Where to find the best music shops in Rancho Calaveras? Top-20 options

Great luthier and guitar shop! Super friendly!

Great Knowledgeable, Nice shop
The Best music store in the west!
Thumbs up AAA Rating from me I buy all my gear there,Keith Burrows

Ron (owner) is a great help and a really nice guy. I usually try to shop locally, and his prices are competitive. Highly recommend!

I’ve known the owner for many years. I bought an amp and he beat the best on-line price for the same product. So happy to do business local like that.

Great owner….great place…..excellent information….

Friendly and fast service

Convenient and affordably priced

Lots of instruments and the owner is really friendly.

Went in to purchase a chin rest and mute for my middle child. The staff was helpful, they suggested that prior to purchasing a chin rest, I bring in the violin and they will install it for me and make sure it fits right. A+ visit.

Grapevines on musical instruments and sheet music very good customer service management pleasure to work with go get them Clancy

Just went in there to buy guitar strings and they had what we needed so we were happy

Made a violin playable for me. Has accessories for beginners to advanced. Lessons and books, instruments and more!

I’ll give the store the benefit of the doubt. It’s a new store and the guy who runs it is knowledgeable and nice. The selection isn’t vast but the prices are fair. Has a grand opening coming up soon with reps from Ibanez and others. Hopefully that helps him stock up!

I wouldn’t rent anything from MR CS and give them your debit card or credit card number to have on file tell he trains his employees right.
I had two issues with them pulling more money out then should have with no calls made to me Ron took it upon himself to handle without calling me.
This last time he did two withdrawals and claim it was his employees fault but yet he said he did the second transaction himself. He said he reversed it but bank is saying no if it’s not back come Monday my bank will be going after him for both charges because he over charged me.
His customer service isn’t all that great.

Waited in line for about 20 minutes before

They don’t have good stuff. It’s like a place for beginners. Didn’t have what I needed either.

Staff is incredible and selection is amazing. We have been renting various instruments continuously for a number of years now. We have even ended up purchasing some of them. Our family highly recommends them!

Beautiful venue for classes, helpful and knowledgeable staff, fantastic variety of reed, brass, percussion, string, fretboard instruments and sheet music is available.

1st class

I think his name is Aaron, super helpful, friendly, and goes out of his way to be informative. If I can give stars just based on him then it will be 5. Unfortunately, the other front person, female late 20’s not so much. There was also an older technician that was so nice and helpful, I give him 5 stars too. Stars taken away was for less brand choices, price point, and less instrument choices. I think their main focus is school band instruments. The place looks clean, and they have enough staff to assist.

Helpful and knowledgeable crew. Thanks for your help

Great place to get music lessons and a fun engaging staff

I have purchase and rented instruments here before. This time, five different staff said they would help, apparently what I wanted was not in stock and instead of letting me know, all left me waiting. After quite a wait we decided to leave. Someone caught us leaving and took our number to call and figure out how we could get ahold of the instrument. That was over 8 weeks ago, my phone never rang. They’ve lost a loyal customer.

This would be zero stars but a plug is warranted for John Doolittle’s sax lessons at the store of which I availed myself a couple of times. Zero stars involves me taking my alto sax there for repair. It’s over 50 years old but has had some restorative work done; fairly significant when I started playing again regularly about three years ago and more minor work several months ago and again following my unpleasant experience at Tim’s, the former by Kline Music and the latter by The Music Store in Rocklin. The guy at Kline is particularly known for his competence. The purported lead expert on reed instrument repairs at Tim’s told me my Selmer Mark VI needed a $1500 complete overhaul and they wouldn’t touch it for any lesser amount of work. The guy in Rocklin then fixed it for $65 and it plays just fine, as it did before it started acting up shortly before I took it to Tim’s. I played in church today and was complemented on my tone by their music director, who is a school music teacher and fellow owner of a Selmer Mark VI. An instrument in need of complete renovation obviously could not produce such a result. I got a different feel from the store than I did when I took lessons from Doolittle at the old location. Maybe they’ve bitten off more than they can chew financially but they’ve certainly lost my business.

best music store ive been to

Great prices for used gear! Staff helpful and knowledgable.

I love this place! After being diagnosed with a very rare cancer it was music that brought meaning back to my life and brought a new found relationship to my kids and I. The employees at this store are very kind and always up beat. Some days I buy stuff other days I just snoop around to listen to people play. Last time I was in there the guys out on a little show and answered a gazillion metallica questions for my 10 year old son. I won’t ever shop anywhere else.

It is okay but does not have a great selection But the economy is not great right now People are nice friendly needs to improve.

