15 years after writing my initial review about my first son's guitar lessons with Gary, I am supplementing it. My second son now plays the clarinet at school. I was interested in options other than the free school instrument. His school suggested purchasing or renting from a big retailer!?!?! I did some research online and then took my son to Alan's to try clarinets in person. My son was able to play any of the clarinets Alan's had in stock in a private room -- and even try REALLY expensive mouthpieces. The gentleman helping us was an expert in the field and had lots of helpful information that clarified and supplemented my limited clarinet knowledge. My son walked out that day with a beautiful clarinet, at a very competitive price, which he will continue to upscale with better quality mouthpieces, also stocked at Alan's. I highly recommend stopping at Alan's for all of your music needs from private lessons to quality instruments. We received outstanding expert, no-pressure, no-nonsense customer service that we simply would not have received at bigger chain stores. Thank you, Alan's! read more

The very best you will not find anything better anywhere, including the United States Friendly service, very knowledgeable staff read more

Great business! Really enjoy getting Clarinet lessons here from Alfonso, a very gifted musician who studied at sdsu. I plan on playing Jingle Bells with one of my patients at work for Christmas. I also enjoy playing for my family. read more

Alan's Music Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Always treated great and they got the goods. I'm thankful. (Yelp wants 85 characters).

We had a really fun time here at Alan's Music Center. I was looking for an instrument for my daughter to learn how to play. The staff here is really patient and knowledgeable and kind. They are willing to help you find exactly what you are looking for. They let my daughter try a lot of different instruments until she found one that she gravitated toward. They also have instruments you can rent. Plenty of parking out front too. read more

Alan's Music Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Fantastic service and generous with time and assistance. Great value for your instrument parts. My favorite place to get all things musical.

What an amazing place! Speaking to the owners son, we found out that Alan's has been in this location for 51 years (but the business has been going for 71 years)! We went to get a violin and viola checked out, neither of which have been played for years. We also had a broken violin string which he replaced for us and looked over both instruments as part of the service, retuning both in the process. Incredibly helpful, affordable and such a gem in La Mesa! read more

Clerk explained the difference between products and how they might be used We purchased specialized drumsticks as a gift. He was very informative and no sales pressure. Yes,definitely go back there- Very much still the 'go to' place in La Mesa-for renting musical instruments for elementary kids. read more

Alan's Music Center - All the info you need... - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

The staff is always friendly. And I mean ALWAYS. We go there frequently, as my daughter takes music lessons there, and when I go inside the store to browse or purchase something, the staff never fails to welcome me like I'm the most important client. Way to go, Alan's Music Center -- keep up the good work! read more

I had my daughter in voice and piano here in the later 2000s with Nahdya a wonderful instructor. I'm looking for video of any recitals. Please reply to me if you can help. I also left my name and contact with the storefront. thank you read more

Alan's is a great family owned music store in La Mesa. They have a large selection of music books, instruments, and accessories. Prices do seem to be a little higher than their competition which is unfortunate. They're one of the few shops that seem to stock primarily Aquarian drum heads which is awesome. The service has always been friendly over my two decades of experiences here. read more

Very professional in helping me rejuvenate may old violin. It turned out lovely with a new case and all.

Very friendly and helpful. I went in to get my violin restrung and they re-drilled my messed up pegs for free! Also he trimmed my bow up at no additional cost! (was old and had some lose hairs) 10/10 will go back! read more

Less about Alan's and more about the piano teacher they hired, Gina. After admitting to my face, that she does not like kids (who else takes piano lessons) she is ONLY, literally, ONLY after your money. She said she makes 7k a month and says its "pretty good." You have to greet her when you see her, she will not say hello when you walk in, just sits in silence. She puts so much emphasis on her tired, dry piano recitals, because again, she makes money from the ticket sales, and will not let kids participate, IF she thinks they will make a mistake. We have since found other lesson, and I could not be happier with the fun and kid friendly environment. I tried to tell the owners of Alans, and he just listened and basically walked away. read more

