I stopped in here a few months ago and had a lovely time as usual. When I realized today that after a lifetime of patronizing this store, I had never written a review, I wanted to rectify that immediately. I was absolutely shocked when I opened the app and read the bad reviews on here. I made sure to read every single one of them and I think if you do that, you begin to see a pattern of people who are ridiculous and think that because they had a bad day or completely unrealistic expectations, they can strike out against a good business because they take no responsibility for their decisions. The Music Box has been the sole music store in Lodi for over 40 years. I "rented" my first violin from them when I was a small child and we purchased my sons trombone for band here 20 years later. At that time I was a single working mom and they allowed me to put my sons instrument on a payment plan. I actually missed the last payment because I had started working a second job and forgot to drop off the check. When I realized what I had done about a week later, I made sure to plan out a time to stop in at the store and pay off the instrument and apologize. However the day before I was to do that, I received a letter from the owner of this store. I fully expected it to be a demand letter with a late fee tacked on and I was ready for that as it was my own fault. Instead, the owner wrote that he understood I was working hard and was very busy and that he would like to gift me the last payment and let my son keep the instrument. I literally cried. Every experience I have had here has been beyond good. This is a small town store that stays alive because the owner and employees love what they do. The staff is thoughtful and caring as a customer for many many years, I highly recommend them for instruments, accessories, lessons, music or just to help you figure out what it is you need and I hope to see this store here for another 40 years to come. read more

I go to Lodi on average once a year. I try to make it a point to drop into The Music Box every time, I never knew why until last week. I asked the guy behind the counter for a couple sets of classical guitar strings. He first reached for D'Addarios but I related my experience with broken strings with only that brand. He told me there was a brand of strings he sells the most of and handed me two sets of Fender strings. I was a little skeptical. I mean they were half the price of D'Addarios and packed in a somewhat plain paper package but why not? Guess what?! They're really good strings! They didn't break, they didn't slip at all and they brought the tone back to my 35 year old Takamine 300 series guitar. Now, here's where it gets cosmic. As I was paying for the strings a voice behind me says "what is your name?" And then "Where do you know me from?" I didn't immediately recognize who it was because of the glare from the windows but when I did I was gobstopped! It was none other than Tim Spencer! One of the best all round guitarists I've ever known. He teaches there a couple times a week. We talked for about 20 minutes and got kinda caught up. Small world. I like this shop! read more

A great group of guys with in-house lessons. I love that we have a small town music store with good service.

Walked in, just before closing and the customer service was great! Bought what I had come in for ( a soft guitar case) and was out the door before they actually closed. Service was great! Never felt rushed but got what I needed and was not held up in anyway. Large inventory for all kinds of musicians needs. Check it out! read more

I have a Schecter Diamond series telecaster I wanted to convert in to a true Pete Townshend black telecaster clone that he used in the early 80's by changing the neck to a mighty might Licensed Fender replacement, which is far superior to the stock Schecter. So I asked the guys in the shop if they could do the neck change for me. They did an excellent job. They also did an outstanding setup as well. This guitar has never played this well. The intonation is now perfect. The were way cheaper than any place else to go this job. I highly recommend this store. Support these guys instead of guitar center. You'll get a lot better service and for most of the name brand stuff similar prices. They really transformed my cheap guitar into a killer rockin machine! read more

The Music Box - Schecter PT telecaster - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lodi, California

I would not recommend coming to this music store. The older gentlemen are not service oriented, I was ready to spend money on a guitar but felt pressured to leave by being approached 4 separate times in 20mins, then I was suggested to look at cheaper guitars.... My experience was bad but hopefully yours is different. read more

I don't remember a time when Rick was an A-h*le, but the last time I went, he was freaking out about me playing a guitar with my fingers. First of all, I understand why using picks are not allowed; some people haven't developed pick strumming discipline. Rick ended up leaving a customer mid conversation just so he could pull the guitar from my hands and to examine any "scratches" on the pick guard. I was considering buying that guitar had he not done that. I ended up spending my money for a similar guitar at a local ma and pa shop called Guitar Center. read more

