This is the best music store i've ever visited! Super knowledgeable employees who always take their time to help you find exactly what you need! The Best! read more

Parts that belonged to me that "got thrown out", brand new parts on my brand new guitars missing, which the required service was not compensatorily offered for and I am sitting with yet another job on that exact same guitar. Electronics installed in cavity that don't fit as well. I mentioned whether they would fit and he just installed that instead of ordering a part or backing off. Multiple extra visits for pickup height adjustment on pickup installs also included surprisingly my going out to pick up parts for my jobs for him. Requested a cavity photo for reference and did not receive the photo at all nor any acknowledgement of that. This is not a full list of the issues I experienced. Guitar Center fucks up just as bad unfortunately. I didn't say anything about this dude technically made some really uneducated commentary and I bought extra guitar strings to add to business (cheap online). I feel like I really came through while suffering from side effects of my cancer treatment and I still have work to do that was created by carelessness and negligence, if I pay for those services somewhere else my guitars will be in shop for months and I will be paying hundreds of extra dollars. Tech/owner was also extremely condescending and inaccurate, maybe he was religious I saw him with crosses on his shirt and some religious music playing on his low-end stereo. Happens all the time. read more

See all

Khrys helped me restore a 1994 Les Paul Studio, and now it plays and feels better than ever. This is the third guitar I've brought to him for similar work, he puts so much heart and passion into every project and the results are always incredible. I honestly couldn't recommend him more. The store has a super fun selection of guitars for all levels, from solid everyday players to rare and unique new and used pieces. Down-to-earth vibe Khrys actually listens--not just trying to make a sale like at a lot of other places. He really cares both about the instrument and the player, and helps guide you in the right direction. Super stoked and already looking forward to the next project ! thanks guys read more

Krys and his team Were able to fix my 1959 Gibson. I am a third generation owner of this family Guitar and when the head broke off I was terrified it would be unfixable. They were able not only to repair it but give me the best price I could find and repair it so well I can't even see the break and, it sounds better than ever. Thank you all. read more

I just had my first introduction to American Music and Jay and I'm pleased with both. I found Jay to be friendly, personable, professional, and willing to teach me some tips in what I was trying to do. I enjoyed meeting him and also looking around the store. I'll come back for guidance and equipment as well as looking at singing lessons, and maybe even bass lessons. I highly recommend the store and I think you'll be very pleased. read more

My 18 year old son has had a guitar sitting in his room for years ...his dad handed it down to him. Nope...he hasn't learned to play. With all the youtube channels available I thought that would be the smart way to go...nope. I heard about American music store from friends who are in local bands.... I called them to inquire about lessons and to see if the guitar needs to be "tuned up". I have no idea what the correct terms are and i'm sure i sounded like a fool. The guy who answered was so patient and understanding! I will be stopping in once summer vacation starts to set up our lessons!!! My kid is pretty darn excited. read more

Very friendly, very helpful, very reasonable. I can't believe they were right there and I didn't notice before! I'll be back.

My wife came home very upset after going to American Music Store with our daughter. They went to the store to buy a whammy bar. The salesperson, an older gentleman behind the counter with a white beard, told my wife that she didn't know what she was doing, that the guitar wasn't purchased there, and that she should know better and go back to Guitar Center. Totally unacceptable when she just needed some help since we are newbies. read more

Sure, you can get a lot of guitar gear online, but this is still the place to go where someone who knows guitars can steer you in the right direction. Shop local! read more

Small but a complete music store, new & used gear plus a whole line up great teachers. My niece became a wonderful pianist under Jerry's guidance and I am currently taking bass lessons from Khrys, who's both patient and encouraging as I plug along like beginners will. He has also helped me get my hand me down bass sounding better than ever. I also want to mention, after the New Year this store changed ownership ? management, they updated the layout and with Jays and Khrys upfront they will cover you, sales repair and lessons. read more

This store has been my home away from home. With some amazing teachers and Bella sleeping behind the counter, this is truly a hidden gem in Encinitas. Music has been such an amazing gift that I have learned from both Khrys and Sean, who are both amazing and passionate instructors. Would recommend to anyone who wants to discovery the beauty of music. read more

A really odd and disorganized store. The best thing that I can say is that they do in fact sell musical instruments and the such. Other than that however, it resembles a hoarders house. Their inventory isn't organized into shelving or stands, but rather two piles parted by a path to the counter. The staff is nice enough, and I can't say much about the lessons, but it's just not a great shopping experience... read more

If you are looking for excellent instruction in music and a great selection of equipment-this is the store for you! We have been going to this store for about 10 years for lessons for my three children and musical instruments and equipment. read more

