Walked into Guitar Center Pasadena with my brother, our unleashed service animal, and a budget that…read moreclearly needed adult supervision. Things got off to a rocky start when there was some confusion about the dog, but Evan checked with his manager, got it sorted, and we all survived the great leash controversy of 2026. From there, Evan was awesome. Super cool, patient, and actually knew DJ gear because he DJs himself -- which is always better than someone confidently explaining equipment they've only met that morning. By the end, we were joking with him: "You really did everything you could to not sell to us... and somehow we still bought anyway." Funny start, great ending, and Evan helped us leave with a new DJ setup and speakers. Guitar Center almost fumbled the bag, but Evan recovered the sale like a pro. Shoutout Evan.

I get that they're understaffed and busy, but you have to try hard to be as unhelpful as they are…read more One gentleman kept rolling his eyes when I approached to ask a question. I made a purchase of a couple strings and an accessory that required me to take out my inhole sound pickup, so I asked if I could borrow a screwdriver (to literally turn the screws to the left a grand total of two times). He tells me "sorry, we don't usually loan tools out for use," which is totally understandable! So I ask if he can then just help me out and turn the screws himself if I'm not allowed to touch the screwdriver -- he audibly groans and looks at me, then finally turns, practically dragging his feet as he grabs the screwdriver to help me out. I was starting to be pretty stunned by this point. Then, when I was about to leave and putting my purchases in my gig bag outside pocket, the other guitar technician, Mike, starts staring daggers at me across the floor, then tells me to show my receipt to the guy at the door-- he thought I was stealing. After I'd been walking around the store for 2 hours and making multiple purchases. My jaw literally dropped. I don't know what's going on at this store, or if they treat every customer this way, or just me. I would speculate that because I dress quite basically (like a skateboarder, roughed up clothes, maybe?) they assumed I had no money/was poor to justify how they decided to interact with me. No matter who I am or what I might look like, staff should treat EVERY customer the same. I was considering buying a guitar from this store, the Yamaha AC1R specifically that they have in the acoustic guitar room, but now I don't ever want to come back.

Wild West Guitars provide an eclectic selection of guitars, professional customer care, expert…read moreknowledge and advice, all under one hood. Leroy exemplifies true customer care and Max is a set up guru.

just realized the guitar I took to have a setup done by these guys....dead frets all over 15-18…read morefrom e to e string LOL. Ipaid for a setup...no mention of bad notes. Ive been out of the country for 3 momths. the guitar has been in a case and Itake it out ready to play and poor playing below the 15 on the SG. these guys really dont pay attention to detail esp when youre paying $2-300

Sierra Madre Music is the ideal place for music lessons. Jessica and her husband are the owners and…read moreare awesome musicians. They have a great staff of instructors that are equally as talented but also know how to teach. What brought me to them was how Jessica quickly responded to my inquires for scheduling lessons for my son. She's friendly, organized and her willingness to help match your child with the right instructor. We appreciate all their efforts!

They've absolutely changed my son's life - he absolutely loves his lessons and has gained self…read moreesteem and confidence that will continue to serve him as he gets older. I love SMM! Highly recommend.

Grayson is an excellent neighborhood music shop with top quality gear, a wide variety of brands and…read moremodels to choose from, and most importantly, a knowledgeable, helpful, and service-oriented staff. Plus, my preferred guitar tech works here. His name is Sal. He is the only man I trust to work on my instruments. Grayson's is a fantastic option to shop and definitely a worthy place to spend your money in. Can't recommend them enough.

Just brought my headless 8 string guitar in to have new pickups installed and setup for a very low,…read morealternative tuning. The staff were super friendly and helpful. They went above and beyond to get my guitar setup exactly how I wanted it. They're very fairly priced as well. A good friend recommended them to me. I'll be a regular customer for all my guitar needs.

I have bought over 20 bodies from AE in the past without a problem. I have one I purchased last…read moreyear that has defective pickup routing. I have left 5 messages to authorize a return/exchange. They have not returned any called. I sent them a detailed email for a return/exchange. they have not responded. At this point I can only say their customer service sucks. I have been a good customer and expected more.

Let me start by saying if I could leave less than one star I could…read more In July 2022 I received ads from AE saying we can build our own custom Guitar body. I created a guitar and happily placed my order. A few weeks later no guitar. No shipping. Nothing. Then I enquire about where my order is. They said it takes SEVEN MONTHS TO BUILD!! No where in writing was I notified of that when making my purchase. That's when I should have canceled. It's been over a year. Sometimes they respond and say it's coming. No no response. They have my $250 plus dollars and they straight up robbed me. This to me is not a legitimate company. Buyer beware is an understatement. I don't normally write bad reviews but when a company straight up takes my money for goods of services they are responsible to fulfill. I'm not rich. I'm a guitar player. I'm writing this to make other guitar players aware that this company has taken money from a struggling guitar player to buy his dream body and spend more money then ever on a body to have this happen really hurts me on the inside. It's sad to know you can't trust anymore.

