Exclusive selection: The top 20 music shops of Bret Harte

Ian did a great job on my trumpet. Was very happy, will go back again.

Always nice and helpful. Only shop I trust to work on my saxophones.

Satisfied with repairs.

Staff is really helpful

The Gottschalk Music Center’s repair staff was EXCELLENT in comparison to other stores in about a 15 mile radius. It was understandable, because it was the start of public school season, so i get that everybody was very busy with school instruments at this time. Gottschalk repair were the only people who obviously shared the same sentiment, and yet thoroughly gave me options and made me feel like i could trust their work, before i even knew the quality. Everyone told me I should drop 800 dollars on a complete over haul (for me, this is doable next year, but not right now. also, my horn was barely playable in its current state). Gottschalk told me it could be fixed up pretty good, but I should perhaps plan on a more extensive repair further down the line. I guess this is all it takes to win somebody’s trust. Thank you gottschalk for helping a customer feel like they have options with a piece of equipment they love. I will be coming back here, for 100% of my horn’s work, whenever I am back in town.

Awesome staff. Extremely helpful.

Gave good advice and a speedy repair!

A little hard to find but the staff was great and informative

The best thing about Gottschalk Music is that they are very personable and will help you with your specific instrument and music needs. They will help with your specific questions and what you may need for your instruments. The repair specializes in brass (trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone, tuba) and woodwind (flute, clarinet, saxophone, etc) instruments.

fixed the saddle on my Martin d28 expertly fast and correctly. very qualified tech.

LOVE this place. Quality instruments. Quality customer service. Just very pleased with our interactions here. Great place! Thank you!

Very professional and fair with the prices on the repair my violin.

I came in here with my daughter and Gary Vessel was very rude and creepy to her. I was asking about violins and trying to keep it normal but you can tell Gary does not have good customer service. Dont bring your kids here. I wish my daughter would have never met that man. Once we got in the car, my daughter said ” Daddy, I think that man Gary was so strange and he was so rude”. Dont waste your time here and definitely don’t bring your kids here to Gary.

The second star is simply because this establishment has a reputation for making good violins. The three missing stars are more about character, integrity, and the love of music itself. If I throw honesty into the mix, I really ought rate this shop as one star.

But such a harsh rating deserves clarity, so I will tell my tale. I entered this establishment with a violin in one hand and a ten year old girl hanging on the other hand. The girl, having never played violin, is in love with the instrument for all the beauty and happiness the instrument has inspired in her and she has determined to invest the thousands of hours required to master it. She is however, young and impulsive, so the violin in my other hand is a loaner, the best her school can provide, and it may not be a perfect instrument, but in the hands of a budding new violinist, it is the perfect tool to test the waters and determine how deep her dedication to the instrument goes. It does however need the care and attention of someone skilled enough to replace the bridge and put on a new string.

So here I stand as one of the patrons of this little shop filled with stringed instruments. My daughter is even more deeply enthralled and excited as she’s waited weeks to see this instrument come alive again. Four people stand in front of the shop, playing together. It sounds great. She squeezes my hand even tighter. She’s almost in tears of excitement as one of the players breaks away to help us.

That’s where this sweet scenario goes wrong. What I assume is an artist, takes the violin to a cluttered work table, “hmmm and hah’s” over it for a moment, then brings the violin back and states that the violin is unfixable and unplayable.

The little hand I’m holding gets a little limp. I begin to ask questions while he goes on showing me how the strings lay against the fingerboard and digging through a small box of different sized bridges. He makes measurements and attempts to demonstrate why this violin is of no value because he can’t lift the strings far enough off of the fingerboard to make it play perfectly.

I look down at my daughter and she is failing to hold back the tears. She buries her head in my shirt as she believes her school is out of violins and without a successful repair, she will not be able to take lessons.

The shopkeeper notices, and puts on a display of making one more attempt at repair before shaking his head and saying there’s no way to fix it…however, he does happen to rent violins. My instincts had already been firing off warnings, but the distinct stench of car salesmen hit my nostrils as his attempt at an upsell continued. Needless to say, I left. I took my daughter to the car and did my best to console her as she could no longer hold back her tears. Not being a violinist, I could not be sure if i had just been manipulated, or the violin truly was trash, so I took it out of the case. If it is “unfixable,” I thought, then something must be broken because even a cheap violin is designed to play, even if it is badly. Nothing was broken.

I thought through the experience in the store. He was making measurements but not holding the ruler all the way against the surfaces he was measuring. He was being dishonest, manipulating me, and trying to play my daughters heartbreak against me.

