Contents
- 1. Descanso Mercantile
- 2. Ramona Music Center
- 3. Descanso Junction Restaurant and Catering
- 4. Top 40 Guitar Store
- 5. Miles Moynier Classical Flamenco Guitar
- 6. All Things Music
- 7. Alan’s Music Center Inc
- 8. Sam Ash
- 9. San Diego County Music Exchange
- 10. Harper’s Music Store
- 11. B&H Music
- 12. Stan’s Music
- 13. Drum Flip
- 14. Guitar Center
- 15. Mark’s Guitar Exchange
- 16. James Hood Guitar Repair
- 17. Top Gear Guitar Pro Shop
- 18. Veronica’s Kitchen
- 19. Christy’s Toy Outlet in Viejas Outlet Center
- 20. Gathered: A Native Made Marketplace
1. Descanso Mercantile
Address: 8306 CA-79, Descanso, CA 91916 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 659-9206
Assessment: ★★★★★
5/5 based on 2 evaluations.
Business hours:
Reviews
Best place to shop for the unique and special items. The owner, Michelle is so welcoming and helpful , always a pleasure to shop there. And if that wasn’t enough, there is Miracle the stores kitty, who will steal your heart.
Great place to shop for unusual gifts and antiques. Prices are unbelievable. Stop next door for great food.
2. Ramona Music Center
Address: 1045 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (760) 789-3154
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.8/5 based on 51 evaluations.
Site web: https://www.ramonamusiccenter.com/home/
Business hours:
Reviews
Ramona Music has everything you need for a guitar. Good prices friendly service. Support Ramona Music
I Bought a Epiphone Gibson Strat Style and A Line 6 Spider 3 Amp back in 2014!!! I Still have Them ,They gave Me a Great Deal !!! The Owners Are Awesome
Friendly staff, good prices, and I liked their selections of gear.
Very small shop but packed full of instruments. Just due to the size of the shop, the selection of strings and picks ect. Was limited. I will definitely be going back. I would much rather support small businesses like this one Vs. Guitar Center.
Small mom and pa shop. They have used guitars too. People working were not the friendliest here in Ramona. Prices were higher I noticed on many things.
3. Descanso Junction Restaurant and Catering
Address: 8306 CA-79, Descanso, CA 91916 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 659-2199
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.7/5 based on 1072 evaluations.
Site web: http://descansojunction.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
This place is off the hooks delicious. Super friendly wait staff in a serious cowboy joint. The fried chicken sandwich I had off the ‘Daily specials’ was the #1 best all time Chicken sandwich and so was the hot apple pie. Go for the snow, stay for the grinds!
Very good food , large portions, friendly staff. Not far off 8 fwy exit 40. Small Cafe/ dinner feel. They have bands on Fri/ Sat nights out back.
Love the hamburgers! Great food all the way!
The only con is the well water has a metallic taste.
The only con is the well water has a metallic taste.
Great food $
Pies are made in-house rather than from Julian bakery
They have amazing salads and soups and the barbecue ribs are amazing and the pies oh my gosh
Stood around for 15 minutes after a line of people paid and left. We were told there was a wait list. Never asked if we could put our names on the said list. So we moved on. Oh, just about every wait person walked by is multiple times and never acknowledged us except the one time
Food was not good. I had the breakfast special of tri tip and scramble eggs. I had to spit several pieces of the meat out. Place could be a little cleaner and waitresses more cheerful
To much oil on food. I couldn’t eat.
4. Top 40 Guitar Store
Address: 8774 Cuyamaca St suite b, Santee, CA 92071 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 258-3957
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.6/5 based on 118 evaluations.
Site web: http://top40guitars.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
This place is primarily an online store, but since I’m in Encinitas I thought I’d stop by and pick up an amp at a great price! I like being able to test out the amp at the shop and bring it home that same day… I chatted with Brandon, who offered awesome customer support. I definitely recommend this place!
Nice neighborhood jewel. Local guitar shop where the owner is nice and passionate about instruments. I definitely pledge support.
This is a great family owned store. The owner had exceptional customer service and was very helpful. Will absolutely be revisiting this shop!!!
Good service, friendly people and good quality products.
As of January 2020 out of business it appears.
As of January 2020 out of business it appears.
Close by and good prices !
Buenos precios, y sin amables con los clientes.
I was attempting to purchase a guitar amp from them, I was a lead bidder on a no reserve item and when I went to look for an update, the sale, I found out had Just removed without even advising me that’s what they’re doing upon my inquiry they just said we don’t do auctions anymore. Now if you read their site they do all this preaching about if you are a buyer don’t do this and that, if you can’t pay. And then they turn around and do this to a customer. Fox is the finder as they say so I don’t know how these people have stayed in business as long. I reached out to them in a polite way but they just ignored me about working out a deal.
