I really like this place. It’s the quintessential local business, with unpretentious people who know their trade and are there to help
Love ❤️ it.
There was so good!!
Great customer service. Knowledgable and helping staff
I go to music lessons here. It is a great place to shop for many common instruments and to learn them.
Has a huge stock of woodwind instruments and accessories. They have it all, and it makes shopping for all the things my kids need for their band instruments that much easier!
I recently rented a flute for my son. My son tried the flute at the store and it seemed ok. My son came home and practiced it and it had problem. We went back and they tried to repair. My son went to the class and the Flute teacher said that the Flute is leaking and asked us to return it. I rented it on Sat. and returned it on Monday. The still charged even though we mentioned that the flute was bad.
DO NOT RENT FLUTE FROM HERE. Also they charge very high for repair charges. I compared our son’s flute for repair between their shop and another shop. They were expensive by $200.
I will neve go back there.
2. Guitar Showcase
Address: 3058 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95124 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
Great selection and Jessie was super helpful in picking out a guitar
Lovely shop, really helpful and friendly staff. Still open in COVID with sensible safety measures.
This might be the greatest guitar store on the planet. I spent an hour just walking around drooling over the cool stuff.
I like this music store because of the Equipment, Instruments, Microphones, Guitar Straps and Cables. They are really awesome for musicians I know very well.
Staff can be a mixed bag, but they do let you play the gear and help you find the right stuff. It can get a bit hectic in there and when you finally know what you want to buy, you’ll be waiting 15min+ just to pay up. I’ve had to walk out twice ready to buy, and just could spend more time waiting to get a hold of someone.
I wished they had a broader selection of electrics. If you want Fender/Gibson then it’s great, but if you want something a little less manufactured there just a few PRS’s or hope on something random on consignment being there.
Not a great spot to sell gear either. Takes forever, and the rates are OK-ish.
That was my first time there I just went in to look around
Limited selection. Just Gibson and Fender products. Special and rare guitars limited as well.
All in all not as good as expected.
The store is much smaller than it used to be, which is understandable because their old building is now being turned into something else. It was a little sad because the old store was large with a ton of stuff. The disappointing thing is they had a Takamine EF-307S with a heavily scratched top for $1500, which is insanely overpriced. In good shape these sell for a third of that. After I saw that I just left.
I bought a strat from them about a year before covid at that time I asked to have the tech there to do a set up (expecting to pay for the service) the tech refused, i had to take my strat to another shop. I later had an issue with the guitar (non set up related) and they refused to help with this as well. I had to go to another store to get help getting fender to fix the problem. My problem got fixed by fender, but the service and after sales support from show case has declined over the years.
3. Unitone Music Studio
Address: 2053 Woodard Rd, San Jose, CA 95124 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
From music lessons to practice room/gear rental, from guitar repair to complete setup, from live shows to more musical journeys to come. UNITONE is definitely one of my favorite all in one music studio.
Siga helped me with my strat a few years ago. I am not very knowledgeable but he took the time to listen and work with me. The work was high quality. He made a MIM play like a MIA.
Super friendly and layback staff. Good mixer and PA system in the practice room. Amazing drum kit, well taken care of and turned!
drum instructor there has only less than 2 year experience and only intermediate level… and they even charge over $80 for one lesson… don’t u believe that?
4. Kung Fu Vampire
Address: 1769 Hillsdale Ave #24573, San Jose, CA 95154 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
I’ve recently gotten back into playing guitar, and have been buying some gear. I’ve been going to the local big chain store because it’s convenient on my way home. I don’t want to bash them, but I just want to say their Covid response policy is very strict, and has taken all the joy out of shopping. I started to ask myself what other options I had, and I remembered Guitar Showcase….. I rediscovered my new favorite guitar shop. Standard mask policy, 100% different atmosphere. You feel at home there, it’s a very unique place with a vibe and energy that you can’t reproduce in a chain store, it is truly one of a kind. A more diverse selection of guitars and effects than the big chain. I saw a few Les Paul’s in color combinations I’m not used to seeing, that were to die for… I scored a great deal on some used demo effects pedals that came with the original boxes, bags and instructions plus a 30 day warranty. The service was great, relaxed, and welcoming, and they had everything on my wish list. I will always go out of my way to make Guitar Showcase my number #1 stop for guitars and gear from now on. You guys rock!!!
Great people to work with, fair price too.
Great service, and friendly people.