So, still not wishing to think badly of a person without knowing, I asked around. Come to find out, this guy isn’t the only violin expert in Modesto. How could he know that I know violinists? The violin is fixable. The bridges and fake measurements he was showing me were just that, fake.

His reputation for these kind of antics is well known in the community for exactly the type of experience I have just described.

In the end, the school had found funding for a couple of new violins, and one was offered to my daughter, along with a sweet promise to help her get caught up with the rest of the class when the new one arrives.

I’d drive a long way to go somewhere else. Dishonesty is dishonesty. Play straight if you want my business.

I’ve personally heard one of there ragtime machines at a toy store in Nevada City, Ca . The coolest music piece I’ve ever seen or heard. Would love to have one at my house if I save enough benjamins! Great piece of Art and music player!!

Cool stuff!

Well i was in communication with the owner trying to sell them an antique piano and he was pretty rude and eventually he just doesn’t respond he wanted to pay very little and wouldnot refer me to another buyer i dont think anyone should do business there just giving you a heads up

This is the best place for all your musical needs! The staff is friendly and incredibly knowledgeable.

Piano lessons for my 5 yr old granddaughter.

Instruments yeah

Informative

Ever since Bodhizafa showed me the art of music this has been my go to music store. Just can’t wait till the 50 year storm.

Solid selection for a wide variety of instruments. Sweet, helpful staff.

Trash

I’ve had nothing but great experiences at this music store. Kasey has always treated me with respect and I consider her a friend. Her father is so kind and helpful too. Whenever I buy a guitar or need something for my drum set they always got my back. Give them a chance and stop by to say hello. Tell them jay sent you 🙂 5/5 stars. Thank you Barkers Music Modesto Ca!!!

Kasey has really great customer service! She helped me choose a guitar, case, picks, and has a great personality!

Ordered an item over the phone. Great customer service!

Didn’t have the strings I was looking for but were still able to provide me with a nice set at a decent price. Lots of singles to choose from, store owner was patient and friendly. Couldn’t ask much more.

Alright place, kinda small inside since all the pianos are in the way.

Love the people here and great piano lessons!! They need a bigger place though!

Hola no tienes el instrumeto guitarron

Employees had no idea what they were selling, how it worked, what it was for , what they had or literally anything about the gear they were selling. Not even how much it cost

Called in to ask if they had an xlr cable in stock and the lady who answered laughed and asked if I was kidding. It’s a pretty standard microphone cable..strange that I would be laughed at. I encourage that others stray away from this place and allow another shop with some decent customer service and knowledge take its place.

Went here for opening day as well as most recently today. It’s nice having a record shop downtown, and they have a wide selection. On top of this, they carry CD’s, cadettes, VHS, and old pop culture memorabilia all at an affordable price. Their is 3 little arcade machines, and 2 little pinball machines in the back which appear to be on free play. The employee(perhaps owner?) seems very friendly and will take your photo and give you a sticker when you make a purchase. On top of all of this, they’ll even buy old records off of you, if you have no need for them anymore. Highly recommend to anyone looking for that new album they just need in their lives.

Bought a few vinyls from here and I can honestly say the atmosphere there is super relaxed and the staff is friendly and not wanting me to hurry up and buy. Will go back again and they support local artist!!!

A nice place. With a great selection of movies and music.

Great store. Even has pinball machines to play

Love this place. Great ways to get movies for cheap or music

Very cool… Complete thrift store from music to clothes.

This place is well organized, has a decent collection, and good overhead music variety. We browsed movies, music, & shows and found some great titles! The store is clean and is a good size, though I understand they’re moving to an even larger location! Wow!

They have good prices and a large selection of movies and music

Weird staff which only helps a customer search for items if they are white. They enjoy saying hello to customers as they enter if they are white and when mexicans and African Americans walk in they are extremely quiet. Then they attempt to follow you around the store as if you will steal when the people who are having the buzzer sounding off at the door are white.

Hard to tell its Rasputin from the sign they have up. Was told they had a few of the item I needed over the phone but when I get there they did not have it all.

Only place to buy vintage vinyl and CD’s out here and my daughter likes to go, otherwise I’d go elsewhere. Their thrift side is super overpriced. Also, I asked them if they would buy children’s clothes and they said yes. I came back with a box full of girl’s clothes and women’s clothes, they bought maybe 5 things including one pair of jeans w the tags still on and they offered $6 and rejected everything else. I was now told they don’t buy kid’s clothes which is odd because they sell them. I had quite a few shein items that were brand new and I was told they were “too cheap” by the super unhappy employee. I guess selling Walmart brand overpriced super worn and damaged clothes w stains and holes is ok, but brand new shein is where we draw the line. I also had other brand new items in there that I guess were also too cheap. Don’t waste your time packing everything up and bringing it to them. Plato’s closet also buys clothing and they don’t have a nasty attitude about it. Also, for CD’s and vinyl, you’re better off shopping on eBay as the vinyl here is overpriced and the selection is just meh.

