Please be aware that the owner of this business does inappropriate business practices...I posted a negative review in Sept of 2020 and suddenly started getting texts and phone calls from the owner - I eventually took the review down as asked by the owner because I don't care that much and it wasn't a big deal and I wanted him to stop contacting me. Today I was notified by a store that I no longer work for - since 2014 - that the below review was posted on the same day in Sept. of 2020. I took a look and it is horrifying what is written in the post. There is also a positive post by the same account on the same day for this store - didn't take long to figure out who had posted it. So I called the store today to talk to Alan but had to leave a message as he was "busy" I told them my name and that Gary G had sent me - minutes later the review at Lucky Brand disappeared and luckily I took a screen shot...so it was definitely the owner of this store posting fake reviews for himself and at other businesses. I find this alarming, unprofessional and outrageous. Just be careful - it's not all about guitars apparently...if you post a negative review there may be consequences in your personal life. Alan - please stop doing this - it is not ok to try and harass people or make up lies which probably affected the current store management at my old work - and that isn't ok. People are allowed to give you whatever review they want based on an actual experience. You run a business - it's ok. You'll be alright if you just stay honest and respectful. read more

Bananas at Large - Fake review with my name at a store I don't work for anymore - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Rafael, California

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I came in here over a year ago, wanting to test several piano keyboards. My experience in-store was great - I was helped by the floor associates, and given headphones so I could try the keyboards to my heart's content. Fast forward to today, when I am finally in a position where I can buy the keyboard that I liked (Roland FP-90). I reached out to Bananas at Large over email, and I received pretty fast responses from both Alan and Franklin. Total exchange time over email took about three hours. Prices were fair - I paid an additional $150 for local delivery by Lugg to the peninsula so I didn't have to worry about carrying the massive slab and damaging it when putting it in/out of my car. I even got my keyboard and the stand today, crazy!! I wasn't expecting such expedient customer service and delivery, and I am very pleasantly surprised and impressed. I am very glad I chose to support this local business, and will be sure to come back in the future for my future music needs! read more

My drummer husband and I decided to stop in on our way to the beach. We knew nothing about the store, just saw the sign and pulled over. An older bald gentleman assisted us. He was incredibly rude. To be clear:indie music stores need OUR money. We really don't need them. We can buy everything our hearts desire from the beast (Guitar Center). So when musicians go out of their way to check out an independent music store, the employees should treat them with respect and courtesy. Keep the sarcastic comments to yourself. Very annoying experience. read more

It's like walking into a car dealership. Search for other music stores. I wanted to improve my guitar, and all they wanted me to do is to buy a new guitar putting down my own guitar. I will never walk into that trap hole again. The Magic flute in Terra Linda is the best Music Store in the area. read more

