Great customer service, recommendations and advice. Highly recommended!
Best local music store
Decent selection but used prices are a joke.
For example a used Eric Johnson is $1500 before tax when Sweetwater will you give you a brand new one for 1800 out the door if you have a little bit of a hookup. Shop also seems to have a little but of an unwelcoming attitude-not that I care if you can make a deal but if you’re looking for just that, a deal, this store is probably not for you. Shame, because I usually like to support the small private shops. Even bigger shame, because I buy lots of gear. Lots.
They seem like nice enough guys, but their prices are outrageous, and they don’t even come close to matching online competitors prices. That’s a sad fact about the world we live in, these small “mom and pop shops” just can’t compete with the big chains, and the online sellers.
If you live in one of these high dollar beach communities and have disposable income, then pay extra money and patronize these small specialty “mom and pop shops”. But, if you are middle class person that can’t afford to spend extra money (like me), forget this place. You’ll find much better prices searching the internet.
Do not take your instruments here to be repaired. I was overcharged for simple work on a guitar that took nearly a month to complete despite the initial quote of one week. This was entirely due to poor communication and not following instructions. I have been having work done on my guitars for nearly 20 years, so I know how long repairs should take and I have some idea of how long they should take. Be warned – THE WORK IS NOT DONE IN HOUSE HERE and you cannot talk to the guy doing the repairs. I have to take my guitar somewhere else to have the work done correctly – I absolutely do not trust these guys to ever touch my guitar again. I left detailed written instructions requesting easily obtainable industry standard parts to be used and was simply ignored. I felt like making an issue out of it, but it would just take too much time and effort and they would probably want to try to fix it themselves and they are never seeing me or my guitars again. They were embarrassed when I picked the guitar up and they should have been.
As far as the “Mr. Pedal Board” thing goes, go the store’s website and look at the boards displayed here and then type “guitar pedal board” into google and see if you are impressed with this guy’s creations. My friends and I rigged better looking and likely better functioning boards when were teenagers and we were stoned and not particularly bright or technically minded. It’s good enough if you are a weekend warrior or bedroom player, or if you just don’t need a lot of pedals, but I really think you can do better than this no matter how or where you play.
The guys in the store are friendly enough, particularly after they warm up to you and the pedal selection is good as well and it is convenient to demo them in the store, but there are no refunds. Every online store that I know of, and I have shopped at several of them, has a 60 day return policy and a much larger selection and handle the returns with no problems and most of them offer a discount.
I really wanted to form a relationship with a local small business and get away from the big chain and online stores, but this place really let me down.
The employee or manager is not a friendly person. I bought 2 sets of guitar strings and, eventhough I was spending money, he acted like he was doing me a favor.
2. Imagine Audio
Address: 612 Meyer Ln, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 , Redondo Beach , California , United States
Great place to shop and find a guitar, or get them fix! I’ve been taking my daughter guitar to get fix and Mike’s it’s so nice, kind and help an any way possible! Highly recommended
I am from Colorado. I was visiting Hermosa Beach for work and found Mike’s Guitar Parlor. This place has such a cool vibe! Not only are there Gibson’s, Fenders and Acoustics. There are some custom built guitars that are very cool. I watched my do a couple setups and educate people about their guitars. He invited me to plug in and play anything I wanted to in the Parlor. He then point to a sign on the wall ” I built this for you” . Everyone there was very friendly and it seemed like a community guitar hub. later in my visit Mike and his friend Jeff Baker played a couple songs acoustically and sang a couple songs. Tom Petty’s “Room at the Top”sounded amazing guys. I enjoyed my visit to Mike’s guitar parlor and we’ll definitely be back.
I recently had a situation with my Gibson SJ200. Mike did an incredible job in helping me.
Beautiful store looking through the window. Too bad it wasn’t open at noon on a Friday
Great place, I went in to get a strap hook drilled onto my guitar and he just did it for free.. it said online that they were open today but no body was there and it was closed.
Wasn’t even offered to play a guitar… COME ON customer service… oh nevermind dude just ignore you
4. Homer T Guitar Co
Address: 1024 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 , Redondo Beach , California , United States
We love David. He has encouraged and challenged my son to not only be a better student of music but how to apply these lessons to life. Solid instructor. Great environment.
If you’re looking for great musical instruction that provides the true fundamentals of music and has the ability to grow a student to a professional level – if that’s the target- this is your place.
Excellent teachers and engaging staff. The team is deeply engaged with musicians, and those who will be!