Vez Guitar changed everything! They worked on all my electric guitars but, after I got back my old…read moreWashburn acoustic I bought in 1990 that Vez worked on, my acoustic is the guitar I can't put down. My cheapest guitar is the instrument that most inspired me to play. This place is FN magic!!!!!!

Best place in LA! Best prices and very helpful guys and always in a great mood. Eli and Aries are…read moreawesome and are always happy to help and give suggestions. No more guitar center or any other spot only VEZ GUITAR ACADEMY. Thanks guys !!

My first time here and it won't be my last! Loved the intimate space while watching one of my all…read moretime favorite female singers, Jonatha Brooke. The room is normally set up for sales but when a show is on the calendar the staff quickly clears it to set up the chairs for the audience. Since their first impromptu show back in 1968, McCabe's has been hosting the finest in folk, bluegrass, Americana, world music and more. It can accommodate 150-seats and is one of the best listening rooms in the world. The sound engineer was spot at this performance. Most of performers will play one of the guitars for sale here which helps keep this amazing shop going. *Located just off the 405 freeway @Centinela on Pico Blvd *Plenty of street parking (meters) *A few restaurants within walking distance if you want to grab a bite to eat before or after a show. *Guitar lessons available *FYI purchase show tickets online. You will get receive a confirmation email telling you that your name will be on a list at the door (you will not get physical tickets)

Was looking for a ballpark repair quote. Emailed across a detailed list of what was damaged, with…read morecorresponding photos, but didn't get any communication back. Called on the phone to see if they could get one of their tech's to respond. Guy on the phone said he'd ask them to look at it, but again nothing. Maybe they were busy (hence a generous 3 stars), but if you're looking for repairs, go elsewhere.

My friend recommended this shop to me for in depth lessons on classical guitar and music theory…read more What I found was a community staple with a rich history that welcomed me in like family. Lessons with Kenneth are very fulfilling, adapting to your needs and learning style. Tomas Sr and Jr are warm and friendly, and have inspirational dedication to their craft, customers, students, and community. Their guitars are worth the investment, and their repair service is excellent. Very grateful to have found this place.

Great luthier. Was going to purchase a high end classical guitar when salesman suggested I check…read moreout Candelas Guitars. Purchased a handmade classical guitar that sounds and plays great.

We rented out a viola for elementary school music class. We paid a monthly rental fee…read more The viola we received was like new. We were so impressed with the service, the product and the pricing. Dropping off at the end of the school year was easy peasy and all the staff were chatting with us and so friendly. Highly recommend if you're unable to get your hands on an instrument at the school.

I recently visited Irvine Art and Music to select a new GS Mini-e Mahogany, and I couldn't be more…read moregrateful for the assistance from Gabriel. His help was incredibly valuable and made the experience both enjoyable and stress-free. Gabriel was patient and knowledgeable, introducing me to several options and allowing me to hear and understand the subtle differences in each guitar. He didn't rush the process and ensured that every choice was tailored to my desired style and size. The GS Mini-e Mahogany turned out to be the perfect fit for my emotional storytelling music. Thank you, Gabriel, for your excellent service and for making this a memorable experience!

Our experience at Monrovia Music Academy was exceptional! My daughter is only 5 years old and we…read moredon't have any music background in our family- so she really started from scratch! Her piano teacher Johanna is very enthusiastic and fun with her- having her learn through play. Within just a couple lessons, she could play simple songs with sheet music. She learned quickly and was always excited to go to lessons. The front desk and admin are very quick and responsive to any scheduling/makeups other issues that may arise. Thanks, MMA!

We are new to the area and found this gem for taking music lessons. Two of my children have been…read moretaking lessons here since the beginning of the year and were able to participate in the Year End Recital in June. One of them takes piano lessons with Esther and the other takes guitar lessons with Drew. They are both amazing teachers. Esther is so kind, patient and encouraging with my son who can take some time to warm up to a new teacher. My other son really enjoys taking lessons with Drew. He's so talented and he has sparked a joy and love for learning guitar in my son that is so enjoyable to see. The studio staff is always very helpful with any questions I have, and if you are with a Charter School, they are an approved vendor for many schools in the area. Lessons are affordably priced, and if you need to cancel and reschedule, you can get a credit as long as you do so with advance notice. Even if you need to cancel last minute, (which unfortunately happened to us one time when our car broke down on the way to the lesson), they will send a video lesson so that your child can view it on their own. I would highly recommend Monrovia Music Academy! They have lessons for many instruments and offer voice lessons as well and for all ages. If you're still on the fence, you can always request a trial class to check it out for yourself before signing up!