My personal experience with this place was honestly great at beginning, but shortly it soured. They don’t give refunds so make sure you don’t pre pay as I did. The teacher I had at first seemed up front and professional but then time changed. If you miss time though you advise (days prior) you are out of your money. If they miss time it’s appears it’s to be made up on their time. No policy is posted anywhere about any refunds ( their is none).
My opinion is that they are not worth the time. Go to the box store and save money
7. Park Avenue Music Center
Address: 1717 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95126 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
Beautiful store and amazing service. Owner goes out of his way to help out.
Had a great experience trying out some alto saxophones at the store today! The staff was very friendly and helpful, and even lended me a mouthpiece to use since I didn’t have one. Would highly recommend!
Great time @ Park Ave. Music. Picked up some horns for my horn students to try out. Eric was a great help!
They have a great selection, and a very clean store, however their customer service over the phone is lacking.
Tl;dr -If you need something from them, go in because they will hang up on you whenever they feel like it.
I brought my instrument in for maintenance and was told I would receive a call later that day about the details. I never got the call, and when I called back, no one knew my request.
Also when I was talking with the repair person, the receptionist hung up on me before I could ask another question. When I called back, she claimed that I seemed finish, even though I hadn’t said good bye or stated I was done asking questions.
I do not think I will go back, and instead do my repairs else where.
The instruments are great. The attitude and service are not so much. Maybe it was just a bad day.
Stefen did a wonderful job getting my Strat set up. Plays better than it has in years. Looking forward to continuing to have my guitars worked on here and I highly recommend Stefen for any work you need done.
Drove down to make a purchase, but the store decided to close early–even though we had discussed with an employee we would be coming down to buy a clarinet. I’d phone ahead and get strong assurances they will actually be open if you’re driving any distance.
Called to inquire about a violin study book. Was on hold for over 20 min. Had to hang up.
Waited 3 weeks for a trumpet mouthpiece for it never to ship. I called to get assurance I’d get it before my gig and when I called back they told me it still never left the store so I had to cancel the order. They didn’t even care to contact me to give me details about the issue. Save your time and buy elsewhere.
8. Guitar Center
Address: 5140 Cherry Ave #10, San Jose, CA 95118 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
I just got my 2004 Gibson SG back from their guitar tech, Josiah, after dealing with a crackl-y volume pot. I don’t have enough good things to say about the work that he, and the rest of the team do there! I will be going back with my other guitars to have custom work done soon. A great staff all around. It gets busy, but when it’s your turn for help, they’ve got me covered.
Great place to kill time. Play with all the instruments. Very friendly
My fiancé and I were helped by Nicholas. We had no idea what to look for, we just knew a guitar was our goal.
We entered the guitar center and were overwhelmed by how much was inside. Initially we were just going to look around, see what’s out there, maybe get a guitar but weren’t really planning on it. Having Nicholas guide us through the guitar center made the buying so much easier.
Nicholas was kind and courteous, he gave us space so we could think about what we wanted, but also checked up on us to ensure that our questions were answered.
Personally, I was a vocalist and but still knew very little about guitars and my fiancé knew about the same as me. Nicholas is well versed in the music world, and I know that if we ever need any help with guitars, drums, or basses in the future , we’ll be coming back and looking for
Nicholas to help us out.
Thank you Nicholas you’re awesome!!
It was okay. Seemed a little unorganized. And it didn’t have as greatest selection as I had hoped for. It’s nothing like the old Guitar Showcase…
Not good. Poor service. Too pushy.
Great selection with friendly and pretty knowledgeable staff.
very rude young lady in keyboard area. knew absolutely nothing about products, inventory, or any questions i had for her about using Guitar Centers website. I believe she was just sent over to get me to stop playing the keyboards on display. Probably because I was just dressed in work clothes and didn’t look like a buyer even though I was. That shows more about the management than her individually. There’s plenty other places to go buy musical equipment. It doesn’t pay to judge a book by its cover.
maybe i had bad luck but if you ordered online & chose to ship the order to the store for curbside pickup i suggest actually going into the store to tell them your here for curbside pick up, waited for 20+ minutes 🙂
Clean Store, decent selection could do alot better. Most employees are friendly but john was a little pushy for my liking. Was a little hesitant to ask questions so ended up leaving disapointed and empty-handed. Other employees were not very knowledgeable in what i was looking for. Needs improvement.
