Native Bay Area resident and have always heard of Gryphon. Never had a guitar that needed a setup I 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. read more

Gryphon Stringed Instruments - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palo Alto, California

I definitely would recommend entrusting the work done on my guitar/Ukulele to the luthiers and the fine 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 read more

I've had a very positive view of Gryphon for a long time, but recently had an especially amazing experience there while purchasing my first electric guitar. Luke listened to my situation as a beginner and was very supportive. He first validated my choice of instrument (which I'd researched in advance) and then kindly played the guitar for me on a good amp using various settings so that I could confirm my choice. Being new to an electric guitar, I had a lot of basic questions and Luke patiently answered them all - and more. He then helped me select an amp, comparing several amps and illustrating their features by playing through them. He essentially gave me a free tutorial/lesson on both the guitar and then the amp! The amazing care and attention to detail did not stop there. Luke fully set up my new guitar by cleaning it, getting the plastic wrap off of the pickguard, and fixing a tiny imperfection he had noticed. He also helped me pick a comfortable strap and think through other supplies I needed. I could not be more delighted with my new guitar and setup at home now! I am incredibly grateful for Luke's help and encouragement, and Gryphon's existence in our community! read more

Gryphon Stringed Instruments, a guitar enthusiast's haven. After recently purchasing a '24 Gibson LP Standard, I needed to have the obligatory set-up done to it to ensure optimal playing. I was shopping around for some of the best luthiers in the Bay Area to take on the job, as this guitar means very much to me. During my search, I came across Gryphon Stringed Instruments. I made the decision to give them a call to inquire about their pricing and availability for the aforementioned service. A gentleman with a very inviting voice answered the phone, he concisely answered my questions and scheduled a drop off date, approximately 2 weeks from the date of my call. Fast forward to a week prior to my scheduled appointment, I decided to take my guitar to Gryphon on a walk-in basis to see if their repair staff could do a quick once over, as I had a concern for a potential issue on the guitar that I wanted addressed prior to committing to keeping it. Upon entering, I was swiftly greeted by an older gentleman who seemed more than happy to help me. He directed me to the repair bench while simultaneously ringing the buzzer to let the luthiers know that I was in need of assistance. The few minutes of waiting was of no inconvenience to me, as I spent that time gazing at the selection of master-crafted premium electric and acoustic guitars that envelop their walls. After awakening from my six-string induced day dream, Brian - Gryphon's Head of Repairs - came to the counter and gladly offered assistance. I explained to him the concern that I had with the guitar and he obliged to take a peek. Brian handled my instrument like a mother would her newborn. His expertise eased the worries that I had. As I was packing up, Brian expressed that he would feel bad if I had to drive to the shop a second time a week later, so he offered to take in my guitar immediately to have the service done. Knowing how in-demand Gryphon's luthiers are, I was blown away that he offered to fit me in their already busy schedule; I humbly accepted the offer. 4 days later, I picked up the 'ol girl, I could tell that it was treated with the utmost care and they not only performed a wonderful setup, but they also polished the chrome on my pickups. I happily accepted receipt of the guitar, paid the $95.00 and walked out as giddy as can be. Brian and staff at Gryphon Stringed Instruments showed nothing but respect to my guitar and I. They single handedly destroyed the stigma that guitar shops have regarding the pretentious workers that typically staff them. I will never have to wonder why they've been in business since 1969, as they've already demonstrated that to me. read more

Gryphon Stringed Instruments - Brian - Head of Repairs - carefully inspecting my guitar. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Brought a used purchased guitar here to get their expert opinion on its condition. Not only did they provide helpful advice, but they answered all my questions and did a minor setup adjustment (action lowering) and peg strap install in the middle of their busy schedule so I didn't have to come back in the future. Shoutout to Brian for helping me and and rest of the excellent staff. read more

