I have visited Gryphon on at least 3 occasions and they have been nothing short of professional, friendly and helpful. The last time I visited I needed my bass looked at to make sure it was ready for a recording gig in Vancouver. The technician gave my bass the once over and even brought me back to his work area to give me a few pointers. I am sorry I do not remember his name but he knows what "customer service" means. You guys rock! read more

I used to take a bunch of group guitar lessons at the back of this guitar store and thought they were a great way to meet others interested in learning folk guitar, finger picking, harmony singing and songwriting. A very casual, fun way to learn guitar in a group environment, so I highly recommend it. I have not bought a guitar here, but the staff is very helpful and they carry a wide variety of beautiful guitars. read more

WOW. Amazing selection of acoustic guitars, Lowden, Santa Cruz, Martin, Collings and more. One of the best selections of fine musical instruments I have ever seen in the country. Although their guitars are mostly very high end, the store also carries entry level products. The staff is helpful and pretty laid back. I have been in the store a few times and the staff has been generous with their time. The people who work there seriously care about music, musical instruments and know a lot. They also have a repair technicians which makes them a complete guitar store for setting up guitars, changing the action and other repairs. read more

I had my Fender Custom Shop Bass set up here and the experience couldn't have been better. Next time I buy an acoustic, it will be here. They are not the cheapest but the service and the knowledge is what you pay for. All in all, a good shop with knowledgeable staff who take the time to help you make the right choices. read more

I'm pretty sure I walked into Heaven when I came here. I was looking for some songs books for my Uke. I bought one about two years ago, decided about a year after I bought it (when I moved to Thailand) that I was in the prefect place to actually start learning how to play it (via Youtube videos). Sadly, when I moved back to the States, I put it down and didn't touch it for the last 8 months. About a month ago I realized I was being dumb and finally picked it back up. I love it, but the Youtube videos could only take me so far. Enter Gryphon Stringed Instruments. I came for a book so I could expand my song catalog past the one song I knew. My friends were tired of hearing me play the same thing over and over again, so I figured for the sake of my friendships, I would give a book a try. They had a small selection, but a decent one. Although it was a small selection, they had a good range. Anything from classical to rock. I was super stoked to find a uke book for Glee tunes. (Super fan of the show - don't judge me.) After finding the GREATEST BOOK EVER, I moseyed on over to the area where they kept their Ukuleles. I have to admit, I wondered around for a bit before giving in and asking if I could play the instruments. No one asked if I needed help, but I figure that's because they didn't want to be pushy. Once I started playing the instruments, a few people told me they would ask any questions if I had some. Then they offered to let me play a vintage 1940 Martin Uke. Oh what a sound! I'm sure I'll go back there just for the opportunity to play more types of ukuleles. I've been wanting to see what a Banjo Uke sounds like... read more

I love Gryphon. I bought a guitar here once. Everyone is very nice. They have nice house strings, which are a pretty good deal. I love you, Gryphon Stringed Instruments. I wish I had more time and money for playing music :( read more

Sure Gryphon isn't the cheapest but you have to pay top dollar for the best service and repair! A great guitar is like having a Ferrari; you don't just take it to big-o-tires to get new tires! You need to go to the best and that's Gryphon for guitars. I only come here for everything guitar related. They repaired my Gretsch Power Jet that had a broken neck and I could barely find the break after they fixed her up. If you love gear and guitars like I do, these guys are hard to beat. read more

Awesome place with an amazing selection of vintage and new instruments. Old fashioned customer service. I hope they are here forever. It's always best to play the instrument that you want to buy first. They all sound different even if they are mass produced. You have to play it, look at it to really know what you're getting. read more

I have been going to Gryphon's and buying from Gryphons since 1976. Sometimes when I'm in the area I stop by just to see all those beautiful guitars and other stringed instruments. Then I got to try out a couple guitars, shame on me. They always have had and still do at a high caliber of customer service and a great selection for the serious beginner or veteran musician. They can answer all your questions with a good attitude. Stop by and pluck a few strings and then you won't want to stop playing. read more