9. CB Perkins Guitar Shop
Address: 5807 Winfield Blvd # B6, San Jose, CA 95123 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
CB Perkins Guitar Shop rates at least 6 stars ! I was having trouble with string buzz and fretting out on my Epiphone 339 Pro P90, to the point where I hated playing this guitar. The notes lacked sustain and sparkle on many areas of the fretboard. A very friendly gentleman, Kent Perkins (shop owner), greeted me and examined the guitar.He asked about my playing style to better serve my needs. He gave me a very fair estimate based on doing a complete set-up, fret leveling, crowning and polishing and new strings. He said the turn-around time would be about one week. Turns out it only took 2 days ! Kent’s son, Josh, performed the necessary work. The end result was superb. The guitar now has a perfectly straight neck, low action and shiny and well dressed frets, and each fretted note up and down the fretboard rings true.
If you want top- notch customer service and stellar workman- ship, let Kent and Josh service your guitar.
A happy camper, Ron
Love this place. So kind and knowledgeable. I had a very simple (for them, not for me) problem with my 1st string. I was worried they’d need to hold on to my guitar for a couple days, but he fixed it on the spot within a matter of minutes! Customer for life.
Stumbled upon this shop looking for a guitar shop close by. I needed a new string for a recently acquired guitar. Kent was very honest, friendly and his prices were competitive. He’s not very close to my house, but when I need service again, I’ll go here.
Cool and chill shop. -1 star since the selection is rather limited, BUT what they have you won’t find in most shops in the area. If you’d like something different then this is definitely a great spot to check out.
These guys are friendly, professional, and always on time. They go out of their way to help customers and they’ve always done a fabulous job on my guitars! I highly recommend you use this shop for all your guitar needs.
Awesome ( Luthier ) . Brought my ole 12 string in for a re-fret. Great work ….”The place ” in south bay , silicone valley to come to if you have a “”valued”” string instrument or are looking for a “Gold Standard” guitar.
The teachers here are all very professional and nice. They helped lots of students achieved their musical goals. There are abundant music event throughout the whole year. Students can not only receive high quality music education, but also develop an interest in music in their life.
12. Vibrant Valley Music Studio
Address: 14448 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
Leah has been our piano teacher for 3 years, with our second child now enrolled with her too. (They are 8 and 5). She is patient and kind, and that is just with me (the parent!). She helped me to find ways to support my perfectionist child (who would never play through a mistake and so kept getting stuck), and is now also guiding me in helping my middle child who is naturally musical but has no desire to practice. Both kids LOVE Leah, and really enjoy the group format of the class. Leah provided innovative solutions during COVID which has continued to support her in-person teaching as we move forward. I cannot recommend her highly enough!
Leah makes learning piano fun for my kids with the piano safari curriculum and games they can participate in. I personally appreciate the group format so they learn ensemble skills early on. Thanks Leah !
Leah is a magical teacher. She made the Piano learning a lot of fun. As an adult student, I found myself immersed in the world of music and zoomed out from the everyday hustle and bustle. It’s also amazing to see how she is able to make you feel more confident in playing. The group class format really took away a lot of the nervousness of playing in front of other people. Letting along the amazing classmates who are very encouraging and welcoming. I would definitely recommend Leah for kids and adults alike.
Have been going here for years. Have fixed my bass guitar and unstuck several mouthpieces for me.
Super. I love this store
Very good collection of musical instruments. They also offer lessons which has decent little rooms. We had multiple visits to the store and we were always helped by store staff.
Overall staff could be a bit friendlier and way more professional. To start, the older gentlemen working here can be a bit stuffy. Once I asked one of the guys behind the counter who was ringing me up(short dark blonde hair, blue eyes, about mid 20s/30s[not the guy with a beanie]) if he could process payment for two items separately(I am a teacher and frequently purchase books for my students and have their parents reimburse me), and he loudly let out an exasperated sigh, letting me know he was clearly annoyed, then asked if he could just make two copies of my receipt in a somewhat indignant tone. There is also one very elderly gentlemen who is very, very quiet and seems to not like eye contact and/or smiling. An incident I should also mention is that once when I paid at the counter, a different male employee(I believe his name is Luis) told me I was “very beautiful” as he handed me my items and receipt. It made me extremely uncomfortable because I am not there to find a date, nor am I interested. Very unprofessional and neither the time or the place. As a teacher, I just want to be able to take my time browsing the store comfortably without worrying about whether an employee is eyeing me. That was the last straw for me-being that this is the closest sheet music store to me at a 20 min drive, it was pretty much my only choice aside from the Branham location. However, nowadays I make the extra effort to drive 15 more mins. to the Branham location instead-friendlier staff, and I don’t have to worry about employees checking me out while I’m browsing the shop.