I posted this review on GMaps and received an unbelievably rude response from the business owner. He has a bizarre fixation about me being "scared", I'm not sure if that is him or his staff projecting. I have an "alternative" appearance, and I've had issue being discriminated against due to that. Given this is San Rafael, I would not be surprised if this was the case. Perhaps if you're not wealthy or famous, Bananas has no interest in developing a relationship or having you as a customer. I have attached his response to my initial post as an image. Alan, I'll repeat your words back to you. I know it's easy to lash out on review sites and attack MUSICIANS to try to "hurt" them. I hope it made you feel better... sadly I doubt it did. Below is my initial post: Gone are the days of meeting up at a music store, talking shop, testing out gear, making connections. The experience I had has turned me off to ever come back. I've heard that the Santa Rosa location is a bit more friendly, but I don't know if it's worth the drive. Pretty cool location (although parking is terrible) with a medium-large inventory. However, the staff comes across as arrogant and elitist, which was confusing as they weren't able to answer a few basic questions. The biggest bummer was they had a couple of items that I would have picked up (including a cab and a boutique pedal), but the attitude of the sales staff immediately changed my mind. Long story short, if you're thinking of stopping by, just go to Guitar Center. You'll get the same level of service and ineptitude. Added in response to owner: First off, I was the seller, not the buyer. I wanted them to feel safe with the transaction, so I told them to find a local music store. Neither of us had been to Banana's before. I looked online, and it seemed like a cool shop, and the site said all the right things. Even looked at the inventory to see if there was anything that caught my eye. I've done transactions as both seller and buyer, plenty of small music stores around the Bay Area have been accommodating. Most of them know we're there for 5-10min, and the most important part, we learn about a new shop that supports local musicians. At the time I came in, there were at 3 staff members standing behind registers doing nothing, not to mention 2 more sitting up in what I believe was the keyboard section. When we first came in, my buyer purchased 2 cables, we had already discussed purchasing items to support Bananas. At no point did the staff recommend we come back later, The attitude from what I assume was a Manger, was uncalled-for, as was the "joke" about taking 30% of the sale. Times are incredibly rough, especially for working musicians. I don't consign my gear because I can't afford to lose a 30% cut to another greedy business. You also neglect to mention that after the transaction in the parking lot, the buyer and I went back into Banana's to take a look at the inventory. Strange move for someone who was only "here to test this amp" and "ran outside to write" my review. The fact that you say you reviewed footage, but neglect to mention that we both came back into the store, and walked around for at least 15 min. It's weird and disturbing you're exhausting so much energy tearing down another person. The reason we came back in was the buyer had a few questions while we had our transaction, so I wanted to show him a few things. I did have questions about a guitar cab, and a staff member came over. It was a unique piece, I was curious. Your "professional working musicians and producers" salesman had no idea, and did not spend more than 1 min with us before just walking away. (I looked it up, and it is a pretty cool little cab, it's a pity your staff can't do 5 min of research) The fact that you need to gush about your "over $2.5 million in inventory", when I stated in my review that you have a "medium-large inventory", sounds a bit braggadocio. You have a wide variety of stuff, that's cool. What's not cool is shunning the musical communities that keep you in business. The last item I pointed out to the buyer was in the used pedal display. I had just gushed over how great they were when used in a signal chain, and the only thing your staff added was "yeah, we've got a lot of used pedals". Didn't ask if we wanted to test it out, didn't pull it out to show us, didn't let us know if it had a cool history, or even the price. I had pushed the buyer that if he saw one, he should pick it up, but at that point the damage was done. Your response oozes of elitism and condescension, I can see where your staff gets it from. On the parking, there were not 30 spots in the area I parked. If you have additional parking, I did not see or know about it (again first time here) but if you do, I apologize for that. read more

Bananas at Large - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Rafael, California

In producing my first podcast, I wasn't sure what mic to get. The friendly staff helped me out in picking the right one for my needs along with some other equipment as well. I would highly recommend Bananas At Large for any musical equipment or if you want to start a podcast :) they have what you need. :) read more

I don't know enough about musical instruments to critique their in depth knowledge of the tools of this craft, but I have shopped enough to recognize friendly service when I see one. The guys there are friendly, and are ready to help when you need it. They helped me find what I was looking for within my restrictive (read: "cheap ass") budget, and even tuned it when asked. And there I was, out with what I wanted, in under (or about/above) ten minutes. read more

I love it when a worker shows real enthusiasm for a product. When I asked Dana what I might get for a birthday present for a bass//ukelele player I saw his mind start to whir. After wandering down a couple of different paths he settled on a pedal. An Aguilar Filter Twin Dual Envelope Filter pedal to be exact, and here's what he said (which seemed both enthusiastic and sincere): "If my girlfriend gave this to me for my birthday I'd run off and play with it immediately". So, here's what happened: J unwrapped his Aguilar Filter Twin Dual Envelope Filter pedal, set up his bass and amp in the tiled kitchen (great acoustics), and spent the next two hours playing with that thing. Awesome suggestion, Bananas. A kick-ass gift that J didn't even know he wanted. This place is the retail equivalent of locavore eating: local business owned by a local family employing locals who've probably shopped there since they were 11 years old. Good on you Bananas. Start planning ahead as I'll be back again next year looking for another new toy. read more

