Came here for the first time and met James. Was looking for a guitar for my son who came with me. James was super accommodating and nice. Explained alot and was so helpful. Son broke the guitar string came back the next day James again fixed it in like 2 mins and again was super helpful. I live real close and this is probably my go to store now. Thanks James!! read more

Dusty's guitars? More like dusty ass guitars you're not allowed to touch! I played one and he said "well now I have to re-polish this whole thing". I'm sorry considering purchasing a guitar from you was such an inconvenience! They have 1 fender and 1 Taylor locked away. Not a single good guitar brand in sight. read more

Really bummed to write this. I love supporting local and will pay more to support local. I bought my boyfriend a guitar case for Christmas and he absolutely loved it! Unfortunately, i don't know anything about guitars, so I purchased the wrong size case. When I went to return the case, the nice young man told me I needed to bring it back when the man who sold it to me was in. I went back the next day and the salesman who sold me the case refused to take it back, and pointed behind him mumbling something about no returns. It still had the tags on it!! To make matters worse, i looked at selling the case online and saw that the case is for sale online for half of what I paid at Dusty's. Real bummer. Wish they would have told me about their 'zero return policy' when I bought the $140 case. read more

Dusty and James are very chill, kind, and accommodating! They gave me a generous trade that I felt was very (perhaps slightly more than!) fair. Very personable, knowledgable, and the shop itself has a few very specific and interesting instruments. Will always visit whenever I find myself in Oceanside. read more

This place is great! Always kind, give out multiple discounts if you're kind and respectful to them. Suuper helpful. I got a strap, tuner, strings, and batteries for free from here!! (Of course months apart lol) They will always have my business. Great great people. Don't listen to these negative reviews. read more

I visit this store often for items and supplies the main staff are incredibly kind and helpful for whatever your needs are! The amp selections are really good and they give really good pricing for everything! Dusty may come off a bit harsh to most folks but he's a good guy great place to buy a guitar they've always got some new great guitars coming in. Thanks James for all the help for my gear! read more

Ole crusty farts won't let you touch any guitars. Just stare at them and decide if they sound good. lol Not exactly how that works. Nothing really that decent in there anyway. read more

I really wanted to like this place because I feel it's important to support independent local businesses - particularly music stores. Unfortunately, the guy behind the counter was rude to my son after he politely asked if he could check out one of the 3rd-tier import knock offs this place appears to specialize in. "Only if you plan to buy it" was his reply. Little wonder the sign outside said they were moving. Take your business elsewhere. read more

We love Dusty's!!! Shopped there for decades! I a local treasure without a doubt!!!!! read more

I'll try to keep this brief: I drove by two days ago and their signs made it look like they were liquidating inventory. I don't usually look at reviews but as I pulled up directions on Apple Maps, I noticed that this place has terrible reviews about the character of the guys who work there. I went in yesterday to see if I score any good liquidation discounts. I was hoping not to talk to any of the workers because I expected them to be jerks. They weren't liquidating, but Mike was the one in the shop, a southern fella, could not have been a more friendly guy. I bought a small noodle amp since my nice amps are at my parents' house in LA. Today I went back to exchange said noodle amp for the same amp with a higher wattage. Dusty was the one in the shop. I was shocked at his friendliness. Totally the sweetest dude. The upgrade to the higher wattage amp was a little more expensive than Sweetwater's prices led me to believe, but Dusty shaved $20 off the top to make my trip worth it. It's a small guitar shop. I'm not saying to expect discounts, but this dude did not have to do that and he did that. A friendly fellow who made me feel super welcome. Even gave me a few stickers and told me "don't be a stranger now." Based on other reviews, people don't like that they don't let you pull guitars off the wall and play them. This is a small shop, and each guitar represents and important chunk of the living these guys make. I think it is totally reasonable that, if you have absolutely no intention of buying a guitar, you aren't allowed to play it because there's a risk the your belt buckle or zipper on your jacket scratch it and then those guys, who probably don't make millions already, have to sell that guitar for an even lower price because you blemished it. I will definitely go back to Dusty's for repairs and accessories. So far, mine is the most reasonable review I've seen, I hope you agree. read more

This place has great service. Went in looking for a guitar case and we got an awesome deal for it.

