The gentleman that helped us was wonderful very good customer service!
Staff not very helpful, which was surprising because after all… It is guitar center! Inventory was low and ended having to visit another music store.
One of the only music stores in SD. Big store with lots of gear!
This dude waited 30 min to check me out as I stood there and I only needed to buy strings
This place is really only useful if you know exactly what you want and are going to get in and get out.
Stay too long and the employees’ existential desperation will stink up your aura, and you’ll be checking your local back pages for a sweat lodge near you. Might even have to smudge your car.
You were warned.
They get 2 stars for huge inventory but customer service is worse than terrible. I waited for 10 minutes to pay for $30 worth of merch but couldn’t find anyone who would take my money. The guy at the counter told me to hunt someone down but not one of the jerk-clerks would even look my way! No wonder they’re goin’ under!
3. Harmony Strings
Address: 5740 Severin Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942 , Casa de Oro-Mount Helix , California , United States
Have stopped by a few times now, one just before they were closing and so we just peeked in and saw they had a lot of cool stuff and then another time to check out acoustic options. Quite a variety of gear available, from budget/student options on up to high end and rare acoustics and vintage amps.
Staff are pretty busy with projects behind the counter it seems but have been very welcoming and friendly when I needed some input. They are pretty open to just letting you look/play and can also take time to answer your questions if you have them.
Much better experience than going to Guitar Center and trying to hear your own thoughts, plus you are supporting small local business. Will be back for sure!
A great place to get musical instruments and accessories, been going there for 15 years.
Really enjoy talking to the guys that work there. They know their stuff.
Took my guitar in to get a rewire because it was out of phase, extremely quiet, and no notes rang out. Made sure it was my guitar that was the problem and nothing else. Took it to Moze and they said they’d fix it. Two and a half weeks go by and I hear nothing. Today I got my guitar back and it’s like they didn’t even touch it. Nothing was re-wired, my guitar is still broken, I was charged $65.
I’ve been going to Moze since he was on College Avenue for many years now. Recently however he has some new people working for him that are rude and condescending. They actually damaged my G&L by trying to jam noiseless pick ups into it that it wasn’t designed for. Instead of calling me up they tried to push them in and distorted the pick guard. They also were unable to set the guitar up. The best way I can describe the guys face who took care of me while I was dealing with this was a contemptuous sneer. The bank got my money back but I’ll never go here again.
5. Mundo Music – drum repair San Diego
Address: 8220 Vista Dr, La Mesa, CA 91941 , Casa de Oro-Mount Helix , California , United States
I don’t even know where to start, this business has been a really magical experience for me. I bought my first djembe, and the quality is top notch! soon after, I found out that they offered some lessons and it was so cool! The instructor has been very patient and very easy to learn from. He really breaks down the mechanics very well. Also, it’s nice hearing a lot about the history of certain musical instruments as well. He is very knowledgeable. It’s just a cool place to just enjoy this kind of art. Highly recommend getting in touch with them if you love music. I feel there is something for everyone.
5 stars I’m giving to Mundo music!!
Ignacio the owner is fast, efficient and creative when it comes to reparing instraments. In his new workshop He can do it all!! From custom builds to repairing hand drums, to stick drums, and string instraments. So far I haven’t had any problems with his work and it’s super convenient to have him near the area I live. If its wasn’t for him and another builder we in San diego would’ve had to drive almost a hundred miles to get jobs done.
Ignacio was very helpful and had lots of selection to choose from! each have unique look and sound. His passion is the rythm of the drum and his heart is dedicated to his craftsmanship. It is a whole experience visiting this place. Highly recommended!
6. McCrea Music Company
Address: 4730 3rd St suite b, La Mesa, CA 91941 , Casa de Oro-Mount Helix , California , United States
Family owned business and you can feel it. Gentry and Lori are so welcoming, they really work with our family to make lessons happen. My daughter has been playing the cello with Ralph as her teacher for over 2 years, and she truly loves him. Ralph has her playing most of the time so it is that hands on learning not just auditory, which I really appreciate. My other daughter started playing and they have the first 5 lessons for free. Can’t say enough great things about this place!
