Very welcoming, down home, and knowledgeable help.
Great service good prices definitely will come back
I have taken lessons here for 6 years. I enjoy this place a lot. You can find many different guitar, basses, drums, pianos, etc. Prices vary as always. Awesome place.
I hadn’t visited this iconic little music store in quite a while (years) . Of course Bill was friendly and helpful although, I was very disappointed in the guitar selection. I remember the days of Fender, Taylor, Takamine…well, you get the gist. Overall, a good local shop to pick up needed items like picks, strings, etc.
Fixed my guitar right away
Very friendly service.
I was never there
Unimpressive staff support
2. Erik’s Violin Repair
Address: 1245 Almond Ave, Butte Valley, CA 95965 , Biggs , California , United States
Went there looking for a starter bass, the staff was super nice, and got me all set up with exactly what i wanted! great store, great price!
A magnificent new home for The Music Connection! I’m impressed. Best wishes for the wonderful owners and staff.
Chico is a better town because of The Music Connection, and it’s been that way for many years!
The new shop is amazing with the same great service. Love that it’s now in downtown with off street parking.
I really appreciate these guys for their customer care and smart staff. Good job making the store a fun and relaxing place to explore musical instruments for all ages!
Got my input fixed on my wife’s guitar and my daughter’s veola fixed up too.
Happy new year!
I took a subwoofer at this place for repair. I got a call back about 3 to 4 weeks later regarding the cost, i asked them to hold the subwoofer until i have a chance to pick it up within 2 weeks without repairs and i was told it was not a problem. 2 weeks later it was pouring rain and since i have a truck bed which is the only place where the subwoofer would fit, so i didn’t not have a way of picking it up. i went today to get it and the person in repairs said that he threw the subwoofer away, because i took so long. He also claimed that he left a voicemail saying he would throw it away if i didn’t pick it up. I had a message to pick it up, but he did not say that otherwise it would be tossed away.
This was an expensive sub and the only thing it needed was a speaker, the amp on it was perfect and the box was in great shape. Anyone with common sense knows that they probably fixed it and sold it, given that everything was in great shape except for the speaker. I feel that they way they do business is dishonest and do not recommend this place to anyone.
4. Foggy Mountain Music
Address: 104 W Main St, Grass Valley, CA 95945 , Biggs , California , United States
My wife and I recently purchased vacation, recreational property in Grass Valley. In dire need of a guitar pick I made my first visit to Foggy Mountain. The gentleman behind the counter greeted me with warmth and kindness and showed me what appeared to be a thousand different kinds of guitar picks. Choosing one that felt proper to my fingers and had the word “Cool” on it suited my tastes to a “T”. And that’s my feelings about Foggy Mountain Music, they are Cool people have a Cool store in a Cool town.
Nice folks. Helpful, busy and they know their stuff. It was my first experience there but not the last. Good selection for a small town music store. And it’s great that they are still thriving….must be doing something(s) right.
great people great place – they love music. buy local!
Bought a dulcimer hand made in Arkansas.
To my surprise this lil mountain store was very well stocked with Fender strats and basses. A very nice selection of aucustic guitars. The staff was nice and friendly.
Very cool rustic music store with knowledgeable, friendly staff.
Yeah not too sure about that place I feel robbed every time I go in there, yeah of course there’s a lot of good stuff there but overall there wasn’t a chance for no stars they can have one I guess
Owners are rude
Drove there on Sunday, as Google said they were open. They were not.
5. Clancy’s Music
Address: 7303 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95207 , Biggs , California , United States
Went there looking for a guitar for my granddaughter for Christmas. The staff was very knowledgeable and showed me all of the options they had and helped me tremendously! Even tuned the guitar for me before I left!
Going back for lessons for her after Christmas
Support your local businesses people!
great customer service
very knowledgeable and friendly
Great customer service knowledgeable staff.
As of August 2019
Mr. C’s in no longer here, it’s now Clancy’s Music
I had a wonderful experience here and I recommend it for your instrumental needs, great prices, great customer service, thank you Clancy Ferril for all your help.