LOVE this place. Last Sunday Ian took the time to teach my 7 year old daughter how to tune her electric guitar. Grateful mom here. read more

Bananas at Large - Ian from B.A.L. teaching my little guitarist how to tune her guitar with her new tuner. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Rafael, California

Great staff! Always helpful in helping with your equipment needs. Great selection of guitars , amps, pro audio, keyboards , and the latest effects. read more

The staff was super kind and helpful, I recommend this store to everyone! There's a great selection of gorgeous instruments and again I can't stress how amazing the costumer service was. read more

Update - Reply made by owner that assumes a lot, and makes up the rest. My bass was new, not a used consignment, as he claims but has no way of knowing. Everything in my original review was honest and exactly as written. I was not offered bubble wrap or anything. I didn't feel like paying for a gig bag, I have those at home. It was reasonable to assume they would provide some sort of box on a new guitar. The local stores where I usually go, Guitar Showcase and Keith Holland Guitars, provide much better service and value. Keith Holland provided a free setup on a $200 Strat that I purchased there recently. I'm sure their techs time is worth just as much. Look, just own up to your mistakes. don't make stuff up just to CYA. Maybe it was an off day, I don't know. I'll never know, because I wont be back. read more

Absolutely everything you need to make music...live music. Instruments, equipment, analog and digital, acoustic and electric, percussion and wind... Bananas at Large has people who love what they do there to help you figure out what you need to make the sound you want. They have lessons and sound studios. This place is a treasure. I brought my 4 year old in to show her instruments and she was drawn to the drums and they encouraged her to pick up the sticks and rock out. 2 years later we were back for more... this time she's in to the piano and we walk out with an electric almost full size learning keyboard with light up keys. I will always buy musical instruments from these fine people. They are fair, helpful and really know just what you need. read more

Bananas at Large - 1st keyboard... YAY! Banana's at Large - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Rafael, California

Great selection of guitars, musical equipment and accessories. The service professionals are knowledgeable and friendly. I'll definately be back as I continue on my adventure of learning to play guitar. read more

Bananas at Large - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Rafael, California

I was assisted by Grant who helped me immeasurably with details about lavalier mikes I need for upcoming non profit fundraiser. He researched my needs, called me back twice and even made a suggestion about purchase elsewhere as their price point was beyond our means. I was blown away by their professionalism, expertise and generosity. Recommend heading there for all your needs on the musical and tech fronts! read more

Went in yesterday to purchase a guitar I had been eyeing online, but couldn't find anywhere local to me. After driving an hour, I was glad I made the trip. Bananas is a great store with awesome employees. They had exactly what I was looking for and pulled multiple guitars from the back so I was able to get exactly what I wanted. The whole process was awesome and I wouldn't hesitate to make the drive again. With so few local music shops still in business, I'm happy that places like bananas still exist. They are absolutely worth supporting, and I will be calling them first for any future purchases. read more

Shoutz goez out to Tim, and the knowledgeable and friendly staff at Bananas, San Rafael. I'm new in town and have already had great service, having 2 strap lock systems purchased, and installed on both my electric workhorses. Sometimes its in whats not said that makes all the difference; these aren't cocky salesmen here to talk your head off into a sale, but rather, are real players who aren't jaded, and so can actually give you service in a music store, on a first name basis, that real players need. I'm hoping that a fruitful relationship can continue as I gear up and blast off @ Bananas! read more