The gentlemen that helped us was informative and kind.

Update: I received a call back and I am being credited the 45.00 and don’t owe any additional payments. The return of the instrument was delayed in their system which caused the $$ discrepancies. I feel better they made it right, I just don’t like that I was made to feel like I was lying. I have no problem paying what I owe. I have updated to 3 stars for them making an effort to make the situation correct. I appreciate that.

I have rented an instrument from this place and Clany’s. I paid for the instrument for over a year, even throughout summer because I failed to return it. Once I finally returned it, I had a bill that I asked them to split in to two payments. I paid 136.00 and asked the remaining 136.00 be paid on the 1st, which was two weeks later. I was advised that the auto pay had been turned off and the remaining payment of 136.00 would be paid on the first. The following week, I was automatically charged 45.00. Then today, I received a call regarding the remaining balance of 131.00? You just took 45.00? How is it 131, when it was 136 before you took the 45.00? So to satisfy this account, I now have to pay 131.00 on the first. Let’s hope that dollar amount sticks this time and I’m not randomly debuted another 45.00 on top of the 131.00.

When I rented an instrument from Clany’s, I delayed returning their instrument as well. When I went in to return it and pay what I owed, they told me I paid enough and now own the violin. Complete difference in customer service.

I don’t mind paying what I owe. I know it’s my responsibility to return an instrument, but to make payment arrangements and be told the auto pay was turned off and then be charged outside of those payment arrangements, then told a complete different amount due, is frustrating. Then when I am trying to explain what I was told and the lady keeps talking over me, so I start talking over her, I am called rude! So unprofessional! I will never rent another instrument from them again. I would suggest to anyone else sticking with Clancy’s. Better business practices, better customer service!

A lot of old equipment, over priced. Staff is decent. Tim is a guy that runs the store. Brought in 1700 dollar mixer and was offered 250 and had the nerves to ask for the original box.
Tim seems as he run the business with feelings instead of customer service so I’m not sure if it’s good for the franchise. Complains about old equipment he has but want to low ball you on equipment that you paid Top Dollar for.
Was told to leave equipment at this location and come back. Came back to a blown sub……. I never write comments but I’m waiting on the response so I can further investigate.

None

Some very nice items within the store. Some of the staff are unpleasant. Specifically the guy who sold me a Martin acoustic with some tone wood splits on the reverse. I purchased the guitar, but he told me in no uncertain terms that they would not take a return. I reminded him that the tone wood was split and that the split could expand. Essentially told me to go F myself in not so many words. Please remember that many of your customers are likely professional players who just may happen to have more years on you, and in particular, performance time. Unknown to him, I do have skills at repairing acoustic instruments. Attitude could have been a bit nicer. I may not go back because of this.

Awesome store with great services and lessons. I took clarinet lessons for a few years and piano lessons as well. The teachers were effective and engaging.

Has amazing lessons from really nice and good teachers. Also sells a variety of instruments

I went to buy a ukulele as a gift and had a lot of questions. The nice man helped me make a decision I’m very happy with. It’s a nice atmosphere and close to where I live. I have a mandolin I can’t play glad I found this place

Friendly staff and very helpful.

I rented a used violin for my son from the shop. They said the price was $199. The rental was $35 per month. after two months if you want to own the violin then they said they would deduct the rental amount from the original price. But when we want to buy the used violin they said the price is $299 which is hell more than a new violin. So would recommend not to rent or buy anything from this store.

Great selection of musical instruments and nice staff. Support this wonderful small business.

Went in yesterday with my guitar, very friendly and knowledgeable The gentleman gave me some tips on the ukulele I had in mind to purchase, thank you. the tech adjusted the neck on my guitar for FREE, thank you! I was very impressed with the service, employees, and atmosphere. I even went next door to their Cafe and had a mango smoothie

Best store ever! They were so helpful, pleasent, caring and knowledgeable.
They showed my granddaughter how to care for her instrument from school.
Thank you

The staff are very nice and attentive. They make sure that everyone is being help to the point of different staff asking the same person severely times. If you are in the neighborhood or you just need a friendly professional place that will take care of your stringed instrument (violin, guitar, viola, etc.) stop by to say hello.

I enjoyed the experience of coffee, paired sometimes with comedy, awesome musicians to so so ones on open mike days. Fun place with friendly staff.
Wish the coffee was better than just good, or maybe I’m just spoilt. Haha.

I’ve experienced a good customer service however all sales are final.

