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

Dusty has an attitude problem. Look, you are no Yngwie Malmsteen, Yngwie can have an attitude..why? because he shreds, and he's part of a supergroup with Steve Vai,you know. You're not. So don't go on a hissy fit with me, brah. I don't appreciate employees at a business who comes off as prudish, especially owners. The crap in here is overpriced anyway! That's what you get on coast highway. It's like used car salesmen, but guitars instead. Woopee. read more

I discovered this hidden gem of a music store thanks to Reverb. I got a killer deal on a 90's Purple Jackson DK2. Dusty went out of his way to make sure that I was happy by setting up my instrument and also changing some of the screws that were rusty because of the age of the instrument. The packaging was superb equivalent to the packaging from a factory when you buy a brand new instrument. Overall they provide an excellent..excellent service! I look forward to do more business with this music store! Thank you Dusty!!! read more

After consulting my fellow Yelper's of course I decided to take my dusty old acoustic guitar to, as fate would have it - Dusty's Music Store along Coast Highway. It's right across from the DAV (yes, I'm guilty for stopping in and scoring on a few boys tees I might fit into that cracked me up for less than a buck each) on the right side heading South in case you need help finding it. I've been meaning to put new strings on my guitar for sometime so I could learn a few basic chords to play along while I sing my favorite songs to, ummm... myself. Ha. The man at the counter was very friendly - I told him I consulted Yelp in choosing his shop and he seemed a bit out of the loop and hadn't heard of it but now he knows where some of his customers are reviewing and finding him from! He first responded with- oooooh, Yelp, GREAT GUY! I laughed to myself... I think I might have gotten bamboozled but I'm not sure since it's costing $40 to put silken steel strings on my guitar. Plus an included polishing of my frets? Um, ok. Can't hurt I suppose. I'm just happy to be one and done even though I'm sure I could find a friend to string it. Ya, I probably should have had a friend re-string it. $40 is a bit steep. Strings are definitely easier on the fingertips than regular steel strings. I'd go back again for sure. read more

Being a gigging musician and somewhat okay at what I do, I found Dusty's years ago. I like supporting local "privately owned" small businesses and the big box music stores, whom I call the "evil empire" just don't do the trick for me. Sure the selections at those places are huge and the prices, at times reasonable, however, the cold and sales driven atmosphere leave me feeling a bit neglected and put off. At Dusty's it feels like a place you would want to get to know the people working there. The selection is okay but the service is outstanding every time I have been in there weather it be for a question or to by some accessories or strings and what not. Recently my wife purchased for me (not from Dusty's) a used Fender Jaguar from a private party. Though the guitar was really nice and had a freakin awesome tone and sound it had some set up and intonation problems. It really needed a pro to address the issues so I took it into Dusty's on my Friday afternoon errand run. Dusty himself was there and explained they would take care of it, making string selection recomendations and quoting me a 35.00 to rectify any issues the guitar had. 35.00 for a complete set up, strings and adjustments...are you kidding? what a great deal. The best part was it would be done by the next afternoon. Well, the guitar absolutely sings and what a deal. Thanks Dusty!!! read more

the dude behind the counter didn't seem to want my business with his bad attitude. But I gave him a chance anyway. I dropped off a guitar for some soldering and he gave it back to me with nothing fixed and charged me close to 200$ when I got home and tried to play it I realized they never fixed it at all. I brought it back the next day and they tried to charge me again I wouldn't recommend giving them any of your money. read more

Only come into this store if you know exactly what your looking for and buying. They do not give refunds which I have found out with buying a mediocre amp. I'm not an expert about amps so I thought they could lead me in the right direction, sadly I was wrong. After trying to get a refund over and over, the owner finally decides he will give me 20 dollars for the amp that costed me 4 times as much while the amp being in the exact same condition as when I bought it. This truly shows how quick they are to take advantage of someone that is willing to trust them and also gives a sneak peak of how low quality their merchandise is and the markup they have if I am only being offered a fraction of what I bought it for. This was all after I was told on the phone I was going to be taken care of and refunded, so I drove 30 minutes to Dusty's Music store just to waste time and money. read more