Came here to get a setup for my classical guitar. A bit expensive but they managed to get the action lowered pretty excellently and to my liking. Pretty good service as well as they were good about explaining everything in detail. Only thing that was a bit annoying was that they left a few greasy smeared fingerprints on the guitar body that I had to clean up. I would recommend this place to others. read more

What a fun place to look at perfect accoustic instruments - guitars, mandolins... Almost as much fun as some museums, although if you have the money for good stuff, it is a lot more fun. Bought a Taylor from them a few years ago and would buy from them again. read more

I had the guys at Gryphon do a neck reset, a new compensated saddle, nut, pick guard, and new frets on my 40-year-old Martin HD-28. Frank Ford did a thorough assessment and his recommendations were conservative. He called on Brian for an opinion on the neck reset. They agreed that it was not really necessary at this point. But since a fret replacement is part of the reset, and I definitely needed frets, I decided to do it all. Brian Michael did the reset and saddle while James Hingston did the frets. What a great job! I should have done this ten years ago. I will definitely be using Gryphon for my future guitar work needs. Thanks Frank, Brian, and James. read more

Awesome service and selection. If you love guitars you just found your piece of heaven at Gryphon. I went in for the first time a few months back at lunch for some replacement strings and didn't leave until dinner time. read more

Look folks this is a great guitar shop, not an impersonal "center", with a full range of products and services. They have excellent guitars in a complete range of prices. Choosing the right sound, action, maker, price is the hard part, but they have helped me in each of the times I have been there. I went in there to have my Martin worked on. The service department (Brian) ran me through the options that are covered by warranty. He told me it would take two weeks which he beat by one day. He also lowered the action and put on a strap button. I am completely satisfied with the work and the prices. My daughter paid my bill as a Christmas gift to me (great daughter, huh?) AND was so pleased how she was treated at the store that she baked them brownies which I delivered. Watch out for chocolate on those strings. The fact that I would be without a guitar for two weeks was not a problem since they rent guitars for $25 a month. Derek bought out the renter and tuned it up and I was out the door. I actually liked the action on the renter quite well. On another occasion I went in to buy a capo and Derek took the time to lay out several of them, ask my application, explain the advantages of each and help me make an informed choice. I felt that even though I am not a professional player, they treated me with respect and patience. I mentioned to Derek that I enjoyed a demo he played on the website that had been removed becasue the guitar was sold. He was kind enough to immediately email the link of his playing to me. That is great personal service in my book. I have had many good experiences at Gryphon and wish I could play the guitar as well many of the people who frequent the store! O read more

Best shop around for high quality stringed instruments. I have purchased two Martin guitars from them over the years and have loved every minute I have spent playing them. Customer service here is always excellent, the staff are very knowledgable and willing to assist you in finding just what it is you were looking for. I continue to shop at Gryphon for all my stringed instrument needs. read more

I recently brought in an Epiphone ES-339 Ultra because the frets weren't quite level and were keeping it from playing like I knew it could. I have had less than satisfying experiences taking my other instruments to other places in San Jose so I figured after researching Gryphon online I would have better luck especially since I am very satisfied with the bass my girlfriend bought from Gryphon. Having more than one specialist I was sold. So I brought in my Epiphone and Brian immediately found a few problem areas using a few tools and reassured me they could fix it. Even a bent tuning peg. When I got my guitar back in less than the time they told me which was a week, I was so happy! It plays so good now I don't like putting it down and felt strongly compelled to leave these guys a review. It is better than new now. This is now my go to music store for repairs and now possibly more! read more

String heaven, best selection of ukulele and banjo in the bay area. wish they have more dulcimers