I was in the market for a weighted piano keyboard, and went to a handful of music stores in the Bay Area over the course of a few months. Those experiences fell short when compared to BAL. After leaving a Guitar Center feeling shortchanged by my interactions at the store, I decided to give BAL a call. Ian Ulibarri picked up and proceeded to answer every single one of my questions, giving me qualitative and quantitative stats on the different models that were in my price range and specs. I went to the store after our conversation, and he spent 1.5 hours helping me find the piano setup that was right for me! He was very knowledgeable (especially about Rolands), and made my purchase experience so wonderful. I live in the city, but am so happy to make that drive if it means I get access to the most knowledgeable and personable sales reps in the Area. Thank you Ian for being the best!!! read more

Great selection of instruments and tools. Wonderful place to learn music. My son took guitar lessons and really enjoyed them. Nice teachers and easy to book lessons. Wish they had one closer to where we live now! read more

I just want to say I came in on Friday March 15th and your staff is awesome I spoke with Holt as he took his time to set up a demo with the Boss Katana-air what was so cool he asked me which type of guitar would I like to play through the amp as I play Gibson's so he took a guitar off the rack with humbuckers so I could get a good idea how the amp would sound as he did take the time to demonstrate the different settings then let me take my time to see if the amp would work for me as I saw the amp in your store on the previous Saturday, so I was thinking what a great practice amp sorry for the long story, as I did purchase the amp played with it the next morning, so may different settings and sounds again I am in the customer service industry and hats off to your staff and Holt no pressures Thank you read more

completely understand that sheet music is not exactly a hot commodity. However, piano teachers are a timeless thing that are surprisingly always in business, and therefore always need these five essential books: Piano Adventures-Accelerated/ older beginners, Level 1 Piano Adventures Primer "lesson" Levels 1, 2a, and 2B "lesson" If you were to get rid of everything else and stock only those five books, you'd probably sell more than all the other stuff combined. The later levels you could stock up later when teachers realize that you caught on to what we need. ;) read more

Oh finally a woman rep at a music store! Theresa you are the best! As a female musician I can tell you, for me, it has never been all that pleasant to walk into a music store and be ignored or talked down to by most male sales people on the floor. For over 30 years this has been my experience. Well, Bananas in San Rafael has an excellent female sales rep that really knows her stuff. I am most appreciative for her friendly, knowledgable input. The store has got a lot of variety with prices that are somewhat competitive. read more

I've said this before, but it bears repeating. I live three miles from a GC. I would rather drive for 45 minutes and pay a bridge toll to go to Bananas. Great, great staff, both male and female. What I need is knowledge and inventory. Alan Rosen and his crew provide both. In spades. It is an enjoyable experience to go there. A warning - when you go, be prepared to stay a while..... read more

I am not upset, I just do not like when a liar, well...lies. I just happened to read your reply the same day I updated my original review. I hadn't even thought about your store, or you the day after I left my review. How times do you lie in day? Seems to me, you can't keep them straight. You even contradict yourself in your replies to my review. You: "We always strive to do what customers ask but in some cases when things are out of our control we have to say no". later, you changed your statement: You: "We quoted him available freights and costs and he chose not to buy the instrument". 1.) Where did I ever mention displeasure at you for not 'controlling USPS policies'? There you go, lying again. I know you are Bananas at Large, but are you also Bananas at home, too? 2.) This has everything to do with 'Bananas at large' Thank you for your fallacious comments. You should run for congress you behave in the same manner a politician does and love to obfuscate. read more

I live in Oakland and on Staturday i drove up to GC in Berkeley. I was interested in filling an empty spot on my pedalboard. The selection of pedals was uninspired. So i decided to drive another 13 miles to Bananas and see what they had. I was blown away at the serviece, secection and knowlege of the staff. I was there to buy a i little Xotic EP Booster (which of course they had) but when i saw the 5X50 foot case with all the rare botique and NEWEST pedals, I knew i was at thre right place. I ended up with 3 pedals, they gave me internet pricing on the spot. (Thanx Nick) My pedalboard now the stuff of gear envy for others. In one visit they have earned my loyalty as a future ostomer. Best music store experience i have ever had! read more