Had 2 clients get absolutely screwed by their Reverb sales. Just avoid avoid avoid.
This store sells things online and holds off shipping trying to get higher prices for it and then cancels your order. Don’t buy from them unless you go in person I guess.
5. Miles Moynier Classical Flamenco Guitar
Phone: (619) 659-0577
Site web: http://www.milesclassicalguitar.com/
Business hours:
6. All Things Music
Address: 29115 Valley Center Rd suite f, Valley Center, CA 92082 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (760) 317-6245
Assessment: ★★★★☆
4.4/5 based on 14 evaluations.
Site web: http://www.allthingsmusicvc.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the All Things Music store in town, and it was an absolute delight! The moment I walked in, I was met with an atmosphere alive with musical energy. This store is genuinely a paradise for music enthusiasts. The layout is meticulously designed, ensuring effortless navigation and exploration of various sections. The staff’s passion and expertise added a personalized touch to my experience. Having All Things Music in Valley Center is truly a great addition.
All Things Music is a great place to visit. The atmosphere and people within made it feel as if the store has been a part of our town for ages.
All of the lesson rooms were filled with tutors and enthusiastic students. The main area was busy with kids and adults eager to explore every inch. My youngest son was allowed to hold and pluck a few strings of a banjo for the first time, and my oldest son bought a brand new pair of drumsticks for his snare. We are looking forward to visiting All Things Music on a regular basis.
All of the lesson rooms were filled with tutors and enthusiastic students. The main area was busy with kids and adults eager to explore every inch. My youngest son was allowed to hold and pluck a few strings of a banjo for the first time, and my oldest son bought a brand new pair of drumsticks for his snare. We are looking forward to visiting All Things Music on a regular basis.
Excited to have a music shop in town! Very well stocked and a huge assortment of instruments.
I came in with the family the first week they opened to ask for information about violin and singing classes for my daughter, a man assisted us and took our information down on a piece of paper without giving us any importance and said he would call us. HE NEVER CALLED US, I decided to call a month and a half later and it turns out that he already had classes available for who knows when, offering us their left over schedules. I’m sure we were the first to inquire about the classes and expected to get first dibs.
I came the first week they opened to ask for information about violin and singing classes for my daughter, a man took care of me and wrote us down on a piece of paper without giving us any importance and said he would call us. HE NEVER CALLED US, I decided to call a month and a half later and it turns out that he already had classes available for who knows when, offering us the worst schedules that he had left over.
7. Alan’s Music Center Inc
Address: 8510 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 466-1938
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.8/5 based on 300 evaluations.
Site web: http://www.alansmusiccenter.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
Great place, I take guitar lessons there and I got a travel guitar too! The prices are good on some things but, other things are a little pricey.
Love the teacher we just met!
Alan’s is what I expected to find from a small music shop. They don’t have the corporate sterility of Sam Ash or Guitar Center, it’s more like wandering into a musical Gringots. The staff is knowledgeable and have been a huge help in getting me up and running learning saxophone again.
Pro’s use it! Good place for accessories for all instruments (it’s not just a “piano store,” which Google listed it as). As a professional musician, I go there regularly for valve oil, instructional material, mutes, stands, and more. Always helpful on the phone and in person. There aren’t many brick-and-mortar places like this left, and I’m glad they’re there.
Good inventory
I love Alan’s. But had a unpleasant experience last time there. Lady behind the counter was very unfriendly.
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.
The staff always seems bothered when you come in. Also over priced.
8. Sam Ash
Address: 3418 College Ave, San Diego, CA 92115 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 573-9669
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.8/5 based on 703 evaluations.
Business hours:
Reviews
Received such awesome customer service from Sam Ash Music Store. Thank you so much for the assistance in purchasing my daughters 1st Guitar. We know we will be utilizing your services again in the future.
I just recently started going into Sam Ash music stores. I’ve had an amazing experience every time! I like that they have a guitar repair shop on site, as well as a nice selection of new and used instruments and accessories.
Thank a palooza going on now, free hotdogs, soda and chips. Free giveaways and raffle, just his way of saying thanks San Diego. Excellent music store.
Wes is very helpful, the gentleman before him sold me an item that was opened already and missing pieces . They switched it for a new one .
Not much here or in stock any more.
Well I was in your store the other day just there to simply purchase some drum sticks and misc. items as well. But however you have employees that not to knowledgeable about drum and it assessories. On the other hand your store don’t sell bundles packs of drum sticks like Guitar Center dose. You only sale individual and yoi charge to much for one pair. Need to re evaluate your cost and prices.