8. Savage on the Beat Records LLC
Address: 1702 Van Horne Ln, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 , Redondo Beach , California , United States
All the employees were friendly and accomodating. Thank you
I just went into this store for the first time and had a great experience. The store is large with a large selection of products. The main reason for my review is because of the great experience I had with Robert. I was looking for some studio monitor speakers, sound card, and headphones and he was VERY HELPFUL! He had a bunch of knowledge to share and was kind and professional. I would definitely go back and work with Robert on any future purchase. I ended up getting my gear and was super happy about the whole thing. Thank you!
I had some items to sell, and they buy used gear. Zack was very helpful, and after some research, nearly bought my items for what I had been asking. He is very knowledgeable and fair. I plan to do more business at Sam Ash Torrance.
Good
Great people work here, very helpful, I learned a lot from their guitar staff. They saved me from buying the wrong guitar. Only 4 stars because they have not had the product I needed in stock to buy same day. They of course will order product for you and they offer to match prices.
I used to be a Guitar Center guy but in the last 2 years, GC employees have a certain elitist attitude. Even more so than usual. I decided to go to Sam Ash and see how the experience was there. The sales staff seem very interested in helping the customer. I’ve only shopped at Sam Ash 3 times but I will continue to shop there.
I do believe SA needs to carry more brands. That’s my only gripe, the selection. No Berhinger FX pedals, No affordable drum sticks and the online selection is weak as well. SA carries things in the store that you can not find online. I think SA can up their game on selection. Don’t allow Sweetwater, Musicians Friend and Guitar Center to take all of the online business….get in there and fight for your place.
I’ll be back there soon for pick up my Hotone Delay pedal. I got a crazy good deal on that pedal.
Salesperson overpromised on delivery. Said delivery would be next day and still waiting three days later. Also did not receive an email with a $5 off gift card as promised. Regretting my purchase.
My husband went in to pick up an item he saw online was in stock today. The clerk told him it may be in the back then started helping another customer and totally ignored my husband who was waiting patiently. Ist and last time we will shop there. Amazon could gave delivered tomorrow but we wanted to support a local business.
Sam Ash is a great store for buying things as well as having a wide variety of guitars and the associates on the floor are helpful and polite, but when I had bought new elixir strings for my acoustic guitar, I took it in to get it restringed after one of my old strings snapped, which is what the warranty covered. However, the associate helping me told me to call on a Wednesday to see if the guitar was ready to pick up. But when I called, I was transferred to Ed, the repair man for the shop. He had a horrible attitude and told me, and I’ll quote him, “yeah your guitar is just sitting there…. I guess I’ll get to it when I can. And I guess they didn’t tell you I’ll call when it’s ready. So I’ll call when I’m finished.” It’s been a week since I took it in and when I called today, they had “transferred” me to Ed, but 20 MINUTES LATER I was not answered after waiting. If I had to say, if my guitar even gets repaired at all, I will not be sending it back here ever again. I am very dissatisfied at the service they provide for their “satisfied customers.”
11. Bootlegger Guitar
Address: 1921 Manhattan Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 , Redondo Beach , California , United States
It is a very nice repair shop.
I had to get my trumpet fixed because the valve wouldn’t work and she asked if I wanted a cleaning job for $40 extra. And I asked what they do and they clean all of the internals and not only the little valves and slides.
I like it and the staff are very nice
Called to ask some questions about my sax and they were really friendly and even offered peace of mind that it would get done.
We have been going repeatedly for several days. They are NEVER open when they say their posted hours are. Giving up. What a waste of gasoline and time.
I leased a full-size cello for my group lesson. I didn’t know how much the lease price goes. She charged me $70 plus tax on $1400 cello but the same value range, my classmate rented for $40. My teacher surprised how expenses she charged me not even including an insurance on cello. And she really scared me for any future damages when I return and I have to pay in full.I understand if the owner charged me slightly higher but she charged me almost as twice as much. Just for informing beginner cellist like me who is looking for leasing a cello, the price goes $35-$40 avg.
16. Michelle Ornest Vocal Studio
Address: 220 S Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 107, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 , Redondo Beach , California , United States
Michelle is a wonderful vocal teacher who has really helped me with voice control, range, and stamina. I can’t say enough about her dedication to her students and her friendly supportive style of teaching. She always gives you her undivided attention and helps resolve vocal challenges with her knowledge and expertise.
Michelle has helped me with my musical career in so many ways: I started off taking vocal lessons with her where she helped me grasp a more proper technique, particularly in the higher notes for my vocal range. She gave me a ton of warmups that have really aided me before shows or recording sessions, as well as tips to help preserve my voice in the long run. As a songwriter she has also taught me much, helping me to better arrange songs, learning what can make a song more memorable to listeners, and even collaborating with me to create new music. On top of all of this, she is FANTASTIC at coming up with harmonies, something that has really helped me in my own recordings. Michelle is a great teacher with a strong understanding of music; she is reliable, helpful, and a joy to be around.
