Guitar Center’s discount.
Guitar Center Black Friday Deals: FAQ
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday takes place on the day after Thanksgiving and will be held on Friday 24th November this year. The deals will extend across the following weekend (known as Cyber Weekend) before finishing with some great Guitar Center Cyber Monday deals on November 27th.
If previous years are anything to go by, we can expect to see some killer Black Friday deals emerging well before the big day. It's worth bookmarking this page and checking back in regularly to see what's on offer.
What deals should I expect?
Last year we saw some fantastic discounts on a wide range of gear. There were healthy amounts knocked off the ever-popular Fender Player series, with the HSS Plus Top versions seeing a massive $160 discount. There were also some great deals on acoustic guitars, with money off many Fender and Epiphone models.
We also saw plenty of reductions on effects pedals with many Walrus Audio pedals getting some serious reductions. One of the best pedal deals was the HeadRush LooperBoard which had a stonking $400 off it's RRP.
Last year we got a sneak peek of Guitar Center's Black Friday deals, so we knew ahead of time what deals were incoming before the big weekend actually landed. Hopefully the same will happen this year, and all the best deals will be right here.
This year we're pretty sure we'll see plenty of guitar gear with money off, it is Guitar Center after all. We'd also like to see more savings on plugins and home recording gear, with many guitarists looking to take this route for their music creation nowadays.
Should I wait until Black Friday?
Well, we'd say yes. If you're looking for the best deals and the biggest savings, then we'd wait until Friday November 24 - but there will undoubtedly be some huge savings to be made in the lead-up to the big day.
In the past, we've seen early Black Friday deals starting as soon as the start of October - and Guitar Center has already kicked off its sales with the Guitar-A-Thon event. You can expect to see big deals from now all the way until the big day.
Most places will keep their best deals for Black Friday and Cyber Weekend, however - leading all the way through to the Guitar Center Cyber Monday deals the following Monday. If you want to make the biggest savings, we'd wait until the event itself.
Should I buy from Guitar Center online during Black Friday?
If you're concerned about buying a guitar or any other gear from Guitar Center this Black Friday without having tried it out first, there's no need to be. Guitar Center's return policy is one of the best around, allowing you to return most gear within a window of 45 days. This means you can afford to purchase a guitar or anything else, play it at home, and make up your mind within a few weeks.
It's worth checking the specifics, as some vintage, custom-ordered, and music tech gear is subject to different rules, however.
Are Guitar Center prices fair?
We'd argue that yes they are. It's part of our jobs to check out the best deals on offer from all the major retailers, and we regularly see Guitar Center competing with others like Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, Amazon, and more.
Whilst it's true you have to hunt for the best deals during Black Friday, we'll only put the very best deals on this page so you can rest assured that all the biggest savings are right here.
How to get free shipping at Guitar Center?
To get free shipping to the US for most items, all you have to do is spend over $25. This does not include everything though, as some special items will incur a shipping cost. Musical instruments that are heavy, things like upright pianos or big PA speakers can sometimes incur an additional shipping fee.
If you're unsure whether your item qualifies your best bet is to contact Guitar Center customer service directly, and you can find more Guitar Center shipping information here.
How to prepare for this year's Guitar Center Black Friday deals
1. Create a wishlist early - It'll feel like there's millions of different deals flying around on Black Friday, so having your wishlist ready and waiting is a great way to stay focused.
2. Work out what you actually need - By checking out what's already in your gear collection, you can make a better decision about what you actually need to purchase this Black Friday. Filling the gaps is a great way to enhance your arsenal, without needlessly purchasing items you won't use.
3. Consider your music-making goals - Have a look at the next year and what you want to achieve in your music-making. Perhaps it's time to record that solo album you've had on the backburner, or you just want to improve your current live show with some in-ear monitors. Whatever it is, make sure you buy something that will contribute towards your goals.
4. Make some room - We're no strangers to hoarding gear, it's something a lot of musicians do. If you've got loads of gear you're not using, now's the perfect time to have a clearout. Not only will it impress family members or your partner, but it could also free up more funds for future gear purchases during the Black Friday sales.
How we choose the best Guitar Center Black Friday deals
We're all guitar players here at Guitar World, so we know what we're talking about when it comes to guitar gear. It's quite literally our jobs to review and recommend gear, and we all use it during the course of our personal lives as well as our professional ones.
In order to make the cut for inclusion here, a deal has to feature a genuinely useful product that serves a purpose, with a discount that makes it fantastic value for money. We would never recommend a piece of gear we wouldn't use ourselves, so you know you're getting a great deal with us.
Why you can trust our choices
We may be building up to Black Friday right now, but we cover all the best guitar deals throughout the entire year. This means we have an excellent overview of what's a hot product, as well as how the prices have fluctuated over time.
Guitar Center frequently runs sale events and we always cover the good ones, including their Metal Mayhem sale which saw massive discounts on shred-tastic guitars. We also reported on their huge Memorial Day sale which saw up to 35% off, as well as their Guitar-A-Thon which saw tasty 20% discounts on electric guitars, amps, effects, and more.
Last year's Guitar Center Black Friday deals highlights
AmpliTube 5 Max: $599, $99
This comprehensive suite of guitar amps and effects had a ginormous $500 slashed off its price tag at Guitar Center last year. Snagging AmpliTube 5 Max for $99 was easily one of the best guitar plugin deals of Black Friday last year.
Epiphone Songmaker DR-100: $169, $129
Epiphone is one of the most prolific guitar builders in the biz, with the trust of thousands of guitarists the world over. Last year you could join the club, picking up the Songmaker DR-100 at just $129. Normally priced at $169, this stylishly appointed six-string has had a cool $40 lopped off its tag in the Guitar Center Black Friday deals last year.
Fender Player Strat HSS Plus Top: $909, $749.99
Fender’s Player series guitars remain incredibly popular thanks to a mix of fantastic build quality, timeless sound, and excellent price point. You’ll be hard-pressed to get as much bang for your buck with anything else – and last year saw this awesome HSS Strat with flame maple top get a reduction of $160.
Boss Katana-100/212 MkII: $564.99, $449.99
Probably the most popular practice amp on the planet right now, we love the Katana series for its tonal versatility and usability in any situation, whether you’re practicing at home, recording in the studio, or playing a live show. This super deal appeared last year at Guitar Center, with a hefty $115 knocked off the price.
HeadRush Looperboard: $899, $499
This looping behemoth does it all with a quad-core DPS system and 7” touchscreen interface, the Looperboard is the looper pedal of the future – and last year there was a crazy $400 off the price at Guitar Center. Five hours of recording time is onboard, with intelligent time stretching and 32-bit 48kHz audio quality. The 12(!) footswitches feature RGB LED indicators to keep track of your tracks, while there’s a comprehensive suite of Eleven HD Expanded effects to manipulate your loops.