Well i got scammed out of $1500 when i ordered the Adam a7x bundle. Only the Subwoofer was in the box, i waited months to open the box for a new studio so i guess its my fault but I contacted Nick Palumbo who helped me order it and i guess he does not work there anymore because i can’t contact him at all. Also currently scammed me out of a regent guitar case that was supposedly arriving early May. Speechless, what did i do to you? Nobody has contacted me for anything
If you’re a person of African decent don’t waste your time going here! I was highly disappointed w/ the lack of customer service I received on July 16th last night. The store was FAR FROM BUSY! And I received far below the expectation of standard customer service. I ended up buying online because the guy kept me waiting for 30mintues while he did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT THE COUNTER HE WAS AT! And when I finally went back up to him because he was taking forever he said OH, OH let me check on that, well what were you doing this entire time while I watched you, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! So sad! That will be my last In store visit 🙁 ! Really nice stuff, horrible staff
No prices on items without asking. High end acoustics being scratched up by idiots with no customer assistance.
I Asked questions about some gear, and the burn-out-stoner-wanna-be-rock-star employee just wandered off.
Guitar Center is the worst music store on earth……I hope Sam Ash isn’t trying to emulate them ….smh.
I Asked questions about some gear, and the burn-out-stoner-wanna-be-rock-star employee just wandered off.
Guitar Center is the worst music store on earth……I hope Sam Ash isn’t trying to emulate them ….smh.
9. San Diego County Music Exchange
Address: 985 Civic Center Dr #102, Vista, CA 92083 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (760) 630-7451
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.8/5 based on 162 evaluations.
Site web: http://www.sdmusicexchange.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
Great service, had a music book I needed too! I recommend them highly.
Dale and his staff are very knowledgeable in what they do. They repaired a student flute of mine so that I have a good playing back up flute. My Armstrong bass flute went in today for probably a full overhaul. Check back later for that review.
These guys are so knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. I’ve taken my instruments there to be repaired, and bought instruments from them for years
Bueno
Muy amables cuando te atienden
Good service and knowledgeable staff.
I have them 2 months with my saxophone and they did not check it out
10. Harper’s Music Store
Address: 627 H St #B, Chula Vista, CA 91910 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 398-2505
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.6/5 based on 107 evaluations.
Site web: http://www.harpersmusicstore.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
Respectful staff who loves music helped us pick the best guitar in our price range. No pushy sales. Great experience for my child; lots to choose from.
Came in a week ago to have the machine heads on my 20yr old classical guitar replaced, the guys at Harpers were super helpful in explaining the process for repair and getting it fixed in a week. While I was there during my first visit I decided to spoil myself and bought a Manuel Rodriguez classical guitar to keep my Luis Diaz company, now I have two amazing sounding guitars that I can learn again after not picking up a guitar in over 15 years. I’m sure it wont be my last visit to Harpers, they have tons of instruments and audio equipment that I might just go before the end of the year and pick me up a boss rc-505 looper.
Great music shop!
I play guitar and the first time 2 times I went in I was very disappointed by the staff. Person was very aloof and did not want to be the there. My teenage son noticed it also. At the time Best Buy carried music gear and was down the street so if I need picks, strings or guitar cables I went there instead, especially because they were cheaper. I discovered Guitar Exchange in Bonita and went there and for the most part the experience was pleasant. Wanted to have my Guitar setup so I took it to Guitar Exchange and they said bring it back in a week. A week goes by and they are doing inventory and they can’t do the setup. Bummed I called Harper’s and the setup was half the price and I could take it that day and get it back in 2 hours. So after shopping several music shop I have learned that your experience is random and depends on who is working that day. The last 3 time I have been to Harper’s has been great but unfortunately musicians are not known for being the most dependable people and it shows no matter where you go.
Muy buena tienda me gusto mucho tienen muy bonitos instrumentos
I finally got to go to Harpers Music. I was able to cross the border in 30 minutes (miracle). So on my way to downtown San Diego Amtrak station I got off the trolley at H street. Walked 2 blocks to the store. Well worth it. I was very happy to see so many choices of piano books. I got 6. I think the gentleman who helped me was very nice and helpful. I can’t remember his name sorry . I enjoyed my visit ,, . Highly recommend
They didn’t let me play a guitar unless I bought something.And the place was a mess. I would give you a zero but I can’t so I give you a one.
My friend came to this place a few days ago and he told me that this place was unorganized and the employees were being lazy and were in their devices . Also they refused to let him try an instrument that he wanted which was a violin but they didn’t let him test it out without purchasing
How come I need to buy something to test it out but like I am starting to introduce myself to playing an instrument when I don’t even know what I am going to buy . Mad krunky .
11. B&H Music
Address: 354 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (760) 480-1511
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.7/5 based on 39 evaluations.
