James Hood is my go-to for all my guitar needs. Not only do they do great setups at a solid price,…read morebut they've helped me out of some really frustrating situations when I butchered some of my own guitar mod attempts and didn't know what to do next. Can't recommend these guys enough. Friendly, timely, good communication, great work!

This was my first time using the shop, and I was really looking forward to it, especially after…read morehearing so many positive reviews. I brought in my Taylor K24ce, and I also left my Taylor GS Mini that day for a neck reset. At drop-off, the front desk tech assured me the low E buzz on the K24ce would be addressed and handled as part of the standard setup. Both guitars stayed with them for nearly two weeks. I called a few times since I wasn't getting updates, and eventually was told both were ready for pickup. After driving 30 miles, I tested them in the shop. The GS Mini was done well--I could see an improvement in the neck, and I appreciated that. But when I took out my K24ce, it wasn't tuned or wiped down properly. After I tuned it, the exact same low E buzz was still there. How could that go unnoticed, I wondered--had the guitar been played after it was tuned, they would have then noticed the buzz and should have informed me by email, rather than having me come all the way down. I mentioned it to the owner, and he took the guitar to the back for about 10 minutes. When he returned, he told me that if I wanted to leave it, I'd need to pay another $90 for a deeper inspection, since it might be a more technical issue. The tech who reassured me at drop-off was right there but didn't say a word. It was close to the end of working hours, so I figured James would just have me leave it at no cost. When he didn't, I didn't feel comfortable leaving it again. I really expected a more thorough check right then or at least a suggestion to leave it at no cost. After all, I 100% mentioned the buzz to the tech at drop-off. In the end, my K24ce is my primary instrument--it's the one I rely on most--while the GS Mini is just a backup. I ended up paying close to $400 for both the setup and the neck reset. The GS Mini was done well, but the whole experience left me feeling like I spent $400 just to fix a $600 GS Mini, while my main guitar's issue was never resolved. Considering all the time, effort, cost, and travel, I really expected a full assessment and clearer communication before it was marked complete. I've attached a video so you can hear the buzz yourself.

Nice little music store! Good variety of instruments. Some really nice tongue drums, and guitars…read more They also have picks, strings and basic supplies. It is also a gift shop with lots of fun things!

Great little music shop in the heart of Carlsbad Village…read more For a relatively small shop, Carlsbad Village Music has just about everything music related. Instruments including guitars, amps and ukuleles. They have a lot of interesting memorabilia type items and kitschy decorative stuff also. They give music lessons too! Becky and I wandered in just to mill around a bit. I found a cool little Fender amp lunch pail that I just had to have. It was under 20 bucks! The two guys working were cool, friendly and helpful. We're very glad that we stopped in. If you go, don't forget to stop and say "Hi" to Rizzo the pug dog!

This is the best music store i've ever visited! Super knowledgeable employees who always take their…read moretime to help you find exactly what you need! The Best!

Khrys helped me restore a 1994 Les Paul Studio, and now it plays and feels better than ever. This…read moreis the third guitar I've brought to him for similar work, he puts so much heart and passion into every project and the results are always incredible. I honestly couldn't recommend him more. The store has a super fun selection of guitars for all levels, from solid everyday players to rare and unique new and used pieces. Down-to-earth vibe Khrys actually listens--not just trying to make a sale like at a lot of other places. He really cares both about the instrument and the player, and helps guide you in the right direction. Super stoked and already looking forward to the next project ! thanks guys

Came to Vista for the very first swap meet at the new location of Drum Flip. Ed & Susan O'Connor…read moreare the owners of this cool new location of their awesome drum shop. You can buy, trade, & sell drums & drum equipment here & also pick up some groovy gear for your drum set up. I brought my cajon here & Ed made me a great offer on it so I sold it to him. The shop is well stocked with drum sets, sticks, cymbals, cases, cajons, chimes, you name it! They treat their customers like VIPs. Shop smart. Shop small. Shop local! TIP: Drum Flip has a loyalty card. Make sure you get one when you buy here.

UPDATE: I bought a second kit from Ed and Susan on 7/4 and I love it. Fun fact, Ed is also a former…read moreteacher and I told him the color reminds me of school pencils, that's why I picked it. I bought my first kit here an it was a great experience. Ed taught me as much as he could about buying used but I'm definitely still learning. I may not know a lot but I do know he gave me good deal and took his time explaining things. Thanks, Ed. I went to his old location but I'm looking forward to visiting them soon at the new shop. I'm taking a break from playing for a bit but looking forward to getting back into it soon.