The staff is very nice but the owner has very poor customer service skills. He does not know how to listen to customer needs nor he gives a choice. Even if you rent violin from him you do not have a choice. It will be whatever he gives you. He is very rude. I was trying to pick a violin for my child and he was very suspicious why we were looking for details on the violin. He sells violins with cracks for high prices. DO NOT SUGGEST BUYING OR RENTING VIOLIN from this place. VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM OWNER.

Bad service. They tried to sell me a $500 plus guitar when I insisted upon renting instead because I was taking classes at the community college. Will not be returning.

We didn’t realize it was a music night so the music was so loud that we couldn’t talk to each other. The service was great but the prime rib was lousy.

This is an excellent store with great people. The selection is quality and the repairs are top-tier. They even cleaned the inside of my case, when I was given back my guitar from a repair.

Great place for all your music needs. The owner even helped us out when we weren’t buying anything from them.

Great place and great service. John Rocks! Cameron rocks also..!

Their music selection was a bit small but they had everything I needed at a very reasonable cost.

The line was crazy long and they were extremely under staffed.

Did not have a kazoo

Dale is awesome! Great staff as well.

Everytime I go in its all positivity. I ask for what I need and they are informed and have what I need. I see 1 star reviews and I don’t understand. Maybe some people are put off by his constantly positive attitude and small talk but I enjoy.

Friendly staff! Primarily a guitar store, but they do carry some accessories for other instruments. Went in for saxophone reeds, which they have, but they don’t carry a wide range of sizes. Ultimately walked to Hendrickson’s for size 2.5 reeds, but am definitely appreciative of the effort and guidance at Dale’s.

Ya working here is pretty cool

I purached a violin for my daughter a while back. It worked for her to practice with about a year later she out grew it. I went in to get her a bigger one owner actually just did an even exchange to a nicer one with a case. Tuned it up and shes still using it till this day.

I brought in my guitar last year, 2018, to get re-stringed and Chris was friendly, even polished and cleaned my guitar for me. This March I bought a clip on tuner for 20, and it sold at Guitar Center for 30. About to sign my nephews up for guitar lessons, will be updating review in a month.

Do yourself a favor and check their prices with other sellers online and in store prices here are usually higher

They seem like really honest and great people but don’t let their way of speaking get the best of you. Double-check the prices online through Amazon or through the manufacturer of the instrument like fender, Cordoba, etc. Furthermore, sales are final when I went to buy a guitar $350 that is actually worth $160 at Walmart’s online store the owner said that I could only get store credit .

Sold me a bad violin.

Good selection and friendly service with live booths to sample the wares

Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Competitive prices, and a good amount of products. Always have had a positive experience. Great place to stop in.

Great people

They have everything for your music needs, and if your a beginner that doesnt know what something is called, describe it, and their staff usually knows exactly what your talking about.

Just cuz

Nice, clean, good selection

Customer service was terrible… was totally ignored and others were helped before me when they came after me.

Knowledgeble staff but nome of the DJ Equipment was hooked up. Bad form

if it says something is in store rest assured it most definitely is not in store.plus nothing like being charged full price for an electric drum set that was brought back missing kick pad for bass drum.took it back after bringing it home.it was a return and should not be charged full price cuz best buy even gives open box discounts but not guitar center

Juan Ortiz is the most helpful guitar sales person on the planet. Very beautiful guitar shop.

I always come here whenever I’m in Downtown Sacramento! Great little music that specializes primarily in ukulele and other string fretboard instruments. They have plenty of classes to offer, from private lessons to group meetups. The used instrument selection also has a gem or two; I bought a Dulcimer Guitar when I was there!

Best part about the place is the selection of strings. They have numerous options for ukulele, including string packs for a low G on ukulele if you’re interested (that’s why I go).

Strum shop is no longer there. No sign on the door that they moved. 🙁

They were very friendly.

I went to the Strum Shop where I was greeted by Dr. Dan, a very nice man who seems knowledgeable about acoustic instruments. he was super helpful and told me my guitar would be done in 2 days. I got it back the next day. The work was pretty good and the string rattle was fixed but I discovered a couple weeks later he had made a new slot for the high E string on the nut (which I didn’t ask for) and as a result the strings are now not evenly spaced. I have to get a new nut put on now which is disappointing.
He did put a new pickup on for a fair price which works great and I appreciate that! It’s a very nice guitar shop run by very nice folks. I’m sure I’ll go back at some point but I’m a little bummed about having to get a new nut put on as a result of the initial work.

Friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. Street parking is iffy. Rear parking and entrance is unmarked.

Nice, small town feel when you are in the store. Prices are a bit on the high side, but that is to be expected for a mom and pop kind of store. Helpful service.