Alan's is a local business that has been around for as long as I can remember, as is noticeable from the dated architecture. Once upon a time I myself may have played an instrument or two in my time. I come in here now to get my son's guitar tuned up or the strings replaced. I suppose I could try learning how to do it myself, but I don't know if I could stand up to the kid's scrutiny tbh. They do good work here and the service is always friendly and efficient. I've never had any problems with anything. I think they offer lessons and classes. They sell the instruments as well as rent them out for local students in the district music programs. I'm not sure if that's something they offer to everyone else though. I've never really shopped around in the store, my son got his guitar from a musician friend and I just come here for the servicing. Alan's is located on La Mesa Blvd near Memorial Dr. There's a private lot and street parking as well. read more

I want to give a stellar review to an east county fixture, a place where I took my first music lesson as a kid. I took my woodwind into another shop to get a repair and needed a rental. So, I headed to Alan's. If you rent from them (because, let's face it, options are limited! where else ya gonna go?) be sure you test out the instrument first if you are an experienced musician. When I got home--over 30 minutes away--a key was broken and I had to bring it back to get it fixed. Drove it back the next day. They fixed it quickly enough but did not seem apologetic about renting out an instrument they obviously didn't check out after the previous renter returned it. Again, they did not encourage me to test it out before I left. Be aggressive and test out anything you get from there that isn't factory sealed to save yourself a hassle. Like the other reviewer said, I did not feel like the owners/employers were super friendly. They did fine, but they seemed to phone it in. I wish I could give 2 1/2 stars because that's accurate. I wanted to have a great experience with the store I went to as a kid, but this was meh. read more

I remember coming here some 35 years ago while in high school. Years later, the customer service is still outstanding. This place has everything you'll need for your musical needs. There's too much to mention but if you need it, they'll have it or can get you an answer to your questions. read more

Oh man. All I gotta say is the owners truly care and you can tell they are so passionate and very knowledgeable of music all around! Came to rent a violin for my daughter and they took so much time to make sure they got the right fit, and showed her the ropes. Although all rental agreements were a zillion different papers (old school), they give me a sense of trust as a customer. read more

Expensive to rent an instrument. Returned it because my daughter had to get a different one. Had to pay full month when I returned it, although only 7 days had passed. Ridiculous. read more

Sadly, very few music stores like this don't exist anymore. We stopped by Alans with a friend who was returning a trumpet (rented for her son's middle school band class). What was meant to be a quick stop turned into lots of reminiscing as we browsed through the store's bins of sheet music, wall of guitars, keyboards, etc. We even had fun toying with a steel drum on display. Support local businesses and keep places like Alans alive and well. read more

It's family owned, local, and terrific. My wife and I dropped in to look at sheet music (for me) and some piano instruction books for her. The owner was very helpful. We found what we needed . . .and more. The array of musical instruments, accessories and supplies is just amazing. The sheet music selection is phenomenal, and extremely well organized. It doesn't matter if you're a musician or just a beginner . . . This. Place. Rocks. read more

A must go to place if you play any air instrument. Went in here for strings for my acoustic, and a stand for my alto sax. Of course, they had everything I needed, plus more. The owner even put the strings on for me. Thank you so much. Will definitely come back! read more

Alan's Music Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

Bob at Alan's Music Center deserves a raise. He helped me find the exact right guitar for me and created an enjoyable buying process. Thank you for making it easy, and for the deal. read more

Aswesome place gave my grandson some good advice with his guitar, he is only 6. Had his guitar re-strung from a left hand to right hand.