Just went in there to buy guitar strings and they had what we needed so we were happy
I’ll give the store the benefit of the doubt. It’s a new store and the guy who runs it is knowledgeable and nice. The selection isn’t vast but the prices are fair. Has a grand opening coming up soon with reps from Ibanez and others. Hopefully that helps him stock up!
Waited in line for about 20 minutes before
They don’t have good stuff. It’s like a place for beginners. Didn’t have what I needed either.
Guitar
6. Notes & Knots
Address: 1963 Montgomery St, Oroville, CA 95965 , Biggs , California , United States
This is one of the best music stores I have ever seen. They have wide selections of instruments, books/sheet music, and accessories. The instruments are good quality and many are unique styles and brands that you would never find at guitar center. I love walking into this shop because it smells like a luthier shop, good wood! Other touches that make this place special: they offer lessons and provide opportunities for students to show what they’ve learned at jams and open mics in the cafe nextdoor. And yes, they have a repair shop too. Truly a gem as far as instrument shops go.
Great, gear, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Very recommended.
The best place to get instruments repairs.
Amazing friendly staff.
I haven’t been to this shop in years. Came in recently to look for a specific book. The staff was friendly. The layout of the place is a bit awkward. There is a back section with sheet music but it’s not very apparent at first. Ask anyone at the desk if you need to find it. The sheet music selection is very small.
They had a good collection of guitars, bases, and other stringed instruments. I didn’t see much in the way of brass or woodwinds. Its in a small shopping complex and parking was okay.
I’ve experienced a good customer service however all sales are final.
Decent service and friendly staff
*Allegedly, and in my opinion only*
The staff is cool, and so is the person giving violin lessons. However, the owner is rude to paying customers and even to children.
The owner says you can try out guitars, but really, he will micromanage and demand you buy it if he decides you’ve “used his strings too much.” Why even bother letting people try out guitars if you’re going to make people take off jewelry and anything that could scratch the guitar, and then still find a way to act like they are an inconvenience for playing a guitar when you said they could play? Very bad ownership.
Don’t spend money here, especially on your kids. My kid was given permission to try out a guitar by the staff, and then the owner literally ripped the guitar from my kid’s hands, scolded him for using up too much string, demanded he pay for the guitar, and then kicked us out while our other kid was in a PAID violin lesson. Would give 0 stars, never coming back. By the way, we’ve spent enough money at your store previously to pay for that guitar, let alone the fact that we could’ve paid for it. Way to lose money for yourself And next time you want to disrespect someone’s kid, don’t. Sorry you can’t afford to replace $3 wholesale strings on guitars after customers try them out. Maybe just don’t let people try the guitars since you seemingly can’t mentally handle that. And before you try to lie, we were not disrespectful or damaging your property in ANY way. My kid is very respectful. We actually thought you were joking until you kicked us out. Praying for you.
Rude and unprofessional people.
It is unfortunate that I was not able to receive the great customer service others described on this store. I went in to ask questions and buy a guitar for my son. I waited 15 minutes to be helped. There were three people working as far as I could tell, and no one came to help or even said they would be right with me. After that length of time I felt uncomfortable and left. I’m not one to stand right at the counter and demand attention. I walked around and looked at each guitar displayed, but didn’t really know what to look for. It is a small store so I should have been noticed. Yes, they were busy and helping others but there were only three other customers in the shop. I will be buying my guitar somewhere else.
8. Sound Check Music Center
Address: 671 Maltman Dr #5, Grass Valley, CA 95945 , Biggs , California , United States
A true community gem dedicated to the needs of our local community of musicians!
Hands down the friendliest and best place for all instrument needs. Had lots of hard to find parts even tubes! and helps me keep buying local instead of parts from Amazon!!
Very nice inventory of new and more used guitars basses. All instruments available here and service department for basic fixes.. knowledgable employees!
Real nice hometown music store
Tiny little shop. Nice owner though. Didn’t get much more than a tuner. Can’t really judge more.
I previously gave Soundcheck a great review but now I am not so sure. Yes, they guys are great there. But watch out for their prices. I was in a hurry last week and needed some basic acoustic strings. They charged me over $16. for the set and I didn’t think twice. But when I got home I realized they really should have been a lot les.
