Santa Monica: Overview of the top 20 music shops

Awesome! Only place like it around. Old Santa Monica… you can tell by their contributions to local artists!

This place is great, and they have everything you need. Very helpful and wonderful staff that are very knowledgable. So much passion for what they do. Definitely recommend this place. Special thanks to Leon for helping my daughter get her viola.

Worked with Morgan to get a keyboard – he’s the best and answered all my q’s

The employees are very friendly and helpful. They were able to help me with information about some instruments.

Santa Monica Music Center is the best music shop in town. The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. Great selection of sheet music and gear.

I agree, the musicians themselves are great, but “Lana” and “Lan’s Dad” are definitely up to something…feels like a front.

Selection bites, inexperienced staff and overpriced. Wannabe shop run by kids

It’s a Thursday and I was stressed out at work. I walked 1.5 miles to get here so
I could unwind and play piano a bit. I asked the gentlemen working if it was ok, and he gave me a thumbs up. I went into a room with a piano that was horribly out of tune and beat up, but I didn’t mind so I started playing the best I could. About 15 minutes later, I was told to leave or pay for a “private studio.” I was shocked at his rudeness, since there were barely any people in the store. I had always been welcome to play as long as I wanted anywhere else. I was genuinely looking for a piano to buy, I will not ever becoming back here.

I love Truetone! Just bought another guitar from them yesterday, they beat all of the online prices (Sweetwater, Music123, Amazon, Sam Ash), and I feel good about supporting a local business with friendly and knowledgable salespeople.

I bought a custom Martin guitar designed by True Tone, the guitar is amazing! Better still, they beat comparative internet pricing! And better still, they were professional and courteous (thanks Luis!). Huge selection and great vibe, all the sales people were helping customers. I will shop here again!

A great store with friendly and knowledgeable staff that aren’t pushy, and a wide selection of Gibson, Fender and folk guitars. They also have excellent luthiers to setup or repair guitars.

always get my guitar and pedals here!

I love this place for the books, the overstock areas, the staff recommendation section, and just losing my self in that great selection of books they have. The staff is kind of standoffish and not too friendly, so I took a star away for that vibe. But don’t let it stop you from going here, as it is a truly amazing book store.

Good selection of high quality guitars with competitive prices.

They aren’t too friendly though and make it very clear to visitors that they are running a business, not a jam studio.

Experienced one of the worst customer service situations I have ever faced. I never take the time to write reviews (positive or negative) but I had to for this one of out principle.

Brought in a guitar to be tuned up and was told it would be two weeks before it was finished. Although I thought it was a long time I didn’t mind.

However two weeks passed and still no sign of my guitar being completed so I called multiple times in the following week to get an update. Each time I was met by a gentlemen (not the same people) over the phone who did not care about the lateness of my order, and gave me an attitude when I talked to them.

Finally canceled my order because I was over it. It was only at this point when I notified them that I was canceling, did I get a call back saying they were ready to work on my guitar.

Expected much more from a business that seems to pride itself on it’s quality of work. Maybe I’m a possible outlier of a bad experience, but I feel like each customer should matter just the same and if one customer isn’t happy that should be a problem to your business.

The place itself is beautiful- like a museum where you can buy things; I’ve thoroughly enjoyed browsing several times and always see something new and interesting. The service is generally courteous and attentive. I took my guitar in because it was buzzing and they fixed $91.00 worth of everything else; being told that they polished the frets and adjusted various parts of the guitar in unexplained and unverifiable ways after leaving it there for over two weeks felt a lot like when a homeless guy walks up to your car at a stop light and tries to wash the windshield for tips- I was like, ‘…but I didn’t ask for any of this and it still buzzes’ so what now? I was told that I should expect ‘a certain amount of buzzing on any guitar’ at least a dozen times before I agreed to just pay and leave. My main complaint is that if there’s nothing to be done about the buzzing then they should have said that when I brought it in instead of keeping it for a fortnight just to charge me for unrelated mystery repairs. I won’t be going back there because I don’t have money to waste but if you do have some disposable income I can’t deny they have the coolest stuff for sale.

