Reviewing as a total music novice family. We needed to rent a violin for my 5th grader for…read moreorchestra. We could not have been more helpful, patient and kind helping us set up a rental. Similarly, when we made the return at the end of the school year, the process was seamless! Highly recommend!

I have tried coming to the store twice now looking for help with clarinets. First time was about…read morerenting one and the second was inspecting one we had donated. Both times we had very bad experiences. The first experience made me feel dumb like as if I should know more the process of renting an instrument. The second experience, the gentleman helping me and explaining to me about fixing the instrument, answered the phone mid explaining, seemed to put the person on hold and then literally mid sentence stopped talking and answered the phine again and walked away. Even my child said he was rude. The second person who took over again made me feel dumb as if I should know everything about this instrument. I will not be going back to this store again

Forget the Guitar Center or Norman's Rare Guitars in Los Angeles…read more This is the place you need to go for your instrument purchase and repair needs! They gave me a much better deal then those overpriced places and shockingly better then Craigslist on a twin reverb in excellent new condition. I felt quite at home there and they were very very helpful . I mentioned the Doobie Brothers by chance and they jubilantly explained in deatail that their building was once a recording studio where the Doobies first started at. They had an amp the Doobies had used for pre-show warmup for sale and was labeled as such too! The shop is well organized and displayed, the inventory was drool worthy and I was given quite the tour, even into the inner sanctum, where the King's jewels were displayed. A most memorable visit and a steal of a deal! Highly recommended! I will return. And avoid the other places .

Pretty cool that my son & his dad earned a sticker because they said a specific word when they…read moreentered the store!

I went to Starving Musician (Santa Clara) in search of an electric drum amplifier and an Epiphone…read moreSheraton. I was in luck this day as I found both a brand new e-drum amplifier and a used Sheraton at fair prices. Looking the guitar over I noticed the nut for the instrument jack was loose and asked that it be tightened prior to purchasing. On a semi-hollow & hollow body guitars this can be a tedious task, hence why I asked for assistance. The guitar tech, Dimitri, stopped what he was doing and went above and beyond my expectations to remedy the problem. It was not a quick fix and he kept me updated throughout the process. Starving Musician is my first stop when looking for music gear. They have been around as long as I can remember and offer the best trade-in value for your used gear. Always a great experience.

Basically a great place for nice condition used equipment at decent prices with sales people to…read morehelp you with your selection. You can also sell some of your stuff here. However, sometimes.... ? A few days ago, I got this... I came in to sell or consign an 8 track reel to reel Tascam 38 in hardly used, pristine condition, value $800-1,000+. I was told that they do not sell this kind of thing and to go to Rasputin or Street Light. ????

I've been going to this Guitar Center for 20 years or so, before that I was going to their location…read moreacross the street which is now a Mattress store. In all that time, I never cared to write a review, until now. Here's what happened, brace yourselves for the feelgood story of 2025. I went in with my wife a week ago, so that after all these years of guitar playing, I could buy my first bass. I ended up leaving with a Taylor 12 string, go figure. Jadon was the employee who helped me, and this dude was the first Guitar Center employee I've met who was more excited to sell me a guitar, than I was to buy one! Fast forward 1 week later, and I was regretting putting down so much money on a guitar that I always wanted, but didn't quite need. I went in looking for a bass after all, but the only basses I actually liked were $3,000 plus. After some thought, I came to the conclusion that I didn't want a cheap bass, I couldn't afford a good bass, and I didn't feel too good about a 12 string. What my collection always needed was a 7 string, so back to Guitar Center I went. This time I met Chad, and Chad was yet another awesome Guitar Center employee. He was actually interested in discussing my collection, and talking about the subtle differences between Martins and Taylors. We nerded out over guitar stuff, while he made the return process quick and painless. He let me know that the day after Christmas there's a big sale, and he and Jadon would be working that day if I decided to come back. December 26th arrived, and I woke up bright and early, ready to head to Guitar Center for a 7 string. Unfortunately, the selection was slim, just a handful of Schecters and Ibanez's that really didn't do it for me. I've always wanted an Iceman, but they didn't have the 7 string version in stock. I was contemplating having them order one for me, without having played it, but it just didn't feel right. At this point, my wife was noodling around on an acoustic bass. I've always tried to get her into guitar, and after almost 20 years of marriage, she was contemplating buying an acoustic bass for herself! Life is definitely strange. Jadon let me know that he could order the Ibanez Iceman, and if I didn't like it when it arrived, I could return it. Something told me that I wouldn't return this one, and it was a good idea to pull the trigger. I asked Jadon if he could give me a good deal on the Iceman, I might end up also buying an acoustic bass. He said it was up to his manager, and that he would ask. Shortly after that, he returned with a decent discount offer that would take off 5%, which isn't too bad for a $1,500 guitar. At the end of the day, I ended up getting the 7 string version of a guitar I always wanted, and my wife is learning an instrument I never expected her to be interested in. The guitar was her Christmas gift to me, but her interest in playing bass, is a far greater gift if you ask me. I'm currently counting down the days until the Iceman arrives and I could go and pick it up from Guitar Center. The main reason I'm leaving this (very long) review, is to highlight how awesome the staff at this location is, particularly Jadon. The guy has a great attitude, and takes pride in helping people. My past experiences with Guitar Center employees have typically not been the best. I couldn't tell you why, I always just assumed it was just the way it was, and dealt with it. In my recent visits, that pattern seems to have changed. Jadon was awesome, Chad was awesome, and a few other employees (whose names I didn't catch), were awesome too. This type of service is what inspired me to write a review for the first time in over 20 years of going to Guitar Center. Management should be proud of themselves for hiring an excellent team!

