Not thrilled with the fellow who replaced strings on my guitar a couple/three weeks ago. They seem to be of inferior quality compared to the last two times I went to Alva's and a couple of the strings twang and/or buzz. Not that satisfied this time. Don't know what went wrong. read more

This is a great music store especially if you're into guitars or drums or bases. They have a great amount of hardware to to try out, and the workers there are pretty knowledgeable. They also have a person on hand to assess and make repairs. I was sad to see that the dance school had closed. They were a San Pedro institution to be sure, and not the first to pass into the sunset, but it will be missed. The owner, Matt, is genuinely one of the nicest guys in San Pedro and represent us in a way at the NAMM show annually. If you're looking to get information on a kind of guitar, or need a drum skin, or want to try out the sound of a new pedal, this is your place. The workers there are pretty kind and knowledgeable but not the kind of heavy pressure salesmen that you might get at guitar center. read more

Been in there to browse and they have a nice selection of instruments, however their limited hours of 10am-5pm, and closed weekends? It is what it is. When I finally get the time to go (yes it may be 15-20min before the stated close time) I drive by and, the closed sign is up. This happened twice. Again never really had to deal with staff much but that's unprofessional imo. I had to drive all the way to Torrance (Sam Ash,Guitar Center) to get what I needed. I try to support the local businesses but sometimes the opportunity to do so is stifled by the business practices themselves. read more

Hi can you guys please get some more bands that appeal to a younger audience? You use to have bluegrass bands and more modern stuff now everything seems to be for older audience like 50 and up. I love this place would like to go back but not into the music thats playing except maybe the pinknfloyd band. Dont have nothing against older people playing but need some variety. Thanks read more

This place has saved me from a few emergencies. Without even calling ahead, they always seem to have what I need in stock. First time visiting this shop, I was completely blown away by their giant pedal collection from brands like Wampler, JHS, Rockett, Strymon to big names like Boss, MXR and Dunlop. (Apparently there's also a Long Beach based boutique pedal company called Stacks FX.) Overall, the staff is terrific. Seth knows his stuff and always willing to talk gear. read more

The employees at Alva' Dance-wear have to be the nicest, I mean the most pleasant people you'd ever want to meet. I called them looking for a liturgical dance skirt last week, they didn't have it in stock, but ordered it for me. Not only that, they gave me their "Alva's good customer" card. The card gave me 20% off my purchase yesterday and any future purchases. That was way too cool!!!! I recommend them to everyone, who's looking for dancewear attire. There's also a connected/combined music store and a dance studio next door read more

Alvas Music Store - Alva'a Dancewear - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - San Pedro, California

Massive selection of guitar effects pedals. Everything from your run of the mill to exotic boutique pedals. When I went in I think the rep said they have something like 450 pedals in stock. Louis was very friendly and helpful when I came in with my son, immediately saying I could put him down and let him walk around and touch stuff. (I still held on to him, but it's nice to feel so welcomed in to a store, especially with a little kid). I was just browsing but ended up picking up a cool pedal and will definitely come back here again to keep adding to my collection. Lots of top shelf Fender gear too. It's been over 10 years since I last visited this shop and they've definitely upped their game. This is the real deal. There's not a ton of reasons to go to a big box store when these guys are in my back yard. I wish I knew sooner just how much quality gear they had in here. Great prices, friendly service, huge selection. read more

Alvas Music Store - With the exception of one pedal, everything on that board is from Alva's. Including the board and power supply! - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - San Pedro, California

Finally a boutique guitar shop open up in south bay area. Don't have to drive to Santa Monica for over priced truetone anymore. Alvas carry most boutique brands that you can think of. Their selection meets all your music needs and budgets. Quality is key in this place. You won't see mess production stuff here. I've been introducing many of my church friends to this place, everyone were so happy about their purchase People working there are super awesome and knowledgeable, and they work with compassion. They also have really awesome guitar tech there to fix and mod your gear. All in all, this place is THE place for all your music needs. read more

Alvas Music Store - Quilter amp - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - San Pedro, California

See all

Love this place and the staff here. Love smaller, local businesses ran by and staffed with other gear heads.