The MSRP on those strings is $6.99 Same price online or at most of the other local guitar shops.
So they charged me well over double for the same strings. I really want to support local business…but I am done with Sondcheck.
9. Epperson Music
Address: 301 N Main St Suite D, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 , Biggs , California , United States
Epperson Music is Rad! I found my favorite ukulele yet! It is a beautiful acoustic/electric. Cory is also such a kind and chill person. Very helpful. Reasonable prices. Check it out!
Really cool little shop! It had so many neat instruments and the people working there were so nice and helpful. 10/10 must see shop!
Great tuners! Bought 2.
10. Live Oak Music
Address: 14791 Mono Way, Sonora, CA 95370 , Biggs , California , United States
They have a wide variety of musical instruments and books on learning those instruments. You can purchase guitar strings here, strings for any string instrument actually. The owner is a very, very nice person. He sells almost anything you need for music stuff. Instruments, books, things to go on your instrument or for fixing your instrument, microphones, singing books, CDs, etc. 10/10 would recommend.
Owner was so friendly and helpful. So glad we took the time to go there. Well worth it!
Owner Ron, is very knowledgeable, he’s truly really helpful & honest!!! I love his selections of guitars, banjos, etc. when my husband & I goes to his store, he’s always willing to help when you need him, never ever pushes a sale. And we love when he plays few tunes & sings gives few lessons with the guitar, banjo & ukuleles before we have purchased ❤ he makes you feel at home, he’s a sun rays that makes you feel always welcome!!!!
Great owner….great place…..excellent information….
Friendly and fast service
I’ve known the owner for many years. I bought an amp and he beat the best on-line price for the same product. So happy to do business local like that.
11. Strings & Things
Address: 901 N Main St, Lakeport, CA 95453 , Biggs , California , United States
Great place . The owner is a musicion also so he really is knowleg!!
Jim is an really cool guy, he know his instruments and will give you a very fair price on anything. Every repair we have had done there has been first rate and extremely reasonably priced. Great store, cluttered and perfect, the way a hometown music store should be. He also offers lessons at very good prices. He is a very good musician as well
Jim is the man. He sold me a blue Squire that I am loving. Zero pressure maximum help.
Lesson was good
Would be a halfway decent place if they had more organization. Was very hard to find anything. And also maybe more musical instruments for sale. New ones.
Very helpful!
I found Jim to be cold and disinterested, borderline hostile unfortunately. I order the strings he has never heard of online. Jim appears to be a bit of a fence. I would question the provenance of an instrument from this shop. The music shoppe from a Stephen King film.
12. Sherlock Music Shop
Address: 210 High St ste. C, Mt Shasta, CA 96067 , Biggs , California , United States
Owner is a bundle of information and is more than willing to share and help you with all your musical needs
Only local (non corporate) music store. Super informant owner that loves talking amps and tone.
I recently dropped my favorite vintage wah and in doing so, the original potentiometer broke. Needless to say, I was bummed! Then I took it into Brad and asked him if he could fix it. He said yes, and boy did he fix it! His tech work was timely and professional, and his willingness to make sure that I was happy with the work was absolutely apparent. If you are a musician in Siskiyou county and need some work done on your gear, I highly recommend checking out Brad at Sherlock Music.
Knows the music business.
Went in for strings and left with more notable
Owners kinda of an a hole woundnt order strings for us, only wanted to sell us what he had
Guitar repair shop but I bought guitar strings .
13. El Dorado Hills Music, LLC
Address: 873 Embarcadero Dr Suite 1, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 , Biggs , California , United States
Sebastian is great. He guided me through buying a tenor ukulele, case and tuner. Beautiful instrument that I’m very excited to learn. Highly recommend El Dorado Hills Music.
They are very helpful
Very knowledgeable and nice owners
Their music selection was a bit small but they had everything I needed at a very reasonable cost.
Did not have a kazoo
The line was crazy long and they were extremely under staffed.
14. The Music Store
Address: 4815 Granite Dr, Rocklin, CA 95677 , Biggs , California , United States
Awesome store with great services and lessons. I took clarinet lessons for a few years and piano lessons as well. The teachers were effective and engaging.