I've shopped at this Guitar Center for 20+ years, and today was the worst experience I've ever had…read more A Roland rep named Joel spoke to me and my 3‑year‑old son in a rude, condescending tone while my son was trying a display electronic drum kit. He snapped, "That's a 2k drum set," and then told us to use the "kids set" instead. Completely unprofessional. He even refused to get a manager and falsely claimed he was one. A real manager later told me he wasn't even Guitar Center staff. Joel ruined my son's first visit here. After two decades of loyalty, I'm taking my business elsewhere -- likely Starving Musician down the street.

This has been my go to music shop for many years but for purchase and repair/setup…read more You won't find a more knowledgeable group of people. Or people who will go out of their way to make sure you get a good instrument.

Dear Robert, Thank…read moreyou for replying to my review. I would like to clarify a few points regarding your response. In my review, I used phrases such as "I guess" and "if" to denote uncertainty rather than making definitive claims. My intention was to explore possibilities, not to state untrue facts. Additionally, since you have my phone number and email address, I would have appreciated a follow-up regarding the needs we discussed that weren't addressed during our initial call. To clarify, my "needs" included the immediate purchase of lights and a fog machine, as well as a future four-core-pillar inspection of my Rafael Quiles Ballester Flamenco guitar, Fishman amplifier, and microphones. I am glad to hear that my initial impressions were incorrect. I value fairness and believe in second chances. I have not yet had my guitar inspected; if you are open to a fresh start and are willing to perform the inspection, please let me know. I would be happy to update or delete my current review and provide a five-star rating upon a positive experience. Finally, having worked extensively in customer service, I would suggest that if a specific time is set for a follow-up, it is best to honor that commitment or reach out to explain any delays. Clear communication is always preferable to leaving a customer wondering if their needs will be met. I look forward to hearing from you.

I've visited Gryphon a couple of times to purchase equipment and also show off my own builds. On…read morethis occasion, I had called Brian the repair manager about diagnosing and repairing an issue in one of my self-built custom instruments-- microphonic pickups. Brian was transparent that they were fully booked for at least two weeks of repair work, but he encouraged me to bring the instrument in anyway. I made it in that afternoon, and Brian unhesitatingly tried out my instrument with an amp and confirmed the issue. Although there was nothing he could do (pickups need to be replaced), his feedback was helpful and he explained why he felt the pickups were probably defective. He just did this as a favor at no charge, which I greatly appreciated. On the way out, I showed the bass to another employee and he loved it, and gave some helpful feedback, as well. I left the store with the impression that these guys just love instruments and everything about them, which is how a musical instrument store should be.

I visited Gryphon for the first time in my life for a repair needed and I couldn't be more pleased…read morewith my experience. Henry was able to get an old Aria classical that I purchased on eBay playing. The guitar came from a dry Arizona estate with back bowing rendering it completely unplayable. Henry shimmed the nut, made a new saddle, leveled, crowned and dressed the frets, and added new strings. The guitar became playable once again. It sounds fantastic complete with a perfect action. And the cost for all of that work was extremely reasonable!

