Great customer service! He was very kind and went above and beyond repairing my violin and gave helpful tips to maintain it. I would definitely recommend!
If you are a Violinist on this planet – Earth, and your Violin needs any kind of repair or tune up – Nazareth Gevorkian is the repairman for you. He is a Master times 10.
I’ve been a guitar repair guy since 1977. A guy brought me a violin to install a new bridge and restring it. I ordered a bridge blank and bought strings. The sound post was loose in the violins case.
While looking online for the proper tool to install the sound post I found a video of a Violin manufacturer’s employee explain ing haw to install a bridge.
I found that there was a lot more to it than I thought. I wanted this to turn out right for the son of the guy who brought it to me. The thickness of the bridge is a big deal and I didn’t know what it should be etc. it was out of my realm of experience.
I took the Violin to Mr Gavorkian. I liked him instantly and could tell he was an experienced professional with a long history of Violin repair.
Yeah big deal, they’re all probably experienced right?
No Nazareth Gavorkian is talented and gifted! This isn’t just a Violin repair guy. Nazareth Gavorkian walks on water regarding anything to do with a violin. Seriously!! He raised the one I brought him from the dead.
I’ve repaired too many guitars to count or remember in my life. I know quality instrument repair when I see it. Mr. Gavorkian’s work and talent is beyond that.
Everything he did is so finely done, the precision is amazing. The quality is beyond description.
His prices are half of what they should be for the extreme precision. He took a $40 Violin and in 3 days made it a $1,000 Violin.
The child whose Violin it is showed the instrument to the teacher he will be learning from. She played it and immediately said “Where did you get this?
The boys dad said” it’s the same one I showed you in need of repair a few weeks ago. We just got it back from repair. She said it sounds “amazing”. Also used the words it has a “rich sound” to it and kept drawing the bow across the open G string and saying “amazing”.
Mr. Gavorkian’s talent and work is exceptional to say the least! Don’t go anywhere else.
Nazareth is a kind soul who quickly repaired our family’s violin, one of the only things not destroyed and that we managed to grab during the Woolsey fire. He embraced us and helped us and made us feel comforted. We are so thankful to have found him at this devastating time for so many. He worked quickly and had it ready for us days in advance of his initial time estimate. Because of Nazareth, our son is now once again playing the violin that I learned to play on as a child. It sounds sweeter than ever.
2. 3FORTEPIANO Music Productions
Address: St, Van Nuys, CA 91405 , Valley Glen , California , United States
A great place to be. They were always ready to help and assist one to grow and improve. Production instruments are state-of-the-art. My sessions there were fun and very entertaining.
4. Valle Music Reproduction
Address: 12443 Riverside Dr, North Hollywood, CA 91607 , Valley Glen , California , United States
I’ve een using Valle Music for 35 years. There’s no project you can give them that they haven’t seen a million times before. They understand the special needs of composers, arrangers, copyists and singers. Their list of clients includes most of the giants of the industry along with the students. AND for those who need the project to be secure and private it always is.
The best place for music needs!
5. Baxter Northup Music Co
Address: 14534 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 , Valley Glen , California , United States
BaxterNorthup Music is SHERMAN Oaks has been my go to music shop for books, sheet music and all teaching supplies, instrument repairs and purchase since 2005. How ‘bout that….says it all. Cool people.
Just meet someone famous
Love love love this place! Great deals and everything! Got my kid’s flute and saxophone from here!
Very old school. Love it.
A true LA institution. You can easily lose yourself in here if you’re a musician who likes thumbing through random pieces of sheet music. It’s an unpredictable selection of everything from vintage choral parts to new method books for beginners. Not to mention a nostalgic variety of accessories (who here still buys metronomes and manuscript paper? ME). Metered street parking is dicey.
6. Music Production Services
Address: 10709 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 , Valley Glen , California , United States
Muy buen surtido de instrumentos, excelente atención y con estacionamiento propio.