Had a terrible experience trying to have a Fender Jag worked on. Will never use Truetone again.

been after a 640 scale guitar and between inventory out there, price, accessibility, I was not finding what I wanted or could afford.
Custom builds for this are either out of my range or simply inferior results based on past experiences.
When I came across the LA CAÑADA on GSI I was very curious. Having read up on the FE17’s original history it peaked my interest.
There were very few sound samples/videos online about these and the ones on GSI were duets of 2 woods, and an interview leaving little to the ear to make any proper assessment. Youtube had a few videos showing off these guitars and they seems to sound quite nice.
So I reached out to JP at GSI who kindly recorded sound samples of both the Maple and Granadillo backs and there were two models available one being an “A” for antiqued look the other for reg/new look. The Antiqued pics looked real nice, especially coming from playing a very high end and beautiful luthier made sitka spruce/brazilian rosewood made nearly 40 yrs ago in the 5-7K range.
SO with taking a chance I went for it.
At first glance the visual is stunning and beautiful, it looks like a beautiful old Torres with French polish and great lines and colors but in new condition. The stock phots dont’ do it justice.
The 640mm scale and wonderful suede case are apparent, its also light as a feather and feels almost like a 3/4 size guitar.
Immediately I noticed fret markers on 5 and 7 only, I hadn’t seen fret makers since I was kid on my first guitar. If you are like me and switch between size scales daily then its actually a good thing because its easy to under or over shoot a fret/finger placement (I still visually prefer no markers)
The smell is divine, the maple back is stunning and almost holographic in nature.
It feels like butter and has an ease about how it feels in both the small body hugging you and the left hand and neck. I am a very tiny person so I have small hands and have to work on my 650 over the years. SO making a stretch from Low F on 6th to high C on 1st Index and pinky like in Mallorca has always been work this was not. Like I said with a smaller everything this 640 feels like a 3/4

ITs built excellent, all the details of the antique , the lines, the colors the grain and next to my 1986 Prenkert its like the lil brother.

From the first note I was impressed, I have played it several hours from yesterday afternoon, evening and this morning – giving it a good workout of pieces ranging from Carcassi op 60 no 14, Guiliani op 48 no.5, Guiliani op 107 Handel variations, some of my own arrangements, and a few more to test drive the tones and colors.

This guitar is a little powerhouse of color, tone, depth and separation. I was very impressed and pleased, a sound that my ear liked a lot. The guitar’s response dialed in immediately. Certain intervals of bass and treble make the bass sound like a drum of depth and color and power, while playing ponticello or sul tasto portamento the colors are full spectrum.

Needless to say I am very happy, impressed, surprised and totally rec this guitar for those $3k budgets. It renewed my perception of factory and Made in China, best of all the label doesn’t say made in China. Its well made and the inside looks like wonderful supervised craftsmanship.

Best selection of the most beautiful guitars in one building. Staff is knowledgable and helpful. Customer service is first-rate.

Quite positive. I made an appointment and came in with a short list of guitars that I wanted to look at. I recommend this because they have so many. JohnPaul got them out, and then left me alone to play until I needed him. He is very knowledgeable about construction and luthiers, just what you hope for. Good conversation and guidance. I bought one, which I am loving. This is a great shop.

Muito boa

Outstanding guitar shop. Salesmen are very nice guys, they’re knowledgeable about their products and they don’t upsell. The selection is excellent, and overall this is just a very clean, professional environment.

They are really quick to reply and seem helpful. I’ve never had a purchase from there yet though. But I’ve enjoyed watching some of their videos.

