What a great music shop. I love stopping in here whenever I'm in town, they have a great selection and wonderful employees. I've taken my young son there many times and they've always been extremely patient with him, helping him try out instruments and teaching him about different equipment. Just an absolute gem of a shop. Pretty good prices for instruments, too! Definitely worth going here to buy your next instrument rather than a big box store or mega online retailer. read more

The very knowledgeable and helpful staff is there for your music needs. This business has been around for over thirty years. read more

This place is awesome! They have everything musical. And their old location is the new Raising Cane! The staff are very friendly. The teachers here are all top notched! Beware of the divas! My sons bought their guitar and ukulele here. And I've had my wife's guitar restrung and also amped up here. Very good prices. There is even a dog that you can pet! read more

Watermelon is a local treasure, and the economy has hit them hard. Nobody else offers the broad knowledge, convenience of many lessons, or the variety of large and small shows on offer. read more

Great staff and nice selection of all things music. Felt so welcomed to come and nose around. My dad said 'you can always find something in a hardware store' .... I think you can always find something in a music store. This place is darling and i rented a mandolin here. Great experience. read more

The team at watermelon music is top notch Please support your local music store They give free restrings on guitars when you purchase strings from them That is a nice service!! Thanks Team!! read more

Just a great group of helpful people. I'm a professional musician and teacher in the community, and recommend them all the time. Bob Comarow read more

Watermelon Music is a treasure! One of the last true music stores. They have everything you need for any musical instrument with the knowledge and service to make sure you get exactly what you need. Like many businesses, the pandemic was not kind to the live music industry, nor to music stores. Well small outdoor venue music events are making a comeback and we need to support Watermelon Music. I am not from Davis, nor am I some great world renowned musician, I am just a humble guy that loves music and kind people, even if I was a world renowned musician, I would be a Watermelon Music customer because the people who work at Watermelon Music are very welcoming and talented music. I do believe they give lessons and have like music rooms...maybe someday they will host their own outdoor music jam sessions/concerts. read more

It is a great business! I started taking violin lessons there and the instructor is so nice. After the lesson me and my mom bought a book on how to play violin for beginners and they were very nice and quick service. It is truly the best music store I have ever been to. read more

A great Music Store in an unexpected spot. I needed a potentiometer, and I figured I'd have to order one online. I called, and they had several in stock. The store is cool and diverse and has a great variety of instruments. The sales staff was really friendly. I'll definitely be back. read more

Watermelon Music is the best. All the people are so nice and helpful: James, Avery, Eric, Colin, Mark, etc. I highly recommend.

Absolutely amazing customer service! Nothing else matters when you're greeted, helped and served. I could talk about their supply, or their knowledge of equipment, or their prices. Nah. Customer service brings back customers. read more

This is our go-to place in Davis for the instruments our kids use at school, lessons, and instruments for home (ukuleles). Staff members are very helpful and professional. We are so glad to have this store in our community! read more

Easy to find music books. Easy parking. Very welcoming, friendly, reasonable. I will go back if my granddaughter needs anything else.

They fixed my child's violin chin rest without charging me. Thank you. Also the store has a nice selection of piano music.

By far the best costumer service in any music store PERIOD. Big guy AL is one funny and smart fella. I bought a new guitar online that had some action, and pickup issues. AL came though and solved all of those in problems in a couple of minutes . Watermelon helps us needy musicians in Davis get by. You guys rock! read more

Watermelon Music - Guitar - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Davis, California

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Really a store that services the college band, not for a professional musician. They are rude and into themselves, never take a professional horn there to be worked on. read more

Unfortunately when I spoke with staff on the phone they sounded irritated I called and attempted to refer me to their website rather than help me. As it was the website was down. After some grumbling I was referred to some local piano teachers. I attempted to schedule with Olga Simmons and at first she was irritated I called her while she was in vacation in Europe. I had no idea. Then told me she could only schedule with short notice. That was hard but we made 2 appointments that I rescheduled in advance and she dropped me. read more

I can't thank this store enough for all the free of charge favors they did for me. I was willing to pay yet they took the time to help me out with small adjustments to my basses/guitars! Plus, their repair on my bass' input Jack is still holding strong after a year! An honest, small business in Davis, California read more