I really enjoy working with Michelle. In just 4 lessons I’m noticing a difference in my voice. I sang for my husband this morning and he commented that I have a totally different singing voice. He heard a new power in my sound. It’s been really fun learning from Michelle. Her playful and soft style of teaching is encouraging and inspiring.
17. Guitar Center
Address: 4525 Artesia Blvd, Lawndale, CA 90260 , Redondo Beach , California , United States
By far the Best Place to buy a guitar, I’m picky (too picky) and I really am not sure if I’d want to wait on someone like me, but I wasn’t made to feel that way while making up my mind. Due to budgetary constraints I made and initial choice of a Taylor guitar but when I got it home and played it for a while…well it just wasn’t me. I returned it for a full refund and upgraded to a Taylor 214CE Dlx. That’s not where my story ends. there were 3 in stock and yes, Mr. Fussy (me) wanted to see each one. Tyler “T.J.” more that went the extra mile for me, hauling each of them from the stock room. I made my choice based playability, on wood grain of the spruce top and the book matched Rosewood back, (“to die for”) beautiful. Both Sean (the manager) and Tyler helped me make it affordable for me , and I am now a forever customer. Thanks both you guys!
Guitar Center…You Rock !
Thanks, Hank
The Manager Chris Was Very Helpful & Cool As A Fan Thank You So Much For Helping My Son
Knowledgeable staff. James in the drum department helped me and my son out.
Good cutsomer service but slow checkout
주차장이 좀 불편 하지만 여러종류의 악기를 볼 수 있고 직접 연주도 해 볼 수 있어 좋았다.
주변환경은 좀…그래서 별이 3개…ㅋ
Great prices and selection but not a lot of customer service help
Real bad customer service
It was one of the worst visit I have ever had at any place of business.. Very unprofessional lack of service….. I waited for 30mins b4 I went to seek help in a section that had no one to over see/to help anyone, I was then told I’ll be helped, waited another 10mins & walked straight to my car & went too Sam Ash….. I Recommend Sam Ash! Received not only the pair of sticks (that’s all i needed) but the awesome service that was impressed from entering in the door to me leaving
I went in the other day and an employee was kinda patronizing at first til he realized i was actually there to buy something. I knew exactly what i needed but that of course , didn’t stop the gentleman in pro audio from trying to upsell. But there’s a difference between trying to upsell and being pushy. And man , this guy was PUSHY. I mean he was crazy persistent in trying to get me to buy the warranty. I declined the warranty like seven times and it even got to the point where he goes and says “what if you get in a car accident right now and your product gets damaged!?” Like whaaa ? You’re actually hoping I get in an accident just bcause i dont want the warranty tf?? Then he goes and starts telling stories about how he’s seen all kinds of stuff break and weird things can happen and blah blah just so I could buy the warranty. Felt like he was talking for an hour. That’s not even the end of the story I just don’t want to make it too long. My receipt says cashier was Henry but I don’t know if that was his name. Some taller dude idk. I DONT WANT THE WARRANTY HENRY.
18. Guitar Stop
Address: 1505 Aviation Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 , Redondo Beach , California , United States
All-time favorite music store in Los Angeles. Great gear, friendly staff, and family run. I’ve been going to them for my music needs for over 10 years and they are just amazing. Strong teaching program right there at the shop; teachers are good musicians themselves with a passion for playing.
Dietz Bros Music has everything you need for your music needs and you don’t have to worry about any hassle. I prefer Dietz over guitar center any day.
Great lessons in a pleasant, convenient location
Alex at Dietz Bros quickly fixed my son’s baritone. He was very friendly and went out of his way to help. Happy we found this place, right in our neighborhood! Didn’t know they had lessons. Looking forward to trying it out in the near future. Thank you!
DIetz Bros. is the absolute best when it comes to professionalism and musicianship in the South Bay. The store has been building a loyal clientele for over 25 years and even a first time customer will feel like family. If they don’t have the instrument you are looking for, not to worry, they can order it for you.
I went in to buy a guitar and an elderly gentleman was helping me. There was a guitar with a 50% sticker on it for $480, and he said it would be $240. When we got to the register he said, “Sorry, it’s actually $440, but I can sell it to you for $410.” Then I picked up another guitar and he said “Oh yeah, the 50% off is from other people’s prices not ours. That’s for all of the guitars.” If it’s not 50% off of their price, why is there a sticker that says 50% off stuck to the guitar? Horrible customer service, I was ready to pay right there.