Dusty's is by far the best music store ever! My 9 year old son was given an electric guitar for Christmas.. We went to Dusty's to buy him an amp. (Our first time there.) Dusty was there and he was extremely helpful and very nice right off the bat. Sold us a great amp for an awesome price and included a free guitar lesson! The lesson (with Tim Flood..highly recommend!!) was great, and my son has continued going to lessons there for over 3 months. I am now there once a week and hear Dusty deal with many customers . He is extremely helpful, greets every single person as they walk in, and is very knowledgeable about every single instrument in there (mostly guitars, but he also carriers ukelele's, violins, drums etc..) I have no idea what other yelpers are talking about by saying he doesnt allow people to touch anything unless they plan to buy.... My 2 year old comes with me weekly to her brothers lesson and plays the drums and bongo everytime we are there.. Not to mention during the time I am there, at least 2 people will come in and test out guitars.... I have never ever heard Dusty be rude to anyone in his store before. My son loves going here and even my 2 year old LOVES going to Dusty's and hanging out with him, watching him fix the guitars and playing the bongos. When my son is ready for a new guitar (or needs anything music related) I will absolutely be purchasing it from Dusty's. I know that he is honest, and has his customers best intrest/needs in mind. He must be doing something right since hes been here for 30+ years!!! read more

Great price for guitar lessons, there really friendly and patient with you as your learning the cords. read more

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

I went in with my wife to just to look around, I ended up buying a 500w bass amp for a great price! I was able to try it out using their guitar, the owner and staff were very nice and helpful enough to make a happy purchase! A very positive experience! Thank you! Rudy & Josie Osiders read more

When I turned 16 years old, my father bought me a silverburst Epiphone Les Paul. I had been looking at that guitar for months in a guitar center magazine and dreamed about owning one just like it someday. I was obsessed with it after my dad got it for me! I showed it off to all of my friends and we would jam for hours, days on end, probably pissing off our neighbors. It became my escape throughout college and most of my early twenties. When I enlisted, I didn't have as much time for it and it became a display item instead of my creative escape. I took it into Dusty's last weekend and it was in real bad shape. Rust on the fret boards, gunk build up on the board and I was afraid it wouldn't be the same. Nevertheless, the guys at Dusty's took amazing care and brought this treasure back to life! It sounds and plays better than it ever has. I feel like a teenager again sitting in my music room, plucking away until my fingers practically bleed. Thank you, Dusty's. You brought back something that can't truly be put into words. read more

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

I was never treated so rudely in my life. I was in Oceanside on vacation and took my son there to look at guitars and buy some small accessories. We were told we could look at but not play any new instruments, because any pick marks or finger prints might reduce the sale price of the instrument for their online store. So we played used ones. Then, one of the grouchy old guys came and took the guitar right out of my son's hands, saying that if he puts even the slightest mark on it that he couldn't sell it for top dollar. So he switched to another guitar. Then another old grouchy guy came out of the back of the store and told him to put this one down because he could reduce the sale price, even though it was a used instrument. I told the guys if they didn't want me there, please tell it to me directly. They said we could stay, but it was clear they weren't interested in anyone being allowed to play anything, only if we had money to plop down and buy a guitar. I told my son we should leave, and he asked if we were going to get any accessories. I said to him that I couldn't spend any money here on grouchy and mean people who don't want our money. We left and went 25 minutes away to Guitar center, played guitars, bought accessories and had fun. I will never darken the doorway of this shop ever again and will always say negative things about them to anyone who is in the area or even asking about online purchases. These people do not deserve the hard-earned money by nice people like me and my son. read more

The service here was AMAZING! Took my son in for new strings and they ended up cleaning his guitar and adjusted the neck. They were so friendly and knowledgeable. I will only be going here for his guitar needs. read more