This is the place to go for all your music needs. Bought my daughter a guitar for Christmas and had the best service. He listened and didn't oversell. A+. read more

This is a good independent shop, it was not around here till the mid or late 70's. Before that Sherman Clay was the only place in town. And lesson in Rock and Blues were hard to come by then. But Bananas gave us in Marin a credible dealer who put out the great equipment. Back when the opened one of their salespeople could play the guitar left or right handed without changed string or tuning, he would play great riff right, in one second flip the guitar over and continue on. I have never seen that done since. Today the store is diverse in musical instruments and seemingly a little more corporate. Their prices are up there but the service and attention to customers is the best. There are new guitar stores opening up everyday, Guitar Center and Sam Ashe Music (east coast) for example. They have prices slightly under BAL. But service and attention while okay are but not up BAL's standard. Four stars is my highest rating. So they top my list and I have played guitar for 35+ years. read more

Teresa Topaz, Bananas' guitar tech & specialist, is fantastic at what she does. I brought her my Taylor acoustic that was having some grounding issues in it's expression system. She diagnosed the problem, did the repair, gave my guitar a full setup, and it is sounding better than it has in a looooooong time! She was also super responsive, open to questions, and gave me some great advice on general guitar care. I got the sense that Teresa really cares about helping me get my guitar in great condition and keep it there, and not just the repair, which was really awesome to feel. Teresa goes above and beyond, I'm definitely bringing my guitar back in the future! read more

I've been a customer at Banana's for over 15 years and am happy to recommend this great local pro music store. I've bought guitars, amps, synthesizers, studio gear, effects, and more and I've usually been able to find the equipment I need at competitive prices. I like the difference between shopping there compared to a big box store or online catalog. The staff is knowledgeable and the service is personal. I also appreciate that they offer free events like professional equipment demo's, workshops, and live music. I've seen some amazing musicians there, including Neil Schon from Journey who buys and sells a lot of his gear at Banana's. I'm glad a store like that is in the community and I try to support them as a local business whenever possible. read more

On the plus side - A really nice selection ( I went in for an acoustic guitar) - and the prices seemed OK - knowledgeable sales staff BUT - I got a little bit of an attitude from the acoustic sales guy - I was looking for something in the $ 500 range - and that's what he showed me - but when I asked him if they set up the guitars - he informed me he doesn't sell guitars that need to be set up ( HUH?) He pulled out a $ 4000 model and played it - but when I asked to see it - he acted like if he handed it to me - I was going to destroy it - When I detected a ( LOUD) buzz playing one of their models - HE didn't hear it - All and all - a bit condescending - not enough to turn me off to the store - but enough to mention read more

I called and made an appointment to possibly trade in a 1951 Gibson towards some beautiful guitars they had in the shop from Mr. Quan's collection. Both Jeff and Alan (owner) were extremely kind and helpful in asessing the value of my instrument and offered help with some issues I had with it. Honest, kind and local shop. read more

I'm a complete novice when it comes to musical instruments. However, we are setting intention to have more music fill our home in the coming year. I kicked it off early by deciding to purchase a set of great bongo drums as a Christmas gift for my beau. Knowing of Bananas by simply driving by, I researched more through their website and found they are the real deal, pretty much operated by all musicians from varied disciplines. So when you patron their store, you're also supporting local musicians! When I stopped in, a sweet guy with enormous holes in his earlobes almost immediately asked if I needed help. I asked him about drums actually making the dorky hand motions of playing bongos and he happily brought me over to their selection. He played a few so I could hear their sound. In inquired about the price difference I saw online and in the store and he was able to negotiate the online price for me which was about $20 lower. He then packed them up in bubble wrap and a box and sent me on my way. He assured me of the 14 day return policy if we weren't completely stoked about the drums for any reason. The staff operates with genuine ease, friendliness and great knowledge of their products. Love them and now a loyal customer! read more

I would have given 5 stars but they totally forgot to throw in my power cable when I purchased a $1,800.00 Korg Krome keyboard! Really?? read more