I rented my first sax from Alan's around 1980 and did business with them through 1990. I left San Diego in 1991 and returned with a family in 2006. I walked into the shop in 2008 to rent a sax for my oldest daughter who was starting middle school. Bob still remembered me after 16 years!!!! I took lessons there in high school and my 2 daughters have taken piano and guitar lessons there. I've also purchased at least 4 instruments there. Alan's is a great family business and I will frequent their shop for as long as I can play music. read more

This is not a bad review. I love supporting a small business. This was our first time visiting and I felt like the scores section could be better organized. Lots of books tightly squeezed together and hard to remove and lots of options so low to the ground that you wouldn't be able to see. The husband was kind and helpful. The wife seemed a little tired. I understand that feeling, doing a job so long that it burns you out. I feel like the prices were a little high on some of the items there considering I felt like some of the books had damage to them. Most of the books you can get online for 10-15$ cheaper than in stores. She seemed a little irritated when I asked if they would get somewhat close to online prices. I'm sure people ask that all the time. It can be hard to compete with major corporation prices. read more

I have met Allen himself, and you can too (at least... I hope he's still alive). What a great little shop, you know? You can go in here and find almost anything you're looking for... and if they don't have it, you bet your bottom dollar they'll be more than happy to order it for you. My mom bought my professional flute at Allen's Music. Heck, I received my lessons in the "basement" of Allen's Music. I like Allen's Music. How did I come across this non-review on Yelp? Well, you see, I was searching for their phone number on the internet - looking for flute duet books, Holiday style. Stick around for a moment and I'll tell you what happens. ************************* All right. Just called and the same guy who always answers the phone is still there :) How refreshing. They do have a book and they are going to hold it for me! Sounds great, doesn't it? I'm going to ride my brand new bicycle from Talmadge to La Mesa tomorrow!!! read more

Found store on Yelp, never been there before. Decided to call after reading some of the positive reviews. When I called the store to inquire about an acoustic guitar repair (string replacement) I spoke with Jan (store manager) was very unhelpful and unfriendly. Poor customer service, was short and negative when answering questions, reluctant to give useful information about repair even when I explained what kind of repair was needed. It felt like I had to extract very basic information that could be easily given over the phone. I finally asked her if she could give direct pricing info on both steel and nylon strings. She made me feel like she did not need my business. Very disappointed and I will not be visiting store, especially since she was the manager!! So sad to have had that kind of experience. read more

This is a warm and friendly place with anything that you would need for your musical needs. Will come again to support these good people. read more

Alan's Music Center - Got a new bow, great customer service, helpful and Friendly. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

My daughter wanted to learn how to play the violin. My husband found Alans and decided to rent to own her violin. He had been making payments monthly. One day I received a call from a rude woman from Alans saying we were behind and had only made a few payments. I didn't think this was the case, but paid over the phone the $180 she said we owed her. Later when I spoke to my husband he said we owed around $60. He had all of the payments documented on our bank statements. The violin was close to $180 new. I Called the next morning and was told there was nothing they could do. And that it must've been that high because of late fees. We were never late. Maybe, they need better bookkeeping? Nightmare. read more

Remember the days before Guitar Center and the ineptitude and apathy of chain music stores, when the local music store was all about the music, and not the money? When you go here, it still is about the music. Every visit I've had here has been wonderful. The staff of Alan's is knowledgeable, courteous, and friendly. They've helped me with everything from guitar strings to finding the music for the newest song I want to learn to play. Alan's Music Center rocks! Forget Guitar Center and come here instead. read more

Staff member teaching guitar (senior gentleman) NOT wearing mask in room #1 everytime I walk my child to lessons in room #2. Tiny, cramped quarters, NOT 6 feet between us even to walk by down the hall to get to our room. He is also often singing away, again, door open, no mask. Has been brought to manager's attention several times, by several individuals including other staff. Manager/owner as well as the unmasked teacher do not care, do not do anything to change this. My child's and my families safety is not worth this place. Going elsewhere. read more

This fabulous place has EVERYTHING you can imagine...and if they don't have it in stock, they'll get it for you. I could spend hours in this store (and I have!), not only for their selection of instruments and music pieces, but also for their friendly and knowledgeable staff. I admire the fact that they are not pushy--they're always willing to help the customer make the best decision for his/herself... I learn something new every time I go to Alan's Music Center. This family-owned business has been around for a long time...my siblings and I shopped here many moons ago. As a regular customer, I feel like I'm part of the "family" whenever I come in. Highly recommend it! read more