What an awesome place - not only for guitar tune-up's and such, but they have music studios and terrific knowledgeable people who work here. So cool to have a locAl spot & stay out of the big chain music stores :) read more

i just started working in the area and was looking for a music store nearby and i just found then today and jay is the best! awesome customer service and help! if you are looking for any guitar equipment or guitar repair,this is the spot read more

Just had Bud set up a bass that hadn't been worked on in years other than new strings. It needed the 9 volt battery wire to be re soldered and the electronics gone through, bridge adjusted etc. The price charged was so low it blew me away. Bud did an awesome job so took a Dean Acoustic in and he performed magic on it as well. I am so pleased I bought a used guitar that was on his wall and signed up for lessons with Khrys. We need to support great small businesses like this one. read more

I started taking guitar lessons from Khrys a couple months ago and I couldn't be more pleased. He is patient, warm, professional and extremely knowledgeable. I'm very happy I chose him as my instructor. I feel confident I will be able to learn quickly under his care and direction. read more

So far so good. Place is super tiny and crammed. Not the most comfortable place to be in but my husband is doing guitar lessons with Jerry who is amazing! read more

I've been taking lessons from Jerry McCann at AMX for about 4 months now (on Saturday mornings). His teaching method is second to none. I highly recommend hiring him for any guitar beginner, or seasoned veteran. I'm 37, and will begin my 7 year old son with Jerry in a few months. read more

Eh I would not recommend going there. There is stuff all over the floor and the guy charge me way out of the butt of how much a reacher to cost. When he sold me the reeds it was in an open read box which is a big no-no and charge $3.50 every which is ridiculous never going back there never will. The guy also told me to wait while he was polishing something while I stood there waiting for him. This poor customer service. I've been to many music shops around the United States and this one definitely is not a Good Music shop. read more

As a new customer, I was hopeful that my guitar would come back to me in good condition after repairs. I was pleasantly surprised! Easy goin' Bud replaced my guitar's broken nut with a better one and corrected the intonation. He also adjusted the action to "perfect". I was almost breathless with joy when I ran my fingers up the neck on a few cords. After playing my fine tuned favorite Guild instrument for a while I found a renewed joy in making music. So; with great satisfaction, I give a heartfelt "Hey! Ho!" to Bud and American Music Exchange in Encinitas. Wow! read more

I brought in a Takamine acoustic that I was never able to play a lick on. I tried selling the guitar on CL for best offer! When AMX finished tuning, adjusting and applying their magic touch for practically nothing in cost, the guitar suddenly became a prized possession. I wouldn't part with it for $1000. Highly recommend AMX for all musical needs. read more

Bud really knows vintage guitars, and made my '76 Tele Deluxe play like it just came from the Fender factory. His turn around time is incredibly fast, and his prices blow the competition away. Don't waste your time with a chain store, this guy is the real deal. read more

I've taken music lessons from a number of instructors. Dean Smith is absolutely the best ever. Guitar, bass, and arrangement; his advice and help is great. read more

I highly recommend Jerry Michelson at AMX to teach piano lessons. He has taught two of my sons, and they both have learned a great love of music from him. read more

Eleven years ago, I was at a dinner party and had a conversation with a man who was taking piano lessons. Like me, he had taken lessons for several years as a young teen. We both were interested in learning jazz and blues piano and improvisation. I had been thinking of getting back to the piano for a long time but didn't know where to start. He spoke very highly of his teacher, JERRY MICHELSEN at AMX! A few weeks later, I contacted Jerry and set up a lesson. I've been taking lessons every since! It has been both challenging and rewarding and quite good for the brain. I am able to play many pieces without my music which is great when you're visiting someone with a piano, and you don't have your music with you! I never was able to do this pre-Jerry. Whatever you want to learn, whatever your age, if it has to do with the piano, Jerry can teach you! read more

I've been a customer of American Music Exchange for almost 30 years. I've taken lessons there from a handful of the teachers & they know their stuff! I've also bought 2 Les Pauls at different times from them over the years, both were superbly set up & I love playing them both to this day! read more

AMX is one of the best local shops in Encinitas. I've know Bud for about 25 years and for someone to say there is dishonesty in this shop is nuts. Great work at a reasonable price. Hell if it's something small bud won't even charge you. Yes bud is friendly and we all like to talk about the old days of being on the road and playing shows but if you need something and your in a hurry just say excuse me I need xxxxx. No need to say he has no customer skills. Customer service is #1 priority there. Bud has some real talent teaching guitar there. Jerry Has been teaching there for 30 years and I highly recommend him. This is a good ole down home friendly place. Bring your dog in grab a rig and play, buy, and tell stories. If you don't want a relationship with a shop like this then I recommend you go to Guitar Center. They will take your money and next time you go in they will ask for your name again. With AMX your family!!! Peace! read more