I needed to have one of my guitars serviced. The pots were scratchy and it wasn't feeling optimal. I called in Gryphon and spoke with Henry. We discussed my issue and I mentioned I was going to be in the area the next day. He scheduled an appointment based on my availability. It was my first time at Gryphon and the store was very nice. The front staff was accommodating and they took me to the service area. Henry met me and inspected my guitar and advised a string change and he will "clean up and treat my scratchy pots." He sent it with a tech while inspecting another guitar that had a slight buzz. As he inspected the guitar I met another friendly patron who was friendly and we started talking gear. After our conversation, the tech came back (maybe 15 minutes later) and my guitar was complete! I was surprised at the quick turn around and extra attention to details. Pots were fixed and a chip on the head stock that drove me crazy was painted! He made a few adjustments to my other guitar and fixed the issue. They went above and beyond to help me with my guitar needs. I had many "guitar techs" work on my guitars. I feel Henry and the Gryphon team provide honest service recommendations and will not up charge you on nonsense add ons. I highly recommend Gryphon for both service and guitar purchasing. They have great quality products and services which you will not find at 90% music stores. I only wish they were closer to me. Thank you Gryphon team and I can't wait to drop by again. read more

Definitely recommend. They are a great shop but you just need to keep an eye on them. Brought in a 12 string for a setup. When I picked it up there were two pencil sized dents in the neck. I showed it to the tech. He tried to put it off like they were there when I brought it in. After a stare down he acquiesced to fix it. Did a great job, but come on, man. This same tech also stated that my brand new Gibson SJ 200 was "not a real" SJ200, because in his mind anything under 30 years old isn't "real Gibson" Dude, I'm sorry if you can't afford it but it sure as sh*t is a "Real Gibson". (I got it from the factory) read more

I've been coming to Gryphon since the early 90's when I was in high school. Still to this day, Gryphon remains the best, highest quality guitar stores in the Bay Area, or honestly, probably anywhere. I took lessons there as a kid, and over the years have bought many guitars and amps from Gryphon, and had guitars setup and serviced many many times. The expertise and service is always completely top notch. Why I felt compelled to write a review now was the above and beyond service I received from Luke D at Gryphon. I've been on a bit of an archtop odyssey and was comparing between several L-5's and ES-175's, including several outside purchases that I brought in. Despite these being outside guitars, and with not much chance at any Gryphon sales, Luke spent a ton of time helping me measure, review, setup and coach me through how to decide among these instruments. If you have any guitar needs, and you live anywhere near Gryphon, this is the place you need to go. read more

Uniquely awesome selection of instruments, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Best place I've seen for acoustic guitars especially, and they have other types of instruments as well--mandolins and Celtic harps, for instance. read more

Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, told you, J.Q. Public, on Yelp many, many lies about. This sets the record straight. Here are five, but there are more. 1) The first lie Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, told you in his own words: "The tuners you were shown are demos we use to let customers get a feel for the Rickards so they don't tarnish or scratch the metal on the units they might want to buy. The ones we have for sale are kept in back in boxes to keep them perfect shape. The fact that you acknowledge that we showed them to you makes your claim of Bait and Switch dubious, at best." 1, A) The truth: I called ahead and told Luke D exactly what I was looking for. He said, "I'm sure we got 'em. Come on down." Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, claim that I did not say what I want is a lie. Luke D told me to come to the store and get them. 2) The second lie Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, told you in his own words: "The first thing to deal with is your claim of Bait and Switch. In a direct message via Yelp you state that you were shown the standard Rickard tuners as well as the special tuners Frank Ford modified to fit vintage ivoroid buttons. Here is the direct quote of your statement." "You had one brass colored tuner with a funky yellow knob. Not interested. You also had an unopened plastic bag containing four nickel tuners side by side with snow white pearl buttons." 2, A) The truth: When I got there, I was only shown a box with several loose tuners a plastic wrapped set of four tuners, not five, as I required. The lie Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, told you is this, "you were shown the standard Rickard tuners as well as the special tuners Frank Ford modified". I'm the one who told Michael S about the plastic wrapped tuners with snow white button that I recalled seeing in the box. These are the same unopened bag of tuners that Gryphon salesman Scott D told me cost $95 because they were modified Frank Ford tuners. If what Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, says is true, Scott W tried to sell me stock Rickard Cyclones for $95 apiece, twice their market value. Amid your ongoing attempt to bait and switch me, Scott D attempted to scam me another way entirely, by holding out stock Rickards as modified Frank Ford banjo treasures costing twice as much. 3) The third lie Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, told you in his own words: "That didn't happen because, as soon as you heard the price of Frank Ford's special tuners you, in your own words, got "loud, insistent, demanding, angry" before anyone could give you the prices of the standard tuners. You also say that no one would help you. You left out the part where you threw the tuners you were holding forcefully on the counter. Frankly, no one wanted to help you because they were afraid of you and what you might do." 3, A) The truth: Gryphon enticed me to their store to show me $50 tuners but only showed me $95 tuners. Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, lies, "before anyone could give you the prices of the standard tuners". When Scott W said the tuners were $95, in a "loud, insistent, demanding, angry" voice I told Scott W and Paul J, in that very moment, that Elderley Instruments sell them for $50 even and Stewart MacDonald sold then for $53 and change. Why ask the price? When a retail music dealer, like Gryphon Strings tries to rip you off to your face, get as "loud, insistent, demanding, angry" as you want. You're entitled to. You're supposed to. They are stealing your money. Don't spare them. 4) The fourth lie Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, told you in his own words: "You say that when you got home you wrote your first review. I replied via Yelp's direct message with an apology and an attempt to sort things out. After a bit of back and forth, you demanded that I sell you a set at 50% off, which I countered with a less extreme discount." 4, A) The truth: When I, in "loud, insistent, demanding, angry" fashion, called you on the bait and switch, you called me on the phone and invited me to the store to purchase the tuners at 100% of cost that J.Q. Public would pay, with no consideration for the fact that Gryphon Strings had just the day before attempted to commit a criminal act against me. Bait and switch is a crime in California. Gryphon Strings made the first offer - at full price. Not me. 5) The fifth lie Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, told you in his own words: "You left out the part where you threw the tuners you were holding forcefully on the counter." 5, A) The truth: I flippantly tossed a single tuner back into the box on the counter, as anybody might do with something they have no use for. I did not do anything "forcefully" and did absolutely nothing to their glass countertop. In conclusion, Michael S, owner of Gryphon Strings, has been in retail music for so long that he cannot distinguish fact from fiction, truth from lies, and right from wrong. read more

Gryphon has been my go to music store for a very long time, while they do occasionally lack in lower end instruments their middle to upper range instruments are absolutely fantastic! They are a certified dealer for Eastman and Fender, which means they can custom order instruments for you if you need. Their staff are also extremely knowledgeable and do a fantastic job of helping to find exactly what you're looking for. Additionally their instrument repair team is extremely knowledgeable and friendly! Overall I highly recommend Gryphon! read more

I'm an amateur intermediate guitar player but I've lived around here long enough to go to Gryphon many times. Whether for new strings, other accessories, minor repairs, the folks at Gryphon are always helpful and kind, and make me feel like I'm just as important a customer as the pro musicians who might spend thousands on equipment. They sell new and used gear, though mostly new. Glad they're still around all these years, given how hard it can be to stay in business for brick-and-mortar retail, and in a location without much nearby. Definitely the place to go if you have any stringed instrument needs. read more

Worked with Mike Simmons (recommended by Allegro music in Fremont) to evaluate an inherited classical guitar and a couple of others. His knowlege of the history of guitars is impressive. Staff is great, and it was fun browsing all the instruments. read more

Our experience is very limited since we only went in to look for a ukulele strap and a pick. The person helping us was patient and earnest. After a bit of investigation, there wasn't a strap that was suitable but we successfully bought a pick. More than anything, we enjoyed the inviting interior of this unassuming facade that I'd driven by countless times, and plucked a couple strings here and there of the beautiful instruments, and enjoyed the light bustle of people bringing in their own instruments or plucking others. We'll be back! read more

The repair shop is fantastic. Alfred repaired my Martin HD-28V (loose binding and some minor finish repair) and did an incredible job. The price was very reasonable and they did it within the promised timeline. Highly recommend them for any acoustic work, especially Martins. Also a great inventory of stringed instruments of all types! read more