Had piano we wanted in stock. Delivered in 2 days. Very happy customer 🙂
We bought our piano from this store. The owner was very attentive and helpful with tips and whatnot.
In addition, my son takes a piano class with Ms. Michelle on the 2nd floor of the store. She is very kind and patient.
Well lit, cool and welcoming. Lots of musical nick nacks here.
We bought Yamaha hybrid piano. Their price was good actually!
Great selection! Great customer service, only mildly pushy salesman. Great prices at their end of season sale.
Knowledgeable and helpful staff! They have semi-annual Stanford event when they sell used pianos from school – usually at pretty good prices!
Was just there and Ann wasted my time; should’ve gone to SF or other locations.
So the model I wanted was just got sold according to her. I asked alternatives for similar models and she kept one asking “What you want, what you want?”
I gave her my phone number so she can call me when the model is available and when I asked her the price, she could’ve just said the price but said ” you write down, I give you pen.”
Haven’t seen this rude person in a long while.
While in the store, I noticed over-priced used pianos including the brands that I checked out new yesterday. Buy new elsewhere if you were to buy used here.
Browsing NOT allowed. Make sure you make an appointment first! Else, you’ll be abruptly escorted out and told to go elsewhere. Geez, glad to see their business is booming!
Scott the salesperson is the worst salesperson I’ve ever met. He first spend about 5 minutes to me about the sales and showing me the pianos I’m interested. Then I told him that we are ready to purchase the piano from a group discount price. As a customer, you would think this salesperson should be very happy because I’m brining him businesses. However, it’s not true, he became super unhappy explaining to me that he makes no money with group buy and how much commission he has lost since group buy has begun. So he spend about another 7-8 minutes complaining. After he explained and complained, I would like to buy from him, so I started asking him question like “when the piano can be delivered?” “How is the warranty works?”
Guess what Scott said? “I’M DONE HERE, I HAVE A THOUSAND THINGS TO DO.” “You are wasting my time, because I can actually calling my customer, instead making no money here.” “I would highly recommand you Not to buy the piano from me”
I was very angry and complained that this is not what a salesperson should behave. I then told him he would be fired if I am his manager. He make no apology and continue repeating his complain about make no commisiion out from All group buying customer and he is not interested to serve this type of customer. I walked away with anger and very bit taste in my mouth.
17. Guitar Wars
Address: 4110 Monterey Hwy, San Jose, CA 95111 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
Checked out the show they hosted 6/30/18 and everyone was really nice. Will definitely go back in a few weeks for some repairs I need.
Awesome music store to hangout and you can find new and used gears with good deals
They have everything you need if your into guitars the prices are great and the owner is always very good and helpful no doubts number 1#
Really diverse selection of mostly used equipment. Old and new, some good or interesting finds. The staff was friendly and helpful. The store has star wars themed decor throughout–not just a poster or millennium falcon model here and there, but really well done doors, panels, counters with lights and effects built in and hiding all over the place, some was near movie set quality. It’s a fun visit. There’s quite a bit of stuff around, so you have to look hard to find the gems. The strip mall it’s in had a very sketchy feel, but I’m glad I went in.
Very small guitar shop, but friendly owner and fair prices. Came across some nice Teton guitars in here and had to pick one up. These guys are the only local Teton dealer.
They sold me a $60 guitar amp for $135. Then they forgot to send me the chord that comes with it. Then they have the balls to send me a chord that won’t even reach my wall outlet.
They sold me a amp on reverb in “excellent condition” covered in dust scratches and buzzing sound and denied me a refund not trust worthy and doesn’t knew what excellent means.
Do not trust this shop they sell broken gear online and deny refunds even though the items are described as working. Horrible shop.
18. Fine Fretted String Instruments
Address: 2345 S Winchester Blvd Suite B Suite B, Campbell, CA 95008 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
If you are looking for a high end classical guitar, this is the place to go. I went in and talked with the owner and tried out a few guitars. He is extremely knowledgeable and understands what each player is looking for in an instrument: tone, price and playability which suits their personal tastes. He also has a great policy on exchanges if you ever want to upgrade from something you bought from him in the past.