I've driven by Alvas but never been in. First I'm not a guitar player or a musician - in my wildest dreams. Talk about a dichotomy, turns out about 20% of the store is dedicated to ballet outfits, tights, leotards, ballet shoes, etc. I'm also not into theatre, but my daughter is. I came here to get some accessories required for her upcoming play and left with everything I needed. I found the staff to be friendly and very helpful considering I was a fish out of water. read more

This was my second time visiting the store. The first time was for the Chapman/ Victory clinic earlier this year. Echoing the sentiment from previous reviewers. I miss the mom and pop shops. They need our support. I called in the day before and spoke to Miguel, resident guitar tech there and told him about a dilemma I was dealing with after getting my guitar back from a previous shop. I brought it in today and was very fortunate that he was able to diagnose and fix an old Les Paul that had been handed down to me, from my dad. I browsed around the store looking at all of the toys and found myself purchasing some pieces for a pedal board build that I've been looking at. Seth and staff, (sorry, didn't get your name), were well beyond helpful. Thank you guys! I will be coming back again soon! I would be more than happy to recommend this shop to anyone! read more

Very helpful and knowledgeable! First time purchasing jazz shoes for my daughter. She found what she needed and I just had purchase; simple and taken care of. This specialty store hits the mark. read more

Alvas Music Store - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - San Pedro, California

Mom and pop music shops are a rare breed ever since Guitar Center, Sam Ash etc. pretty much Walmarted most of them out of existence. So I'm quite glad that this place has not only survived but flourished. They don't carry the inventory of the majors but they do have a respectable amount of gear on hand. Also they can order anything you need and have it to you in a reasonable time. They also offer lessons for a wide variety of instruments by competent trained musicians. They have a fantastic dance studio that hosts some of the biggest names in jazz for weekly performances and clinics as well. Do go in and support local biz!!! read more

If you are into dance and music ...STOP here for all you need. From the best outfits to lessons on how learn an known talent to sharping your talent the staff at ALVA'S will help you. As a past student, i had taken "break dancing" classes in the late 80's and had a blast. Currently, as a neighborhood leader Alva's as hosted the neighbor watch meetings and participates in countless community functions. This business gives back to it community because of its rich history and talented staff. read more

we saw a great live guitar performance with "dirk k" very spacious comfortable seating all good seats

Great shop, great laidback staff, wish they had a few more lefty guitars and drum options (hard to come by the space to keep them) but nonetheless a great mom and pop music shop. read more

This is a review on the many things that left a great impression on me from my last visit to Alva's music. I shop here because their selection on pedals is silly good, so that's why I check in from time to time, but this review is based on a purchase I made and some service on some gear I needed done. Obviously this is a business and they are out to make money, but not once have I ever felt that on my past visits and I was not let down this time either. I found myself eyeing this sweet amp, Nick, who was attending me, armed me with the information I needed and really helped me make my own decision when it came to my final purchase. A total opposite experience from what you get from GC, Nick was friendly, helpful and knowledgable.. I also had some work done to one of my own creations, my pedal board, that was giving me a hard time. Luis, trouble shot his way through my mess and guided me to fix that took my board to new levels. With some modifications through his handy work, this thing is now a beast and super reliable. Luis followed up w/ phone calls every step of the way to ensure that he got everything I wanted done right. At the end of the day I got what I wanted and had a super positive experience at the same time. Both guys gave me valuable input and were eager to help. I highly recommend this spot to my music pals and those looking for a new gear spot. Keep up the good work fellas! read more

The ballet instruction for children is not worth your time. The lessons are chaotic, the instructor is often late, and it's not a professional environment. The adult classes are good. Not the best, but good. Much prefer Lauridsen Ballet Centre for lessons. However, the dance supply store is awesome. I asked them to please carry canvas ballet slippers and the next time I went in, they had a wonderful collection of canvas items. They always have what I need in stock, for our son and daughter, their prices are very reasonable and the staff is nice as can be. read more

Picked up a hard to find, $300 guitar pedal here and was very impressed with the selection, service, and vibe of the store. Very nice people, great gear and location. With the closing of World of Strings in Long Beach there are almost no boutique guitar stores in the South Bay. Where else could you walk in and check out Pigtronix, Strymon, or ZVex pedals? They also have a guitar tech to handle setups, fretwork, etc. Alvas is a gem and places like these should be supported. If you want them to exist, you have to shop from them and not online. Easy parking right in the front and located in one of the nicest parts of San Pedro. Walk down the street and grab lunch at Pirozzi's Italian Deli, then go for a walk in Avril Park. That's what I did! read more