I bought a guitar yesterday at Guitar Salon. Because I was not comfortable buying something sight unseen, I drove from Long Beach to Santa Monica to play it in person rather than order it online and risk not being happy with it. I just contacted them – less than 24 hours later – to tell them that my spouse freaked out over how much I spent and was told that the 48 hour approval policy does not apply (listed on their website) because I bought it in-store and not online. I can only exchange it for equal or higher cost. No mention that all sales were final was made to me when I bought it. Admittedly, I see that now listed on their website. So it is my fault for not reading more carefully and investigating their return policy before driving over an hour to their store. But it is their fault for having an insanely strict return policy. I have to admit, I would never buy another guitar from them as a result of this policy, and would not recommend that anyone else does either. Don’t buy anything from them in person unless you are POSITIVE that it will work out. I’m glad it is a nice guitar, and I’ll find a way to finagle the cost (no option not to do so), but it has tarnished the guitar to me a bit because of the memory of the purchase experience.

UPDATE: I never said you did not have a good selection, or good service from the sales associate. Yes, you did match the price, and I appreciate that. But in a world where Amazon, Guitar Center, Sam Ash and many Reverb instrument sellers offer a 30-45 day return policy, your failure to permit a 24 HOUR return policy is something I wish I had known before buying this instrument. I recognize that you are entitled to run your business any way you wish, but I think it is only fair that since you have that policy, potential buyers be informed of it. I wish I had been.

The guitars are so much overpriced.

My review is specific to my on-line shopping experience with GSI, I cannot comment on the in-store experience, but there are plenty of other reviews covering in-store. For the past 2 years I’ve been buying guitars on-line from several sources (Reverb, independent sellers, major chains, etc.). In most cases the sellers were very open, objective and upfront about the condition and sound quality of their guitars. With GSI, there is really not a “RISK-FREE TRIAL”, you are still accountable for the shipping costs both ways, which could be a lot of money depending on where you live. Compared to Reverb, GSI doesn’t have specific categories to describe their guitars (most GSI guitars are listed as in “Excellent” condition unless they are brand new). The burden of properly evaluating the condition of the guitar prior to shipping is on the buyer, and even if your GSI sales advisor misrepresents the guitar, you are still accountable for the shipping costs. I ended up trying out a guitar that was described as in Excellent condition, when in reality is was “Very Good / Good” if it would have been listed on Reverb. As soon as I looked at the condition of the guitar I decided to returned it, then found a similar guitar in Mint condition for the same price on Reverb later on. Luckily I didn’t spend $5,000 on the wrong guitar, but I still had to pay the shipping costs. GSI should adopt a rating system similar to Reverb to describe their guitars, and ensure that their sales reps are fully transparent and accurate when describing the condition and sound quality of these instruments for on-line shoppers. Thanks for your consideration.

Update: In response to the owner’s comments, some points of clarification:

1) Unfortunately, it is not true that the condition was fully disclosed and that the shipping cost options were available upfront. I have the email communications and pictures of the actual guitar condition versus what you show on your website. I will gladly discuss in detail with you over the phone.
2) Specifically to the checking issue, that was not disclosed anywhere in your website. I actually happened to zoom in the pictures and look close enough to notice it. When I asked about it, this was the response from the sales rep: Condition is excellent – there is some very minimal checking in the finish on the back, but only visible under a very bright light. That was far from the truth, the checking issue was all over the body of the guitar and very visible. And aside from the finish checking, the guitar had signs of wear (dings, scratches) all over the body and neck. This is not a guitar in excellent / near mint condition.
3) While it is understood that guitars do get some wear over time, this is not an excuse to oversell the condition of the guitar. If I guitar is in mint condition, it is expected to be like new regardless of the age; it’s all about how well the guitar was preserved over time. I bought a 1985 Ramirez 1a last year that is truly in Excellent condition: a few dings and scratches, but overall the finish is in great condition (no fading, checking or milkiness) , no cracks or major cosmetic issues. This guitar is almost 40 years old! Whoever was the previous owner took good care of the guitar, that’s it.
4) When I placed the order there was only one option for shipping: Overnight. I later discussed this with the sales rep, and he confirmed this. If I truly had a choice of shipment options, I would have chosen Ground and saved some money. Maybe you can consider reimbursing me for the difference in shipping costs?’

I’m also a business person, and I agree with you that customer satisfaction is a priority. Maybe GSI should be less concerned about defending their position, and more about how to mend the relationship with this customer. Just a thought! Thanks for acknowledging my feedback.