Bananas at Large - A synth is just a huge paperweight without power! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Sold 2 items on consignment at Bananas at Large in Santa Rosa 2 months ago. They theoretically pay out after 30 days. Called on the phone one month ago and Santa Rosa staff assured me the check will be sent. Called three weeks ago and received the same assurances from Jonny. Called two weeks ago and bookkeeper was out with COVID scare. Called the beginning of this week and Landon assured me the check would be sent out by Tuesday. Called again on Friday and I ohh the bookkeeper is going to send out the check today. I am very skeptical that it will happen and I will have to call again next week. Good work bookkeeper of maintaining your cash flow by not paying creditors. read more

Does not answer email inquiries but they answer email orders. lol I wanted to buy a guitar that was on their website so I ordered one. But when I called it was not actually available and discontinued, I was dissapointed. Oscar was very helpful though. read more

Got a Chance to Check out Bananas at Large today and I left satisfied. I originally found out about these guys back when I use to be a Taylor guitar addict a few years ago. They are a Licensed Taylor dealer and have a nice collection. According to the employee I talked with, they usually get a lot of their limited editions coming in, but sell them as soon as they can put them on the racks. Their high end acoustic room also sported some nice breedloves, martins, gibsons, guilds, takamines, and yamaha guitars. Having Guilds, Taks and Yamaha guitars on hand was nice since it seems that you can only find those brands represented with their lower lines in most guitar stores. They also had some smaller builders represented as well, but I can't remember them. Regardless, thefact that they stocked lesser known high quality guitars gets a plus in my book. The electric guitars they stock are also nice. They have the usual bunch from epiphone, gibson, fender and etc but also sport some really nice yamaha electrics in the $1000+ range that I've never seen before. The staff seems to be pretty young and is friendly overall. The store itself is of a nice size for a non chain guitar store as well. They also carry a huge assortment of string brands as well which was nice to see. Overall, it seems like a good guitar store that I'd probably shop at more often if I was from around the area more. read more

Over the past 5+ years, my family has purchased musical instruments, music books as well as miscellanious musical equipment from Bananas at Large and have been always been impressed with their knowledge, helpfulness and fair pricing. I was inspired to write a review this week after having the honor of attending a lesson Vernon "Ice" Black gave my son on electric guitar. Not only was I impressed with his professionalism and demeanor, but his approach to teaching and his strong support of musical expression is inspiring! Another reason why I was inspired to write is because I also had the extreme pleasure of attending Bananas at Larges first-Wednesday-of-the-month night event this week. It highlighted several local and quite talented student musicians. This evening event appeared to be strongly supported by two equipment manufacturers and the Bananas at Large staff! Despite it being a first, it was an excellent first try event - and something that we would come to again in future. Kudos to all involved (and thanks to all for supporting local students)! Bottom line - my family and I highly recommend and support Bananas at Large in San Rafael! read more

Let me start off by saying I drive over from Oakland to come here and shop. Thats a 20 - 30 minute drive one way. That says something. Love this place and I have for years. The most friendly and knowledgeable musicians around. I come in with questions and these guys have the answers. They have a 30 day price guarantee where if you find a lower price anywhere (even online from a reputed dealer) they will refund you the difference. Also a very liberal return policy so you can try out that piece of gear you have been eying for months. If you haven't been here you are really missing out on the best music store in the bay area. hands down. Why else do you think this is where all the rockstars go to shop? read more

Stopped by to have a look at a few guitars, with little knowledge (or skill), nonetheless the employee who helped me (I want to say Dan but not 100%) was very friendly, encouraging, and provided expert wisdom. 10/10 experience. I'll be back again once I've scraped together 'new guitar' money. read more

I bought a used Strat there I love. Had a couple problems I posted about, but they took care of me and made everything good. They were cool and professional about it, too. I ended up buying a second guitar after we got it all resolved. Will definitely return. read more