Amazing customer service. They all know their stuff! I came in here because my housemate wanted to check out a pedal for his electric guitar. We were greeted immediately when we walked in and were helped right away. The guy (didn't catch his name) who helped my housemate definitely was an expert at pedals. He showed a bunch of different models and knew all the differences between them. He let my housemate sit down with a guitar and amp to test out 7 different pedals and always came back periodically to check up on my friend to see if he had any questions. I later came in to bring in my guitar to see if I could get my action lowered. I thought it was an easy neck adjustment, but they explained how it was more than that and that I would have to actually shave parts off of the bridge and head. TIL. They have quite the selection of instruments. From the top of my head, I remember there were basses, violins, guitars, drums, banjos, keyboards and electric guitars. They also have a wide selection of sheet music! The pricing on isn't too bad. It's cheaper online of course, but you can't beat in-store expertise and the ability to try before you buy. One thing is that they will restring a guitar for you for free if you buy a set of strings from them! O: Overall, this is a great place to go to meet your musical instrument needs. The staff are really friendly and know the instruments they are working with. Pricing is pretty good as well! I'd definitely come back here if I ever save up enough for some new instruments. read more

So this place was somehow recommended to me. (I Have since told the person that recommended it, the incident) I was not exactly looking forward to the hour drive in bad rainy weather with my 3 kids under 5 but my son had his violin class the same week. Which I've now had to reschedule. Anyway my son and I have different last names so does my husband and I. I had brought his credit card for him to pay for our sons "rent to own violin" but of course I had cash, my license etc etc. Anyway AFTER we fit my son for his violin, get the contract signed and are about to run the card the young nice girl tells me she needs to check with the owner since the card isn't in my name but she assured me it should be no problem. Ok no biggie never had a problem before. Well the owner Jeff comes over and says in such a rude manner "yeah that's not going to work"I offer him to FaceTime my husband, hold with cash until I got home to my house, and can call with my own bank cards. I explained to him we had just driven an hour (at this point my 2 year old and 1 year old were fussy) but I was desperate to figure it out. Anyway I hate to say this but this man that owns this place is a total greedy jerk. It shows even when reading the reviews. It was only a $43 deposit and that couldn't be held with cash or until I got home and was able to send my own card over?! I had accidentally left my bank cards at home (pregnancy brain) Especially during these crazy times we search for the good businesses well this place isn't it. I'm willing to drive even further to give a GOOD, HONEST place my business and as well as let other mommies know because that was crazy. I'll update where I go for a violin and where I recommend as a better music store Update: I found 2 amazing spots for music needs. I won't name them on here out of courtesy for the business despite my experience. But both are not to far from the area. read more

Music equals happiness. Happiness equals... well, more happiness? Anyways, I love going to this music store. It's so fun just looking at all the instruments they have. You can definitely find anything you're looking for. The owners are uber nice and you can just pick up any instrument and mess with it for a bit, as long as you're careful of course. And look for the flower shaped guitar! It's so pretty! read more

Ordered some music books and guitar strings recently through Watermelon's website and found the process extremely easy and effective. Ordered was placed in the evening and then delivered promptly the next day with their home delivery service during this pandemic. Very happy to support a local business; particularly one that provides excellent service to complement it's competitive prices and diverse inventory. Watermelon's prices are fair and it's always better to give them my business than the Guitar Centers, Amazons, and big box stores of the world. read more

I went in last Sunday to check out the store. There were three employees and maybe one other customer. No one greeted me as I walked in. I browsed through some of the guitars and basses, picked a few up and played them, and no one came over to see if I needed assistance. I looked at the effects pedals in the box. There was an employee standing right there. Not a word. I wasn't in the market that day for new equipment, but I do buy gear often. I just won't be buying it from here. read more

Eric was so helpful and patiently answered all of our questions! He went above and beyond with the customer service and definitely will us coming back here! read more