Absolutely Amazing Staff!! Perfect for all students from beginning to advanced! Prices are lower than anywhere else!! Mr. McCrea and all of the teacher are extremely knowledgeable and excellent at what they do. I would recommend going here for lessons and rentals or even for questions about anything to do with music!!
Great service and selection
I got my daughter’s cello here. They are a bit unorganized but they do have great customer service. This store will upgrade your instrument to a bigger one for no charge if you buy from them. I’m a satisfied customer 🙂
My kids go here for piano lessons and we’ve had a good experience. We’ve been doing the lessons for 2 years. They’re pretty disorganized, bordering on hoarders and Gentry is forgetful, but I like them and they’re friendly/chatty. The instructor my kids see is nice and gentle and positive and I’ve seen nice progression in their skills.
This is the real deal, musicians running a business. As such you’re gonna get some good along with some bad. they’re not very organized but they love music and they love teaching music. So I guess my real question is do you want your child being taught music by a musician or an accountant?
I took my kids here for lessons and an instrument rental and the owner is very unprofessional. I was a day late on payment he kept calling and said he would come find me. I took my kids out of there.The studio smells musty and not sure if its safe for kids. Scary.
they rip you off. you sign a rental agreement and the say will deduct a certain amount a month and then do it two times per month, and say they thought you wanted the “buy back” program
One time I forgave, the second time I will proceed with legal action.
these guys are crooks!
It may be cheaper, but the people who work there, especially the main guy, are so oblivious to what’s going on around them. He completely disregards people when they’re asking him anything and he can’t focus on a simple task at hand. They are super unorganized overall. Take your money somewhere else, it’ll be worth it. No thank you.
7. Mt. Helix Productions
Address: 3824 Calavo Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977 , Casa de Oro-Mount Helix , California , United States
Ryanito has been playing at our restaurant Bistro SF Grill for the last 2 years. He is one of the best flamenco players in the city for sure , but what really makes him super special is his personality . He is the friendliest guy around . He always brings a positive spin to conversation . And that in combination with his good looks, makes Ryan a very great companion . You will always feel safe around him. Seni SF Grill
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Anthony played at our wedding and made our day really special. Our guests loved his music.
9. Deering Banjo Company
Address: 3733 Kenora Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977 , Casa de Oro-Mount Helix , California , United States
Sam was very accommodating with my last minute drop off of my banjo for a gold service package. Driving through San Diego on my way back to Canada they were able to fit me in last minute. Was great to finally see inside the business I’ve been so attached to since picking up my first deering banjo years ago. Looking forward to coming for a visit again one day!
This was one of the first places I put in an application for a job as a kid. These banjos are so amazing and beautiful. I am really into guitars and other stringed instruments like harps or other… I never got my hands on many instruments before, but I really enjoyed looking at these during banjos. They are really gorgeous, and I believe they make them there? Someone did when I was there putting in my application. It was amazing.
Very original.
Long history of fame for banjos. Family owned & operated. Friendly. Take time , interest with questions. Tours – call to set up.
Showroom has very limited hours and by appointment only. That makes it impossible for someone who works regular hours to test a banjo before buying. I have a Goodtime Artisan but have long been interested in a Vega Oldtyme. I just would not feel comfortable spending 2000+ without a test drive.
I wrote a review but the “confirm e-mail address” on your e-mail to me did not connect me to anything. For what it is worth, here’s what your banjo case handle looks like. Not what I expected for $300+.
Dropped the ball with their customer service. I was informed that i would be receiving a new neck for my banjo back in July. I think i have been left high and dry with no communication on any progress or solution to my Goodtime Artisan Banjo that i bought brand new last year.
10. Latebloom Music
Address: 152 W Park Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 , Casa de Oro-Mount Helix , California , United States
This place has pride of ownership and very personable service.