Site web: https://escondidomusicstore.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
I came to Escondido a few weeks ago and asked about using one of their practice rooms while I was in town house-sitting. The owner was very gracious and allowed me to use a practice room for piano practice free of charge for nearly a month. Very friendly staff and a great help!
I bought an Ibanez bass guitar that came with a Neutrik locking jack which worked entirely too well. Greg Pusker replaced the Neutrik jack with a standard jack (with battery contact) and got my bass working again. Great workmanship!
We have been customers for about 7 years. We have gone through violin, guitar, and piano lessons. We have also rented saxophones for band. All instructors have been wonderful. My son (8) really loves Jazzmine Farol for piano. She is patient on days he may be tired, and can meet his energy on days he has a ton to share. The entire staff is amazing, including the owner, Joseph. Check them out for great a customer experience!
I bought a Fender beginner guitar with case from Joseph for a very fair price. He carries some B stock guitars which are perfectly fine quality except for some minor blemish. Perfect for a beginner.
I later bought a beginner Cordoba classical which was also B stock bargain and was what I needed for my class at Palomar College.
Good, knowledgeable people. I always like supporting the local Escondido businesses.
They also have a rent to buy plan.
I later bought a beginner Cordoba classical which was also B stock bargain and was what I needed for my class at Palomar College.
Good, knowledgeable people. I always like supporting the local Escondido businesses.
They also have a rent to buy plan.
Small shop with loads of customer service! I like shops where you can ask anything and not feel you need to be an expert on the subject.
Items were not priced but service was fast. Manager had to look up the price for the music stand.
Not a good music store. They have guitars and ukuleles and those parts, but hardly anything for band instruments. I asked for replacement parts for a trumpet and they never got them. They don’t carry much for flutes either. Maybe they’re just better for stringed instruments, but they certainly shouldn’t be called a general music store if they don’t carry supplies for a variety of instruments. They have a few maintenance supplies for trumpet, but they really aren’t for band instruments.
not playing with a full deck here last year I had some work done on a guitar and the bald guy told me it needed a special tuner — No I am not off the boat and been doing this for 40 years any way when I checked the manufactures statistics it said any tuner would be fine…NOT PLAYING WITH A FULL DECK…
12. Stan’s Music
Address: 56636 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (760) 228-1514
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.7/5 based on 44 evaluations.
Business hours:
Reviews
Very knowledgeable
Nice shop with everything you need.. The people that own it also run it and are very nice and helpful, and if they don’t have it they Will get it or tell you where you can find it.. I’ve bought 2 guitar from here both nice and fairly priced
Such great people, love their shop. Frequented the place for years before finding out that Stan can repair and modify tube amps (he builds them too). Brought my old Fender amp in and he went over it and made it sound AMAZING!!, for a great price to boot. I’m so glad to have these people supporting musicians in the basin.
Great litlte store and helps its cistomers very well with questions and repair or maintaining instruments..
Great place ..has everything I need
Nice place, Stan knows what he is talking about. I was looking for drum stuff but not much there.
I love the store and their prices but I’ve only ever been able to go in once or twice. They always seem to be closed even when they’re supposedly open. Kind of sucks when they’re the only music store in town.
Nice folks got some nice things in the shop! BUT I had a set up and string change done after traveling from the east coast and it looked like a child wrapped the strings around the tuners.. and it would not stay in tune (obviously) so would not recommend a set up!
13. Drum Flip
Address: 1031 S Santa Fe Ave h, Vista, CA 92083 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (760) 574-8963
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.7/5 based on 85 evaluations.
Site web: http://www.drum-flip.myshopify.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
This place is the perfect place in So Cal to explore and buy drum gear! They have a selection from beginner to professional quality gear and Ed will be happy to help you out. I have sold gear here, and also bought, ..and it’s always a cool experience. If you are looking for a new drum kit or anything drum related, come here first or check out the online store that ships all the time!
Just a cool place for drum nerdery and killer buys!
I literally could not ask more out of a drum shop. It’s a small operation run by a nice couple that just has a passion for drums and everyone that plays them. I understand that isn’t the only thing that matters when deciding what retailers to shop at, so here’s a few more reasons:
A) They provide the largest spectrum of drums I’ve ever seen. Anything entry level to high end custom to everything in between.
B) You can trust that whatever you’re buying, it’s a fair price but more often than not; the buyer is getting a better deal.
C) They will go the extra mile on every purchase. This includes easy communication if there’s a problem with shipping, they stand behind every product they sell, they also add in freebies all over the place. Stickers, drum sticks, shoot, I even got a bluray and some candy one time in an order. It’s like your parents are sending you a care package but you get killer drum stuff instead of socks.