We came here beginning of Summer as my kid wanted a Viola from here. Judy got the correct size and…read moreshared when would be a good time to come back before Fall to pick up a rental. Judy was so patient, funny, informative and kind I wouldn't go anywhere else for instruments again (and we live faaaaaar away). Fast forward to today: we came to the shop and Edmond helped us. He was just as kind, patient and informative as we went through the process of picking between two instruments. I highly recommend this place for instruments!!!

Abraham was very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. The turnaround time was quick for getting an…read moreold cello strung for my child. They placed the strings and the bridge for us. We also had bow mites, so I'm glad he told me about them before I ruined another bow. The prices were reasonable, and he communicated clearly the advantages of the different types of string and the pricing tiers.

Rex has been working on my guitars for over 30 years. He is the absolute best! He is very honest…read moreand detail oriented. He will explain exactly what he will do, step by step, to make your instrument the best it can be. Rex is extremely knowledgeable with all kinds of guitars, and I would trust him wih any guitar.

I feel like everyone knows Rex. Rex is the guitar guy in the Bay Area…read more He's done work on 3 guitars of mine over the last 20 years, and his work is top-notch. He really works with you to help identify what you're after, and offers creative solutions you might not have thought of. Recently he swapped pickups (stock pups for Air Norton + Tone Zone) on an Ibanez RG 7-string, and when I explained I was after tonal options, he suggested we throw in a half-out-of-phase push/pull pot. The end results just sounds perfect. He got his start doing military-grade electronics in the Navy. His work is clean, and it lasts. I have an RG 570 he swapped pickups on, and a Fender Strat, and both still just play and sound like a dream. He's busy, but it's worth it, especially if you need any work that's out of the ordinary. Rex's breadth of ability is pro-level.

My kiddo has been going to Mrs. Julie's weekly group piano class for about a year and a half, and…read moreit has been such a positive experience. The class starts at a slower, steady pace, with a strong focus on fundamentals instead of rushing through songs. This approach has really helped my child feel confident and comfortable as they learn. Even though it's a group class, Mrs. Julie truly pays attention to each student. She makes sure everyone understands, helps correct technique, and never moves on until the kids are ready. I also love that every class begins with listening to different chords, which helps build musical awareness early on. The class always ends with a sweet goodbye song that includes the line "we say goodbye to our friends," and it's such a thoughtful way to wrap things up. One thing I especially appreciate is that Mrs. Julie encourages students to look beyond just the class material. She shows them how what they learn in class can help them explore and understand other pieces they like, which makes learning feel more meaningful and empowering. Mrs. Julie truly wants music to be fun for the kids, and her teaching philosophy is centered around the idea that music is a journey--not just one song, one test, or one recital. She acknowledges that there are ups and downs along the way and encourages students to be confident and learn how to figure things out on their own. Throughout the year, the school hosts winter and summer recitals, giving the kids something fun to work toward. Students get to choose songs they're excited about, and Mrs. Julie reviews them to make sure they're appropriate for each child's skill level. It keeps kids motivated without pressure. The overall vibe is warm, supportive, and encouraging, and learning piano feels fun rather than stressful. This class has been a wonderful introduction to piano and music in general. Highly recommend for families looking for a caring, well-structured group class for beginners.

Very concerning experience at Canon Music with our 4-year-old in a group piano class. About 10…read moreminutes before class, several young children arrived early and were waiting in the classroom with their parents. There was no reminder about noise, no guidance on where families should wait, and no staff present to supervise the pre-class environment. A male teacher from a neighboring classroom suddenly rushed in, visibly upset, and loudly scolded the waiting children and parents, saying they were disturbing his class. The children and parents had no prior awareness that they were causing any issue, and the situation could have been easily handled through calm communication. Instead, the teacher's reaction immediately frightened the children--one child began crying on the spot, and my daughter froze in fear. The situation then escalated further when the teacher became involved in a heated confrontation with a parent that nearly turned physical, all in front of several 4-5-year-old children. After returning home, my child showed clear stress reactions and repeatedly expressed that she no longer felt safe returning to this location. For a children's learning environment--especially for preschool-aged kids--this lack of emotional safety was deeply troubling. Parents of younger or more sensitive children may want to consider this carefully. Update: Following this incident, Canon Music reached out, apologized, and refunded the unused portion of our tuition, which I appreciate. I also want to share that Ms. Julie, our group piano teacher, was very caring and dedicated, and our child really liked her. It's unfortunate that we won't be able to continue learning with her. My original review reflects the experience that led to our decision to withdraw.