Honest advice was given to me even when leaving some of it out could have made the store some easy dough. I walked in wanting to rent a saxophone and get some lessons but they let me know that they're no longer renting saxophones and gave me the name of another music store nearby to rent from. I could have easily been sold on a music book but was advised not to make a purchase until I have guidance from my music instructor because they may want me to use a different one and it would be a shame to waste my money. It was incredibly nice to discuss this new venture of mine with someone who wasn't only concerned with their own profits. read more

I was thinking about buying a guitar for my son....I was in Lodi and had sometime to kill so I just so happen to drive by this place and stop in....so glad I did....what a great experience! When I walked in I met a guy named Jeff who was helping another customer, I browsed around the store until he was done with his customer. I told him what I was thinking and he guided me in a direction he thought I should go and was very friendly and polite. He was very knowledgeable and explained things in great detail. The store itself had a very relaxed atmosphere....plenty of guitars to choose from. I will definitely be going back here in the future. read more

This music store is very nice for any needs. Jeff is very personable and easy to deal with. The store has a relaxed feeling, never rushed. Excellent deals are to be found here. I recommend the store, and I will be back to do business here again. read more

THIS PLACE SHOULD GET 5 stars on customer service alone!!! I came here for a violin rental for my daughter but unfortunately they didn't have any available. I needed it quickly so they suggested I try Mr C's in Stockton (head over to my review of them to learn about their crappy customer service). When I returned from there in tears after a HORRIBLE experience. They apologized for sending me there and sold me a beautiful violin at an UNBELIEVABLE price. I can't say enough great things about this place. read more

awesome service and prices. very knowledgeable about what they sell. thank you for such a great experience. read more

The Music Box - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lodi, California

I really took a liking to a amp. Looked them up and music box was a authorized dealer. Went in to buy one and "oh we don't carry those in stock". Went on to talk about it, and he had NO product knowledge whatsoever. When I caught him on the product knowledge all of a sudden it turned into a "come in on Monday and talk to this guy" I got home in less than 10 minutes, made a phone call and ordered the same day. I tried to give the business local and they refused. More like a local string & pick shop. Rick & I bumped heads more than 10 years ago. If he's the only one in the shop, he ignores me now. Way to go on your customer service! He's a big man because he plays bass for the lodi area. Just remember.......locals will remember a shit stain on a wall before they remember good service. read more

Top notch customer service!! I bought a beginning guitar for my grandson and they were helpful and friendly. Can't wait to go back and buy one for myself! read more

I can't stand this place... they offer very little to students in the local school music programs, aren't knowledgable about, well, much of anything, and the store itself is hideous and smells funny. I last went there a couple years ago to purchase a guitar amp for my band. I asked the sales guy to give me the "most bang for my buck." I trusted him, and came home with a BASS AMP. I'd rather go all the way up to Sacramento where I can trust people to know their craft. read more

When I moved to Lodi, I had to find a place to buy music supplies and the only place in town was the Music Box. The first time I went there I bought a bass chord chart. Simple enough. I didn't have much contact with the sales peeps, but they seemed friendly when I bought my items. The next time I went, I was in the market for a new bass. I ended up purchasing a 50th anniversery Fender P-Bass. I was actually looking for a signature Gheti Lee Fender. They didn't carry one, but were willing to order me one. The salesman advised me to stay away from it though. He admitted the playability was great on that paticular model, but it had some quirks and was extremely expensive. He showed me the bass I ended up buying. He let me sit there with it without bothering me at all. When I made up my mind to buy it, I figured I had some haggling to do. I was surprised when he knocked of $80 dollars as soon as I said i was interested. I hummed and hawed about it and got him to take of a total of $120.00, and he threw in a leather strap, ($60.00 value), an instrament cable and a polishing cloth. That's pretty standard, except for the leather strap. Needless to say I was very happy about the experience. The one thing I have to say that is negative about the shop is the cable they threw in. I was asking him about cables. I typically stick to monster cables and that's what I wanted. I complained about how they only last about six months, but with the lifetime guarantee, I thought they were the best buy. He suggested some other, off brand cable, made some comments about the way they are put together better and said they don't offer a warrenty because their cables don'e break. I took it. Three weeks later it broke during a show. Luckilky I had a Monster back up. I think he was just trying to give me a cheaper cable, but who can blame him. The other strange experience I had with them was when I took my other bass in there to be repaired. They had to ship it to their Stockon location where their tech is. He said it would be done in a week. After two weeks I called them. THEY COULDN't FIND IT!!!! I was shocked. It took them two days to find it. It was at their Stockton store still. They offered to ship it back to Lodi so I could pick it up, but I just wanted the thing back, so I went and got it myself. The tech in Stockton was all appologies and only charged me $10.00 for the repairs. That made it right in my book. The bass plays like it came off the factory line now too. My next purchase there was a Peavy bass cab. I was having a hard time finding a 4X10 rig due to their popularity and just happened to stop in their store to window shop. They had the Peavy on the floor listed around $399.00. He said he'd give me a great deal and offered it for $300.00. I advised him I'd have to go get my cash from home, but would be back. I went online at home to check out some reviews for the model and saw Guitar Center selling the same cab for $249.00. I went back to the Music Box and told the guy he put me in a moral dillema. He asked why and I explained about the price, but assured him I would pay the $300.00 to help support my local music shop. He cussed and went into the back of the store. He came back out and advised me that he checked their website and I was right. (like I was lying). He matched their price. I think they only made like $20 on the cab. So, the reason for only four stars is because of the cable and the fact that they lost my bass. Other than that, they are extremely knowledgable in regards to major equipment and guitars. I just wouldn't trust them on their assecories. read more