Loved the venue. Chose to see the Mother Hips, who played awesomely. I want to go back just to enjoy the guitar shop!

One of LA’s last awesome Mom and Pop shops, a classic venue too.

Great concerts. Fantastic array of
insterments

ギターショップ兼ライブハウス。席数トータル100くらいの会場なのですが、名だたる有名ミュージシャンがライブをしたことがある伝説の場所。スタッフはフレンドリー、音も良いです。

You can pick exotic instruments from the wall and play them, and store employees won’t haggle you. This place specializes in all kinds of string instruments, especially unusual stuff. I’d give 5 stars but they’re kind of pricey compared to buying online.

Wonderful selection of instruments . Great concerts . Friendly people .

The child that does guitar setups should take a class in humanity! Rude and and talked down to me and my kid.. been going to this shop since 82 and was happy to know covid didnt take down the business BUT this guy should NOT be working with customers – he can set up a guitar not like he found the cure to cancer – you need to be kind man!! Or hit the bricks!!

The customer service was unbelievably bad. Incredibly condescending guitar tech offered no explanations or really any interest in being helpful at all. Worst of all, At the end of it all they offer to restring my guitar (with the strings that I bought from home) for 50 DOLLARS. 50 whole dollars just to put MY strings on. Never before have I been so moved to write a review for a place, but McCabe’s deserves it.

Never heard of these guys before, but their 50 year history seemed to preceed them so…tried to set something up with them. I was interested in ordering a Guild and putting it on layaway for maybe 2 months. Louis is not very friendly. He wouldn’t return my calls and claimed he was the only one there…blah blah. Real jackwagon.

Make long story short, gave my local Guitar Center a call. Next morning the manager returned my call and told me that he took care of everything. New M20 would be in within 4 to 5 days. I could come in anytime and plop down 10%. I did that right there over the phone. Interesting thing is…Guitar Center doesn’t carry Guild…and McCabes does.

I’d avoid McCabes. They pretty much blow chunks in the customer service dept, which in this day and age is EVERYTHING….in my humble opinion.

Way to go Louis.

Incredible work, I would highly recommend this shop to everyone. I had 4 bows restored and they turned out better than I could imagine. My violins were also trusted here for an update and I am so grateful for the time and care he spent in making sure I was 100% satisfied.

Sharon came in early on a Saturday to sell me a bow because I left mine at home. He as a cute little shop and is very kind and professional.

Excellent violin shop! They did a wonderful job restringing the bow to my 100 year old violin. Reasonable prices, quick turnaround and very caring service! They sell violins as well. Highly recommend.

It’s been a truly wonderful experience learning the piano here! Luke is an effective and patient instructor; I always marvel at how much and how quickly I’ve learned to play, and I enjoy our conversations about music composition. He’s really knowledgeable and is a fantastic pianist. Paulette is accommodating with my schedule and I love how she makes the classroom such a lovely and welcoming place for music lovers. I highly recommend The Music Castle to anyone who’s interested learning how to play, create, and appreciate music.

My son has taken drum lessons at the Music Castle for a couple of years now, and has also had voice lessons with Paulette. He loves going to his lesson because he has a lot of fun yet it is also goal oriented. He feels comfortable and like he can be himself there. Paulette is very passionate about music and takes it seriously but is also super good with kids and communicates with my son in a way that encourages and inspires him to grow and get better. We really love this place and are grateful to have found it!

Super neat place! always the best times had there :))

Amazing place. Not only one of the best options for buying eurorack in the world, but you can go in and test everything. The staff are the best part, helpful, friendly, and informative.

i love synth

Received merch next day!! Shawn was very helpful, and the packing was legit, no worries on high end gear!

shawn and the analogue haven crew never fail to help me supply my synthesis habit! very accommodating, amazing selection, and the events they’ve had at the shop have been great!

Not sure how they are as a service company but they are terrible neighbors. Blasting music in a residential neighborhood currently and i can hear it from over a block away at full volume. I literally thought there was a parade outside my window.