I love Guitar Center and the Sherman Oaks store is really the crown jewel. While I I Cassi like quieter stores like Northridge… they just can’t compare to the inventory of a store like Sherman Oaks. You’ve be able to see and play top level guitars.
I’ve seen a lot of guitar stores, from coast to coast. I realize this is apart of a chain, but this is a good store. Legitimately. The people who work in this particular store are knowledgeable, cool, and do not try to sell you stuff. Sometimes they hang on the floor playing the axes even when they are off duty. (These ppl can be very helpful as they usually just give you their honest opinion.) Ask questions of the salespeople. Tell them what your goals are. Talk to the other patrons – many of them will be professional musicians or know that much, at this store. I picked my new Nashville Telecaster based on such advice from employees and fellow customers. Tell them you want the best guitar you can get without breaking the bank – they understand that concern. I had the Tele set up here. I wasn’t totally happy with the set up after playing it at home, brought it back and for no charge had the right adjustment made to make me totally happy. The only thing you can do wrong here is not ask questions – they won’t try to up-sell you. Good luck getting your new axe.
Good and well organized service!
Went to Guitar Center to purchase some Roland Electric drums. “Guy” who apparently is head of the drum department, wasn’t a very nice guy to me. I had the feeling he didn’t want to help me because he thought I wasn’t serious about buying anything. Granted I was wearing a back pack, but no one should ever judge someone by what they are wearing. Point proven, I waited for him to leave then asked someone else to help me, and I ended up spending a little over $7,000 on gear that night. Retail stores, stop judging people by their choice of attire.
Irritating sales force without any knowledge of the products it sells.
One of the guy is the worst , doesn’t care of anything and no patience.
Somehow gets worse every time. I just don’t understand. They were out of even the most basic of drumheads. Too bad, guitar center used to be enjoyable.
8. Eric’s Guitar Shop, Inc.
Address: 15452 Cabrito Rd #102, Van Nuys, CA 91406 , Valley Glen , California , United States
I’ve been to a handful of the more “well known” guitar shops in L.A./Santa Monica. Eric’s has them all beat.
eric and his staff are consummate professionals. quoted turnaround times are accurate and reliable and the work is fantastic.
we have lots of great luthiers and techs in los angeles and eric stands with the best of them.
They’re not happy unless you’re not happy
Good variety but pricey
Love this place alot great albums were recorded hear
My boyfriend has had a lot of musical equipment, being a heavy metal artist, and he only trusts this place to work on anything that needs done. His equipment means a lot to him, and he says this is the only place you should be taking your guitars or any equipment to in LA! Thanks for always taking such great care of his prized possessions
Stay away from this place.
I brought in my guitar to change pickups, bridge and to set it up.
Got it back buzzing when bending on the 5th fret and with tremolo bar not working. His response was very arrogant and did nothing to fix it.
9. Ventura Music
Address: 11268 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 , Valley Glen , California , United States
Excellent selection of used instruments. Reasonable and fair pricing. Staff was helpful and nice.
Free concert,fantastic music!And we met many very friendly peoelp at here!Thanks a lot!
Excelente trato …
Went by to get my snare fixed and it was some free of charge! Will be back for sure. Ask for Randy!
All vintage
George and Randy have the vintage Ludwig hardware that I was looking for.
Great selection of stolen items
I found two guitars, that were stolen from my storage at this Ventura music store. They bought them from the thieves , without asking them for identification please be aware if you purchase at that store it may have been a stolen gear and you will be in a big trouble with the law.
This store doesn’t ask where the instruments Are coming from , or take information about it . Who knows they might have a connection with the thieves.
10. Guitar Merchant
Address: 22807 Saticoy St, West Hills, CA 91304 , Valley Glen , California , United States
Incredible experience purchasing a guitar. Phil made me comfortable & answered any questions I had.
I have 2 teenage daughters that just started playing guitar & I decided to learn with them.