I normally don't do reviews because they are just too time consuming, but if I do a review it's because a place went above and beyond my expectations. I went in today and bought a Wampler Triple Wreck pedal. The thing is amazing btw kinda pricy but the tone tho! I don't know the two guys names that helped me but they were freaken Awsome and knew what they were talking about. They went above and beyond to make sure I was happy. Set it all up. Just the overall service, selection and good vibes that were present really made me a lifetime customer.... No more GC or Sam Ash. I'll make the long drive again. Anyways thank you guys for being such a cool place with good selection. You guys rule. read more

I'd give them zero stars if I could. I went in the beginning of August and spoke with Leslie. I told him that I was looking to get a sound system for my husband birthday. We agreed upon one that I liked. I told Leslie that I needed it before Sept 8th and he said it was plenty of time to get it in. Leslie said be call me when it came in or had any updates for me. I called three times between then and now, and never got a call back. Today I went in and the person at the counter said that Leslie left town and didn't see any order for the agreed sound system. They didn't even offer any help after telling them I waited for 3 weeks for a call back from Leslie. So upset with this situation. read more

I had read about Alva's, because of their big selection of Victory guitar amps. I just went bought one of their vertical 2X12 cabs, and really enjoyed my time there. Nick was fantastic, and had the cab ready to go as I walked in. I definitely recommend going. It's really cool too that it's also a dance store too. read more

This place is heaven for all you gear heads. The pedal selection is simply amazing. If I want to pick up new gear, I go to Alva's. Don't bother going to GC or Sam Ash. Prices are just as competitive and I last I checked, they price match. So why not support one of the last standing guitar mom and pop shops around? (though it's as neat and almost as expansive as any big franchise) The colors in this place really give me a great feeling with all the different pedals inside the glass counters and as you look up you just see all these beautiful guitars hanging around. I have to stop myself from going here sometimes because last time I walked out with a Fender Deluxe Reverb aka the Blackface. Best music store within 30 miles, for sure. read more

I was glad to have found this place on yelp, been looking for a music store to buy myself a ukulele. Didnt realize this place was only nine blocks away from me. They have a good number of instruments you can choose from, most of what I saw were guitars hanging on display. Upon check out, they'll sign you up on their rewards program wherein you earn points for each purchase and you get to use those points for discounts and other good stuff. read more

Located in a cute old town section of Pedro, this dance school and music store offers classes for tots, teens, and adults ranging from gymnastics to ballet. read more

Forget going to Hollywood , forget Guitar Center , give Alva's a shot and see what you think . They have a surprisingly cool amp selection , lots of high end boutique stuff as well as Fender , Vox , Marshall , etc . A nice selection of electric and acoustic guitars , and probably the biggest selection of pedals I've seen any place on the west coast . The staff is knowledgeable and friendly , truly a neighborhood music store feel to it only with a ton of really cool gear . Check em out , I think you will be pleasantly surprised . read more

Love this place. I only buy my stuff from here. They've got a hefty selection of pedals and at competitive prices.

Poor customer service and terrible ballet instruction today. hopefully they get it together because today, 20 other parents were equally displeased read more

Went here to get my daughter Irish dancing shoes. It was our first pair because she is just starting lessons and the girl here didn't seem overly knowledgeable about the shoes...she was like, are these what you're looking for, and I wasn't sure because we've never done this before! So I hope she was right. One bummer, she mentioned that they are no longer ordering the Irish shoes because there's not much demand for them. They have some left in stock and we bought the smallest pair they had, which is a little big for little A's toes but she will grow into them I suppose, and they weren't too sloppy big. But they did seem to have a large selection of dancewear and other dance shoes as well as musical instruments Overall nice help. We had a 20% off coupon we picked up at school, and also they participate in the scrip program for my daughter's school. So that's always good to work towards our fundraising quota. Right next door to the Rosalie & Alva dance /music school so I assume they are affiliated. ---------------------------- Edit 10/11/09 - found out that the shoes she sold us are actually SCOTTISH dancing shoes - I know! Who knew? - but since A is just starting to dance they are fine for class, but would not be right for any kind of competitions. Luckily we've got a few years before we have to worry about that! Our dance instructor told us Burbank is the closest place to get actual true Irish dancing shoes (soft soles). read more