As a professional luthier of over 30 years myself, and a human for 77 years, I know something about…read morespotting top notch luthiers, and top notch people. Buck is both. He has helped me out now several times with design and 3D printing jobs for Lame Horse custom guitars. The work is always top notch and very prompt. I could not give a higher recommendation!

Absolutely top-notch work from Buck. Great communication and service. He fixed up two of my…read moreguitars: a new Strat that had alignment issues and an older SG that needed some TLC. Buck fixed the alignment on the Strat, and it's playing perfectly now. The SG feels and plays like it did the first day I got it. He has great attention to detail and even pointed out a few things I hadn't noticed. I'd definitely recommend Buck for any guitar issues.

Mahalo Jim. real nice doing business with you over the years! Larry…read more+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you play pedal steel guitar, this is heaven on earth. Jim knows his stuff and has seen it all.read more

I have been to countless "luthiers" and have found a few good ones. Even the good ones wouldn't get…read moreit entirely right when I'd ask for something specific. Jim, on the other hand did everything I asked and returned my guitar to me in better form than I had asked or anticipated. I had purchased a Deluxe Nashville Tele which played beautifully. I just wanted new pickups pots and caps installed, the nut slots flared a bit and basic intonation as it was a bit off. When I picked up the guitar a week later, I was very surprised how it felt slinkier. Bends were buttery and easy and the action seemed just right. Intonation was perfect. I won't go anyplace else from now on.

My story, so you know the history of this instrument that I took to Jim Crawford:…read more My mother, who was a professional drummer, willed me her pre-CBS, 1962 Fender Precision Bass that is in EXCELLENT shape, considering it's past. She played it as a hobby and started teaching me as an elementary school kid. I'm 64 now. I know the value of this bass and knew if I took it to the wrong guy, I could take a $16K instrument and have it completely and permanently F-ed by some schlep. In my gigging years, I met a bass player,(who doesn't want me giving accolades to, so I'll use his initial, B.R.. B.R. knows his basses inside and out, so I called him. He checked it out and then turned me onto Jim. (HUGE thanks to B.R. for all he did for me!) To make a long story short, Jim took the bass, found the sound problem (a coil on one of the pickups needed rewound and fixed, which he did himself) He also fixed the multitude of other problems the bass had, and adjusted the neck, the bridge, and maybe the nut too. No more buzz on the frets and now this bad boy plays so easily it's like BUTTER, which it NEVER did before! He also kept in mind that this is an expensive, vintage instrument, and did not do anything to take away from it's originality. FYI, Jim is not just some money grabbing dude who does a crappy 'fix' on crap guitars.. He is a true, and extremely skilled luthier. Yes, he hand-makes string instruments as well. Jim has a HUGE word of mouth business which means he does NOT need to advertise. I can't count the number of big named 'stars' instruments he has worked on, nor number the outrageously expensive guitars and basses he has laid his talented and knowledgeable hands on! Another note: Jim is an avid surfer. During surf season, and when surf is up during off season, you better hope you can wait to get your prized instrument to him. If you can't, my suggestion is to use your secondary ax till you can have Jim fix it. DON'T screw up and take it to some schlep! If you do, you surely will be sorry for not having patience, as he's the best, period.

My finance inherited her Father's Guild guitar for me to play. I had some trouble playing barre…read morechords on it and I noticed the action was quite high. I had put on custom light strings and still wasn't happy with it's action. I decided to take it to Russell and see what he thought. He took one look at it and noticed that it possibly hadn't been setup before. He saved my newly (night before) installed strings and wow it plays amazingly now. I tried it out and he said "You should hear it from here" so I handed him the guitar and he played some Travis picking and yeah it sounds amazing. Barre chords are coming along better and the guitar feels more comfortable without the struggle. For the record I've bought a couple guitars from him and will continue to add to my collection via Moonlight Music. The work was quick and I had it back in no time.

I trust Russell to always do a great job on my guitars. His setup and new strings on my…read moreGuild starfire 2 bass were excellent. I love Russels shop here in Encinitas