I started as a mere novice musician turned happy customer who brought in a used guitar to be restrung and worked on a bit. However, I called back to ask about vocal/instrument lessons and so am here to rave about the Magical Marzuki, who I would love to believe is a strong representation of the quality of instructors Mountain Music is lucky to host. (The staff have been lovely to work with too.) Specific to my experience, Marzuki G is magical. He is empathetic, personable, and has been wonderfully able to communicate his expertise in both the body as an instrument (vocals) and music making as a whole. read more

Excellent service and fair pricing. What's not to love about sales folks who give you an honest opinion.

I'm so pleased with the service I've received from this wonderful local shop. Adam ( the owner ) set up my new Stratocaster and fixed my Martin so perfectly. I feel like I can play so much better now. It's nice to practice without the stress of knowing the guitar is just not right. Extremely happy!! The entire staff is friendly and very helpful. Definitely getting my next guitar from Mountain Music!! I know they will help me get the perfect guitar. read more

Craig and Gregory both so lovely and kind as I walked in and quickly bought a guitar to learn on, not even remembering which way to hold it ("are you left handed?" - Craig) Gently mentioning lessons, picks, etc... yes, please, and I promise I'll be back. A very cool space run by nice people who help, don't push, and don't make you feel dumb for not knowing anything. Love a local business too. read more

Mountain Music Store - Me and my new beauty! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oakland, California

Whenever I get a guitar, I bring it here and have Adam give it a setup. The price is right and Adam's detail oriented eye doesn't miss anything. The thing I should be doing is having Adam look at guitars BEFORE I buy them because he often has bad news for me. Either way, we should all be grateful that shops like this exist in our communities. read more

Fantastic local music shop. They have a ton of gems here - electrics, acoustics, amps etc. from various price points. I just picked up an 80s Ibanez RG 750 from them. My cousin a '76 Martin D28. Both were reasonably priced. This is the type of local business I like to support! read more

Had a great experience there buying a guitar with Gregory. He spent a lot of time helping me trying new guitar and never pressured me to buy one. read more

Let me start by saying that I'm a novice guitarist looking for lessons. Found Mountain Music on Yelp called them up and spoke to Anna. Polite and professional. Anna set me up with Owen. It's been 3 months and I'm thrilled with his patience. He does not intimidate and goes at your pace, the whole staff is incredible read more

This place is a real gem. When my brother fell in love with playing music this became his go-to spot to explore new used instruments and just be around good vibes --even though he was driving past a couple dozen other used musical instrument shops closer to his place in SF to get to Mountain Music. That's how I learned about this place. I've been playing and repairing instruments for 20+ years. I even used to work at a similar type store in the Midwest. There's a million small used instrument shops that have 10/10 good vibes, smart staff, great deal, etc. I'm not going to argue this specific shop is the very best in California or something like that. But it's a 10/10 shop. It's one of the good ones, no notes. Maybe the tenth time I was there, I realized I really wanted to have another acoustic to take on camping trips and such. Ended up buying a 1970s ovation they had for an absurdly good bargain. It wasn't in my budget to buy the molded hard shell case that ovations usually come with. So they just tossed it in free anyway *after* I had already paid. They were like "we've got a lot of these cases in the attic, and ideally we'd be able to sell them but realistically we just need them to go to good homes" Like I said, 10/10. Just a great shop with great folks. read more

I hate posting bad reviews. But alas, the sales person at this store was really super unhelpful. To the point I thought he was trying to discourage any sale!! I had called ahead to ask if they sell violins as my son was interested in giving it a try. Asked them if they would have one to try before we buy. They said yes, come in in. When I arrived, it was a different guy who helped us. It was frustrating since I knew nothing about violins and silly me, I thought this guy would know. It was after a bit of back and forth that I finally figured out that he doesn't play violin and has no idea what he was talking about. My son is a left handed. I asked him if we would need a special violin. The guy claims we would just string the violin backwards. That didn't sound right to me. I quickly googled. Lo and behold, he was wrong. Once I figured out he was clueless, my son and I left the store to find an alternative store. read more

I brought in an old Simon and Patrick guitar that my son took with him to college 7 years ago. I was in Oakland visiting him from Chicago and saw my guitar and when I picked it up it was virtually unplayable, super high action. Based on reviews, I brought it to Mountain for a setup and evaluation for possible repair. They finished in 48 hours and the difference was incredible, very playable and sounds great. They said it wasn't perfect because of some defects/damage to the neck but I couldn't tell. They did a great job, were super nice and they were reasonably priced. Highly recommended. read more

