Richard, July 24, 2026: Fantastic Musical Instruments in Pasadena, CA is a real "bass shop". Tom Kerr was very gracious to me when I was trying out basses a few years ago, even after I returned a fine bass I had on trial. I ended up buying a Pollmann Bass from another store. However, when I needed a set-up, , cleaning, and sound adjustment, I took my Pollmann to Tom. My bass now sounds better than ever, and he had a solid string recommendation. Also, just this week I bought a Kay Bass, circ, 1940 from Tom, for my bluegrass, gigs. It was reasonably priced and he did some work I requested for a minimal charge, adjustments to the bridge curvature, and a replacement tailpiece cable (I wanted a new Teflon version). I kept the original metal piece since it was part of the original bass. Thanks, Tom, for your expertise and gracious manner with me as a customer who needed some guidance. read more

What an absolute gem of an instrument shop that I feel so fortunate to have come across. I went in because I'm potentially on the market for an upright bass, and I cannot express how glad I am I stopped by here. Not only do they have an incredible selection of beautiful instruments, but owners there are such phenomenal, down-to-earth, compassionate people. Nicky was in the store helping me out, and they spent so much time allowing me to try all the different instruments and talking me through them and answering my questions. The shop also has a rental option as well where 50% of the rent goes towards an instrument of your choice (doesn't have to be the rental). If you're looking for a high quality instrument with amazing service, this is the place to go. Could not recommend them more highly! read more

Tom and his daughter put a new tuning knob and plate on my 1948 Kay. They did an excellent job and painted it to match the others. Lowered the action as well. This is the go to place for Upright Bass repairs in the area. Thanks. read more

Upright bass players' heaven! Tom has been amazing with helping me get everything I need for my bass. I'm so grateful for FMI.

Fantastic shop!! Massive inventory, the owner is very knowledgeable and helpful! Gave me great advice on my vintage cello.

Over the years that I've been very happy to have fantastic musical instruments in my local community. A knowledgeable family owned business. Tom the owner has always been very patient with my novice questions. His daughter and son are very good luthiers. I recently made another bass purchase, ( a rare American Standard 1936) I felt comfortable and felt I was treated fairly. read more

Absolutely amazing service!!! My son is starting cello at his school and my friend let me borrow her son's so I don't have to rent. I have no experience with string instruments, but she told me it needed to be adjusted. Took it to another store and they took 5 days to even give me a quote and that's after I called to remind them (waste of time). On top of that it was 3x the price! Another mom recommended FMI and they stayed open so I can make it there to drop it off (Wednesday). Gave me the quote on the spot and was transparent about what needed to be done and pricing (needed a new bridge to be fitted). The daughter was extremely helpful and patient and told me she'll try to get this done the next day (Thursday) since my son's first class in school was the following day (Friday). Absolutely love this place and will certainly come back! read more

Great store, these guys are the experts! Great selection, great customer service. Thomas is a great guy and very knowledgeable.

Amazing service, so helpful and bought this awesome ukulele!. The kind man let my son try out the bass guitar, giving inspiration to my sons future musical endeavors. Thank you! read more

Fantastic Musical Instruments - So cute! - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Pasadena, California

I actually found this place from reading Yelp reviews. My daughter had damaged her cello and we were shopping around to see how much it would cost. I was shocked when I got quotes from two other cello repair stores who aren't truly repair shops. They gave me a ridiculous quote and then told me they have to send to another place to get the repairs done. They were quoting double the amount as Fantastic Musical Instruments. When I found this place (family owned), I was so relieved to find someone who was actually doing the repair and took the time to explain the process, timeframe, and quote. The experience was such a relief. I now come here anytime we need cello repairs. (Which is surprising a lot, weather really messes with the glue). If you are looking for a cello or bass, or looking for repairs, this is definitely the place to go. read more

good selection , and good deals on the preowned basses , parking isn't too hard to find on main street , recommend to my fellow musicians

If you are a string player young or old you Have to Visit FMI Music. If you have family Or a friend that has an interest in Any stringed instrument., FMI will help nurture the Love and Need for music in your life. Music is in your Soul: From Guitar to Stand up Bass, Classical Music, Rock n Roll, Rock A Billy to Blue Grass, FMI are the authority, to help you, encourage the need for musical expression. Visit Asap: Do not take my word for it, visit them in Pasadena asap. The music bug lives in us All crying to come out of you, your family and your Friends. Enjoy - your in good hands, Looking forward to seeing your music progression! read more