In my quest for a new mandolin (researcher by trade) and having narrowed my search to a Collings MF Mandolin, I found myself browsing the Gryphon web site. Being over 500 miles away, I was concerned about spending a significant amount of money on an instrument I would not have an opportunity to see and play first. I contacted the store and asked if there was anyone available who was knowledgeable about Collings Mandolins, and would be willing to spend the time I would need on the telephone to make my decision. I was introduced to Tom Culbertson. Tom spent a great deal of time with me answering all my questions, addressed my concerns and shared a great deal knowledge and opinions ranging from feel, materials and finish options. This was a very long conversation at a very leisurely pace that was continued the very next day resulting in my decision to purchase a beautiful Collings MF Honey Amber mandolin that arrived in good order. I could not have been more pleased with the purchasing process, the ease of the sale and the instrument itself. Tom at Gryphon made my entire experience world class and I can't wait to pay this company and Tom a visit down the road. read more

awesome place to find quality stringed instruments - though they specialize more in acoustic instruments as opposed to electric. they don't have that big of an amp or pedal selection either. i had to buy a whammy bar the other day, they were cool enough to look through their stockpile to find one that matched the color of my guitar. wasn't necessary by any means, but pretty cool. their string deal is buy 3, get 1 free. read more

The average rating for Gryphon is 4 & 1/2 stars so they hardly need my 2 cents, but here I go anyway. Simply put, they're THE place to go if you are seriously in the market for a quality acoustic stringed instrument in northern California. They carry everything from R. Taylor custom-shop to the radical designs of McPherson acoustics. There is no perceived arrogance from any of the staff which is so common in a lot of other guitar retail establishments. I've also had a few minor repairs done there and the service in their shop rivals the quality of their guitar inventory. I don't even think I paid for any of the work or advice received which is common practice. If I did, the fee was nominal. Stop reading and go test drive some great acoustics! read more

These guys are great. They refretted my 1969 Martin D-18, and repaired two body cracks at the same time. They had anticipated having to reset the neck due to the age of the guitar, but discovered that it didn't need it, and left it as-is, so the job came in at under estimate. It seems like this is really a players' shop: they get your guitar in condition to play well, not just look nice. The staff is super helpful, but no-nonsense, and the selection of guitars is ridiculously great. Fantastic. read more

Only $10 to put strap button on my tenor uke. That's a nice price. Felt so obliged that I bought a strap from them, too. That wasn't so cheap, but I like it. Great music store in the middle of nowhere. read more

One of the best stringed instrument shops in California (the other being McCabe's in Santa Monica). A great selection of all kinds of instruments, and accessories for those instruments. Don't come here looking for a bargain, although they may be available at times. These guys know what they're doing, and they're very good at doing it. read more

I've visited Gryphon a number of times to have my guitar cleaned up and tuned up by them and left each time very happy. I had a lot of patina on some of my chromed pieces on my guitar and they were able to polish it up no problems. They even finished the work a few days early too! I look forward to the day when I pick up a nice Taylor guitar from them... read more

The customer service is absolutely the best! They've helped me beyond the call of duty. Expertise about guitars like no other shop, and I've been to many, many shops. Also, I read some other reviews about people having a negative experience testing guitars there, but mine was the complete opposite. I played 5 different guitars while waiting for a set up that I couldn't get just right, and no one was bothered with my playing the guitars while I waited. read more

I've bought, sold, consigned, and had instrument repairs done at Gryphon for 25 years, which is about half its history since it was started by Richard and Frank in 1969. IMHO this is the finest guitar shop on the west coast, quite possibly in the country (I haven't visited every single one yet). Yes, it's high-end focussed, but they also have decent beginner guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukes. The staff are full of knowledge and very professional; some have been there for decades, which says something about the spirit of the place. They don't hover over you, which some may misinterpret as standoffishness, but I much prefer to be left alone to browse and perhaps gently play some instruments I may not be able to afford, and the staff are there and helpful when needed. It's a business, but a welcoming one, and you don't get hassled if you drop in, try out one or two beautiful instruments, and leave without buying anything. And as for repairs - they are certified for Martin, Taylor, and maybe Collings. I believe Frank Ford can repair anything that strums, picks, or twangs - check out his blog at Frets.com! Richard has published definitive books about Martin guitars, and articles in magazines like Acoustic Guitar. These people are at the very top of their field, you cannot find better folks to deal with, or nicer. Eljay in P.A. read more