Nice to walk into an independent music store. Took my SG copy in to repair some wiring and install new pickups. Next day received an email ready to pick up. Friendly, respectful staff, a good assortment of instruments and obviously a luthier that knows what he's doing on staff:). read more

Great little store with lots and lots of cool stuff. The staff is really friendly and helpful. There's no one sitting around playing "Smoke on the Water" at full volume. Due to my advanced age and overabundance of equipment I don't buy much anymore but If I did I'd buy it here. Anyway, I brought my wonderful little 60's Vox Jaguar in for repair because, like me, it's getting temperamental and doing weird stuff. Peter, the repair guy, fixed it right up. He explained everything he did but I didn't understand a word. All I know is that it works now. Thanks, Mountain Music! p.s. A few days after I brought the organ home I lost the receipt and forgot how I paid for the repair. Did I pay cash? Did I use a card? They had the information at hand and now I know! They even remembered me: some old guy with an instrument almost as old as he is. Do your music stuff here! read more

Mountain Music Store - I really should sell it but I can't bring myself to do it. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oakland, California

This is the best music I've been to by far!! Adam is great. My go to place for repairs is super fast service.

Remarkably nice people. Incredibly helpful. I needed to get oil for a trombone and nobody in the bay area seem to have any except mountain music store, those gentlemen saved the day and saved my concert. 10 stars! read more

I took in a guitar for setup, got it back the same day. When I took it in, it was just on the verge of unplayable -- the action was so high that it hurt to play for more than half an hour. A few hours after I dropped the guitar off, the store texted me to tell me approximately how much the setup would cost. I replied that that was ok. I also said "I tried one of your guitars when I was there (naming the type and model), could you get the action on my guitar like that action on that guitar?" And they did. And they did it in one day. I went from having a guitar I was upset by to a guitar that is a pleasure to play. I honestly thought the setup person was going to tell me that they couldn't do what I wanted, but they did exactly the job I hoped they could do. The only down side is that they have too many attractive guitars, and I didn't want to leave, even though I had to. read more

All around amazing little music wonderland. They got everything you need. Friendly and helpful staff. God selection, def worth checking out

Great location. The staff are polite, helpful and knowledgeable. A great selection. The space is a little chaotic but works.

Very helpful. While they could not fulfill my needs they did recommend another store that potentially could!

Love my new 6-string. Easy and shipping time was pretty fast.

Great store that's thankfully close by. This guy Adam really knows his stuff. He took great care of my guitar, setting it up and putting in the extra mile. His reputation preceded him and he lived up to it. I'll definitely be back... read more

Mountain Music Store - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Oakland, California

Found this place by accident driving around Piedmont Avenue. Being a musician this place was a delightful find. Mountain Music had a decent selection of vintage gear, lawsuit guitars (Japanese copies of Fender and Gibson guitars) and affordable instruments. read more

Mountain Music is my favorite store, I've had my guitar worked on several times and the last time I brought it in it was unplayable. Adam fixed it within a couple days and I was gigging with it that weekend. Adam does great work and runs a fair and honest shop. read more

Quarantine and the September fires have me building out the home studio with increased fervor and I found this gem while scouring the web for more pedals. I stopped by to try out a few Telecasters and the staff was extremely welcoming and patient while my finicky fingers browsed their collection from low-end reproductions to a 40 year old vintage. They could not have been more helpful, while also giving me space and time to savor each instrument, and accommodate my requests for amp tone and share suggestions. I walked out with a great MX tele that plays like a dream, and they changed out the strings in store. On top, they also sell every type of instrument under the sun (almost) and I was able to pick up a chin rest for my violin and drool over their collection of acoustic guitars and ukes. If you want to support a local store and need anything string, woodwind, electric, turntables, mixers, etc. etc. Zylophone anyone? definitly check out the team at Mountain Music! Thanks again! read more

I brought my acoustic guitar in for a set-up and tuning machines replacement. The set-up is perfect. Not only does it play effortlessly, but it sounds better also. Intonation is spot on. My guitar now rings, and has an "open" and responsive quality. I can actually feel it hum and vibrate against my ribcage when I'm playing it. Best set-up I've ever had on a guitar. Thanks Adam! read more

I have taken one guitar so far for a tuneup to Mountain Music and the guitar that was only attractive is actually payable now. The buzz is gone, chords are much easier to press down and the sound is richer and deeper. All work has been done on the same day. Also, I have received a very clear explanation of all the issues and fixes on my phone after about three hours after I'd dropped the guitar off. read more