D) They build the drum world by fostering partnerships and endorsements, they offer rehearsal spaces, host clinics, they bring drums into the community with pop-up shops. Also they have an up ‘beat’ (sorry for the dad joke) social media presence that helps champion the craft and they are endlessly committed to improving the drum platforms in anyway they can.
A) They provide the largest spectrum of drums I’ve ever seen. Anything entry level to high end custom to everything in between.
B) You can trust that whatever you’re buying, it’s a fair price but more often than not; the buyer is getting a better deal.
C) They will go the extra mile on every purchase. This includes easy communication if there’s a problem with shipping, they stand behind every product they sell, they also add in freebies all over the place. Stickers, drum sticks, shoot, I even got a bluray and some candy one time in an order. It’s like your parents are sending you a care package but you get killer drum stuff instead of socks.
D) They build the drum world by fostering partnerships and endorsements, they offer rehearsal spaces, host clinics, they bring drums into the community with pop-up shops. Also they have an up ‘beat’ (sorry for the dad joke) social media presence that helps champion the craft and they are endlessly committed to improving the drum platforms in anyway they can.
In short: buy drums from these people. Go to their store or check out their website. You won’t regret it.
Pro tip: follow their FB to snag super screaming deals.
Solo me gustó
Relatively small shop but great customer service. Very friendly staff and they hold a good amount of events. Great place for beginners and the experienced who like custom created equipment.
This store, its owner is not to be trusted. They sold mean an item that did not work when I got home. I offered to drive it back to have them test it. If it did not function at their store I would take a credit and buy another piece of gear – less their 10% restocking policy on returns. The Owner sent me a photo image of a sign saying ” all sales are final”. I would caution you to do any business with them .
Do not shop at DF. Owner was so unreasonable. I bought a 285.00 cymbal there and 7 days later, went to exchange it for a better tone. I was unsatisfied with its pitch. I found another cymbal for 280.00. Rather than offering an even exchange, the
owner charged me 86.00 to complete the exchange. I tried to reason with him but his answer was “NEXT TIME SHOP BETTER” as he refused to work with me. His policy is not flexible. He bought back my cymbal for 200 and charged me an additional 86 for the exchange, Unreal. People just don’t understand how to keep a regular customers happy. I’m done with this hustler and his business!
owner charged me 86.00 to complete the exchange. I tried to reason with him but his answer was “NEXT TIME SHOP BETTER” as he refused to work with me. His policy is not flexible. He bought back my cymbal for 200 and charged me an additional 86 for the exchange, Unreal. People just don’t understand how to keep a regular customers happy. I’m done with this hustler and his business!
my trade.
My 14 year daughter saved her money and bought a drum set for 660. Used Yamaha and a mix of cymbals.
When we got home she noticed that one of the cymbals had a two inch crack. I called the store and the man in charge wanted to see the sticker on the cymbal that specified that it was cracked. There was no sticker, he flat out denied to replace the cymbal or work out some kind of exchange.
It was realy disappointing for my daughter first drum set.
If you are selling damaged equipment at least let us know.
14. Guitar Center
Address: 712 Center Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (760) 735-8050
Assessment: ★★★★☆
4.2/5 based on 1020 evaluations.
Site web: https://stores.guitarcenter.com/ca/sanmarcos/111?source=4GOA5AJBA
Business hours:
Reviews
Anything related to music can be found here.
Muy vien
One of the best Guitar Centers I’ve been to. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The manager James is always willing to help and the service tech is awesome! Its the closest one to my house but I would go to the San Marcos store over any other store in the area!
Went in looking for an item I saw online, was told it was not available in store and was offered alternatives for what was needed. I wasn’t made to feel embarrassed, I was welcomed as I entered, willingly assisted and thanked as I left. It cost me a few more bucks, but what I left with gives me more flexibility for the future.
Su precio es muy alto
Good new and used guitars, amps, basses. Prices are reasonable, service is generally good.
Worst Guitar Center I’ve ever been too. Extremely poor selection and even poorer customer service. If I could give less stars, I would.
Not the best guitar center. All the guitars are real beat up that are on display. I felt gross just looking at them
The place was really nice, but there was a bunch of workers and no one helped us
15. Mark’s Guitar Exchange
Address: 3233 Midway Dr, San Diego, CA 92110 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 221-9011
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.5/5 based on 362 evaluations.
Site web: http://www.marksguitarexchange.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
Great place. Incredible selection and the staff is super super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend over big corporate spots. Picture below shows only 1/3 of the room
I rarely write reviews, but the experience was so good here that I had to make sure others knew about it. The staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable not only when it comes to purchasing an instrument, but their expertise extended to explaining financing options as well. I mainly interacted with Jeff, and he was a super cool dude. It was clear that everyone there loves what they do. I’m not actually from San Diego, but I made a point to buy a guitar from them on my next trip to the city, just so I could make sure they got my business.
