The Monterey Music Store

Austin Turner

2024-04

I am very glad there is no Guitar Center in Monterey because we probably wouldn't have this gem. Great guitar shop. Very interesting/diverse selections and great owner!

Korodski

2024-03

A simple trip to the local music store during posted business hours tuned into waiting around for 20 minutes, calling the shop, and eventually going to Guitar Center.

Emptyroom가방 :D

2023-12

I honestly never had any problems with this shop. I feel like the owner is a well respected business man. He has to make money back on his guitars. I honestly prefer coming in here and buying from smaller shops Guitar center is over priced and yes the guitars he sells are a bit inflated but it's too be expected when you do business in music the owner has some amazing telecaster for those trying to get into math rock and Midwest emo

Charlie Maschmeyer

2023-12

Smallest and worst music store I've ever been too. I went for cables once and all he had was demo cables. He needs to sell to someone interested in the business. More than half the store is closed off and empty. They have literally no strings. The guy can't set up a guitar. He doesn't have the right tools to work on guitars. He just seems lazy. Absolutely ridiculous experience there. Ill never get anything there again.Update..he broke my truss rod..the owner is a hack...I am suing him.

Christopher Lee

2024-01

Good general selection, but didn't have acoustic guitar strings when I went in.

Kathryn Martin

2023-05

Excellent experience here. John helped me set up my bass and put new strings on. He was super knowledgeable and helpful. Overall, good prices and selection. Plus there is a really cool shop dog that hangs in the store.

Ronald Woods

2022-05

Really well curated selection of new instruments. Even though this location is tiny compared to the old place, they seem to have a better selection. Owners are welcoming and helpful. Store is clean, and organized. Love that they carry brands that go beyond the typical Fender and Gibson lineup (although those brands are present, as well). Shopping local for gear is now a little easier. Harry is the best shop dog!

Joe Owens

2023-09

Great selection of guitars. Definitely a little something for everyone. Not huge but very well curated. Also the owner is super nice.

Joshua Merl

2023-05

Great to have a music store in downtown Monterey. As they have downsized, it seems that they don't have as much, but they actually carry a great array of products. More valued is added with their wide range of expertise and repair abilities. They can get you any product you need and consult with you on what your best options are on instruments, sheet music, repairs and more.

Phillip Van Sant

2021-05

Bought a guitar pedal a while back. John was very patient and helpful as I went through multiple pedals and played on different guitars and amps. I've been in other times as well and didn't buy anything and I never felt pressure or impatience. Definitely returning soon to buy another new pedal. The selection is exactly what you'd expect at a locally owned shop. Some great finds and decent competitive prices.

S H

2023-05

The owner continuously hovered next to me, telling me how great his product was (which turned out to be hogwash), and hurrying me on, rather than allowing me to examine the merchandise on my own and come to my own conclusions. He bullied me into a sale and charged me a ridiculously high price for a poor quality, defective product that I wouldn't have bought, had I been given the time and space to examine it on my own. It was an expensive lesson learned. This guy is more interested in money than he is in helping you get a good product at a fair price and earning your repeat business. I won't go back here.

John Ainsworth

2022-05

Went in today with my son to look at electric guitars. John is super friendly and knowledgeable. He helped my son pick out a suitable guitar for the right price. I would highly recommend this store for your next guitar purchase/service.

Gregory Molinari

2020-05

I just had the best experience at The Monterey Music Store. I purchased a guitar, amplifier and all of the accessories at a great price. I was really quite impressed with the high quality of the instruments on hand and the helpfulness of Carlos and John. They have instruments for all levels of buyers. I will absolutely be back for more. Very Happy.

Grant Sturm

2021-05

Fantastic store, go here for all of my musical needs. Fast, friendly, and direct service that never disappoints. Owner is receptive to questions regarding merchandise and always gives honest and well-informed information to help you find the right gear to fit your needs. He takes good care of repeat customers and remembers faces well. (even with the masks hahaha) If I can help it, I won’t be turning to Amazon for my equipment ever again—I’m always looking for an excuse to come down to this shop.