Knowledgeable, friendly, & great prices. A++
Good place for Jam night
The best local guitar shop! Great staff. Great teachers and A LIVE venue for open mic and rehersal time!
Freindly owner supports live music
Friendly staff and atmosphere, theres even live music every Weds. @ their open mic night!!
A nice small shop with good teachers.
So bad treatment if you are Latino 🙂
11. West Valley Music Center
Address: 24424 Vanowen St, West Hills, CA 91307 , Valley Glen , California , United States
Been going here for over 5 years x 3 kids. Jeff and team are just GOLD
Our place for piano lessons
Great place for lessons and instruments! Rentals are reliable and cheap. Good local spot.
Took some guitar lessons there with Craig (Craig is awesome!) for a bit. A place to get emergency guitar strings, cord, etc. Very limited selection, small store. Mostly a place for lessons.
We have rented several instruments over the years and have been very pleased with West Valley. I’ve got a couple of more kids on the way up musically so I imagine I’ll be back.
Jeff is a one of a kind teacher,as well as a great guy,never charges me the actual sticker price for strings!if you have kids I would highly recommend jeff as a teacher!how rare is it to find a guy through his teaching has brought the gift of music to so many people,playing an instrument ,being close to music brings an inner peace to your life!thanks jeff
They “open at 10.” Got there at 10 after, and they were STILL closed. It’s a small shop; I peeked through the window to see if they carried some books I was looking for, and it seems that, at least at the front, they don’t. Poor selection. Maybe there are more in the back…? Disappointed.
We had used the place previously to buy sheet music and small things like mouthpiece and such. Last month we wanted to rent a trombone for a short time. Owner was unhappy to rent it just for few weeks but did it. They asked for $100 deposit. Kid is a very responsible child that has played piano for years and brass instrument for an year (knows how to take care of them). He made a point to be super careful with rented instrument. We returned it on time exactly as recieved but couldn’t get deposit back because “owner is out of town”. Few weeks later my wife went to get deposit back (finally) and was told that child isn’t responsible, didn’t take care of instrument and it required repair to the tune of $65. No proof (“This is how we do it”, per owner), no photos of “damage”, no receipt. Just giving back $35 instead of a $100. Nice way to do business. You just turned away the customers that are very much into music and could’ve bought next instrument or two from you.
12. Angel City Guitars
Address: 4920 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 , Valley Glen , California , United States
This is a great little shop with professional quality gear. The owner is a very nice guy who is also a professional musician. I was able to find exactly what I needed, plus I got to look at some other cool stuff and have a good conversation. I’m so glad there a local shop that opened in the Valley, as an alternative to GC or Samash, and that they carry a lot of the gear that those places do not have.
Incredible selection of guitars and boutiques amps and pedals
Absolutely awesome guitar store! They have some of the coolest instruments in stock and create a welcome environment for the guitar playing community in LA!
best quality!
I emailed Angel city guitars for an inquiry about trading in a guitar for another one as I am aware this shop has these services. He responded once asking for which guitar I was interested in, I gave him the guitars I would be interested in and he just ghosted me. I tried following up a couple days later giving him the benefit of the doubt and still did not respond. Stay away from this place.
Nobody is here. Store is dark. Waste of time. Guy showed up
Back in October of 2021, I reached out to Angel City Guitars to have this guitar built for my 30th birthday (in May of 2022). They said it was a 3-4 month wait so I paid in full upfront and went on my merry way. 3 months go by and I reach out to ACG and ask for an ETA and they say, “Well actually it is going to be closer to 6-8 months but you are lucky because other brands have over a year wait”. And every time I would ask him a question, he would keep saying that I was “lucky to have a shorter wait than other brands”. I wasn’t super pleased with this so I asked about the cancellation policy since blue JM63s come up fairly regularly on Reverb for less than the custom that I ordered and he kept side stepping answering my question. Long story short, I decided to keep waiting for the matching headstock. Then I did not hear from him for 4 months, no updates, no check-ins, nothing. So I reach out at 7 months and ask about an ETA and he says, “It should get here sometime in June”. So we plow through June and I ask for updates because I am traveling and have studio dates set and he ignores my emails. Then 3 days shy of 8 full months and weeks of being ignored, he messages me that the guitar has arrived.