Owner was very informative and knew what he was talking about. The store had an extensive inventory of guitars and accessories. I would recommend anyone in the San Diego area looking for a guitar to go to Mark’s Guitar Exchange.
Gear is decent, but the service and laid back vibe is superior
Told me it would be about 20 to file the nut on my strat. I came in to pick it up and they charged me 6 bucks. The know what theyre doing.
Good shop. Some times they over look the work you’ve asked them to do so be sure to check.
Been to marks guitar and have found the guy with the yellow glasses was too layed back. And rude plus the strings he sold me have been BAD. I’ve never had a set of strings come bad twice from the same place. I would recomend Sam ash music. And I will never shop at the dusty cluttered pawn shop looking place again.
And selling 3-4 year old strings tells me they are not selling very much, and the latter is why..SAM ASH GUITAR.
And selling 3-4 year old strings tells me they are not selling very much, and the latter is why..SAM ASH GUITAR.
I like to support small business and even though it costs more sometimes its worth it for the sake of convenience. Went in there the other day and asked for a speaker cable, got home and realized they gave me an instrument cable instead. I was in a hurry and didn’t pay attention, my bad. So I call him up and ask if I can exchange it for a speaker cable of the same kind of equal value. Guy cops an attitude with me for no reason. I told him I bought it on Sunday and he goes I was working Sunday and I don’t remember selling it to you, ok? So what does that have to do with anything. I told him I bought it from a young kid there that day. no big deal and he says oh ok that was my son, as if hes incapable of making a mistake. So then I asked him can I come in and exchange it for a speaker cable again and he gets all quiet for like 30 seconds and then finally says ok I guess. Ya guess? The guy was mad because I wanted to exchange something I never even used once and they gave me the wrong thing. I’ve gone there so many times and at least 50% of the time I walk out annoyed and I don’t even ask them a bunch of questions. Just what im looking for and then im out. I hate to say im done with this place.
Over priced, and unhelpful to say the least. That was my experence.
16. James Hood Guitar Repair
Address: 2750 Auto Park Way Suite 19, Escondido, CA 92029 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (760) 729-8100
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.8/5 based on 130 evaluations.
Business hours:
Reviews
James and his crew are very knowledgeable, service oriented, and more than reasonable in their pricing. They have always gone the extra mile to make sure I’m happy. Highly recommend.
Hi, My name is Fred and I own a number of vintage guitars. Lat fall my favorite 1951 Martin 0018 had an unfortunate accident. It need a neck reset and a repair. I took it to James. I picked it up at the beginning of the isolation lockdown. It was perfect. Sounds beautiful and plays like silk.
Thanks to James and all of hist staff. They were helpful and very friendly.
Thanks so much. Excuse me I need to go play.
Thanks to James and all of hist staff. They were helpful and very friendly.
Thanks so much. Excuse me I need to go play.
Had a guitar that I hadn’t played for years because of the action being to high and just overall didn’t sound good. I had brought it to guitar center years prior and they weren’t able to fix the problem. James Hood guitar repair came recommended to me by a Temecula guitar repair shop who was going out of business and I’m so glad I followed through and made the drive to San Marcos. My guitar sounds as great as it did when I first bought it! They will set up your guitar to any tuning. For example mine was set up in Drop B. Great guys, great work, great pricing. If you need your guitar fixed give them a call now! They are the first exit right off the 78 freeway. I will forever recommend James Hood guitar repair to anyone I know.
I broke the neck off my Les Paul.A few miscommunications with the desk about timing, but we’ll worth it given the craftsmanship. Tucker did an amazing job! Can hardly tell it was in two pieces!
Professional service, completed in the time frame originally quoted. Reasonable prices.
What I like most about James and Nigel and his staff is if he overlooks something he will admit he’s made a mistake and then just as important..fix it. It’s hard for me to trust people who never apologize or..admit they may have made a mistake. Seems to me it would be hard to satisfy some of us picky pickers.
Took in my Historic J-45 Gibson acoustic guitar. Requested a new neck nut and new bridge saddle if needed and set up. New nut was requested because of intonation problems and string slots being cut too deep. Then I specifically asked the guys in the shop if this work could be performed at the luthier level proficiency. I was charged 180 and assured of their quality of work. 3 weeks or so later I pick up my guitar am am in utter shock. Super glue dripping down the neck, guitar extremely un-intonated, buzzing strings…the list goes on. I’m informed that the new guy, who is apparently a sound guy, decided to take on the job. I left my guitar at the shop. I contacted James directly and he assured he would personally fix any issues on my guitar first thing the following day and be in touch. The next day I went by the shop to grab my guitar and most of the issues created by the “Sound Guy” were fixed, but the guitar still had string buzz and intonation issues. I just took my guitar at that point But asked James, who, no doubt knows his stuff concerning instrument repair, could let a shop sound guy/entry level guitar repair guy work on my instrument. Poor Shop management and poor quality control. Beware guys.