People loose the opportunity to be nice . Loose potential Coustumer cause rude atitude, I go to store, I'm musician and guitar collector. I go visit and feel No Wellcome...,one crap old guy ask whath I like? What? Look me like bad vibe . I think wrong protocol, right? Other cenário: Hey Buddy How are you? Wellcome to our store, feel free to any question. You look some ting in specific? Im here to help you... Enjoy the ambient. Better, right? read more

Had a great first experience bringing in my original 60's Guild Starfire III to Dusty for a set up. They did an awesome job of giving it a clean up job, fixing the action, etc. He also repaired the output jack and put on some new strings all for right around $100. Dusty was super friendly and knowledgeable regarding vintage guitars and equipment. Happy to have a local go-to for any guitar related needs in the future! read more

Dusty's Guitar - Dusty with my 60's Guild Starfire III post-set up. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

I was new to the Oside area- needed some new strings- and found these guys through Google. Was pleasantly surprised by the vibe there. Since then I purchased two guitars, the most recent being a 12-string. These guys are not only knowledgeable and friendly, they are also very generous. They offered me a great deal on the instrument and then threw in some freebies and discounts on accessories. I am very happy with my purchases and will continue to use Dusty's for my forever music addiction! read more

Dusty's Guitar - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

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These guys are pricks. Came in asking about vintage guitars got terrible reception. Avoid this place

Recently visited this guitar shop with my Son. The older gentleman working( assuming it was the owner) not even greet us when we entered the store. After 5 minutes I politely asked him if I could strum a guitar for sale that was hanging in the wall. The man working looked at me and RUDELY said to me "you gonna buy it?" I replied, " now I I'm not." I try to support small businesses in this beloved country however I would never give my business to a business owner who is rude. I'd rather give my money to guitar center (kills em to say that)! read more

We bought a used amp for my son here recently. What a great little shop! The owner was super helpful and friendly. For such a small shop, he has a great inventory and his prices are really competitive. If you're looking to shop local, skip guitar center and head to Dusty's read more

Dusty's Guitar - Great used amp collection - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

Perfect! Had my guitar fixed. Fast, professionell and friendly. I love supporting great local businesses wherever I can!

I've been buying gear and getting gear serviced at Dusty's for just a little under 4 years. I want to preface this with letting the reader know that I fully understand the couple grand I've spent over the past couple years is not going to make or break this business nor does it make me feel entitled to spectacular service. I walked in on 11/26/23 to trade a tele I didn't want anymore, I browsed for about 10 minutes when a man walked in with a guitar that he wanted to sell, he saw mine in the process and asked me if I wanted to trade. I expressed interest and in the same breath suggested he meet me at my car to continue the conversation, before I could pack up my guitar (un-named) employee starts cussing us out and yelling. Told us to get the f out and never come back. Maybe it's not the best guitar shop etiquette on my part how ever, the response was uncalled for, unprofessional, and unacceptable. I will not be going back. Carlsbad music shop is a fantastic choice for a locally family owned guitar shop, and has a much nicer selection for much much more reasonable prices. Anyways I love the Gretch I got out the trade so overall worth it. read more

Me and another guitar on the way to a gig stoped in, we buy guitars, we have credit cards. We we unable to even touch a guitar without being asked if we were gonna buy it. See ya never bye. read more

Dusty really needs to re-evaluate the way he interacts with his customers. He is a bitter, rude, indifferent, old man. Perhaps he is that way because he never made it as a musician in the '60s and is now relegated to selling inexpensive, obscure brand guitars for as much as possible in order to pay for his no doubt exorbitant rent/mortgage on Coast Highway. He may be a decent technician, I don't know. I build/repair/modify all my own guitars (as well as those for others), so I have no need to ever let him touch one of my instruments. I'm sure I do better work anyway. I live within walking distance of the store and the only time I would ever consider going in there is to replace a string or similar small item when I need the part immediately. read more