Alan’s Music Center has been in La Mesa for ages!
Friendly and helpful staff
Very helpful and courteous friendly, not like other music stores you can try out or just play around with the guitars and there’s not a bunch of other people playing something.its nice to have the place to yourself and hear what your playing and fair enough prices.
Pretty good service. Although I have nothing to compare to .
Workers very knowledgeable
The staff always seems bothered when you come in. Also over priced.
Walked in today and the whole upstairs smelled like sewage!! I used to love this place. Please, please fix this. I cannot come back with that smell!!
Alan’s has been our one-stop-shop for music, instrument rentals and instrument repair since our daughters started taking piano lessons 18 years ago. In the years since, we’ve taken flutes, saxes and a trombone in for repair. Often, Bob would do it on the spot – and would refuse payment. Most times it was quick, professional and fairly priced. And, I’ve posted appropriately complimentary reviews at that time. Our girls are away at college now, so we haven’t been there in quite a while, but this week’s experience was markedly different. Last Wednesday, I joined a community concert band (first ensemble in nearly 40 years). On Thursday, I took two flutes in for adjustment. On Friday, I called – as directed. Bob advised that he hadn’t even looked at them yet, but said that he would call me back. Today – Tuesday, I called and was informed that I was “moving up the list”. I understand (now) that they have more work than they can handle, and I don’t begrudge them that. But, it would have been nice if they would have said, “We won’t be able to get to your instruments for a week, or a month, or until 2019”, rather than leading me to believe that I should expect the same service as I’d always received in the past. And, when I picked up the instruments this morning, I asked for a recommendation to another shop that might not be as busy. But instead of extending that professional courtesy, they said they didn’t know, since several shops had closed. The 2 stars is for that. So, I guess it’s not surprising afterall, that no one in my section had ever heard of Alan’s Music. I will take my leaky flute into tomorrow’s rehearsal and ask where my fellow musicians recommend I take it for repair.
12. U J Music
Address: 3911 N Cordoba Ave, Spring Valley, CA 91977 , Casa de Oro-Mount Helix , California , United States
Ada Piano Studio provides my 15 year old daughter with an exceptional learning experience. She is 100% motivated to learn all on her own. She just wants to please the teacher and she does. She is being filled with the love of the piano and classical music. I can’t recommend this studio more and to top it off, it’s all done through Zoom. We couldn’t be happier. Thank you, Ada Studio, for your care and dedication to your students.
Ms Ada is a fantastic piano teacher, and I guess I would know as I tried out two other teachers before her that were not a good fit for me. (If you don’t want to read a novella- skip to the last paragraph)
I originally was referred to her by a friend for my son who has ADHD and SPD and needs a patient teacher and Ms Ada was great with him. Ultimately, he decided he wanted to do trumpet instead so after watching Ms Ada teach my kiddo, I asked her if she also teaches adults- and she does! Quite well, I might add.
I was a super beginner and didn’t take to piano easily but I’m very determined and willing to practice. Ms Ada has a very systematic way of teaching that includes technique, music reading, listening and incorporating music that you’re interested in. So, we have combined a beginner book with other sheet music and she makes suggestions of songs within my interests.
Mostly I love her classes because she is endlessly patient and kind. Her class is relaxed and fun and I learn quickly and usually am surprised at how I learn things I never thought I could. After about 6 moths or so of classes we are reaching the end of my beginner book and I actually believe I can learn how to play piano now. Julia Ada is a gift and I highly recommend her for adult and children students alike.
Julia is a wonderful teacher! I’m an adult learner at 33 and she is able to break the lessons down so easily and makes them enjoyable. We do our lessons based on a beginners book she recommended and a piece that I wanted to play and it’s been a great experience learning this way. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to learn from a piece you enjoy, shes very accommodating and will make sure to teach you based on your needs. I’ve progressed a lot with her guidance and if you are an adult learner thinking about starting piano, you should definitely do it with Ms. Julia!
