Great music store. Friendly staff and very knowledgeable.
I come out to California once a year to visit with family, and this is the second year I’ll be stopping by Newport Guitar to rent equipment for our reunions. The owner of the store is the nicest guy you’ll meet, and offers great customer service. As long as I keep coming out to the Golden state, I’ll be a happy patron of Newport Guitar.
Guitar lessons for my son were amazing at Newport Guitar and Music. Kim Andrews has such a way with teaching! John was anxious to return to the studio and to practice at home. What a difference just a few lessons made in his playing. The kids also get an opportunity to perform in a concert and see their teacher play as well. Such a great investment into my sons education and development.
2. Masterpiece Strings
Address: Mailstop Only, 2618 San Miguel Dr #195, Newport Beach, CA 92660 , San Joaquin Hills , California , United States
Love how Dexter Music personally matches you with an instructor best suited for your needs and skill level and makes adjustments along the way! Highly recommend this family owned business for music lessons in your home.
Dexter Music is a wonderful institute. I’ve been enjoying teaching here. The communication between the teacher, students, and the school is very easy, smooth.
I am teaching Piano in this school. Working with Kim and Christy is so delightful. They are so nice, and professional. Working with such a great team helps me to focus on my job better.
7. JRR Shop
Address: 10925 Kalama River Ave Suite E, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 , San Joaquin Hills , California , United States
Super friendly/accomodating. Got my first guitar set up here, came back a few months later for a loose pickup and they fixed it for free (I was too scared to take off the pick guard myself)
John did a great job and went the extra distance to dial in my Paul Reed Smith Custom guitar in fantastic time! Great guys!
Thanks,
Scott
JJR Shop has been around for years. I originally found them through eBay. Since I live local to the company HQ I decided to give them my business and found them to have the best prices and excellent service.
JRR Shop is a fraud. They misrepresent themselves and will tell you anything to make a sale. THEY WILL NOT backup their word on what they’ve said in the selling process. They continue to lie when challenged. They’ve scammed over $160 from me over a SONAR product which they said could be upgraded. Fact is it can’t be upgraded from the SONAR product that was and is installed and registered on my machine. DON’T DO BUSINESS with these people. They need to be out riding their bikes as depicted in their write-up about how JRR Music Shop was born. That’s BS for sure. I have a PayPal claim against these scam artists right now. Also, I’m in the process of complaining to the Internet Crime Complain center. They must be stopped. Truly, this is a case of BUYER BEWARE. Don’t trust these people …
… Well, good news is they just refunded my money. Perhaps they are well intentioned but lack the experience in good selling and customer service practices. Certainly, they need to improve.
I purchased an item from this company 2 months ago. I never received the product. All their directions to download did not work. After weeks I received a phone call from a tech guy who had no idea how to fix the issue and told me he would resolve it. I never heard from anyone again. I requested my money back several times and never got any response whatsoever. I paid my hard earned money and got nothing. They totally ripped me off!! Don’t do business with these people.
Caveat Emptor. Bought Hardware unit that didnt work properly. Over 1 month later and still no response. Stick to software from here. Or like me take your business elsewhere.
Avoid online shopping with this store. I’ve purchased from them twice and both times there was a significant issue. Once the shipping took forever and they were not communicative and the other time, a product that was listed as ‘new’ was clearly used, with the packaging all bent up and messed around and a dent on the screen and all! No apology, no offer to make it right, etc.
8. International House of Music Inc.
Address: 14061 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 , San Joaquin Hills , California , United States
Got my trusty Fender Stratocaster set up by Don at the work bench, work was done very quickly and the guitar plays like a dream! Definitely taking all my guitars here for future setups!
I took in my classical guitar for a new set of strings and it was done within a couple of hours. The staff is super friendly and Don was great! Awesome service!
I’m conflicted with writing this review but i feel like i need to put it out there. This review is only for the consignment of my guitar they sold. I brought the guitar in July and they sold it in September so turnaround time was pretty good and the front desk staff were really knowledgeable. He said the split was 70/30 so they would get 30% of the sale, I’m ok with that since they are finding the buyer.
They did an inspection and were really thorough with the quality (near mint condition). He looked up the guitar online and said the retail is $250 so if they sold it I would get $175. Great, the math checks out so we both signed the contract stating i would get $175.