I brought a guitar to adjust the action. Dan did not place the parts I asked for saying he did not have it on stock. Inaccurate repair job with replacing the guitar nut. Honestly I could adjust my guitar better than this “professional repair master” “Doctor” Dan. Waisted $80. Very unsatisfied. I would not recommend any repairs in this shop/store.

They lost my instrument and won’t return my calls. I brought an instrument in for repairs, they gave to their vendor, I talked with the vendor and he said it would be done in two weeks. After a month with no word I started calling, and they have ignored all messages I’ve left.

I originally came in to get a new nut cut for my Gibson SG. The repair took longer and cost more than originally advertised, and the repair man left several issues that I had to fix myself (buzzing on A and low E, new tuning problems due to roughness of nut slots, high action, used strings other than the ones I’d left for him and specifically asked for him to use). Fortunately, however, when I brought this up with the shop, out of the $50 that I was charged, I was refunded $40 labor cost. (Still on the hook for $10 though).

EDIT: The manager for the Strum Shop started hassling me over text message after I posted this review. LOL.

The best, has it all and then some

Everything you need here! Awesome store

Employees are very laid back while still being helpful

Very cool rustic music store with knowledgeable, friendly staff.

great spot, great people. a bit overwhelming but take a min and its easily appreciable

Love it

Drove there on Sunday, as Google said they were open. They were not.

Yeah not too sure about that place I feel robbed every time I go in there, yeah of course there’s a lot of good stuff there but overall there wasn’t a chance for no stars they can have one I guess

Absolutely terrible service. POOR selection of instrument strings (they never buy them) They’ve fired their most charismatic workers. The owner/”manager” will ignore you if she’s on the phone. Had an amp in there for six months that was more broken when I got it back, than when I brought it in, due to their “guitar tech” Steve. Worst music store in North California, if I could give zero stars I would.

Been coming here for 20+ years. Great people, selection and relaxed atmosphere. They have lots of programs too. Sacramento Icon .

Does everything right!

Knowlegable. Willing to help. Everything I wanted was in stock. No snooty “I’m a musician, check out my chops’ attitude here. Real pros.

They are knowledgeable and helpful

Skip’s is a cool place to chill at. The service is good staff is grate.

Great Service.

Spent a month trying to get a bridge replaced from these guys. Scott was very friendly when I first called, but he entirely flaked out. I contacted them on Aug 1st and come Aug 27th when I’m trying to find out if they intend to repair my bass I’m told “I only work Mon – Wed. Call me Monday”. Wasted a month of my time.

NOT FOR METAL PLAYERS! No 7-strings at all and no pro gear. Not one high gain amp head or 4×12 cabs and I did not see any multi fx pedals, HEADRUSH, HELIX, Tone Master, Axe FX, Fractal, etc. ‍♂️ The store has a total Guitar Center look and vibe yet less options and poor utilization of floor space. Bummer.

I went to this store for a power conditioner. I purchased a Furman M-8lx for $189.95… it retails for $79.99 on Sweetwater. Had I not needed it immediately I would’ve never bought it. I understand a mark up but over 100 is absolutely ridiculous

Great place to buy or get your musical instruments repaired. We get lessons there too. We’ve been going there since 2016.

Dropped in for a alto saxophone rental.

My go-to place for buying/renting musical instruments and/or classes.

I go to music lessons here. It is a great place to shop for many common instruments and to learn them.

When dealing directly, the gentleman at the counter was cool. However, overall customer service could improve. I came into the store and stood second in line behind a customer who needed some repairs on 2 instruments. No big deal, that is what they do. I think though to be efficient they may want to ask if anyone in line has an item they want to pay for quickly and leave. Instead, the string replacement proceeds with folks in line. After that repair was done I walked up assuming to be next. Nope, instead another customer was motioned to go ahead of me because they were in the store first. Not in line first, but in the store browsing first. Never knew until now this is how it works. Come in and browse and when you are done you go ahead of any customer in line so long as you came into the store before them. On the positive note, large inventory and staff was very helpful retrieving and holding my book in front for easy pickup access.

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.

I’m a professional pianist. This is a store run by someone who truly loves and knows pianos. I have purchased a couple of digital pianos from the store for professional use. As well I like to peruse the selection of fine grand pianos always in stock. Ben’s love of pianos is matched by first rate customer service. The company I ordered instruments from had some difficulties and Ben’s diligent follow through got instruments to me on time despite tremendous machinations to do so. He will bend over backwards to make sure one gets the best service possible.