I dropped in here with my son on Saturday. The owner greeted us at the door. Within moments he helped my son get sized for a used violin and then found us a wonderful violin, bow, case, and rosin for a reasonable price. Zero zero pressure and pleasant to talk to, even took the time to show my son how to tune the instrument and even let him try playing it. Really positive experience and I'll be happy to come back and support this business. read more

This was our first time visiting the store. First, the driveway WILL sneak up on you so go slow, as you turn in the driveway you'll see the storefront straight ahead. You can park right out front and it is not metered parking. Sunday's are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY so plan accordingly. Nicky was so patient and kind explaining all we needed to know about the different instruments available and provided us with new information as well. This store really has everything you would need for a bass. They even have a case you can rent if you suddenly find yourself needing to travel with your bass. It's a quiet store so it's easy to hear the sound of the bass you try. There is also the option to try plugging into an amp and really hear the sound. There are new and used instruments to choose from. Tom was also a great help showing us the different features of a particular bass we picked out. Love this little hole in the wall shop. read more

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My 2nd 3/4th full bass came from here. A super friendly staff, excellent service, wide selection of all types of basses. A wonderful selection of pickups accessories. read more

Overall the owner was very helpful for figuring out what I needed, as I was a first time buyer, I ended up leaving with all my questions answered and a beautiful bass. Thank you for that! read more

I had such a wonderful experience here. I traded in one of my old, neglected violins for credit toward a new one for my kid to learn on. She loves it. Getting a bow restrung, too. They are so knowledgeable and friendly, really helpful. Highly recommend this family owned business, and can't wait to go back again! read more

man!!! I can't scream my praise enough!! Tom, who's shop this is, is the baddest dude. Made me feel so welcomed. I was looking for a cello to purchase and he worked with me, answered all my questions and wasn't trying to oversell anything. And the instruments he has are beautiful. Some quality upright basses, mainly basses but also other stringed instruments. As honest as it gets, I brought my friend an he felt the same warm vibe in there. It's rare you go to a music shop and you're treated with kindness despite you being talented or not. Thanks Tom and FMI :) read more

Owner Tom and his daughter Nicky were very well informed on things strings-related. They also have fair prices, terrific customer service and they don't try to sell you things you don't need. They were recommended by a few of our music teacher friends and for good reason. Our most recent visit was targeted at getting a good A-string for my son's cello and obtaining a wolf silencer as well. We will be back for our instrument needs. read more

Fantastic Musical Instruments - Strings, strings, strings! - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Pasadena, California

Very professional and super personable! Great work for a great price! They specialize in upright bass, but they worked on my guitar too. These are pros & they know their stuff! read more

A really awesome store to buy your upright bass parts and strings they have a nice selection of Nylon slap style strings. Can't wait to visit in person this summer.. John J Whigham read more

Been this place a few times To get gear But this is The 2nd time I've been to this place during biz hours And it be closed Never again read more

My daughter has a cello that needed new strings. They had them and changed them on the spot! Very professional, they know what they were doing. I highly recommend! read more

I decided in the midst of not having to go to work that I would try to re-learn guitar so looked up music shops around me. Guitar needed new strings and a tuning first. They are super knowledgeable, friendly and it even took less time than they quoted me! Cool to see all the beautiful instruments they have in the shop too. read more

This is a great place to have your violin strings and bridge replaced. My violin turns 100 years old next year and the staff there treated it with love I expected. I also had them repair a bow and it sounds so good. read more

My cello needed some TLC after a cross-border move and Tom was amazing. They freshened her up and she sounds better than ever. I will most definitely go back for any future instrument needs! read more

So where do I begin? I was looking for an upright string bass, and I randomly found this shop. I stumbled into Fantastic Musical Instruments and immediately I was welcomed by the head luthier Nicky. I had such wonderful service and I met the whole family to who are just wonderful people. Very loving family to give quality service and products. They do quality work, and quality time, and for a quality price. They have a wide selection of upright basses, they have some cellos, they have some guitars, they have some ukuleles and other various instruments. Please please go and shop and support this business. - Derek F read more