Well they sold it in September and I went to pick up my check and turns out they sold it for $300, which means it was no longer 70/30 split. I get it they can increase the price after the contract is signed, but isn’t that a bit shady on two fronts? Told the consigner it retails for a lower price they actually sold it for and also sold a used guitar to someone above market price? Anyway, this is something I would shrugg off if it was like Guitar Center but since it’s a local shop this really rubbed me the wrong way.
Lessons learned, when putting items into consignment don’t put down a hard cash number into the contract, put down a percentage of what they sell it for.
i took my 2 les pauls there for some work they outsource this work to some guy well he did a OK job changing the pickups and messed up the wiring
cost me $500 for both to have it fixed at a top shop down the road but its working good now , great guys there at jims great service and fair prices
Nice selection of guitars, helpful service. Welcome change from guitar center
Employees are rude, unhelpful and one of them called my friend a “retard” for stringing his guitar incorrectly. I would go to Guitar Center every time over this place if there was one by my house, but unfortunately this is the closest music store around.
Don’t waste your time! Awful customer service! My son and I walked around for while, we were not helped until I went to the counter. The man behind the counter acted like I was interrupting him, when he was just standing there. He looked at me like I was rude to ask for help. He proceeded to show me the expensive guitars for a beginning player- my teenage son. He made us feel unwelcome and unhappy we were in the store. We left without buying a guitar and lessons. I am taking my business where I am treated nice. Guitar center was much more pleasant of an experience.
First impressions are everything. Walked in, two employees looked over and did not greet me let alone acknowledge my existence. Walked around in the guitar section for 10 minutes without anyone to ask me if I needed help. Employees were talking to each other about TV as I browsed around. My intentions were to purchase a guitar, and they lost a sale and a customer. I am never coming back!
9. Irvine Art & Music Center
Address: 15315 Culver Dr #150, Irvine, CA 92604 , San Joaquin Hills , California , United States
It was almost closing time when I arrived – 7pm. It wasn’t too busy. Someone came over and attended to me immediately. I was there to get a quote on repair/cleaning for a Jupiter JTR-600 Trumpet. Vincent was very nice and helpful. He has a cheerful smile and able to honestly tell me the condition of the trumpet. It does need a lot of repair and he happily took down my number so he can text me to give me an estimate once a technician can look over this instrument. He told me someone will get back to me by tomorrow afternoon.
I was surprised to get a text from him after their closing hour to tell me the estimate to get it fix and also included several suggestions. I am very satisfied with the service I received from this place.
Irvine Art and Music Center is small family owned music store. I have been looking around for a popular Ibanez guitar that’s been sold out everywhere and was lucky to find that they had it in stock. The salesperson was extremely helpful and patient. They were having a high school rental event going and were very busy. Even between his running around to keep up with the rush, he was still able to give me his attention and care. He let me try a few nylon string guitars and I ended up buying the one I originally came for. Overall a wonderful experience and I will be returning for other guitar supplies.
Pre-ordered my new Ibanez Tod10N from these kind folks. Absolutely top-notch service with fluid and friendly communication along the many months of waiting. Highly recommended for your pre-order needs!
VINCENT YOU ROCK THANK YOU \m/
Used them for repair for violin bow. Had some issues with the repair but most importantly they made good and left me better off than when I first went over there. Will definitely use for repair work again.
1. Excellent and professional staff (Mr. Chang and Mr. Lee)
I ordered the digital piano here. The staff is knowledgeable and professional. They are normally very busy, so maybe sometimes you will finds them “rude”. But they arrange everything for you and care for your needs. If you pay cash, the price will be cheaper than the Amazon price or listed price.
2. Guitar & Ukulele lesson.
I took four Ukulele lesson here. The teacher is Adam, he is guitar genius and could draft new songs based on your interest.
3. Pay attention to the front desk
The only drawback is the front desk. I paid my tuition and scheduled the lessons a week before. But when I went to the class, they told me I did not schedule any class and could not find my records:( They finally re-schedule the class for me. Just FYI, please call before you go and make sure the front desk schedule everything accurately. There are other comments regarding the front desk attitude and service, maybe the business owner could train them how to deal with the customers.
To sum up, if you are looking for professional music lessons or services, here is right place. Be caution to the forgetful reception girls:)
way expensive you can find exactly the same brand and size with half prices!