Awesome band !!!

Excellent piano teacher! I have been taking online piano classes with Roger during the pandemic and am an adult learning piano for the first time. Roger is a wonderful teacher to work with — he listens to my goals and allows for a lot of flexibility in setting my path and choosing pieces, while providing the guidance I need to achieve those goals.

I am learning classical piano and Roger always provides fantastic advice on whatever piece I’m working on. He drives me to learn pieces thoroughly without being pushy. As an adult, fitting piano into a busy lifestyle can be challenging, but Roger knows how to provide motivation and strategize with me to make sure I practice every day. He’s also extremely knowledgeable about many styles of music and music theory and recommends a number of resources — books, podcasts, videos, etc, during and outside-of lessons, to support my learning. Roger and I get along really well, so I always look forward to our lessons!

Taking virtual lessons with Roger has been fantastic. His studio has multiple camera angles, with one that provides a birds-eye view of his keyboard. I live in NYC, so the virtual lesson arrangement is essential for me, and it’s great to work with someone who has tailored their program for virtual learners.

My playing has come a long way since we started lessons together and they are 100% worth the price — if you’re an adult learner on the fence about taking lessons, DO IT!

Roger was super responsive and willing to help me get back on track with piano as soon as I reached out to him. I was totally blown away with his knowledge and ability. His lessons are super detailed and he does a wonderful job tailoring lessons to each individual. I would strongly suggest his services to anyone!

Mr. Coss is a great teacher. I’ve really enjoyed working with him. He was able to take the songs I really wanted to play and adapt them into something that fit my skill level. He was also willing to work with me virtually since the pandemic isn’t allowing live lessons right now.

Muy bueno, profesional y confiable, se los recomiendo 100%

Recomiendo este grupo musical como uno de los mejores que están conquistando el mundo de la música. Grupo Fiero

Fun chill learning environment. Lots of experience and wisdom on bass, guitar, and performing live!

Raul is an amazing teacher and knows the fundamentals of playing the guitar and bass. He never makes me feel like a question or comment I have is stupid and he always answers them the best he can. He’s helped me so far in my musical journey and he has helped me get to a point where I have a guitar/punk album coming out at the end of the month. I highly recommend Raul for learning the guitar. Reach out to him!

Raul is an excellent musician and a supportive mentor! Professional and fun energy while creating those lasting memories and exploring music with those he works with

Great show and great variety of songs. John is very entertaining, has a great voice and you’re in for a fun evening listening to him.

JB was fabulous!! His voice is amazing! To me and all my friends he sounded just like Frank Sinatra if not better!!! I will hire him again in the future for sure!!! He was spot on Frank Sinatra and Engelbert Humperdinck

I really enjoyed seeing JB Webb at the local fair. He covered a wide range of artists including -Sinatra, George Strait, Echo and The Bunnymen (huh?), Neil Diamond, and many others. He hit on a few of Neil’s lesser played tunes (Love On The Rocks), but also the essentials (Sweet Caroline). We had a great time!

Upgraded to a DDJ1000SRT and the guys at DJTT were nothing short of amazing. Was great supporting a company built by DJs for DJs and a small business to boot. They were super accommodating with a putting a little combo package that worked for me and their pricing was spot on. If you are looking for gear I wouldn’t think twice about reaching out to them. Thanks again DJTT!

Customer service is quick and friendly! They truly sell the highest quality equipment ive ever purchased. Highly recommended

Awesome company with great customer service. They have a passion for audio gear

Update: It ended up taking them nine days to fix my problem, all I needed was a Link to the new version which was not included in my purchase email for some reason. Raised my rating since they solved my problem.

I really like this company, unfortunately I bought a product last Wednesday (6 days ago) on the website, the software installed fine but doesn’t load properly I submitted a ticket and they haven’t been very responsive. I was told they would get back to me within 24 business hours but, I haven’t heard back in a few days. I wish I could use my new software 🙁

Nice studio with friendly people. Did a very good job.

Great studio for recording demos, and/or orginal music projects. Rodger is a pitch good engineer who is willing to work with you to get the sound your looking for. I have done numerous projects at the studio and will do more in the future I’m sure.

I’m so excited to work with Roger. He sounds very professional, and his pricing is really competitive.

Going to be Recording here soon..Hey,Hey, Roger!