Look, everybody has different expectations of what and what should and should not B. I came in and had two guitars strung and was given a range to pick them up. Dusty did a good job and quickly. This store has beginner and intermediate guitars and a case of the $$ guitars. It's a good ok' guitar shop read more

Dusty is the worst, I was taking lessons there. The teacher was about 15mins late. I picked up a guitar to pass the time and Dusty came and took it right out of my hands. I've heard similar stories from others about bizarre behavior when people try to play the guitars. His erratic behavior could be explained by the handles of Jim Beam stashed about the store that his employees call "Dusty's Happy Juice" read more

This place is awesome. Right on coast highway. The outside is vintage and very cool. But then you step inside and your like BAM! Guitars all over the wall! Everything a musician wants. There's a gentleman at the counter working on a guitar and I roll up with a bunch of dumb questions, and he just smiles and answers me, sells me the strings I need and a tool I didn't know I needed! Smooth cat! All the while place is bustling with people coming in for lessons etc. I love the location and the vintage signs out front. Great customer service...I will definitely return and highly recommend! read more

Dusty's Guitar - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

Great guitar store. Folks who work there are very knowledgeable. Quality instruments for sale. For anyone into music, it's like being in a candy store. read more

Shady little guitar shop with extremely unfriendly staff. Cheap poorly made instruments, and one of the worst vibes I've ever got. I doubt if this place makes much money off selling guitars, appears to be a front to me. I almost expect the staff to be rude in a guitar shop, it's kinda a thing. I can deal with that. But I only expect that when I walk in and they have a legitimate inventory. When you sell crap guitars you can't act pretentious IMO. Will never go there again and advise everyone to steer clear. read more

I've been to dusty's guitars multiple times, i come to look for stuff i need in a pickle and every time i come in i get terrible service. you ask to try a guitar out and it seems like it's a big thing for them to go grab one. dusty is rude to me and everybody i know that comes in which is mind blowing cause we come there enough to get stuff. he also talks to customers like they don't know anything about music. i was looking at a guitar and i would've been down to buy it but the service you get there is just shit. so i went to guitar center and got something better for less. I DO NOT recommend dusty's guitars. but i will still come when i need guitar cables right at that moment. read more

I took my amplifier to Dusty's on June 5 and they sent it out to their amp tech. On July 13 I called and Dusty's told me, "He's working on it as we speak." I called back a week later--still sitting there with their tech, so I said "Just get it back to me ready or not." What a total waste of time, not to mention my $60 deposit. read more

Great selection of guitars... just picked up my new baby, and I'm stoked.. awesome personal service from Dusty. Don't buy your guitars from Guitar Center - go support a local trader, who is generally a great guy! Thanks Dusty, I'll be back....FGC read more

Definitely delivered fast and reasonable in price. I called ahead of time to make sure they offered repair on bass amps and they said "come on in." I took it in on a Saturday and they had it ready for me on Monday. Boom!!! I'll be back for business. Only downer to me was the bass selection(I didn't notice the guitars). Looked to be beginner basses, but I guess basses may not be the hot item in Oceanside. Otherwise, great spot! read more

Dusty's Guitar - Repaired and ready to go! SWR Super Red Head - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

Decent selection of guitars, but not an exhaustive one. The fellow I talked to knew his stuff. I didn't find what I needed, but it was pretty specialized. Price ranges from inexpensive to stupefying (older American guitars have become astoundingly expensive), but otherwise a good variety. This is largely a guitar store, so not so much in other instruments. The accessorizing is very good, but not extensive. A nice independent music/guitar store in the midst of huge competition on El Cajon Blvd in San Diego. Start here. read more

Lovely shop. Bought my tele from me at a decent price (not as much as I wanted but considering how immediate it was, I'm happy). Great people. Dusty and Mike are honest and reliable. No BS. That's all anyone could ask for in a business. Keep up the great work. read more

