Definitely Doesn't Feel Like a “Full-time Dream” - Guitar Technician Sweetwater Employee Review

2.0
Jul 6, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Talking music gear all day with fellow musicians is cool. Seeing and touching all sorts of guitar models is cool.

Cons

There is definitely a sense that some sort of favoritism is going on in the Guitar Gallery — if you don’t 100% agree with whatever management and training tells you, then good luck with ever moving up in the Guitar Gallery. While some folks had the option to stay on the weekend shift in the gallery, most were forced to move into a M-F shift and take a decent pay cut. I felt that me and my team were not taken as serious professionals by the Guitar Gallery managers and trainer, because me and my shift were a weekend shift and all the other managers that made decisions regarding promotions were on a M-F schedule just like the majority of the other Guitar Gallery shifts. Guitar Gallery management sells working in the Guitar Gallery as the equivalent of attending a luthiery school — in reality it is ALL about hitting numbers just like any other warehouse job.

Explore other reviews about Sweetwater

5.0
Jun 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Structure for private lessons -Create your own hours -Pool for new students -Food discount -Benefits

Cons

-I personally did not have problems

4.0
Jun 5, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

If sales and music are your drives, Sweetwater is as good as it gets. Management in my experience has been very supportive and development-oriented, creating a positive culture around the company. They have a fantastic training program (albeit intense) that trains on both products and sales methods, so even if you're lacking experience in a given category there's plenty of coaching and training to get you ready for the role. Over time, the position can also be quite lucrative which compliments Fort Wayne's low cost of living well. They also offer relocation assistance since all positions are on-site, and a great benefits package. I've been fortunate to become great friends with many of my coworkers and honestly some days don't even feel like work. Ultimately, with this job you get what you put in, and making a solid living to geek out over music gear all day is a pretty sweet gig.

Cons

The job is very demanding - it's a fully commission sales job that revolves around constant customer outreach via call, text, and email. This means starting out is tough financially, and days are usually long. Try to have a savings cushion before you start, especially if you're moving from another city/state. You also work nights, holidays, and rotate through weekend shifts which won't be new for those who have worked retail before, but it's still a tough adjustment. Starting out I struggled from a social aspect as well. Fort Wayne is a cool city, but it's no LA, NY, or Chicago. Long hours at work make going out and making friends or getting involved in community groups/organizations difficult.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All