My visit here today was great and the gentleman that I spoke with earlier (Kevin) even put the violin that I was coming to purchase for my daughter out so I could easily come in and pay then be on my way. The price was alittle more than I really was budgeting but once she opened and saw the violin I got for her she almost cried and can’t wait to show it off Sat when she has her performance.
Thank you so much Kevin for your help and making my first visit here perfect Very Much Appreciated!!
I went to buy a ukulele as a gift and had a lot of questions. The nice man helped me make a decision I’m very happy with. It’s a nice atmosphere and close to where I live. I have a mandolin I can’t play glad I found this place
Friendly staff and very helpful.
I rented a used violin for my son from the shop. They said the price was $199. The rental was $35 per month. after two months if you want to own the violin then they said they would deduct the rental amount from the original price. But when we want to buy the used violin they said the price is $299 which is hell more than a new violin. So would recommend not to rent or buy anything from this store.
15. Music Go Round
Address: 944 W Robinhood Dr, Stockton, CA 95207 , Biggs , California , United States
Awesome store with great service. Always find the best gear here
Always what you need for a fair price
Great service
When I when the dude with the long hair was nice but the other dude was sarcastic and rude when I was buying a guitar
Nice people, experienced for all your musical/ repair needs.
Sorry won’t be doing anymore business I sold my practically new guitar barely used like really barely only got $30 including carrying case like really. You are still making profit off of it and the bag. I guarantee you will sell it for $80 not including bag.
sort of like the GameStop of music stores ,snobby and off putting attitudes as if you are gonna run out with some merch.
My son wanted an acoustic guitar for his birthday. Unfortunately we picked the wrong time to go because some old dude who reeked of pee was jamming out on base. Hard to hear what an acoustic guitar sounds like with that going..oh well..took our business down to clancy’s
16. Music Connection
Address: 3086 Bechelli Ln, Redding, CA 96002 , Biggs , California , United States
Great staff, great instrument selection, and there are lessons available on-site.
I was blown away by how amazing the prices were for a mic stand. I had been searching everywhere and not wanting to go through amazon and for $25 what I got, i could resell for $60-$100 on amazon. The stabd us sturdy, heavy duty, and metal pretty much all the way.
I couldnt have found a better deal ANYWHERE.
Great place for all around music needs great knowledgeable staff
It has a lot of great products but call ahead of time to make sure they have what you need!
Nice selection of music items. Was out of stock on what I was looking for my daughters clarinet.
The two times I’ve been in there I’ve been completely ignored. They did welcome me in. But I stood at the counter waiting for the person to get off the phone. Which they were on for a good 25 minutes. Maybe I’m impatient idk. But I definitely wouldn’t have been treated like that by Bernie. He was so nice and encouraging. He always remembered me and said that I was talented and he enjoyed me and my brother coming in. This place just doesn’t do it for me. Going to Amazon from now on.
I ended up at brass reed. It was a more than pleasant experience. Just make sure they’re open before you drop In. I specifically needed stuff my guitar. They had everything I wanted and the guy working the counter took the time to ask me questions and actually help me.
The owner was very rude to me .Was completely unhelpful I’ll never go there again.He even insulted me
Customer service is essential to me. I expect friendly staff that listen to me and try to help me. This is not that store. With unimpressive prices and staff, they convinced me not to go back.
17. Kai Music and Arts
Address: 515, 525 Wall St, Chico, CA 95928 , Biggs , California , United States
An amazing space for someone to inquire about their possible music talents and the owner will be that guide and mentor to your new potential in the musical arts. He’s a musical graduate from the local university and is involved in a few up and coming local bands. With several years of teaching already under his belt, he’ll get you where you want to go.