I like this place because when I was little I got a clarinet and went to classes. They taught well. The first thing we would do is first get the holes in and I looked a the holes and always got it correct. The first time they helped me. read more

Totally useless staff that didn't help me with a simple question. I would never go back

got my first guitar there in '82 when they were in the Lakewood mall. Didn't end up a musician but I did end up in the music industry in live production and take all my business for bands there. True veteran pros with a local vibe. read more

The Music Box has been my choice for over twenty years. Not only do they continue to have the best prices around, they offer unparalleled customer service. Jeff is knowledgeable and friendly. Always a pleasure to do business with. If you are in the market for new gear, drop by the Music Box ... you will not be disappointed. read more

Amazing service, I used to go to the one In Stockton it's been closed. It is worth The drive to Lodi ! So worth it ! The other Music stores in Stockton are crap! read more

A Lodi tradition. The only local place to go and rightfully so. Highly trusted and staffed by the owner who knows his business.

These guys are great. Don't listen to Jackie P. She has never spent a dime at that store.

I came in here with my fiancé. And I was waiting by the door for him while he was looking at guitars and asking about fixing some broken strings on his. I had my service dog with me. And because it was a guitar store with lots of expensive things I stood by the door with my dog. She laid down on the floor as I waited. Then this guy comes up to me. I guess one of the owners and starts asking me really personal questions about my dog and my disability. Which is illegal. And furthermore he started making jokes about disabilities. He made me very uncomfortable. Then this older woman comes over. She is in a wheelchair. And I don't know if these people learn personal space. Because she was trying to pet my service dog. Which is a big no no. My dog wouldn't bite anyone. But I could tell my animal was getting very uncomfortable. The woman kept patting her butt and her back and my animal kept trying to move away from her. And she kept rolling towards her with the wheelchair. Honestly. I was uncomfortable and so was my animal. They should respect people with service animals and individuals with disabilities who require them. I will never go back there. And have already filed a claim for their actions. It's disgusting that a grown man can make jokes about disabilities. And just hover over me when I wasn't doing anything but standing by the front door. I would not recommend this place for anyone. read more

I went into this store to purchase an acoustic guitar. I was greeted right away by the owners daughter who showed me around until her dad, who was more versed in the subject, was available to spend some time with me. I am a beginner and needed expertise in selecting the right guitar. When he came over we talked first, he asked me the basics ( level of play, price range, expectations etc) and showed me what he thought i might be interested in. i told him i had no price range that i just wanted a good guitar that i can learn on. He did not try to up sale me but instead directed me to a very affordable beginner bundle. He set up the guitar for me and threw in a guitar cleaner. he even replaced a string for me for free because yes, as a beginner I made the classic move and broke a string. This guy is honest and stands behind what he sells. Personal and friendly. Great customer service .  #buylocal read more