I have been to this store for over a decade and its standards have not dropped at all. Good selections, clean and organized store, professional and friendly staff, and reasonable prices. I could only ask for more "standard repertoire" in the strings sections with good editions. 100x better than "that other La Mesa music store." read more

Growing up as a kid in 80's and early 90's, there was hardly a week that went by where I wouldn't find myself at Alan's Music Center. They were my and my family's go to source for instrument rentals, music lessons, and just about anything and everything else instrument related. Now, 20+ years later, I recently found myself wanting to get back into playing drums and decided it only felt right that I checked out Alan's Music first before I looked elsewhere. And I couldn't be happier that I did. Walking back into Alan's Music for the first time in over two decades was like walking into a time capsule - and I mean that in the best possible way. I was delighted to see it was still the exact same warm and inviting place that I had remembered from my youth. Alan's sons, Bob and Bill now run the store and are keeping not only their father's name alive, but continuing to provide customers with top notch service that no big box store could ever match. Working with Bob was amazing. He was extremely knowledgable in answering all of my questions, not to mention patient as my two young kids touched nearly anything and everything they could get their hands on. I'm thankful for how quickly he worked to get me on my way with my new drum kit. Suffice to say, I was an Alan's Music customer as a child, and thanks to my most recent experience there, I will continue to be as an adult too! read more

I've been coming here since middle school to get my sheet music, instruments and accessories. The prices here are great and the quality is even better. I bought my first classical guitar here and still play it and have it to this day. It sounds just as good as the day i got it :) I just dropped off my alto sax yesterday for repair and got a quote from Alan himself. It is gonna take about a week or two but thats only because everybody comes here for repairs because they do a great job. Way better than McCrea's Up the street. Alans all the way! read more

My daughter has been coming here for a couple years for piano lessons and I'm very happy with the location and her teacher. When she needs new music material, the store has them in stock. I don't shop here very often but we come practically every week for piano lessons and my daughter is thriving. I used to pay over $50 more for private lessons with another company and I wish I started her here sooner. Her current teacher is also better than her last one at the more expensive place. Keep in mind this place is older and it wouldn't hurt to have some updates, primarily downstairs where many of the music lessons are held. read more

I am a local music teacher and I love love this place. Bill is great and helps me frequently. He is very knowledgeable and is able to order many things for my students at cost. There is a teacher discount of 15% I believe and he even gave me a free ukulele strap last week (and installed the screw for free) because I am loyal customer. This is one of the only places in SD to buy sheet music and instruments, at least that I know of, and they're great! read more

My daughter's violin was from Alan's Music Center. Since it was her first one, we didn't know if she'd actually like playing, so we didn't want to purchase one. At Alan's we were able to rent it! It is actually a rent-to-own which means that if she likes it, the money already paid goes towards the actual price of the instrument. If she decides it isn't for her, we can just return it. The violin itself is great. We got it brand new and it came with everything. We got to choose the color of the case, too. She's had it for several months now and it's still going strong. We also purchased her music book there. They have a large variety of things in the store; something for everyone! Recently I returned to have a string replaced on the violin. They were able to do it right then and there for only the price of the string. I was in and out within 5 minutes. Although it is far from where we live, we would not hesitate to return over and over. Their customer service is exceptional! read more

There are very few good music stores left that actually have a decent selection of sheet music. This has got to be one of the best. I could probably spend many hours going through what they have to offer. In today's internet world, it appears that most people purchase sheet music online. And while this may appear convenient, it usually does not give you the ability to review an entire piece before purchasing it. So you have to buy it, download it, and then find out that the first sample page was fine, but that the rest is not up to your standards. This has happened to me more than once. So it is very nice to be able to look at the whole piece before making a decision. Alan's also offers lessons in various instruments. Our six year old granddaughter has just started piano, and, so far, is enthusiastic about practicing, going to lessons, etc. This is a good thing. Also, these lessons are very reasonable. So no wonder that they have been around for over a half century and still appear to be going strong. This is the kind of store that deserves public support - so go buy something! read more