I don't care what people say, even though he did say to not touch the guitars unless your buying, he wasn't rude. In fact he was clear and very polite about it, and I get it, he sells the guitars on display so he doesn't want any damage done to them because he won't be able to sell them (especially the expensive ones). I told him I was buying so he let me touch as many as I wanted and was very helpful along the way . After I found the guitar I wanted, which we already dropped $200, the older man working behind the desk told me he'd drop another $100 from it. With my purchase, he gave me 3 free picks, and when I asked for a cheap strap he gave me one for free, and a free pack of fender strings, as well as a lifetime warranty for the guitar. So I ended up paying like $325 for a $560 guitar with a strap, picks, strings, and warranty! read more

This place is perfect for all your guitar needs. From intermediate to expert, it has something for you. The staff (I'm assuming Dusty) was very helpful and friendly. I highly recommend stopping by and checking out the place read more

I walked in with a two weeks old acoustic guitar that was purchased somewhere else. I asked them to perform a setup and came back in an hour. I am a new guitar player, but I was shocked at how much better the guitar felt to play after the lowered the action and changed the strings. I am still a player learning, but my guitar is such a pleasure to play now. The staff was friendly and helpful. read more

My kid who loves music and sits around in his room playing guitar all day went in here to check out classical guitars. The guy behind the desk was pretty much a total A hole to him and told him to leave until his dad came back with money. So while I will say Dusty's is a pretty amazing shop they don't know shit about customer service, and a lot about behind the desk guitar snob douchery. And no my kid was not a disrespect jerk. He sat in the corner playing Jim Croce songs and was told to leave. I will not be picking up a classical guitar from here for him for Christmas. read more

Unfortunately, I had to give them at least one star :/ This guitar shop sold my parents a guitar that MSRPs for $340 for almost $400 because they didn't know much about how much it should cost and wanted to get me a nice birthday present. (I can find the same guitar NEW online for $237 and $140 on e-Bay!!!!) The guitar has a bowing AND twisting neck that wasn't obvious to my parents or I when I got it, as well as sound quality issues and a bad buzzing (which Dustys later tried to fix with tape). This was a NEW guitar. UGhhhhhh I took it to a Luthier because I noticed there was obviously a problem, he then informed me about how screwed over my parents got and the issues with the guitar. He even wrote a note explaining every issue and stating that I should receive a refund. When I went to Dustys to calmly discuss the situation and maybe get my guitar repaired or traded they REFUSED and the owner yelled at me, telling me "You will never get a dime back from us, the guitar is your problem" (I was about a month past their return date) and he basically kicked me out of the store. They were rude, sleezy, and should be ashamed of themselves for swindling good and hardworking people out of their money. Thanks for trying to make a quick buck and screwing someone over. Also make sure to research what you are getting and the price if you are really set on going here! I will NEVER go to this shop again, and I hope someone reads this review and decides to not OVERSPEND and get SWINDLED out of their money here. read more

The selection is representative of the store owner who is more interested in profiting off of a sale than making life long customers. Though there are a lot of cheap options, most are from brands that a decent musician would not recommend. It is nice that the options they offer are cheap, but even then they are priced above most retail. My experience was pretty much awful. Traveling up the coast visiting a few music stores, good amount cash in pocket and intent on buying a guitar that day... I walked into Dusty's. The kid behind the counter was nice, but really had very little information. When I asked about the "better" guitars, a dozen of so in a glass case, he talked about them like they were unobtainable. Then, when I seriously inquired about one, he referred me to a tired old guy on a stool. The guy said something like "those are real expensive, like a grand." When I replied that that was well within my price range, he said, "Well Dusty doesn't want us to get those out unless you're really going to buy." I replied that I was interested in buying that day. He looked at me like I must be joking, stating, "I don't even know the price on those. I guess they're not for sale." Not for sale? The guitars in the front case of the store? The one's with price tags on most of them? Whatever ol' fella, I will carry on. Dusty, it seems like your employees don't have any desire to make you money. Don't know if they were judging me and my buying power, but just know, you missed out on a sale to someone who would've been appreciative for a long time. I will go to Buffalo Brothers, Music Mart, Randy's, or Guitar Trader. read more

