I know negative about guitars. I have a nephew graduating from high school this spring and I…read morewanted to get him something meaningful and useful. He plays bass in one of those School of Rock type places and is passionate about it. I called my sister to see if there was anything he could use and she sent me a blurry photo of some kind of board he uses and told me he needs a carrying case. I went to Bananas at Large because of their reputation for being kind and knowledgeable. Their reputation is well deserved. I was greeted right when I walked in, I decided to look around a bit before asking for help because while I don't know anything about guitars, some of the instruments they had on the wall were works of art and I enjoy looking at art. When I was ready, I found the first employee, showed him the photo and explained the situation. He knew exactly what it was and where to find what I was looking for. He then took the case over to where they had the exact thing in the photo to show me how well it fit and other features of the case. He explained the 14-day return policy if it turned out to be the wrong thing and let me decide what I wanted to do. I wound up purchasing the case. I loved that I was nicely greeted when I walked in but left alone to browse. I loved that I didn't have to hunt down someone to help me when I was ready. I loved the general vibe of the place. I loved that they had what I needed and clearly a ton of things I might need if I ever decide to get into playing. I loved that parking was easy. I loved that they were excited to help someone who had no idea what they were doing in a guitar shop, were in no hurry to get me out of the store and patient enough to answer all my questions. I even loved that they accept Venmo for payments. Great place to go if you don't know anything about guitars but love someone who does.

This place is everything a music store should be. Yes they have great selection, and yes their…read moreprices match anything you can find online (even Reverb, often) but it's their service and relationships they build with you that's special. True stories of what they've done for me even in just the last month: My guitar needed some repairs before a gig, and they fast tracked the service and ordered an uber to bring the guitar to my house! I wanted a tuner pedal that was out of stock basically everywhere in the country, and they took their last one from Santa Rosa and shipped it to San Rafael store for free for me to pick up the next day. Best of all, I was unhappy with my guitar tone and Dan spent nearly 2 hours sitting with me trying different pedals and setups, before settling on showing me some different settings on my own amp, some different plectrums and swapping a pedal I'd bought recently for only a $10 difference! It would have been so easy to have sold me another pedal or 2 that I didn't really need, but the fact he didn't builds complete trust and makes me a customer for life!

Our so take lessons here. He's always excited to go and the energy is always positive .read more

After talking at length with a sales person on the phone, my blind music partner and I were assured…read morethat the guitar and amplifier we inquired about was in stock. I did not mention that we travel with her Guide Dog (Ferguson) from Guide Dogs For The Blind in San Raphael. We arrived, having traveled an hour from El Cerrito, fully prepared to spend ~$4000, and see if they could order another $4000 worth of gear. While attempting to seat my Blind partner with her pup, a short, young, bespeckled man rushed over and said "No dogs allowed in here." I quickly informed of the "Guide Dog" status, to which he replied "Doesn't matter- you can't have a dog in here". I gently informed him of the law, via ADA, and he repeated, "Doesn't matter, you cant have him in here". At that point, the man behind the counter shouted, over a few customers' heads, that he had allergies and we need to get the dog out. I told him we'll be leaving, but that he should familiarize himself with possible exemptions of ADA rules. My feeling is, that if we had been treated more politely and professionally, we would have been happy to return later, when he was not present, to consummate a win-win deal with a different sales person. Seriously rude treatment from both staff members. This is not a misinterpretation of the exchange; these guys were crude. I am neither vindictive nor litigious by nature, nor is my Blind partner. But in this case, she is seriously considering action.

The staff is very knowledgeable , and they have a variety quality used instruments at good prices.read more

Love this place! Great personal service. They always do an amazing job efficiently and with very…read morereasonable prices. Bonus, the place has a great vibe but maybe because it's filled with beautiful instruments

Very easy transaction. We went in and they showed us The product. Went over thoroughly our options…read morefor lease to own, etc. it's a no frills, compact, simple store. Just has the necessities and I appreciate it.

Bronstein Music is a little off the beaten path. It's in the alleyway between Grand and Baden…read moreAvenues (enter off Linden). I was very impressed with the wide selection of books and learning resources for aspiring musicians. They also had many accessories at attractive prices (such as music stands, tuning instruments, books, capos, etc.). This part of the shop deserves 5 stars. I'm sorry to say my experience with having my old guitar worked on wasn't quite as good. Maybe I didn't communicate the situation properly. When I went to pick up my guitar, it still needed work. They did it, but it seemed like it took more effort than needed to communicate the problem. 5-stars for a store and people who care about music. 5-stars for the selection of learning resources. 3-stars for my experience with repairing my guitar. Overall 4-stars.

I met a new friend here. We've been traveling around the same circles for a while but never met…read more She mentioned on FB that she was having her Ukulele tuned up here and we decided to meet. It was my first time in this shop. Wow, what a great little music store. They've got a ton of Ukuleles and other instruments as well. I brought my Ukulele because my E peg was buzzing when I play it. He had my ukulele fixed in less than two minutes and didn't even charge me! Now that's what I call GREAT customer service! I will be returning for my future musical needs. I'm eyeing a banjolele that I spotted while my friend finished up her transaction. I do recommend this shop, they are friendly, give good custom service that you just can't get at the big box music store.

Lamorinda Music in Lafayette, California Lamorinda Music is…read moretruly one of the most amazing places in Lafayette. We've been going there and using their services for years, and it's always a wonderful experience!Their selection of musical instruments is fantastic, and the staff is not only knowledgeable but also incredibly kind and welcoming. You can tell they genuinely love what they do.Currently, my son is taking guitar lessons with Mark, an exceptional teacher. He's patient, dedicated, and especially understanding with children on the spectrum. We're so grateful for the supportive and encouraging environment they provide.Thank you, Lamorinda Music, for being a place where music thrives and families feel at home

Music depot is the best store in the east bay!! They got great deals and their guitar selection is…read moremassive!! I been coming here since 2012 and it's amazing to see how far they have come as a store and as a business. You cannot go wrong with visiting this store and browsing without leaving out with something to buy! 5 star customer service. You will not regret it

Best music store in the area. ABC is Ok and Music unlimited is still around,…read morebut Music Depot is my spot. Just bought some cables, prices are good.... I've stopped buying music stuff from Amazon, Sweetwater, etc. and have opted instead to support local businesses like Music Depot. Matthew is a great guy, so's his Dad. If you haven't been to Music Depot, head on down to B Street and check it out. I guarantee you're going to like it.

The most amazing, sweetest, kindest business that pours music into our community! Come visit…read moreHornucopia for music lessons, equipment cleaning, or musical equipment rental! I love the option to bring the kids here so they can touch and feel and choose what instrument they want to play. Love supporting small businesses like this one!

My second trip here, this time so my wife could sell her tenor sax from the olden days. The…read moreproprietor (Joyce?) was so friendly and helpful, and she was an amazing fount of knowledge about all manner of instruments. I love this store!

So far so good! My son is in our trial month for piano lessons. His teacher is Akiko, and she's…read morebeen great so far! She's been fun and engaging, and very patient. The stickers help. :) To start, I had a phone consultation with Jamie, who was very sweet and we had a good conversation about our goals. She recommended Akiko and I think she was spot on. We're excited to continue!

First! If your kids want to learn some MUSIC???? COME here! It might be a little pricey, but the…read moreinstructors are nice and helpful! Plus your kids will learn lots! My girl takes singing classes here and has learned lots of techniques for singing, which is exactly why I recommend it for kids and adults!!