Our old Washburn acoustic guitar looks, feels, and sounds like it did about 22 years ago when it was new. A little TLC from this music store with the professional, friendly, helpful, and very pleasant staff (Jackson, Kyle, and Chris) was all it needed. They went above and beyond what I expected. The guitar was ready before their estimated time and I have not heard this guitar sound this good for a long time. My 13 year old daughter is now of course in love with the beautiful red Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster they have for sale. I would suggest you check it out. I would have bought it without hesitation if possible. I think it's a very good deal for the price and the sound quality and playability is Wow. It's already our second visit here in just a few months and we will be back again. Special Thanks to Chris. You rock! read more

Bananas at Large - Beautiful Red Fender Acoustasonic Stratocaster - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

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Last week I took my bass in for a replacement on the jack and picked it up yesterday. My bass looks and sounds great and Zack and another man with very short blond hair were very friendly and helpful. I generally find music stores have a kind of attitude that is somewhat dismissive and disattached but not Bananas. I take lessons from one of their instructors, Angeline Saris, who is wonderful, I have purchased other items there with informative and friendly help and, now I will continue to bring my basses in for repairs. Thank you Bananas, for being my one stop shop for everything musical. read more

Bananas at Large - Kelly and her Brian Moore bass - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING! I've been a loyal customer of this music shop since their early days in downtown Santa Rosa, but my recent visit was incredibly disappointing. I came in looking for help with equipment, but was met with dismissive and unprofessional behavior from the staff. One worker in particular was rude, degrading, and even made racially insensitive remarks. He knows who he is. Instead of offering assistance, he made assumptions about me -- including whether I could even afford the equipment -- based solely on how I was dressed. That kind of judgment is unacceptable. What happened to treating long-time customers with respect? The new staff clearly lack the manners and basic customer service skills that once made this place special. I left feeling disrespected and extremely frustrated. I should have asked to speak with a manager. If this business wants to survive, they seriously need to retrain their staff on how to treat people with dignity. Just disappointing. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE! FIND ANOTHER LOCAL MUSIC SHOP THAT TREATS CUSTOMER BETTER! read more

I only visited this store once - new arrival in Santa Rosa, needed some equipment they didn't have, but they pointed me to another music store in town and were extremely pleasant. read more

They let me try out a takamine and they were all so polite Seth and Jackson were really helpful don't have any photos but best experience I've had in a guitar store I would recommend read more

The friendly staff made up of local musicians and engineers themselves genuinely cares about their customer base of local and major musicians. I trust them to deliver on price and quality. They have a 2 week return on most items. They can price match most retailers. The thing I like is supporting a local business. While sometimes I need specialized items they don't have, I am able to get them ordered without much issue. I'm a filmmaker and recording engineer. I rely on top notch gear to do my job. I take it seriously. I obtained 2 degrees for it in 4 years. Thanks to bananas I had what I needed throughout the process. Thanks to all the friendly and helpful staff. I also got free local delivery on an item since the guy lived next door. That was awesome. Thanks bananas for being the best in the north bay for pro touring and recording gear and entry level student instruments for our kids. read more

Very first time to have electric guitar restrung and it was totally out of tune!!! all strings were one full note sharp and not in tune with each other. Called them and they said suppose to be that way after new strings are put on!!! Only been on for 10 minutes !!! Charged $40!!! This place is a pathetic joke run by idiots to screw people for profit! read more

Associate Kyle Foster is very helpful and patient with all your needs and wants related to music. He goes above & beyond to help you!

Love this store!! Very friendly team in Santa Rosa location, great instruments and accessories! My go-to when I need anything music related

Went in to the Santa Rosa location to get the neck on my acoustic adjusted and they did it on the spot for a great price. Guitar feels great now and couldn't be happier with the service and pricing. read more

Finally, a pro music store in Santa Rosa! I've been in there three times in the past month, and every time they've been friendly, helpful, and very informative. I've always walked out with exactly what I needed, as well as a lot of great ideas about things I don't really need but would love to have -- exactly what a musician wants from a music store! read more

Good selection and knowledgeable staff. I try to go there for all my guitar and bass needs.