Great group of friendly people that work here. I recently acquired a Guitar and brought it in to have the strings replaced. Knowing NOTHING about what I really wanted, the guys working there didn't make me feel stupid, and found the gauge and style of string to replace quickly. They encouraged I look around the store and even offered to let me play with whatever I wanted. Great job guys! read more

Fabulous. Helpful. Intelligent. Lifetime locals. Loyal. Good variety of musical instruments. Nice selection of very well chosen variety of dancewear. For a mom with kids who are interested in stuff I know nothing about, I feel safe and that they are getting sound advice and good mentoring (in choosing music gear and dancewear). We have never regretted a purchase made here. read more

Their barres are a nice quality. Their glassless mirrors (mylar over a wood frame - very light) are a very poor quality, with their service being even worse. I own a studio, and wanted the glassless mirrors for safety. They arrived and had ripples due to being put together on a non-square frame. Alvas tried to say that they were damaged in shipping, despite the box being in perfect condition. Less than two weeks later, under minimal use, they already had small punctures and rips. Less than six months later, one had a rip of almost two feet. These "mirrors" were twice as expensive as regular mirrors (almost $4,500), and not durable at all. The quality was bad enough, but basically even after only the two weeks, Alvas said, "Tough Luck." It seems that when someone paid that type of money and was already having problems less than two weeks later, the company would want to try to make it even a little right. Not Alvas. It's a shame, but I certainly wouldn't recommend them to others. read more

Tonight filming a music video for the band "The Reasons Why", the cymbals were not with the drum kit. Although Alvas was closed, they answered the phone. In 10 minutes, the drummer and I were there and rented the cymbals necessary so that we could film the video "Nasty Tattoos". You truly exceeded expectations and have 2 customer for life! read more

I was looking for a guitar for my grandson's sixteenth birthday and absolutely had no idea what to get. I decided to go to Alvas because my own daughters went there for ballet lessons years ago . When I got there, I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of guitars on display. Thank goodness I was immediately greeted by an employee named Chris who helped me decide on The right guitar. His knowledge of music was astounding and he helped me choose the perfect guitar and one I could afford. I definitely will go back there when my grandson needs anything else. Thank you Alvas for such a good selection of guitars and thank you Chris for making it so easy to buy. read more

Oh boy oh boy... I'm a little annoyed how someone could want irish dancing shoes.. (a dance that has died along with the 90's) and expect, well ANYONE to know what kind of shoes they wore. Your daughter should've known, and you as a parent could've asked your teacher. Alva's has always taken care of me and has always done everything they could to help me. Which is why I'm annoyed. I'm always going in for pointe shoes, and jazz shoes for Pirate Dancers. Oh and for hair nets and bobby pins, and not to mention the countless pairs of tights i always need. They're well stocked for a mom n pop shop and know more then the other dance stores I've tried. They don't charge for pointe shoe fittings! Thank God, and every person there that's fit me for any type of shoe, always knows a great deal of tips that'll keep the shoes from wearing out too fast or from hurting my feet. Dance shoes are expensive anywhere you go :( , but if you're nice then they'll help you out! And I've said this before, it has the warm family feel that Pedro has :] read more

If you don't dance and you are a musician, you should check this place out. They have guitars, basses, amps and accessories. A really nice selection of pedals. They carry Mesa, Matchless and Marshall. read more

My kids love gymnastics and Ms. Stacy. My daughter also enjoys piano and voice lessons with Mr. Abraham. So much fun!

Really really great service! Super kind people with quick suggestions for solutions and exquisite knowledge of all things musical. Enjoyed my visit thoroughly! Give this place a chance next time you're in need of any musical services! I highly recommend them! read more

Alvas Music is a small venue and great sound. Sadly, they have a very strange reservation policy. You call for a reservation, your name goes on a list, and you pay cash at the door upon arrival. If their reservations reach capacity, they start a wait list. If you're the first to arrive, you can pay but if your name is on the waitlist, you are told it is standing room only! Even with an empty house! Isn't it first come first serve? Don't most venues know 20% or more no show? I will never come here again. read more

This is the only place that I can find all the ballet and dance items I need. They have all the best pointe shoes. The salespeople are knowledgeable about what shoes are best for each person. I only buy my tights there because they last. There prices are good and they give discounts if you tell them which studio you dance at. read more