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!

Just bought a ukelele from here to keep practicing as a beginner, they have good intro/beginner…read morepieces up to more expensive and studier pieces. The range I saw was from sale items at 49.99 up to 200+, they have a good, moderate amount of choices at each level, with different brands and accompanying acessories! My ukelele is a soprano, a great beginner ukelele I was practicing with, got it for $75 with tax and a carrying bag included in my purchase, if I remember correctly, tag price was $69.99 I did ask if there was something similar to a brand/type of ukelele I started my practice with but I was then getting sold onto the more expensive pieces that I didn't have experience with and didn't ask for so that was a miss for me. Wish I got more of a relevant recommendation but the workers were sweet, they let us browse by ourselves for a good amount of time before stepping in (which good for me because I needed time to think, compare, and browse). When we went, there were a handful of other customers inside the store, it's located in a small shopping center but the store is bigger inside than it appears on the outside. The parking situation was just okay, not bad, could use a tad bit more space, we went ~1p the parking lot was full minus 2-3 spots but I noticed cars came and went from the time we got there until we left so it seems like there's a couple spots free at any given time due to the traffic coming in and out for small errands. Lots of instruments and accessories to be found inside and the workers seem to be happy to help find what is needed! Pretty well organized inside to find what you need on your own though, I was able to find the ukeleles quickly.

We're very lucky to still have this music shop in San Jose…read more... Very friendly knowledgeable experienced staff.... I just had the intonation set up on my old Gibson Paul and it plays great... Ask for Terry to set up your guitar... Thank you.

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

What a pleasant experience I had while getting my daughter's trumpet repaired! Raleigh, the brass…read morerepair specialist, saw me right away and, after diagnosing the issue as a simple fix, completed it while I waited. Not only that, he chatted with me as he worked--I really enjoyed learning about his passion for brass instruments and the band he's part of. He even went the extra mile, fixing a few dents and adjusting a key that wasn't quite up to his standards. It was a great experience, and I will definitely be back for all of my family's instrument needs.

I have been buying from this shop for over 30 years. I've…read moreseen Vern there forever and he is still there. I like the variety and set up of the shop. My Excalibur guitar was purchased from the old shop in 1993. Good place for used gear and have always been treated well. I've only been yelled at once for playing too loud.....lol

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!

Came here with my drummer friend to get some gear. The associate I think his name was Sandro was…read morevery nice and gave us great service. Other associates working were very friendly they also give music lessons. This is definitely the store to come if you are a musician or looking into being one.

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.

Native Bay Area resident and have always heard of Gryphon. Never had a guitar that needed a setup…read moreI couldn't do. Took my Martin Sc-10 for a setup due to high action after purchasing it used and the shim system they use. Went in to talk and Bryan took my guitar in and was very informative about the service. Guitar was ready promptly and when I went to pick it up Paul greeted me very kindly and we had a great conversation about the Bay Area old days and Skip Spence. My guitar action was perfect. Can't say enough kind words about this place. Highly recommend their service and a visit to the store. Beautiful acoustic guitars.

I definitely would recommend entrusting the work done on my guitar/Ukulele to the luthiers and the…read morefine folks at Gryphon. The Luthiers are fine craftsmen who enjoy their work and it shows speaking with them and viewing gorgeous instruments displayed on the walls and around the showroom. A definite one stop shop for high end string instruments

The staff is welcoming and very friendly. They answered all of my questions and didn't rush me…read more Nice.

Connie is a queen, this place has amazing service, wisdom, and instruments. Great for lessons,…read morerepairs, and instrument sales!

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.