Besides it's wonderful selection of fine guitars, this shop is probably the best in the Bay for getting work done on your acoustic guitars. They built a new bone nut for one of my guitars that came out perfect and solved the problem I was having. They also carry some very hard to find strings, like Argintine's for Selmer style guitars. An always helpful staff.. read more

Great music store! Used to take guitar lessons here when I was younger. Loved it and my teacher! Today I purchased a Little Martin LX1 and they gave me a free restringing card that never expires and they offered to change the action free of charge if necessary. The guitar was all set up and ready to be used immediately. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. read more

High quality guitar repair for both electric and acoustic instruments. I'd trust them with high end products. Plus, it feels good to support a small local shop. Good stock of rare acoustic guitars and a few electrics but don't go there looking for deals. read more

Heaven on earth, great employees, a must if you're into cool/vintage/unusual/great quality guitars, ukuleles (tons), banjos and mandolins.

My friends and family have been dealing with Gryphon for several decades. I have always found the staff to be most helpful regardless of what I am purchasing. If you want advice just ask! This is a good place to go to if your instrument needs attention. Sometimes the repair shop is very backed up and it might take a week or two to have your work completed. The reputation of the repair department is excellent. If you have a problem with an instrument they are a reliable place to go. The selection of musical instruments, literature and other goodies will keep you busy. read more

I guess you could call me a musician. I've been shopping at music stores all my life, anyway. Although am not currently living in the SF bay area, I hope never to be too far away from a good string shop like Gryphon (I'm not. Luthiers Co-op in Easthampton, MA is awesome!). This shop is packed full of guitars, mandolins, banjos, and other stringed instruments. They have a pretty good selection of used and new. What I really appreciate, however, is the absence of filler stock - cheap, imported instruments that look good but aren't worth buying. I bought my first banjo at another shop where guitars were the main event. It was set up incorrectly and started to fall apart before too long. I wish I had spent my money at Gryphon, where I later bought a different banjo (deering goodtime) for the same price which is lightyears beyond my first one in quality and sound. It was priced below MSRP, too. I wouldn't have bought that first cheap banjo at Gryphon, not just because their staff would have steered me away from wasting my money, but because Gryphon just doesn't stock garbage in the first place. Other reviewers complain that Gryphon sells expensive instruments. It's true that you usually get what you pay for in the instrument world, at least when you pay for a really cheap instrument. If you care primarily about price, go to Guitar Center or shop online. You might love what you find. That wasn't my experience however. It's true that most of the instruments at Gryphon are far out of my price range, and I too harbor some resentment towards people who casually plop down a few grand when they feel like buying a brand new guitar all kinds of gold hardware and pearl inlay. But the instruments that are within my reach are not overpriced. Like I said, the banjo I actually bought was below MSRP. Buying something really cheap that falls apart on you -that's how you get taken advantage of. Buying a quality instrument for a fair price is not so easy to do at some places, but it's possible at Gryphon. The folks behind the counter vary in their interests and expertise, but I've always been able to get the advice I need. Never any pressure. Nobody is falling all over themselves to help you, which might be off-putting if you don't know what you're looking for, but if you call ahead they can probably help you figure out what the best time would be to show up and find someone who can help you with whatever it is you're looking to do. read more

I love this place! They have such a wide array of high-quality stringed instruments, they are so knowledgeable and friendly, and their repair shop is the best around, it is well worth the drive from Oakland. I bought my ukulele here (after choosing from their large selection), and i've given their gift certs as presents. Even if you don't play guitar, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, or any other string, this shop is still worth the stop! Give 'em some business...We need to keep quality shops like this open! read more