James Hood stole $3600 from the sale he made on my late husband’s consigned guitar. The money was to be used for my daughter’s college tuition. Mr. Hood knew that I was desperate to collect the funds, as financial debt resulting from my husband’s death left our family in dire straits. Six months after the sale was made (which he failed to notify me of) I discovered that his business, Buffalo Guitars, went out of business and he declared bankruptcy. Today, James Hood is in business again, but has made no attempt to pay me the money he made from the sale. I have taken this to small claims court; however, his BK filing prevented any small claims from affecting him. As a result, the next step will be taken to complaint of consumer fraud. This was unethical and criminal. My husband passed from pancreatic cancer, which left four kids and a widow with tremendous debt. It was difficult to part with his treasured guitars, but even worse to be taken advantage of by someone we trusted.
So I have taken at least 3 guitars to JHG repair throughout the years. My first one was an installation of a Seymour Duncan Blackout mod. When I got it back they had reversed the 3 way switch and didn’t bother telling me about it. I figured no big deal. I got used to it. The second time I used JHG, I took a my BC Rich Mockingbird that was having fret issues and got it back with the exact same fret issues. I believe that was $150 and over a week worth of work and in the end the guitar had the same exact dead frets I paid them to fix. That one really bothered me. So I didn’t use JHG for years afterwards. I used guitar center and San Diego Music exchange. Who both did great work with literally no issues. The 3rd and final guitar was a cheap 8 string Harley Benton that I wanted to upgrade. I asked them to install Tosin Abasi Fishman’s. First issue was that it took much longer than they said it would. I kept having to message to get an update. The second issue I got a call from the tech saying it was gonna be more work and they wanted to charge me up to $300 more. I had initially had them diagnose the work and charge me accordingly. So I was pretty upset they now wanted to charge me more and I had already waited longer than they said it would take. At this point I was wanting to be done with them. But the Tech to his credit “took care of me at the time.” They did not charge me extra. However when I got the guitar back the tech explained there was a 60 cycle hum coming from the voice 3 push pull pot on the bridge position. He promised to research the issue with Fishman and get back to me. Unfortunately, that never happened. He had almost made up for the bad experiences I had with JHG. He theorized it was the cheap 3 way switch that caused the issue. Turned out he was mostly wrong. I figured out it was actually the bridge ground wire that was mostly causing the buzz. JHG through their lack of communication and absent customer service inspired me to do something I always wanted to do: learn to do my own repairs and wiring. Since then, I have fixed every issue including the issue with the reversed switch with the blackout mod. I have sense done over 30 installs of pickups and push pull pots. Everything from installing an HS Fishman set with a Modern Fluence Alnico and a single width SSA into a Jackson DKAS Pro with a sustainiac (there is literally no wiring diagram for this kind of install, I had to combine wiring diagrams) to a PMT tech HCP push pull pot mixed with a Seymour Duncan Black out Mod (another impossible mod that has no diagram). Turns out feeling slighted by JHG was a motive that lead to me fixing all my guitars and upgrading them and learning to solder seemingly impossible modifications. I would thank JHG, but it was their lack of follow through and my 3 not so good experiences that gave me that final push to become my own luthier and wiring wiz. I literally write this today as I redo the wiring JHG did on my Harley Benton. Their wiring was good. It just their customer service and follow through that leaves something to be desired. I will likely never need JHG for an install, repair or modification ever again. Because I now know how to do it myself now. If I do come across a situation that requires more expertise than I have, I will use the many other guitar repair shops in the area.
17. Top Gear Guitar Pro Shop
Address: 7293 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91942 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 464-4969
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.8/5 based on 48 evaluations.
Site web: http://www.topgearguitar.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
Gran servicio
They do good work. I take all my guitars and amps to them. They are also Fender Authorized Repair Center as well. Been a customer for over 20 years
Look no further for guitar repair amp repair even acoustic guitars looking to buy an amp and you want somebody to look it over this is the place
real people…
who talk with you..
and listen to your concerns..
and solve those issues
who talk with you..
and listen to your concerns..
and solve those issues
*WARNING* I Took in my brand new Fender for warranty service to the frets. It had several high frest and needed a level, crown, and polish. After two weeks I finally got it back. They partially fixed only one of the bad frets, put a scratch in my guitar, and set the action super high so that I would not be able to tell how bad the frets still were. They took down some of the fret sprouting too, but did not dress or polish the frets at all, so now they are very sharp. They did say that Fender only paid them for an hour of work, and the level/crown/dress would definitely take longer than that. Seems like Fender paid them to tinker around with one of the frets, manhandle my brand new $1,500 guitar, and give it an insane setup to try to hide the issue from me. They should have called me and told me that fender won’t pay for the whole thing so that I could have paid for it. I’m glad I didn’t though they might have completely destroyed my guitar.