Tonight my son and I went into AMX to ask for some help with his ukulele. The help we received was beyond amazing. I am so glad that we found a store close to home and with exceptional customer service. read more

AMX music reserves a special place in my heart, as I have been going there for various reasons for over 25 years. Bud is a great guy who is always down to bend you ear, and we have had some cool conversations over the years. The selection is niche, but that's ok because us rockers and metalheads don't want to go to Moonlight Music anyhow. Thank you Bud and AMX for all the assistance with my amps and guitars over the years! read more

The old man upfront is a condescending dick, so check this place out if you've got some extra self esteem you need to shave off. Also, the phrase "sorry, this store was clean last week." Comes to mind when you walk inside. Save your money and go somewhere with a functioning ac and an appreciation for customer service read more

Bud Whitcomb, the owner, is an exceptional individual, and a superior guitar tech. I take all my guitars (20) to him to get them set up properly, change pickups, nut, or whatever is needed. Not only are his rates very reasonable, but the quality is the best I've found. It doesn't matter, whether you have an inexpensive or a highly sought after boutique instument, his repairs, and knowledge are the best in the county. And all are treated with the same level of attention. His shop also has a number of teachers, from rank beginner to advanced, in guitar, bass, drums, piano, and vocals. Most of whom are now, or had major contracts within the music industry. read more

I have taken piano lessons from other places, but a friend told me about Jerry Michelsen at AMX in Encinitas. (They have recently moved to a new location by Sprouts, formerly Henry's). All I can say is, Wow! Jerry makes learning to play FUN! His approach to learning is a refreshing change from the slow-paced slog of the stupid beginner books- you get to learn what you want to play, including jazz (he has performed with his jazz trio for most of his career in music), pop, rock and most contemporary music. I am actually playing some cool stuff and am having fun doing it. read more

Beware, There is dishonesty afoot here, And they must think everyone is a dumb ass and does not know anything about the instruments they sell but them. Why this is I have no idea because you would think they would be smart enough to know if someone is going to lay down 2,500.00 for a guitar they probably know what they are doing, Right? After I received the 1996 Gibson LP Standard, I was changing the string to my gauge and when I popped the bridge off because it did not look right. Well sure enough it did not have ABR-1 stamped on the bottom, Closer inspection and I figured out they (Or someone there) switched the original out for a crappy Epiphone bridge. They claim they did a setup on this before shipping? Well that makes it even worse as if that is true and the tech did not notice this he is an idiot (Or probably the one who swapped it out) Also, They acted shocked when I said it had fret buzz all over. That is what led to my next discovery, I removed the truss rod cover to adjust the neck and thank god it was bowed and not humped because the truss rod was turned all the way and no adjustment left in the one direction. Obviously, there is no way in hell this was recently setup and if it WAS as they claim it was, Then that makes them really untrustworthy that they would sell a guitar with no adjustment left (Going counter clockwise) without telling the buyer who's paying 2.5K for it. On top of it all they played dumb when I confronted them about these issues. No wonder they sell with a NO RETURN policy. I will never buy from them again and I will be sure to tell everyone I can to avoid these dishonest crooks. Kyle is a real piece of work too. Bad Bad Bad business. After i adjusted the neck and spent 50.00 on a REAL Gibson LP bridge,And 2 hours notching it, I managed to get rid of most all fret buzz. Thank god the neck did not need to go the other way or I would have been screwed. What goes around comes around. So go ahead and keep lying and ripping people off. Someday it will come back to haunt you AME. read more

The one time I was there to get some strings I was told it was a day for lessons only. So for this visit the definitely did not satisfy. Hopefully they will be open sometime in the future or perhaps change their name to American Music Lessons. read more

Our son has been taking guitar/bass lessons from Khrys Maxwell at AMX music for well over 6 years. Khrys has been an incredible mentor for our son and extremely flexible in scheduling around our son's busy athletic and academic schedule. Khrys is an amazing musician and over the years has taught our son not only how to be an excellent guitar/bass player but has become a very close personal friend even as our son headed off to college. Khrys is a very well rounded musician who taught our son how to write music, record professionally, be a dedicated musician and even assisted him with his college art supplement applications. We highly recommend Khrys Maxwell and AMX Music for all your musical needs. The owner Bud has been incredibly helpful over the years tuning/repairing our son's guitars and finding him great musical gear. Our son can't wait to return from college and start up his lessons again with Khrys. As parents we were extremely pleased with Khry's work ethic and keeping our son interested in music all these years. read more