Owner/ manager was absolutely inhospitable and down right rude! He ignored my friend who came in with equipment she wanted looked at and tested for possible electrical issues. He didn't greet us when we entered, then asked to help a customer who came in after us. The customer was very cordial and told the owner that we had arrived first. Kindess goes a long way. Not recommending this place to anyone with technical questions. Especially time constraits. read more

Belittling and Rude. I stopped by here to look at their guitars in which they seemed to be overly protective of considering that they were in unprotected display, like guitar center where you just pick up and play. There was an older gentleman who had told me to not strum the guitar, then returned to tell me the buttons on my jacket posed a threat to the integrity of the guitar. Finally I had taken of my jacket and wanted to look at purchasing a guitar so I had picked up a last guitar in which the older man walked by me again and had said "that's not how you play it" While these are educated and professional musicians, their lack of costumer service will prove to be an issue in their sales. read more

I stopped in there yesterday with my son who just needed strings and picks but I'll be going back there when I'm in the market for another guitar. The gentleman was knowledgeable and straightforward and offered my son advice on how to get better sound out of the cheap guitar he's currently fixing up. It's probably not the place if you want a hardcore, fake salesperson fawning all over you to get you to reach into your wallet, but he had a good selection of guitars, the prices on the strings and picks was much better than a mega-store like Guitar Center, and being a small business, was a much more personal transaction. read more

I wish I could give this place a higher rating. The service was absolutely great and I felt like they really took the time to get me what I wanted but also at a fair price. I will definitely be a returning customer! read more

Love this place! I've purchased 3 guitars from them over the years! Super rad group of guys read more

Great customer service and some finds to be had with trade-ins, too! Classic place that I always love and happy to still see around. read more

This shop is in Oceanside, so the nearest Guitar Center is San Marcos. Take the 25 minute drive, don't stop at this store is my advice, not worth it. The guy that works there is a nice guy. The owner, not the same. If your going To run a small shop, I won't say boutique Because that means typically handcrafted or high end guitars, not the case there,ask what they want or what they are interested in. I don't care how long you've done something, if you've lost the passion to care about your customer, sell!! Want a good place to buy a guitar, keep on driving. I will never Stop in again and I live in O'side! read more

Found Dusty's on a walk through town while on vacation. Got excited to see a small business music store, that was short lived...Around 4:00pm on a Thursday, James, was an excellent customer service rep. Unfortunately Dusty, didn't enjoy having me in his shop for whatever reason and said I had about 5 minutes to make a decision on a combo amp??? Sooo I must blindly buy from you after trying two completely different combos? (I came to purchase because an RV can't hold an SVT.) I had been in his store for no more than 15 minutes, that's including browsing(pull your cctv). He pulled the old "were closing to get the mail, so if you choose in 5 minutes James can ring you up". I wonder why does it take 3 grown men to get the mail? Why close when you have a customer in your store? why are you kicking out potential customers in your empty store??? After I left to meet my fiancé and mom down the road and walked past them not 15-20 minutes later, doors open he's still there working on the same acoustic. They look at us carrying a bunch of vintage western we purchased. Hey dusty, you're the reason big business takes over mom and pops, your customer service is terrible!!!!! Don't judge people how they're dressed or look. You probably should wait until they open their wallets before booting. James selected the amps, he did the EQing, pulled a bass for me. If you didn't lie about closing. I would've left with the Warwick combo...unfortunately you were lying, then left jaw wide open as we passed by your open shop with other small businesses merch. I feel terrible for James, he has excellent sales and is quite nice. I really hope he's not on commission. This place is an absolute dump with a lot of parts-casters, a bunch of guitars shaped like the real deal only to see the head stock with some random name on it, I could go to all parts to do that. He had his prized Singular 2000s Gibson Sg standard in the display case...wow special. Do not waste your time with people like him. Luckily another business was close by and I bought a combo from them. I truly sat with this experience for this entire week before posting. Just bring your new balances for running when he kicks you out of his store for trying to buy stuff. You don't deserve one star, but by default I have to so that one star goes to James. Dusty, well, quite a fail! This guy clearly preys on new musicians, so buyer beware. Do your research before wasting precious life. read more