Leo is really great. I'm shopping for an electronic drum set, and after wandering around the drums section for a couple minutes, Leo asked "Do you need help? Because I'm the drum guy." Well damn right. He IS the drum guy. He knows so much! He is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and patient to someone who has a million questions to ask (aka me). Knowing that I'm a beginner, he recommended to me the most basic sticks and pedals. I originally wanted to buy a Simmons set, but after his recommendation that Yamaha is good, I'm going to buy a Yamaha set instead. Leo is great. Whether you know a lot or nothing about drums, you should go talk to Leo. Very cool guy :D Extra star for putting Marco Minnemann on the wall! :D :D too bad Yelp won't let me give 6 stars. read more

I don't have too much experience with musical instruments but I found two banjos in my garage that were missing some strings. I called watermelon music (during the COVID-19 shelter in place) to see if they'd be willing for me to drop the instruments off outside and restring them. The man on the phone was very friendly and accommodating and gave me some helpful suggestions. He said since the banjos were so old I should just replace all of the strings which would still be very affordable, and as long as I could buy the strings from watermelon he could restring them for free. I dropped the banjos off in the parking lot (to maintain minimal contact during the shelter in place). He restrung both banjos, cleaned them and tuned them in less than an hour and it only cost $13. Like I said I have never played string instruments before but this seemed like a great deal to me and now I'm excited to learn the banjo while I'm in isolation. I will definitely be going back here if I have any other musical needs! read more

I love Watermelon! The service is outstanding. You always can find what you're looking for and if not the staff will place an order and contact you when it'll arrive. Besides great selection and convenience Watermelon offers pretty awesome list of music teachers just choose your instrument. Not sure if you can commit? Well Watermelon rents some of their instruments so there is no risk. My son loves his piano lessons and he has the best teacher (all through Watermelon). read more

Watermelon Music - So organized - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Davis, California

I rent a tenor saxophone from this store that broke without me doing anything to it. I don't mind paying for the repairs but the fact they still rented broken tenor saxophones to customers is just ridiculous I general I was dissatisfied with how the store staff had treated me and was a bit confusing with the payments. I'm going to stop coming here and find another music store to go to. read more

I think this is a true gem in Davis. The workers are always kind and willing to take the time to explain things to you. We've bought picks, straps, strings, pedals and books here, and we have never been disappointed. Of course, it's pricier than buying online or through a chain like Guitar Center, but I like the idea that I'm supporting a local business and that you get one-on-one customer service to find what's good for you. They let you try out pedals, fix problems with your guitars and restring for free with purchase of strings. My partner, who is the real musician between us, loves this place. He goes here as much as possible, and I can tell that just being in this store makes him happy. I think any music-lover would love it in here. read more

I have been here to buy sheet music a couple of times and they were very helpful! Years after knowing of this place, they are letting my friends and I host an event at their location which I am very thankful for! (Didn't even know they hosted events haha) read more

Great music store! I decided to learn the bass guitar recently and Watermelon Music helped me make sure I had all the equipment I needed. I ordered over the phone and did non-contact outdoor pick-up, they were very conscious about my COVID comfort levels and adapted accordingly. I had to go back to get my guitar fixed a few days after and they were extremely helpful. I have basically zero knowledge about guitars and they answered all my questions and concerns. They let me do non-contact outdoor drop off and pick up. I highly recommend Watermelon Music. read more

I've had the worst experiences with watermelon music. I think the owner must be hiring people who are working for discounts on their instruments, people in high school and generally folks who could care less about helping. Seems like they are there for the paycheck. The 'I'm not really a waitress type' except in this case, ' I'm only working here until my big break' or 'my next gig.' Since it's in Davis, it has a captured audience so maybe customer service is not a necessity. I've had cashiers ignore me at check out and continue with conversation and then literally help a man walking through the door. I've had a cashier tell me a violin is 'too expensive for me' ( a basic children's violin for my daughter). So you see, all sorts of assumptions based on race and gender. Also, when I call on the phone, I'm told to come in to talk in person. Today, I'm trying to donate a used violin to my daughter's school and was abruptly cut off, 'we don't take donations!' A question as easy as, 'what's the price of a 1/4 size violin?' It's apparently too hard to look up and takes '30-40 minutes to look up a price' and 'why don't you look it up online yourself?' read more

This is a great music store. Very knowledgeable employees and high quality instruments. We've been renting a couple violins from this store for quite some time and I'm more than pleased. read more

Poor customer service. They are rude to people who don't fit the typical Davis status quo. Won't be back.