Called to get price on some guitar strings, talked with Jeff who was very polite gave us the price..When we went in to buy string clerk wanted five dollars more for each set...We explained we were quoted five dollars less.."By Who" was his remark...Jeff who had been helping another customer comes over and verifies the correct price...Clerk says"How you expect me to make you any money only charging that amount"...Nonetheless...when you do go there ask for Jeff...(sorry don't remember name of clerk, sounds like Rick though) read more

Came in for a guitar screw, and didnt know what size i needed but i asked if i can show them which one it is if i see one of thier guitars since i do know which one i needed if i see it. The guy Rick, the one who has the clown hair do, says go right ahead and show me. i pick the guitar and tell him what screw i needed. he looks at me and says" so what you want me to do?" i asked if he can give me one like that screw on this guitar and he replies" So you want me to take that screw off a brand new guitar so i can give you a screw like it?" i said if it helps then i guess so, unless you know what kind i need and i can be on my way. he didnt even bother to help in any way and said" im not gonna take that screw off just so you can get a screw like it on this brand new guitar!" .... Really? i see this guy play on these new guitars all the time and even broke strings that he later replaced..... probably not paying for the strings niether and doesn't even help with a screw? its not like i was going to take that screw from the new Guitar!!! never going back. oh and yes i rather go to Guitar center in which they got me the screw i needed and even took it off an existing guitar and didnt even made it a big deal about it..... oh did i mention i drove 45 min to get one tiny screw and i live in Lodi..... worst customer service!! rick your an A#?!!!! read more

Be careful here. Not because of the store but rather because there is a popular hangout for meth addicts right down the street. Anyways it's a pretty decent music shop. It's mostly guitar and drum-related products but they do sell decent pa equipment as well as some other music products. Workers are knowledgable. They can change strings, install pickups, answer questions about your guitars in a sharp manner. If you're a big metalhead and want a giant Peavey stack with some cutting edge Prs guitar and some strange boutique pedal that you read about on some obscure internet forum you might want to call ahead because their selection is more generalized rather than catering to picky tone connoisseurs. Regardless they pretty much offer a wide variety of products that will keep most musicians happy. But like I said they don't offer the strange and rare pedals and whatnot which is understandable considering that there's only so much physical shelf space potential available in their store. read more

Had an older electric guitar cleaned and restrung (this model is a pain); they were super friendly, fast, and reasonable. Would go there again if I need something. read more

The music box is a great local shop that will help you go through the process of buying a guitar, amplifier, or whatever you are searching for. Jeff, Chris, and Rick have a combined 100 years of experience in the music industry. The shop has a decent selection of products from beginner all the way to the most experience player. Its perfect for the smaller items that most musicians need to keep jamming like strings, cables, and picks. Their prices are very competitive as well compared to guitar center. read more

Took guitar lessons from 14 to about 18, and have loved dealing with them for the past 15+ years. Guitars, drums, amps and even PA rentals. Chris, Rick and Jeff are great! read more

Went in for some strings the guy was very rude ,well i don't like getting crapped on, I'm just gonna take my business elsewhere, I'll go to elk grove or Stockton for my music needs, Even if i just need a pick !. read more

Honestly stop making people feel so awkward when they're unsure about something. It's so annoying and I thought you guys were nice, but it seems you guys are going under and have lost the respect for customers. When I ask about a guitar because I'm interested in buying it, don't tell me "hold on I'm the phone" In a rude way when you're not even Holding a phone. And don't make me feel awkward because I'm unsure of things. I'm sorry but I can feel your annoyance with me, and I'm sure you know who I am. I'd rather drive to stockton or sac from now on. And I'm not even thinking about spending $250 on the guitar I was looking at because I'm all for supporting local businesses, but not one that makes me feel like I'm a bother since day one of going here when I was younger. And a lot of guitars in here are not very great quality. Guitar center here I come... Sorry to say it but I wish you guys were more understanding of people's misunderstandings if you get what i mean.. I'll buy more than one set of strings from a place with great customer service that doesn't make me feel SO stupid and awkward for saying electric strings because I wanted your guys' opinion on which ones but you make me feel like I'm an idiot. Hope you don't take so much offense from this review and instead learn a little something from it, because it's cost you at least $250 from the guitar I now don't really want to buy. read more