My daughter called the shop and asked if they could change the strings on a Strat if strings were purchased there. The response was the shop will charge $99 to even look at a guitar and “you should just change them yourself, it’s not rocket science” lol….great….thanks top gear…great customer service.
18. Veronica’s Kitchen
Address: 24680 Viejas Grade Rd, Descanso, CA 91916 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 445-3804
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.6/5 based on 212 evaluations.
Business hours:
Reviews
The food was very good. The staff was super nice. We didn’t wait very long for our food. Small taco shop out in Descanso it is as good as it gets, which makes it awesome in my book. Veronica’s would be just as good in North Park as it is out in East county next to a field of cows grazing.
Love going here. It’s always great to see Veronica or her daughter when they are working. My fav things to get are the crunchy beef rolled tacos or the regular crunchy beef tacos with rice and beans on the side. My homie swears by the carne asada fries! && my mom enjoys the burgers and tacos as well. We love having a place to get some good mexican food here in Descanso.
Great place to eat! I’d recommend it to anyone. Food is made fresh and authentic Mexican food. If your on the road this is definitely a place you need to stop by and check out.
Food and service’s just “OK”
The food, the place is just OK!
Great taste. The service was great. I had a fish taco and a ceviche tostada.
Way over priced with refried bean in the Carne Asada burritos?
Pretty ordinary
Staff is wonderful but there pricing is to high for what you get. Now I no this but when they charge you for sides like extra pico or you ask for a few jalapenos and there out! This is a Mexcan fast food joint. You do not run our of peppers. I will not go back used to be a favorite.
19. Christy’s Toy Outlet in Viejas Outlet Center
Address: 5005 Willows Rd Ste 105, Alpine, CA 91901 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 659-9898
Assessment: ★★★★☆
4.3/5 based on 45 evaluations.
Site web: http://www.christystoyoutlet.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
I placed an order online and they called me a few minutes later to tell me all but one of the item were out of stock. Then they offered to send me the one item without shipping cost. I was very impressed with their quick response and customer service – you won’t get that from Amazon. I would recommend buying from them.
This a cute little toy store. They have a lot of different toys! Definitely a cool place to take the kids and adults. You can end up here for a while. There is a lot to look at.
Toys that you really can’t find anywhere else
Excellent product, just the cashier is rude, was trying to ask about sale signand how its placed and got mad and said im first person complained and also said “we don’t need customers like you”..I return item was gonna buy and left
Good toys
Siento que cuesta lo mismo que en cualquier juguete ría
Very rude service
Come all the way from Chula Vista and the cashier was not help and she seem that she didn’t care that I needed help with funky pops.
I would like to leave a good review, but had more than too many attempts to connect with them and find out why only half my order came. What I did receive was awesome…a pocket charm…but they didn’t send the collectible card to go with it. Left 2 or 3 emails and 2 voicemails after several attempts to personally call with no answer, and finally got someone who couldn’t answer my question and didn’t offer to take down my info. for a return call, plus she was a bit rude on the phone. Finally connected with same girl on phone and she did take info. and I got an email FINALLY! Nothing was really resolved. I was so excited to find them, but won’t use them again because of all the hassle to get nothing resolved. I am so sad and disappointed in their service, I probably would have bought so much more. They blew it.
20. Gathered: A Native Made Marketplace
Address: 5003 Willows Road #114 Suite E 104, Alpine, CA 91901 , Descanso , California , United States
Phone: (619) 722-1020
Assessment: ★★★★½
4.6/5 based on 19 evaluations.
Site web: http://www.gatherednatives.com/
Business hours:
Reviews
Good prices
Loved this store. Purchased Christmas gifts for family back east. Staff was great
Nice things here.
Great items. One of a kind products. Loved it
Literally the worst experience I’ve ever had and extremely disappointed with how this business is ran. The website stated they opened at 11am; I arrive at 12pm and there was a sign on the front door stating “Be right back” – I waited outside the door for an hour. Called the business over 7 times throughout the hour. 2 of those times someone answered the phone and hung up on me. I ended up having to leave without getting to even enter the store. I was looking to purchase another drum from them as I had the year prior for a friend. It’s a shame that the business has apparently lost its value because I will most definitely not be coming back. Over a 30 min drive to get here for nothing. Ridiculous.