Randy the owner is friendly and extremely knowledgeable … This is the place to go for higher end string instruments. Love that this store offers 100% trade in value so that you can continually upgrade your instrument as you improve as a musician
Contrary to the prevailing opinions in the reviews seen here, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this place. If you are looking for a violin family instrument or a classical or flamenco guitar, this guy has it. Sure, he has hundreds of instruments crammed into a space smaller than the bathrooms at one of the major chain music retailers, but they are some of the coolest stuff you’ll find. I had my eye on a beautiful 1930’s Czech made bass fiddle. That’s not something you will find at Showcase or Guitar Center. The owner, Randy, has a wealth of knowledge to share, and the patience to listen to even a complete novice like me. I walked in expecting “nothing to see here”, and walked out an hour later far richer for the experience (but sadly, without the bass). Trolling music stores in the bay area for the last 40 years, I don’t know how I managed to miss this place , but I’m glad I found it. It’s a local treasure.
Great selection of top-quality instruments.
This shop had the violin strings I needed. The place is not very organized for the customer to shop in, but the owner/manager is quite knowledgeable. Definitely many options here, great mom and pop shop for orchestral instruments.
Great place for choosing a concert instrument
I call no one answers, i go to the store during said hours of operation and its closed. Is this place even still open? One star for wasting my time.
DO NOT GO THIS PLACE. owner is too grumpy, he charges the customers( 30$) to see or touch any music instrument!! ??? I never heard somthing like this!!! also this store is too messy and dirty .DO NOT GO this place.. I saw the advertise in craigslist for Felamenco Guitar for this store which incoraged & invited everybody to visit this store so I drove 20 minute to this place, that was a big mistake…
Extremely rude and unprofessional. Don’t waste your time and money on this bitter old man’s nonsense
19. Exploring Music
Address: 1608 S De Anza Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129 , Cambrian Park , California , United States
Besides the friendly people and good supplies of music books, I strongly recommend Yamaha music programs at this location. I am sharing specifically my experiences with the children piano lesson my 6-year-old son is taking, and the adult entry-level lesson I later signed up with, both taught by Teacher Sue.
First of all, I signed up my son because of the recommendation of his classmate. After the first trial, we fell in love with the teaching of Teacher Sue. She is very kind and patient with the children. She is fun, and her materials are lively, enriched with CDs, pictures, boards, stories, cartoons, videos, dancing and signing, e.g. She simply captures the heart of my son, and makes the lessons so much fun for him. I enjoy a lot sitting through the lessons with my son, too. “Making the piano lessons enjoyable to them” is her goal as she shared with the parents. And she demonstrates it in every one of her lessons and her homework assignments. Of course, parents’ involvement in their practices plays a crucial role, Teacher Sue makes it easy, too.
I signed up her adult piano lesson for myself as I saw how enjoyable her teaching is. I took some piano lessons when I was young, and couldn’t enjoy it. That turned out to be a life-changing decision I made as I looked back. I have been learning so much about music and enjoying playing piano so much that I couldn’t ever imagine.
Thank you so much, Teacher Sue, for your diligent teaching, patience, encouragement and inspiration.
Great teachers.
Head teacher is excellent. Strong focus on foundational music skills: singing, ear training, basic theory, and keyboard. This is the same stuff taught at top music conservatories, but in a way that is suited for small children. Both of my sons (now aged 6 and 4) have been attending this program since they were 3 years old.
Glad to see the obvious progress of my kid playing the piano. The teacher is nice and professional.
okay music store :/ i know the people there which is the only reason why i gave it 4 stars. They have expensive music books and reeds. They do not have a large selection of instruments to buy. they are a Yamaha store which is how i got my brand new ycl 200 for $300. Honestly, don’t consider buying from here unless you want beginner yamaha instruments.
Provide music instruments and class
Teacher Zhuang refused to teach me Guzheng after my first tryout class. At the end of the class she suddenly threw a fit by making excuses to ditch me. I felt I didn’t do anything wrong in this whole event. I arrived earlier than the set time and didn’t mind waiting as her earlier class went overtime. Being the only student in the class, I tried to learn at my best and be respectful to her and the teaching assistant. The drama came at the end while she was harshly criticizing those who were short of commitment in learning an instrument. She continued with excuses of unwillingness to teach me in the future, and she even asked the TA to find me another teacher in the studio. I thought that perhaps it was my answers to her questions during the class that made her think I wouldn’t be a long term student. This was the first time we met and she didn’t even know me. Teacher Zhuang may reserve the right to refuse service, but it is not acceptable to insult people by using a rude and biased manner. I cannot speak for those young students who are learning piano from her, however, be warned if anyone is in my position.
Visited the location and requested a schedule for my kids, but never called back