We came here just prior to Christmas day to find a present for one of my kids. He wanted an electric guitar and was looking for a beginner instrument. We tried Guitar Center, but their beginner guitars were a little sub-par. We went to Gryphon for some inspiration and lucked out! Whilst they had a limited amount of guitars they were a very curated selection and we found the perfect instrument, glad we made the 30min drive! My only criticism was that the amp we purchased was so new it took them about 30mins to get it added to their point of sale system. read more

These guys are the best. I have been going to this establishment for more than 10 years now, and they never fail to disappoint. They have top of the line work, held together by top of the line staff who know their stuff. read more

They installed the end pin in a Martin acoustic no trouble. The website recommends making an appointment for repair so I would do that again. Thank Gryphon! read more

Great service. This is where I go when I need work on my nice stuff like my old Martin D-28 , my banjo, and my mandolin. They do take a while sometimes for service- backlogged compared to other places. Have a good selection of Martins, Taylors, as well as electics, banjos, and mandolins. read more

I stopped in to get my classical guitar restrung and I was really impressed with the quality of service along with the friendly and knowledgable staff there. I will certainly be coming back here for any future guitar related needs! read more

It's the best guitar (and other string instruments) store I've ever been to. I will probably purchase any guitars from them moving forward. I just picked up a beautiful Collings acoustic. Climate control, multiple rooms, and great service from the crew. 100%...it's the best place to demo and purchase guitars in the Bay Area. read more

I bought a Martin guitar at another store that needed a setup. I read about Gryphon at umgf.com and decided to call them. They were very nice on the phone so I drove up. Luke did my setup while I waited. I browsed the store and their amazing inventory. Everyone was very nice and they asked if I wanted to play any of the instruments. Luke set up the guitar. He explained everything he did and how it affected the guitar. The guitar was setup great. It was much easier to play with every low action. Luke even recommended a guitar teacher in my area. I'll definitely be back. read more

Absolute professionals at this shop. I will never take any of my vintage guitars anywhere else ever again. Very happy.

I had a Martin guitar that needed a set-up and they did a great job as usual. I have been going there for years and the quality of work is always outstanding. read more

I am changing my previous 4 star review to a 5. The staff is knowledgeable and top shelf shops like this are a rarity and really, a public service to their community. Support Gryphon and all privately owned musical instrument shops! read more

An ideal stop for anyone wishing to peruse great guitars. And the staff is extremely knowledgeable. read more

Great people. Courteous and professional. Great collection of guitars too. But I am not satisfied with the guitar setup service. Decided to bring them my guitars there for setup. Unfortunately, I did not feel the guitar was properly setup. Yes, some adjustments were made as far as I can tell. But the actions were high and difficult to fret. You can fret a properly setup guitar effortlessly, but it is the opposite with my setup from Gryphon. Although I do not like to discredit anyone's works, but I feel the $85 I paid was overpriced string change. I almost want to question if the Gryphon technician forgot to finish the setup after he changed the strings. Just for comparison, I recalled other technicians would spend a few minutes watching me play to give him a sense of how to setup to match my play style. They do not do that at Gryphon. read more

One of the premier music stores in the Bay Area. They have a wealth of knowledge of stringed instruments and a great selection of quality acoustic guitars as well as mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, fiddles. They also have some good electrics and amps. They also do repairs. They are authorized dealers for Martin, Taylor, Santa Cruz, Huss & Dalton, Fender, to mention a few. read more

Friendly. Caring. Honest. Nice selection. Low-key. Authorized by Taylor Guitars as a top-rated repair service! I expected to pay more for a repair and they did a fabulous job. Love these guys! This place was recommended to me by a guitar expert on Antiques Roadshow, so that tells you how great they are. Repairs on other stringed instruments as well. Trustworthy! read more

Went to go pick up a ukelele cause my kid has been interested in them lately. Service was awesome. Purchased one that day. Not disappointed. Will return when we upgrade to a guitar. read more