I bought a Milano Bass from them a little over a year ago and have zero complaints. It was somewhat playable right off the bat but I had it re setup by them and it was even better. I know a lot more about basses now than I did then and still have no complaints. I fully intend to do my shopping here in the near future when I intend to upgrade. read more

I don't know a thing about upright basses but I got the most thorough explanation here. I was walked through the entire process and ultimately Got my dad a 3/4 bass. I'm very content with our purchase. read more

I can totally echo the other reviewers' comments about the excellent service and attitude of FMI. It's the ultimate low-key, low-pressure environment. I've been twice, making the 4-hour drive from Las Vegas. I've considered getting a hotel room just so I can hang out and spend more time talking and trying out basses. read more

BASS HEAVEN This is the premier Upright/Standup Bass Shop in the Greater Los Angeles area. I have contacted the owner for several services/repairs; always walking away satisfied with the professional, timely results. This place has everything to offer for all your Bass needs, whether it be new strings, repairing cracks, replacing parts, accurate set-up of strings/pickup... THE WORKS! Not to mention a show room displaying 25+ upright basses at any given time, any of which are encouraged to play and the customer to try out. Im personally impressed with the 200+ year old slap bass on display, IT BELONGS IN A MUSEUM!! If you play bass or am looking to buy an upright bass, do yourself a favor and check this shop out. read more

Just got my bass back from the shop and I am very pleased with the results. Tom and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I had to get a new bridge and sound post installed. I also ended picking up a new set of clear weed wacker strings (which sound/feel awesome!) and a Hercules stand. Great service and great people, I will be back there soon ! :) read more

Fantastic Musical Instruments - Just got my bass back home from fantastic musical instruments, thanks to Tom for the awesome service and quick turn around :) - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Pasadena, California

Head luthier and owner's daughter Nicky fixed up our cello on the spot. I had thought the bridge would need repair, bow would need to be restrung and we would need all new strings, but Nicky gave great advice and did just what was necessary to get the cello ready for my son's first lessons. The shop's very cool with all of the bass and cello lined up, and Nicky is knowledgeable, skilled and easy to talk to. Very reasonable pricing and a great experience. Highly recommend. read more

This shop is a string players heaven, especially if you play bass. Filled with many beautiful instruments with good prices. Nicky and Tom are warm and witty people who give excellent service. The fingerboard on my violin fell off and needed it the next day to record and they got me up and running again overnight, and inexpensively. Highly recommend even to anyone who just wants a really cool place to visit and see a lot of wonderful basses. They're the best! read more

I have bought various instruments from FMI for my school orchestra program, and they have always delivered high quality at a low price. They make sure the instruments are set up and play properly before delivery, which is very important on string instruments. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I don't know anything about pro level basses, but when it comes to entry level equipment for the developing musician, they are way excellent in that department as well. read more

Tool in my daughters viola for repair. It was repaired on the spot, and was so happy with the price. We also got a tour of the awesome basses, and a 200yr old bass. read more

This place is aptly named, Fantastic: So knowledgeable, so accommodating and so very reasonably priced. We called shortly before closing time, the store stayed open and took care of our new string need efficiently! read more

These guys are the absolute best. Every time something goes wrong with my bass they always come to the rescue and always give me the most affordable option rather than telling me I need a bunch of stuff and over charging me. If you play upright bass come here. Even if you don't need anything you'll be glad you came. The repairs are always solid and everyone's demeanor is very friendly. I would never go anywhere else. This place is simply the best. Update: I posted this review while my bass was getting worked on. I took it home and played it a bit and WOW! My bass never sounded, felt, or played this good. It is incredible and did I mention very affordable. read more

Superb knowledge and excellent service. I showed up 30 minutes before they opened today and Kelly (or Kelley) opened up for me, no problem! Thanks guys, love the weedwacker pro line read more

This is an amazing store. As many of you already know, string instruments require skilled set-up to come alive. The owner takes amazing care of each instrument in the store. My extremely picky son could get a wonderful 3/4 bass, which the owner set up for his purpose. It is a good price, and my son is so happy with the sound and playability. We also bought a cake of rosin. Their rosin is so fresh, not like the one from Amazon. Awesome store. read more