So I go and pick up my guitar and I am excited to see and play it in the shop and I take it home. I have it sitting out next to my other guitars and the fretboard looks orange-ish grey almost like they spilled bleach on part of the fretboard. I sat with it a bit longer but I grew to not be happy with it so I reached out asking how we can go about getting a replacement neck since it looked so bad and he never responded to me.
I had to email Nash directly and we worked out getting a replacement neck. I tried to “support the little guy” by going to this shop and it was my worst guitar buying experience of my life.
13. Norman’s Rare Guitars
Address: 18969 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356 , Valley Glen , California , United States
Came over from Australia and bought 2 guitars from these guys. A ’75 telecaster and a 09 custom shop strat. Easy to deal with. Very friendly. Would definitely buy another from them. Go check em out.
Greatest guitar shop in the world, by far!!!! Where else do multiple rockstars shop on a daily? Where can you find Jimi Hendrix’s guitar for sale?
There are armies of guitars to choose from. From affordable 2nd hand instruments, to priceless original historic hall-of-fame museum artifacts. You can smell the legendary history, like a sexy womans perfume or a top-shelf cuban cigar room, the moment you step inside.
It can’t/dosent/wont get anymore guitarted than it is here! If theres a heaven on Earth, this is it!!!
As far as the staff goes, I felt like I was treated like family. Can’t wait to go back!!!
Today I walked in with my wife and 2 young children. The team was so welcoming and relaxed, made us feel at home. My kids even played the drums and no-one cared, they bashed away with smiles. I walked out with a gorgeous Gibson SG, and got a great deal from the man himself. Michael and the guys looked after me, even carried the guitar to my car and sent us off. I’m from Australia, was looking forward to visiting this store, it didn’t let down, infact, it exceeded my expectations. Thankyou to the guys at Norms, their YouTube videos are a really good advertisement of what these guy are about. Thumbs up and one day, ill be back to buy another guitar. Great job and thank you.
I understand that it’s Covid, which is why I’m giving 3 stars because I looked inside and saw some awesome guitars. Anyways, we flew to California to visit family and I’ve wanted to visit Normans for years. Made the drive about an hour away to get there and it was only opened for appointments to sell or buy. I goggled them and it said opened Friday 11:30-5:30. I could have called to double check but I was trusting the site. I wasn’t selling or buying I just wanted to browse. We’re going home tomorrow, guess I’ll try again when we visit California next time. Moral of the story: call and ask. Don’t assume.
i’ve only been to Norms twice. didn’t get any snobbish attitude at all, from anyone in the store. on the contrary, they were all friendly. they have to figure most of the people that walk in really can’t afford a lot of what they are selling. who’s regularly looking for a rare 63′ custom color Fender Jaguar, in mint condition, at $16K (or whatever), anyway.
shoot, you never know who might be at Norms when your there as well. i met Rudy Sarzo the last time i was there.
Guitar tune up was to lower the strings on a new guitar. I dropped it off and waited 2 weeks, never got a call to come pick it up. When I called to find out it had been done and came in to pick it up, the strings weren’t lowered at all. They didn’t know whether the guitar was done or not and on the spot worked on it for 3 minutes before handing it over. Strings lowered to 25% of where they were supposed to be. The lack of organization and efficiency with these guys is why I am going elsewhere with all my instruments from now on.
$75 for that. Thanks guys.