GREAT STORE, GREAT SERVICE, GREAT OWNER. Dusty was fine, and cordial, both times I've visited Carlsbad, and rented a guitar to play, on vacation. Rented an acoustic for $15/day (seems reasonable), and he threw in some free guitar picks, each time. How can you expect to be treated like royalty, if you just go in, sit down, and start playing a guitar, without showing any interest in buying or renting anything? He's a BUSINESS, not your personal 'jam hangout'. How come everybody who disses him is ILLITERATE? Over-privileged, under-educated crybabies might not like him or his store, but I DO. GIVE THE GUY A BREAK. If he were as bad as some of you say, he wouldn't have managed to stay in business for over 30 years. Try starting and maintaining a business, yourself, and stop whining. I'm sure there's more (mooching) to some of these stories, than the writer's let on. read more

I wouldn't recommend going in there if you are female. The guy is obviously sexiest. I walked in there WITH a guitar, with interest in buying another. He didn't offer me to try ANY of them even after I said I would never purchase one without playing it. He totally ignored me whenever another customer would come in, called every guy customer "bro" and when I decided to purchase just some picks beyond my better judgement of giving him ANY of my business, he called me "honey." ...yeah, dude, girls DO play instruments so maybe you wanna pay more attention to them if you plan on selling them anything. read more

The BEST guitars and the BEST people! So nice, so friendly and the most knowledgeable. Definitely the best guitar shop in all of san diego

As an Oceanside local and musician, I support local music businesses . These guys are always friendly and informative . Thank you dustys!

this is the second time I have used Dusty's to do work on a guitar. I just picked up my guitar and immediately brought it home to "take a ride" and I could not be more pleased!! both times EXCELLENT SERVICE and the price could not be more reasonable (almost too cheap!). Same service at another shop quoted 3x the price. If you live in the area, go to Dusty's for all your guitar needs (and no I am not a relative). Just a fan of quality work at fair prices. read more

This is my second bad experience with this store. I'm from carlsbad and like to support local stores when I can. The other music shop in the village doesn't have a very good selection, and the closest real store is guitar center in san marcos. The first time I went into the store I was looking to buy a full bodied acoustic. Basically was talked out of buying anything by the owner. I thought that was strange. That was a year ago. I bought exactly what I wanted from craigslist. I went in today to look for a hollow body electric. I said I was looking for a new sound for me. I asked if I could hook one up to an amp and hear it. He talked me out of an HBE and anything else. I got a real negative vibe from the owner. If he wants a store full of instruments that do not sell because of his attitude, so be it. I was the only human being in the store. I went to guitar center and bought a used gretsch and an amp. read more

The best new and used guitar selection around! Amazing lessons by Greg Douglass, the former guitarist for Steve Miller Band (he wrote Jungle Love!) They do the very best repairs in all of San Diego... North or South County! This isn't Guitar Center and THANK GOODNESS! You get someone who knows and loves what they're talking about but they won't be stoked if you grab an axe of the wall and start destroying Stairway to Heaven (a la Wayne's World) We make it a point to stop in and see what kind of new (or old!) stuff they have everytime we're in North County! read more

I needed to replace a whammy bar that I had lost the previous night at a gig. I live in the O.C. and was headed south to a gig in San Diego. I thought maybe on the way down I'd find a Guitar Center. Using my phone I found Dusty's site.They were freeway close, and both Dusty and his employee were helpful and friendly. I got the bar and Dusty even offered to make a needed adjustment to it. It felt good to patronize a small local shop in this day of disappearing Mom and Pop establishments. I'll make a point of going back and maybe next time spending a bit more cash. Guitar Center has it's place but guys like Dusty are the backbone of the economy and deserve your business . read more

Love this place, I'm local to Oceanside so it's a privilege having this shop so close. The shop guy Tyler is super nice and always takes care of me when I come in. I've had the shop work on my acoustics and electrics, they always sound better afterwards. read more