I have used watermelon music as my go-to music store over 10 years, but will never return. A few months ago, I decided to finally fix a small chip on my violin (has been damaged for several years), as I had an important concert approaching, and wanted the violin to look its best. the chip was about a cm long, off the edge of my instrument, and I still have the piece. I took it in to watermelon music in hopes of getting a quote for the repair, which I assumed would be cheap and easy, considering the size of the chip, and that I still had the piece to be glued back on. I had brought the instrument to several music stores in the sac area to make sure I was getting the best deal. When I got to Watermelon, they informed me that they outsource their violin repairs, and told me body work was (if I remember correctly) usually about 200 dollars, but they could check with the person they outsource to, as they agreed my repair should be way less work/money. However, they told me the guy had already visited the site that day, and it would be best for me to leave my violin and wait for them to call with a quote, and decide if I wanted repairs done. A week later, I get a call. No info given, other than to come into the store. When I arrived, a different employee handed me my violin case, and told me it cost around $65 to repair. Yes, COST. As in, they did the repairs without my consent, and were now demanding I pay. I was outraged, and explained they I only requested a quote. The employee and I argued for some time (he was quite polite, but his first offer was for me to call another shop and see how much they charge, and I would pay that price). I insisted that the issue was that they did the repair without any warning, and were basically blackmailing me only giving my violin back. Unfortunately, their tactic worked, as I had a concert coming up, and needed my instrument. The employee eventually offered to only charge $30, which I begrudgingly agreed to. On top of all that, the repair was subpar; Stark difference in the original varnish, and the varnish surrounding the repair. I am still very angry and saddened by the situation, and will not be taking my business here anymore. (TLDR: brought in violin for repair quote, they repaired it against my explicit wishes (rarther than just giving a quote), basically held me up for 60 bucks, felt scammed) read more

Watermelon Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Davis, California

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THEE BEST STORE EVER in terms of very helpful staff who listen to your question and make thoughtful recommendations. I usually hate the attitude of the glam-metal hangers-on who work at places like Skip's and Guitar Center. I'd gladly pay more for a friendly mom 'n' pop. But y'know what....Watermelon has very competitive prices, too! I've compared. Eric G nailed it with the sweet spot in the middle comment. There's just enough edge for a rocker to receive customized help, but yet everyone's very approachable. The only other place I've found that's close to that spot is Gordon's Music in Fairfield. That's the only other place I'd shop except Tombstone Music in Clackamas, Oregon, but that place is legendary for a far different reason. read more

What can I say about this place other than one employee ruined the whole experience for me. I was looking to buy some electronic drum sets when I was checking one out and he told me to get off them as they did not want to damage the gear. I was not hitting it hard like a hooligan or anything like that but it would have been a better experience if he had at least asked if I needed some sort of assistance in selecting a drum kit. I went to check out the guitars and he still kept looking at me and staring at me which made me feel real uncomfortable. The only thing that saves this from a one star review is the fact that their selection is pretty good and all their other employees are competent. The prices are a little more expensive than what you would expect online but you don't get the same service online like you would get at a music store. Apart from the treatment I got from the employee during my visit I would recommend coming here. But i won't be coming back. read more

Wow, this place is great! I purchased a ukulele from them and asked for the head repairman to install a pickup. In just a couple of hours, he had installed the pickup. I tested it out and it sounded great! Sure, the selection isn't huge, but it's pretty big for a small music shop in a small college town. Their sheet music selection is quite extensive. Everyone is really friendly and knowledgeable. read more

There's a gentleman named Harry that works here, one of the coolest dudes you'll meet with a passion for music. He maintains a professional and sincere relationship with any customer and doesn't shy away from great service. I have yet to meet the rest of the staff but Harry definitely is doing a great job in keeping everyone happy. I'd drive from out of town just to get something done here, you won't regret it if Harry is at front desk. read more