Lillian Dean

2023-05

We've been here several times, sold one guitar and bought another. John knows his stuff and is a friendly and fun guy. We wouldn't go anywhere else!

Dylan Johnson

2022-05

I enjoyed meeting John and his dog Harry with my wife and daughter. He was very helpful and supportive while my 8 year old and I tried out one of his basses. I look forward to stopping by on my next visit!

Matt

2022-05

John is super helpful every time. The last time I went in, he adjusted the string height free of charge while talking music and instruments with me. I didn't know this because its not on the Jackson guitar website, but he can distribute their stuff. I will be ordering from them next time. Thanks John!

Dylan Olives (Dilly)

2020-05

The store is nice, local and is very friendly. When I was in there, it seemed like a very classic guitar store but had some decent extra vibe to it. I actually saw signatures on specific guitars and thought that was pretty cool.

Chance

2018-05

Haven't actually bought anything but they seem like nice folks. I've been in twice to try out guitars and equipment but just haven't pulled the trigger. Hoping to go buy something soon though.Honestly can't believe someone complained about there being a dog inside. Unreal. What a dick.

Michael Joseph

2020-05

Sells used guitars for new price. Very rude owner, not just to me but other customers/coworkers as well. He isn't always at the shop and doesn't trust his employees to make sound selling and buying decisions when he's not there, so doing business with them is difficult. Ragged on my guitar saying it wouldn't go for $800 but when I took it off consignment the price tag read $949. I got an angry call about taking it off consignment.Owner left a really sour taste even before the angry call. Not coming back.Cool guitars though!

Emma F

2015-05

the people there were super helpful and willing to help me with everything i needed. my dad had given me his old guitar so i took it down to get it restrung and they not only gave me a great deal, but they fixed some minor things i couldn't see on the guitar. the service was phenomenal and they have some great stories to tell if you spend enough time there.

mag pie

2017-05

The staff here are great and really helpful, there's also an incredibly sweet poodle mix therapy dog you can go in and visit named Austin who is an absolute treat. I bought an electric guitar from them and they knocked a decent amount of money off the asking price and threw on some extras that made it such an amazing experience. Don't miss out on this gem. At least go in to see Austin and then decide if you need new instruments or some gear!

Richard Jaworski

2020-05

Great place..my son bought a travel guitar while on vacation from michigan. He loves the guitar and the salesman's owner was great guy and very polite and patient. Definitely recommend

richard stanton

2021-05

Great staff and good guitars, they moved three doors down to a new space and it’s better. They also are now a Gretsch dealer! I play Gretsch so that’s makes it the place to shop for me. Great drive to.

Emerson Stewart

2023-08

John is super nice and always takes care of me when I go in for any reason. Great store, great service.

Taylor Roberts

2023-05

John helped me out in a pinch! Great guy, prime location, VERY nice equipment in stock. And Harry’s a good dog. :)

Tom Ford

2016-05

When people say their prices are bad here, they should have looked a little deeper into things. I may not know music that well, but I do know basic business practices, and that got me out the door with a cheap, brand new guitar. I was in the market for my first guitar, and yes they were all a little expensive, BUT I had seen the sign outside their glass doors that says "we match or beat any price." Boom. Done. You can't lose when a place has a sign like that. Sometimes you gotta do a little research to get what you want (in this case, look at prices online at other stores), and then ask for what you want, instead of just taking in-store prices As the final word.

row

2011-05

I noticed that a number of folks complained about the prices... yep they're high. It's a small mom & pop that would have a hard time competing with the Guitar centers of the world... But if you ask them to match the price... they will. I bought a few cymbals & a fender amp there... I asked them to match the price... no real magic.. Where they don't quite make the grade is on selection compared to a Guitar center, hence the three stars.

Johnny Ohl

2022-05

John got me the Strings I needed. Also got to watch John counsel a customer on acoustic guitars. He was really straight with her. Great music store. Great guy.

Issy Denevan

2014-05

I went in to get rosin for my son's cello and ask if they could tape the strings (I know nothing about cellos etc). The lady was SUPER kind and helpful. I would and will return.