Definitely like this place or picking up strings, picks and extra stuff I need for my guitars. The guys are friendly and don't get all weird and condescending like at Guitar Center because I'm a girl. read more

The people who work there aren't friendly at all. You can't play a 150.00 acoustic guitar without being asked if you are going to purchase it first. I get it's not guitar center but you can't expect someone to come into a guitar store and not want to try out a guitar. I will never do business with them. read more

Great music store! Dusty was so patient and encouraging with my 12 year old. A simple guitar string purchase turned out to be a whole lot more thanks to Dusty! Will definitely shop at this great local spot! read more

Got my first ukelele here and I love it! They were really helpful in picking mine out. I plan on going there for a few lessons!

Tyler was so nice and helpful. I really hate going into music stores but here they offer assistance and aren't pushy. Wonderful customer service and great attitude. read more

This was a great experience for me!! I bought the $79 guitar special. My first guitar. They didn't try to talk me into a bunch of other stuff or a higher priced guitar. I got a free 1/2 hour lesson and some picks. I will definitely recommend them to anyone looking to buy. I like honesty "gotcha sales" I will be back to buy from them again! read more

Dusty's Guitar - Nice sounding folk guitar...a nice first one. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oceanside, California

Well, try returning a small defective purchase here, and have your credi card flicked across the counter in disgust by the owner! No customer etiquette at Dusty's. There are so many other guitar shops who enjoy helping customers find exactly what they are looking for. I will not be shopping at this Oside store, again FIRST TIME AND LAST TIME at this shop. read more

Employees are always helpful and know their stuff. Brought in my ESP to get re-strung and set up and Dusty did it right there on the spot. Great accessories and selection of picks and small items any music enthusiast needs. Only complaint is that the selection is a bit more towards middle and low end guitars with a few gems thrown in here and there. Highly recommend for servicing and maintaining instruments and any accessories you need. Great little local shop. read more

hey! i bought a kawaii guitarii yes, dusty great, i broke guitar riding on san diego transit, bus & trolly drivers deliberte try to cause poor folk to fall & break guitars & mandolins, but dusty's guitars are www.wonderful,wee he did also have a great deal on a "howard roberts" artist series jazz guitar!!!! his is $2,000.00 cheaper in price that a certain shop in chicago i visited & another shop in north lagunna beach..same guitar. if i were't not afraid the mass transit would break it before i could return to san juan capistrano i'd try to buy the great epiphone jazz howard roberts artist custom guitar. read more

Dusty and Mike are SLEEZY salesmen I've spen thundreds at this store and the guys still ask me questions like "hey man, are you going to buy something or what?" Dusty told me this HIMSELF... me: "I'll buy this guitar from you instead of guitar center but I need to try the guitar before I buy it." Dusty: "why? you already played it at guitar center. You don't need to try the one I have. They're going to sound the same." I feel sorry for the inexperienced people that go into his store and get taken advantage of by Dusty and Mike. They ALWAYS try to get me to waste my money! They're SLEEZY salesmen. If I didn't have the knowledge I have about music equipment, Dusty and Mike would do whatever they could to get my money. I can't believe this store hasn't shut down. Dustys Guitar, you give local music stores a bad name! read more

Dusty's has a ton of hard to find, high-end guitars. The service is very helpful and the prices are reasonable. I am a fan of this store.

I've never been so offended. Worst service ever. It wasn't Dusty, but some other guy working there told us to go to Guitar center if we wanted to try guitars, and barely gave us a greeting. We went in excited to play some guitars to see which one to buy and he said: "unless you're buying you're not trying." I've bought my strings here for years because I support local shops, but after the way he treated us we are never going back again. Moreover, we live across the street and decided to ride our skateboards to the shop. He stereotyped us as loser skater kids saying, "usually people on skateboards don't buy a guitar". As a proud member in military and a North Country San Diego native, I will make it known to all the musicians, and military musicians I know that Dusty's Music store ought to be boycotted. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS STORE. read more