In my 22 years of caring for individuals with special needs I have never come across a music and art school that makes a space for inclusion, creativity,support, and dreams to come alive the way KAI does. As someone who rocks to their own beat themselves words really aren’t good enough to express my gratitude. In the past four months I’ve seen the person I care for find their voice. It is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. Through their sessions with Eric and those who’ve stepped in to substitute (thank you Ben, Kevin, and Mikey) our kiddo found the confidence to get up on stage and sing their song in front of others! Thank you Jacob, Simon, and Mikey for being their band, and for taking time out of your busy schedules to rehearse for the concert. Watching our kiddo up there was so incredibly special. I would also like to give a special thanks to Mikey for his Magic the Gathering tutoring sessions and his ability to always know everytime what our kiddo needs to get in the learning groove. He knows because he asks how they are doing and what they need to get in that space. He then makes that happen for them. You are a phenomenal teacher and we appreciate you. Another person within KAI I would like to mention is Gypsy. That woman is amazing! Her support, communication , and coordination on the business side of things is amazing to watch. When our kiddo decided they wanted to start vocal lessons she took the time to send videos of all the instructors performing so our kiddo could decide what kind of sound they wanted to learn from. On a personal note , I’ve had a dream to learn the drums since I was a child and after being in this environment know this is the place I want to learn. So to KAI as a whole I want to thank you to the moon and back. You guys rock!
Staff is very helpful, lessons offered for all ages and skill levels.
18. Manor Music
Address: 460 Manor Plaza, Pacifica, CA 94044 , Biggs , California , United States
great place great instruments great instruments I love it can’t wait to go back staff are super helpful too
Very nice people , lots of guitars , worth a trip for an interesting music store.
EDIT: I’ve since started to come back to this store, and it’s way better. I’m so happy to see that it has improved! I really need to learn the names of the staff, but the one guy with the beard who’s picture is on the website is honestly the best there. He helps you with what you’re looking for, and goes out of his way to help. This place used to be a one star for me, but now it’s all 5. Thanks for the improved experience!
I came to this store about a year and a half ago to change some guitar strings because I was too lazy to go all the way to the Guitar Center in SF. I was amazed when changing the high e string only cost 1$, but that was only when the old man (I don’t know his name) helped me. When I went there again to change strings, it was 6$ for the high e string. Why? Because this fat white and blonde man changed them. He rips you off on prices, unless you have a woman with you. My mom went with me once, and everything we wanted to buy, he would give us huge discounts without asking his boss or anyone if he could. And If you go alone and you’re a man, get ready to be ripped off. In conclusion, this place is only useful if you have the old man helping you, even though he barely has a voice anymore. But, everything and everyone else is just completely useless. Needs to go out of business. Haven’t gone back for 1 year and a half, and feel much better driving an hour through traffic all the way to Van Ness, SF getting my strings changed. Terrible.
I got great personal attention. David answered a lot of my questions both on the phone and in the store for a rental saxaphone for my 9 year old nephew.
Store has new and used equipment for sale or rent. Rental equipment is much more reasonable than Serramonte music center.
My wife told me that this store is much more customer friendly compared to the one at Grand Ave at downtown South San Francisco even though manor music equipment may not be as complete as the other one, but the people running this store are really nice. if you need to go to the store, I suggest to call them ahead because their store hours could be tricky. In addition, if you need to borrow any musical instrument, do not go the last minute. They may be able to get you one if you give enough time. Please support this local business.
The owner Sarah is all about customer service. Young staff.
Terrible attitude. Not helpful. Never go back again!
19. Starbucks
Address: 1653 Golden State Hwy, Gridley, CA 95948 , Biggs , California , United States
The employees are very efficient and very polite. But the bathroom sinks are just gray. I really like clean bathrooms but these just looked really ‘unpolished.’
Horrible we went inside and I waited 20 minutes for a iced tea, and my order was wrong too. They have horrible service.
After waiting 30 minutes in a drive thru line for 2 grande hot chocolates and a brownie, drinks were cold and filled less than 3/4 of a cup. I addressed my concern to the guy at the window and he took my drinks back, had them topped off. Once, I we got home and took a sip, we were surprised we had hot milk that was brown colored. No chocolate flavor at all. Super disappointed and mad. Drinks are not cheap and we basically bought warm milk and a brownie.
Horrible coffee
20. Quota Thrift Shop
Address: 550 Spruce St, Gridley, CA 95948 , Biggs , California , United States