They don’t care about music…just want to sell what is more expensive not what you need!
They care about collecting more money!
The salesman was an old Chinese man. He is ill-bred and dishonest. This is my first visit to this store, and also my last visit to this store. I will not step into this store anymore!
Long time listener, first time buyer…I needed some special rental instruments for a weekend performance and they came thru like champs. I found them very fair and easy to work with. They seem like really good people.
Great customer service. She is super nice and knowledgeable. Highly recommend for all your music needs
We have been going to Kenny’s Music for years and we absolutely love it! Kimberly is a real sweetheart, always there to greet us with a friendly smile. Kenny’s lessons are engaging and comprehensive, and now our whole family goes to Kenny’s for bass, piano, guitar and drum lessons. Whether you’re a classically trained seasoned musician or just getting started, Kenny’s is the place to go!
Ray and Jane are awesome I have known them since about 1989 and I highly recommend their shop and I definitely recommend raise auto harps in Janes violins All of the instruments without question as far as I am concerned are the best you can get anywhere
Thank you for helping me find a violin that was right for me.
15. Tustin Music Center
Address: 13721 Newport Ave #9, Tustin, CA 92780 , San Joaquin Hills , California , United States
So helpful!! Lots of product, had exactly what we needed plus stuff we didn’t know existed that now we need.:-)
I’ve been in here before and I always leave with a smile on my face and music in my ear.
Wonderful teachers and people there.
The owner (wife) is extremely rude. Came in to buy a shoulder rest for my daughters violin. Asked for a specific brand, told me that they do not carry it and said that brand sucked. Told me to buy a no name brand which was more expensive than a major brand. No thanks. Rather buy it from Amazon.
Offer some quality low prices countryman mini microphones gentleman seem interested and told me he would call me the falling week…weeks have passed and I never heard anything from him to this day. Not really professional if you ask me.
I asked about a rental and they said they would get it in for me in a week and call me about it. I called a 2nd time and they said they would call again. Yet again to my surprise they never returned that call.
16. Champion Site + Sound
Address: 120 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 , San Joaquin Hills , California , United States
Miss Mona is engaging, flexible, extremely patient and a true talent. She has been my daughter’s piano teacher for almost 2 years now and my daughter’s confidence towards herself and her playing has grown tremendously. We have had a piano teacher before that turned out to be too traditional and strict. My daughter ended up feeling stressed and disappointed with her own lack of perfection. When we found Miss Mona, it was a breath of fresh air. Miss Mona will find ways to connect and empathize with my daughter whenever she gets nervous or challenged by a new song. Through this rapport, my daughter has grown to accept challenges as a pianist. She practices consistently on her own and is eager to share her piano playing with her family, which has never happened before. We are so happy that Miss Mona and Mona Rose Studios is a part of our lives.
MR is absolutely the best! She keeps the lessons fun, interesting and progressive. She has a great way to connect with people and her natural talent helps coach us in just the right ways.
Love Mona Rose studio piano lessons. Professional and knowledgeable for teaching kids and within a year my son has excelled at piano. His level for such a short time taking lessons far exceeded our expectations.
18. Pinch Me! Band
Address: 2549 Eastbluff Dr #468, Newport Beach, CA 92660 , San Joaquin Hills , California , United States
I have many expensive guitars, but I recently purchased an inexpensive model that I could keep out so my friends would beat that one up when they came over instead of my expensive ones. I took it to Michael not expecting much because of the quality of the guitar and when I got it back from him, I was blown away at the improvement he made with the playability and the overall sound of it. It more than exceeded my expectations. If you want your guitar done right, then take it to Michael.
Michael installed some Lollar PUP’s and a 3rd wire/ 4-way switch. Royal T Neck, Special T Bridge. The guitar is now in a different universe of sound and tone possibilities.
If your looking for an honest person who will take care of you like you’re family, Mike is your guy!! I bought a used guitar yesterday that’s sounded great but the action was high and the bridge was becoming detached and unglued. He asked me if I could return it. I cringed saying I bought it on Craig’s List. Mike again convinced me to contact the person who sold me a defective guitar after taking the time to take the strings off and removing the action to see if removing the spacers would help. I just got my money back and the owner of the guitar got brand new strings I put on his guitar!
If I need any work with my acoustic Taylor, which I do;) I will be asking Mike to install a pickup!