Home for the holidays, and my mom decided it was time for an upgrade to the real deal piano (yes!). Our experience with The Piano Store was incredible. We were treated wonderfully in the store, and later on the phone, Ben made it possible to do all further transaction via phone. Not only was he incredibly kind and easy to work with in finalizing details, he personally came and helped deliver it with a small group of movers that same night. We felt personally cared for and would absolutely recommend working with Ben on any of your piano-buying needs!

I want to hop on here and leave a review on behalf of this business. I am myself a pianist and a piano technician visiting from Georgia, and I had an itch to check out the pianos in this area. I stopped by to pay a visit to The Piano Store and play a few pianos. The owner was gracious to allow me even though I wasn’t there to buy from him. Excellent selection of high quality pianos! I will be sending my Sacramento friends here when they’re ready to buy a piano! Thank you!

I’ve been looking for pianos for awhile and was satisfied with the selection here, but I felt like the person working there was a little pushy and rude which led to me wanting to leave. I’m not sure if I’d be comfortable coming here again.

Reply: My point is that my experience here was very uncomfortable. It was difficult to look for pianos in peace, yet I’d understand why you’d feel the need to be persistent with asking questions in an attempt to help out. My dad isn’t from the US and doesn’t exactly communicate well, so I became anxious when you told him, “People usually don’t just walk in” as he was taking a look around; this made me feel as if we were unwelcome. I tried to elaborate his vague response by telling you that we have indeed been looking for a piano for awhile; this was in no way defensive although I didn’t get the chance to fully explain myself since you quickly cut me off by saying, “Yeah, I know”. I willfully admit that what you said to my dad slightly irritated me, which is why I blatantly answered the question you asked me and continued to browse around the shop (considering the reason we visited was to look around, obviously). I just recently turned 18 (which you know since I answered when you asked) and would consider myself a sociable person, so the reason of me seeming “rude and standoff to the max” is only the outcome of feeling like our visit was bothersome for you. I was antsy the entire time and it was disappointing since I’ve been meaning to visit for awhile. And I understand that maybe you weren’t having the best day, but my review is an honest recap of my PERSONAL experience, and isn’t being said to bash your business. No one is “trampling” you Ben – I’d greatly appreciate it if you considered what I’m stating rather than argue.

Very rude walked into the store ready to spend upwards of $20000 on a piano the employees were very rude and didnt feel like answering questions and they would watch every move u made made me and my cousin very uncomfortable how am I supposed to spend lots of money on a piano when i can’t test it due to them being on the phone all the time them not having a back office where they can take phone calls is very unprofessional i was in there for about 10 minutes until i couldn’t take the constant questions them watching everywhere i go i would not recommend this place for anyone who wants piece and quiet to shop for a piano

No, he doesn’t buy pianos.

Very pleasant and helpful staff:)

What a great experience! Extremely helpful and full of good knowledge to help with our new pet! THANKS Valley Springs Feed!

Very nice! Great service and very pleasant!

Has all animal items, even for reptiles. Has propane but no clothes.

Nice place

Friendly and Help

Treated poorly by the hat wearing cabelas Hoodie wearing camo kid .Tipped him just get a smile and a thank you sir. The cashier was awesome and we will always return to the store because it’s a small business and I we love small business in valley springs.

Dog washing station was dirty. Tub full of hair would not drain. I had to clean it prior to using. I told them and was not charged luckly……that area has been unkempt often.

Terrible customer service ,came to get propane filled been doing that for five years here, young man came out told me gauge was broken. Couldn’t top off tanks. Have to charge me for full tanks. Very rude and condescending. I’ll never come back.

Right on bro! Music does bring us together!

And I thought all of California was lost, I was wrong there is this Gryphon place that is absolutely spectacular. I understood they had an issue with a monkey, but, that monkey was sent packing. From some of what I read, appears this place is righteous.

This place has values, honor and integrity!! Love how they operate!!

I brought my bass for a setup and was told that their setup was within ‘limits’ of what was possible, was charged 80$ for minimal improvement. My local luthier did a better job. They have a wonderful store with a great selection of instruments and serious repair dept. but I wasn’t happy about the repair job.

Great selection and teachers

Expensive!

Racist place, never go their. To much hate!

Cheating.

I once went to the store and looked for a limited version guitar. The sales people told me to leave my phone number and said that it would arrive in two months. I double checked if it would be the exact model and that guy was super confident. After that no one contacted me and I went to the store again two months later. This time they showed me a different model and said that the one I was looking for were not available for a long time.

What a waste of time! I will never deal with them again.

Terrible hiring practices