Great guitar selection! However, Norms a jerk. Was legitimately looking to buy a custom shop or vintage Les Paul, and he comes up and say “This is not the place you come and just try our guitars in the store. Either you find something you like in a timely manor or you can leave. We are not guitar center.” Well sorry Norm that it take a minute for a 22 year old amateur guitarist that saved up $4500-6000 of his hard earned money and choosing to buy it from your shop because of how much I though you cared about the music community. I know you don’t need the money, but just wanted to let you know that’s a terrible way to conduct business. Irish guy and Mark was super cool, and I still bought a shirt. But I did end up getting a Black Beauty from the guitar center off of sunset strip. Took up about 25 minutes of their time playing it.
Worst employee ever, never go to this store again
Horrible shop. Tried to get information on a guitar a few times without any call back or emails. Don’t waste your money or time with these flakes.
14. Valley Sound Music Tech
Address: 5527 Cahuenga Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 , Valley Glen , California , United States
Great service, very thorough. I recommend them highly!
I took my beloved electric piano in because a key was registering too loudly. I’d watched youtube videos of what causes it and how to fix it, but didn’t want to risk fouling it up. So I took it to Zita at Valley Sound because she had excellent reviews. She was so knowledgeable and kind, and didn’t mind my adding my thoughts, which I find rare among service professionals. That was yesterday and today she emailed me photos of the problem along with two solutions, which were both very reasonable. She didn’t simply give me the more labor intensive and expensive, (it was not expensive, but I am broke right now,) option. Nor did she try to scare me into it with horror stories of taking the least expensive route. I have great faith in Zita and Valley Sound and I will always seek their professional expertise when needed.
Thank you, Zita, for quick and thorough service on my Yamaha digital piano. It sounds great.
Seems like knowledgeable ppl but beware of the non refundable deposit. Brought in a $95 dollar pedal and they asked for a $45 deposit. They checked it out and a week later said I just needed to use a different power cable cause the voltage I used was wrong but the pedal had no issues. Zita literally started shouting at me when I calmly asked if I could get at least some of the money from the deposit back because nothing was wrong with it. She didn’t even budge. Bruh.
If you’re looking for great communication and quick turnaround times, this is not the place to go. ZIta will sell you over the phone in some Shakespearean prose and make you feel fuzzy, then act annoyed if you check in on your project and disregard any promises she made. The repairman knows what he is doing and does quality work. Went into their business and they didn’t have the courtesy to throw on a mask which was a turnoff. I was looking for a quick $150 tune up, but that turned into a $350 mistake. Don’t recommend this shop.
15. Valley Value Center
Address: 13630 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401 , Valley Glen , California , United States
This is more of a thrift store. You can find good items, but need patients. Be advised CASH ONLY!!!! mad house inside but very much fun of your into good buys. Small parking lot hardly any spaces available. They close at 6pm.
Worth the wait
Good service
You can find a ton here if you’re willing to sift, and they have affordable prices. It’s cash only, the line can get very long though and it it usually very crowded.
It’s always packed..bring ur patients it’s a long line..but worth it.
El lugar está muy bien
lo malo que ay como tres personas que se dedican a comprar para revender y agarran todo sin dejar que las otras personas vean ya tienen asta tres carritos parados en la esquina
Asta los trabajadores ya les dan las cosas a ellos
Deberían de ponerles reglas en especial para esas personas si es que existe una administración ahí
Y no ser tan abusivos
Y los empleados ya saben cuando ay algo bueno ya ni lo sacan se lo quedan ellos mismos o se lo dan a esas personas
Por gente como esos es que suben los precios y afecta a todos las demás personas
MAS REGLAS PORFAVOR ADMINISTRACIÓN DONDE ESTÁN
Se me asen Demaciado caros los tenis para ser donaciones… Mas caro que good will
Cash Only – ATM fees are steep, and management is rude. Aisles are hard to get around in, and store is dirty. Store could use significant improvement.
16. Adam’s Music
Address: 11742 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064 , Valley Glen , California , United States