Gryphon Stringed Instruments sold me a Hamer Mahogany Artist online and over the phone. They had excellent pictures that really showed the guitar as it is (ie not overly photoshoped) and that made a decision fast and easy. The whole transaction took 10 minutes (compared to an hour on a damaged guitar the worlds largest music store.) Grant, Matt and Derek answered all my questions, which ran the gamut for item, shipping etc, etc. They were very nice and even said thank you and you're welcomes. I got the guitar in better than described shape and the transaction was flawless. What more could I ask for? Thank You Gryphon Stringed Instruments, I will keep you in mind for all purchases for instruments. Sincerely, Rodip read more

this place is a great guitar store. easily the best repair shop and finest instruments for sale in the bay area. they know vintage stuff better than anyone and are honest and have integrity. you won't buy a bad instrument form these guys; if you do have an issue, they will take extra effort with any instrument purchased from them. this is not rock shredder palace or a store for wayne's world types. gryphon specializes in acoustic instruments and select electric instruments. not a lot of selection for amps. prices are not cheap, but i believe they are fair. i have bought and consigned at least a dozen instruments with them over the years, and unlike other stores, never had to worry about getting paid or worrying if an instrument was not as advertised. that said, my only negative comes in the form of an older woman who works here who has some kind of issues. on more than one occasion she has been abrupt, rude or downright mean. for example: one time i brought in two vintage guitars to consign. they totaled more than $4500 in sales, which equals more that $1000 for them, based on 25% consignment fee. i asked one the guys for a small bag to carry out some case candy from one of the guitars. when i went to the front desk and asked for a bag, she barked, "they cost 25 cents." when i replied one of the guys said i could have one free, she turned and screamed, "who told him he could have a bag?!" this is absolutely a true story. i don't know if she has issues with me personally (i've never really spoken to her much) or is just an unhappy person, but it's the only stain on a pretty much great experience with this store. read more

You won't find better service in the Bay Area. The folks at Gryphon are friendly, genuine people that know stringed instruments inside and out. Their repair department is second to none with Frank Ford running the shop. The work is professional, reasonably priced and done in a timely fashion. Over the last year I've taken my prized Gibson's into the shop for a few repairs and adjustments and have always come away happy. The teachers they have on staff are also great; I can highly recommend Walter Jebe if you're interested in learning any type of Americana music. Could not recommend these guys enough. read more

One reviewer said they had the largest collection of acoustic guitars in the USA and planet. Do not be miss-lead, obviously that reviewer hadn't been to many stores. (Elderly and Guitar Showcase blow the doors off of Gryphon in what they have to offer in guitar stock). Gryphon has a great repair staff, but are usually so backlogged that it can take 4-6 weeks before you get your guitar back. The repair quality is high read more

New to music, and went here because this was the closest music shop. Admittedly, I haven't checked out the competition, but I doubt I ever will. The staff were exceptionally helpful, and the atmosphere was very relaxed . . . most of the employees were aging-hippie types who really care about their customers and do everything they can to make you feel welcome in the shop. The only issue some might have is that, as others have pointed out, it's not a place to shop for the cheap stuff. I didn't take a star off because I don't fault them for marketing upscale - but if you want a cheap instrument to beat up on your learning curve, I would get it elsewhere - this is a place to get an instrument that you're going to cherish. read more

Gryphon Stringed Instruments has the best repair shop in the region. The staff at Gryphon are honest, knowledgeble and experienced and will make bend over backwards to make sure that the customer is stafisfied. I can say this, because this comment is based upon personal experience. You can get a real education taking with some of the craftsmen at Gryphon read more

The best store for acoustic guitars in the Bay Area ....their staff are good musicians.. and best guitar technicians.. in town. read more