Regardless of if you're new to music or am old pro, rich or poor, this shop will treat you like family! My first time in looking for my first guitar I was just a poor college kid from the other side of the bay and they spent two hours helping me choose the right guitar for my specific price range. Still after many years and several guitars they are just as nice to me as that first day whether the shop is empty or at capacity and you have a few hundred or many thousands to spend! Yes it's in a ritzy town but they're the real deal and pre tech-bro take-over just really good people. I used the repair shop for the first time this week for a guitar I bought elsewhere. They were able to suggest and complete work even better and at lower cost than I as expecting. Can't beat their kindness, patience and knowledge!!!!! read more

Gryphon Stringed Instruments - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Incredibly helpful team, Brian was very knowledgeable and helped me with some issues I had with my Taylor guitar.

I definitely support a store with core values who recognize right over wrong. Please support this store.

Lovely people, lovely instruments! Thank you, love my new Mando! It's gorgeous and sounds incredible. read more

Gryphon Stringed Instruments - So beautiful - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palo Alto, California

When I moved to the Bay Area over 20 years ago, one of the first things I needed to do was find a music store that I could waste time in while slowly improving my pathetic guitar skills. Consultation with some folks in the know told me that Gryphon Stringed Instruments is the premier shop not just on the peninsula, but in the entire west coast. "That's a bold statement" I said to myself as I went there almost three years of Sundays ago. Boy oh boy, if you are an aficionado of high quality acoustic instruments, this is your place. They do have entry level instruments, but some of these are simply works of art. The tone, depth, and feel of the finest stock of local luthiers as well as the high end products of Taylor and Martin are there. At the time, some of the staff were a little bit on the dismissive side, but there were folks who knew understood customer service and they were able to help. I had purchased a Baby Taylor because I was taking multi-week trips and I needed something to play, and it had the mix of size and sound I needed. Almost 20 years after that purchase, the guitar needed some adjustments. I contacted Taylor and they noted that Gryphon was considered a premier shop. My 20 year old full size Taylor was playing well, but I was curious about a couple of the signs of wear. I requested an appointment online and made an appointment with Brian a few days later. They are really sticking the landing with the COVID precautions. Fully masked, very strict headcount inside. I met Brian outside in the receiving area. I brought a tuner and I was fully prepared to show in detail what I thought the problems were with the Baby Taylor, but as soon as Brian saw it he was saying my words as I opened my mouth. The intonation was off, he could tell without even playing it, and he said the adjustments and modifications he would make. We also looked at my full-size guitar and after a small bit of appreciation he asked a couple of quick questions and we decided it's okay for now. The repair was quickly quoted and I was given a reasonable time for its completion. No guarantees, but they were finished very early. Prices were well within expectations. So Gryphon Stringed Instruments still leads the peninsula in quite a few categories, and when I get GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) again, I'll probably drop by. read more

Still amazing, but following the industry they have a vast quantity of very good lower-priced instruments, from Martin, Taylor, Blueridge, and Bristol, as well as the top-end. read more

One of the best guitar shops in Northern California. Awesome techs and cool selection of used and new instruments.

Brian at repairs is my new best friend (unbeknownst to him). I play a kind of uncommon model of instrument, and as a result, there aren't really replacement parts that fit it. With that said, I went in for a consult (scheduled in advance in accordance with covid precautions), and Brian spent a solid 20 minutes walking me through my options. Extremely helpful stuff. I've also bought two guitars from here in my life, and both of them are great. They have a great selection of mandolins as well! read more

This store is loaded with some of the best mandolins you will find in the bay area. Northfield, Eastman, and the cheaper Kentucky. They were helpful and let us try out any instrument we wanted, made a nice slow and careful decision on which one to get. I'm not sure about their instrument repair, but there was a couple guys back there doing repairs. The store is well stocked and has some vintage instruments as well. And tons of free picks that say Gryphon. read more

Thank you for all you do for the community! This the type of business I support. Great customer service and super friendly knowledgeable staff. Keep up the great work. read more