They did a repair on a Korg keyboard for me, and it's perfect again! I appreciate how friendly the staff were, and how the repair was more than reasonably priced! They also completed the repair very quickly!! A great store, please support them! Thanks again Adam and Mountain Music! read more

I had a new pick guard and new strings put on my recently purchased Martin. I am incredibly please with the work and the speed with which they did it. Years ago I used to use Lundberg's in Berkeley and they always wanted 2-3 weeks. These guys did it in 2 days. Fantastic. This is a great place to do business. I am a customer for the rest of my life. read more

Good local music stores with knowledgeable, helpful staff who care are a rare blessing. Please go visit and shop at Mountain Music.

owner Adam really knows his stuff, he's done expert work on all my electric guitars, they all play better than ever before! On top of that he's a great guy with a super friendly and professional Staff. Thank You! \m/ read more

Great quick reasonable repair of my old classical guitar with a snapped off bridge.... Ice job

I've been coming here for years since the previous owners. Adam has a little gem of a guitar shop here on Piedmont! There is a nice selection of new and used guitars, a selection of live pro audio gear and a vibey room in the back with keyboards and synths. I've heard they have some great teachers here and they do good instrument repairs. Adam does great work with some of the local music venues. He is a solid dude running a solid business, thanks Adam! read more

I went in frantic for cables the young lady allowed me to rummage through the cords she had and she searched for my needs as well. When it was that she didn't have what I needed she looked online and referred me to an electronic store in Berkeley. Very nice exceptionally kind. I can't wait to need anything musical this is the place to be! read more

Adam has been working on our instruments since before he owned Mountain Music and has done a great job. For the past few months, we've had numerous repairs and alterations done to our instruments and my wife has bought a ukulele from there and I bought a bass from Mountain Music also. We've never had any problems or issues with Adam, ever! He's a thorough, experienced, professional and prompt. Need a repair, alteration done or want to buy a new instrument? Mountain Music is the place for you. read more

Mountain Music Store has a dope setup, with guitars hanging all around you and all sorts of instruments at every turn. On top of it being a cool store to be in, the staff is super friendly and really helpful! They have all sorts of gear, offer lessons, rentals, and repairs. Whatever you need you'll most likely find it there! Plus they're a small, local business! Definitely worth checking out and supporting. read more

Needed to grab a mic stand, quickly got a high quality produce and excellent customer service. My shock mount didn't quite fit, so he threw in a spare mic clamp that worked great in a pinch -- all after patiently troubleshooting with me for some time. Thanks a lot! read more

Several years ago I bumped into a very special guitar in the dark and it fell to the ground causing the neck to detach somewhat from the body of this hand-made custom acoustic guitar. I let it sit in storage for a couple of years and finally decided I needed to have it repaired. This place was great from initial contact to communication to delivery of my repaired guitar. They stayed within the estimate, did a great job, and finished much faster than I, or even they, anticipated. I have to say, the best part about the experience was the communication. I knew exactly how things were coming along with the repair order and exactly when I could pick it up. Thanks! read more

Mountain Music is awesome. Good gear, good people, good prices, good vibe. It's the kind of place where you actually feel good spending your money! I.e. instead of leaving with a feeling that you've contributed to some massive, faceless supply chain, you feel like you've contributed to a living, breathing community of cool people. I couldn't recommend the shop more highly. read more

Great music store for a variety of needs. They have a mixture of guitars, amps, and all that jazz, along with electronic instruments and recording equipment. The vibe is cozy and the staff were friendly and helpful. With so few music equipment stores left in the bay, this feels like a real gem. I purchased a rolling rack at a great price and brought in a synthesizer that needed repair. It is hard to find good repair people these days, so it felt especially great that they could help me out. While peeking around the store and checking out their more random used items, I found a mysterious looking rack box with some filters. It turned out to be old lab equipment that filters audio in a cool way, which I am stoked to now own as an fx box for synths and the like. Not the kind of thing you would find at a big box store! If you make music and are in the bay, definitely check out Mountain Music! read more

Adam recently took over this place from Acme House of Music and I'm really glad he's finally running this business. This is hands down my favorite music store in the Bay Area for instruments and repairs. Over the years I've purchased a number of instruments from Adam and have always been happy with them, which is why I'll always go to him first if there's something I need. I've also recommended several friends who got great deals on their instruments too. This is also my go-to place for repairs on any of my stringed instruments. Adam is a master at repairing guitars, basses, ukuleles, and most string instruments. This place has very reasonable prices, great service, and I get to support a local music store. Highly recommended! read more