Love this store! I’ve been coming here for years as I have 3 sons who play guitar. A variety of quality music instruments to choose from and always accommodating. It’s a pleasure to support our local merchants. ( and I’ve been happy with the music instructors who teach there also)
Really great, great prices. Excellent collection of acoustics.
Guy was very helpful even though the store was closing in 5 minutes; he guided me though some drum questions and I didn’t feel rushed for one second.
I take voice lessons here. Expect a bit of bleed from one practice room to the next. Nice display of instruments. Very friendly & knowledgeable proprietor.
Unfriendly customer service. wouldn’t let me try a amplifier, and told me if that if I had the $1500 then he would let me try it. I have never experienced this at any guitar store. I have shopped here in the past and it has always been a mediocre experience. the man who works behind the counter always has a mopey attitude and their products are usually priced over normal retail. Spend your money somewhere else (Sylvan Music, Midtown Guitar Company).
2. C-Rocker Guitars
Address: 201 Forest Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 , Rio Del Mar , California , United States
Ken Capitanich has recorded so many great projects over the years, if you want it done right, give MARS a call.
Ken is a pleasure to work with and is very experienced at many different kinds of productions. I highly recommend MARS studio for your recording and audio editing needs.
State of the art local recording studio right her in Aptos.
10. Union Grove Music
Address: 1574 Soquel Dr ste g, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 , Rio Del Mar , California , United States
I love this place. The guitar repairs are superb and nobody knows vintage instruments like these guys.
Great guys and great instruments.
Lovely folks there at UGM, now an online store only, who are ready to answer all your questions and help you with anything you may want to purchase from their web store. You can even set up an appointment to test out any of the many high end guitars they have for sale. Best place in town (and out) to get a Martin!
Very knowledgeable staff. The prices are a little higher than other stores around for the same item, but they also have more higher end items. Almost exclusively guitars, very little of any other instrument.
The kids loved it!
Staff is always friendly. Wish there was a little more selection.
I called asking to hold a guitar I really liked a lot until I could get there THAT SAME DAY…they said ok, no problem, it is on hold only for me. When I arrived THAT DAY a salesman said they sold it THAT MORNING. I felt very disappointed.
Came in with a fat wad of cash to by a new guitar and the older woman that is always there walked up to me and said, “If you aren’t going to buy anything you shouldn’t be in here.” My guess is she assumed that, based on my appearance, I was just another 20 something about to play all the guitars and leave. This is was not the first, but it was the last time I received bad service there as I have never returned.
Look, I get it. You’re right in the middle of downtown where all the vagrants pass through, but the attitude has got to go. I used to occasionally stop in here whenever I needed strings, picks, etc. And every time I felt like I wasn’t welcome. Avoid like the plague
11. Santa Cruz Chamber Players
Address: 10707 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 , Rio Del Mar , California , United States
Nice old school drum shop and music store. Prices seem reasonable.
They have everything in there, and helpful musicians on staff willing to spend time with customers and share expertise.
Great prices, new and used items.
I was starving and they refused to provide me with nourishment 🙁
I also only saw a couple eagles and not even one pelican , kind of behind the times if you ask meeeeeee &%$
The help is experienced and they add some humor to your shopping
Friendly staff. I overheard them talking with a customer and they provided good, honest guidance. They have a pretty good selection of guitars and amp.
OUT OF BUSINESS! This was a regular stop for me for years, whenever I would be in Santa Cruz (4-6 times a year). I see a mention of “Guitar Center” (?) on this thread….ugh! “Another one bites the dust” 🙁
Tried talking to staff and got ignored. All I wanted to do was try out one if the digital pianos. Couldn’t even do that. Wouldn’t recommend to those who are “artists ” its clear they don’t care.
Not so starving anymore. Welcome to Guitar Center II, complete with attitude and disdain. Wonder what the owner is starving from? Sales people who want to be there,and not looking at the clock wishing for you,it , and a late sale to all go away.
Nuff said.
13. Sylvan Music
Address: 1521 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 , Rio Del Mar , California , United States
I have bought two acoustic 6 strings, one 12 string, one electric, and a 5 string closed back banjo from this store. They sell high quality instruments and the employees are very kind and often helpful. This is my favorite instrument store I have been to.
Best selection of fine guitars in Santa Cruz.
Excellent selection of stringed instruments. Friendly helpful staff
Workers were very helpful
Its a good place to get strings… Cost a little much for me
I rented a trombone here, it was a really nice name brand and worked very well. I never had to bring it in to repair, and over all an okay rental price. There was great customer service and I suggest going here.
Customer service was poor, but we had the constant attention of the owner constantly asking if we needed something, as almost they had the suspicion of us stealing. This is a guitar store only and ukuleles. The orchestra instruments are only available to rent. Both of the employees were very annoyed with our presence. We left very quickly as the store was unsettling.
Only a review on accessibility. I have been looking for a new “serious” guitar for some months. I’ve called three times to hear they are booked up. No thanks. Must be nice. Doesn’t seem they are interested in returning to business or selling guitars.
Incredibly rude and unprofessional staff + expensive equipment!!
14. Rad Academy
Address: 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd Suite 23B, Aptos, CA 95003 , Rio Del Mar , California , United States
With the ability to set your childs individual curriculum based on their interests, attributes and talents, the thoughts of falling behind, or even failing, are taken out of the equation. Consider what a profound influence this could have on your child and their future. I honestly believe that if our public school system took a page from RAD academy, we would see a much brighter future filled with unique and well rounded individuals.
If you are on a hunt for a classic record- be it a vinyl, cassette, or cd- Streetlight is an amazing place to find treasures. The staff is very knowledgeable about so many different types of music that, if you aren’t sure where to start, you can merely ask them for a recommendation. They can also help to track down a specific artist in their vast rows of tunes. They also have new cd releases, so, if you aren’t feeling so reminiscent, there are options for you, too!
Dope spot, tons of tapes vinyl and cds
A lot of vinyls CDs and more
Awesome place a blast from the past
As I’ve said before you can find some interesting items here but I’m more of a fan of the San Jose store
Good place for vinyl
This shop has never done much for me. I usually leave without buying anything. Also, I can enter and leave without a Hello or Goodbye from an employee. Not a good experience.
Horrible, disgusting music drove me from the store before I could do my long awaited shopping. I complained but was told I was being rude. Will never be back.
The employees always nice and very helpful,I only go to them for movies,for me and my Grandsons.Thank you streetlight.
18. Hopkins Productions
Address: 3233 Valencia Ave STE B1, Aptos, CA 95003 , Rio Del Mar , California , United States