I can't say enough about the staff here! These guys go out of their way to make a great customer experience. They treat you like family and know the gear well. Very impressed by all of the gang. Nick, the store manager, is beyond excellent! Jackson, Landon, Chris, Johnny, Zack, Kyle, and the rest of the staff are all personable and amazing to work with. Thank you for the stellar experience! Highly recommend this place if you're in the guitar or music gear market. You won't be disappointed. Here's a pic of a beautiful Martin purchased at the shop! You will be satisfied with the gear selection for sure!! read more

Bananas at Large - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

These folks are great. They are polite and helpful in the store. Happy to get you a cord, strap, tuner, etc. to try things out. They are responsive to email, phone and text. They follow up on orders and store transfers. Matched a special price found on the Fender site. My impression is they don't hire sales people to move guitars. They hire guitarists to help people buy guitars. Nothing against the online retailers, I've never bought from them, but I am happy to give my business to this local store. Jonny in particular was a big help. Even though I wasn't buying an expensive guitar. Thanks! read more

Demo Roland V-Drums Acoustic Design Electronic Drum Set. Unbelievable feel & Sound. As though you are playing live on a Acoustic Drum Set. Great Staff~ David #ROCKR TUMBAO Patocchi 2/16/21 read more

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Originally told me they would buy my bass cabinet After hauling it down there. Then after they offered me (a low offer) for cash, which I did accept, they told me I had to come back tomorrow bc the person in charge of checks was busy ?! I return the following day and they then tell me when I attempt to get the money, that they want to do consignment only. It took me 3 trips there to fully waste all of my time. I recommend this store to no one. They were unhelpful, barely friendly, wasted my time and their store looks like a disheveled mess. If you want false promises and your time wasted this would be the store for you **** sorry dave**** After skimming your review, I believe you basically assumed I was selling stolen gear? Even implying I'm a thief is offensive to me, let alone passively implying it Bottom line: your store is lame and wasted my time read more

I just sold back my Taylor 214ce plus back to BAL, paid 1250- got 400 after 6 months.Mint condition with a flawless users guide and case. I understand that it's business but it will sell for 800-900 tomorrow. They will make their margin twice on me. I got myself into this desperate position, don't get me wrong. There was no arguing from me. I am beat down. Anyway, Landon was compassionate and professional. I didn't want to sell this guitar but I have fallen on hard times. He was not invasive and showed quiet empathy. I am a guitar player in my heart and soul. Today was a sad day. 5 stars for Landon. Hey Alan- Thanks for the condescending politically correct passive aggressive response. You turned a good review into a bad one. That guitar was purchased on 8/27/21. You need to do better. Also, I live across the street. I'll stop in and let you lecture me about all this to my face. read more

GREAT customer service! As the momma of a musician (drummer, guitarist) as well as a pianist myself, I've been shopping at Bananas for years. They always have whatever we need or want and it's a great place to simply go dream! You can test the instruments and I'm sure my son has gone more than once to just play for fun...and I don't think they mind at all! read more

Twice in the past year I called to see if they carried a product. I made sure to be very specific and they let me know they had it in stock. Both times I went in and they tried to give me a different product. Similar but clearly not what we discussed on the phone and they didn't have what I needed. I hate this type of bait and switch, especially when it's a 45 minute drive for me. I really want to support a local music store but not with kind of service. UPDATE: the owner reached out and seems like a cool guy trying to do the right thing. Adding two stars. I'll give them another go. read more

This is a fabulous music store with a good selection and very kind, professional, knowledgeable staff that really go above and beyond what I've ever encountered anywhere, even at my own store () They also sent a very excellent recording software and hardware pro to my brother's house who set up everything needed so that I could record my brother's beautiful music before he passed away. Without Bananas at Large, we wouldn't have had time to do it on our own, as scattered and in shock as we were with his sudden terminal illness. Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart I love you! read more

I have had several dealings with multiple people at the Santa Rosa shop located on College Ave. All have gone well. Knowledgable and friendly staff. Even if they are out of what I'm looking for, I leave wanting to return. Thanks for the great experience! read more

We love a good music store! Yes! Thanks for being here Bananas at Large. Our community loves you read more

Other local business owners should have field trips to Bananas at Large to learn about amazing customer service and how to run a business in the face of online competition. My wife bought me a new Taylor guitar for Father's Day. She went to Guitar Center, but I wish she would have gone to Bananas at Large. Not only are they local, but their prices are the same and customer service is top-notch. After she gave me my present, I set up some lessons online at Bananas. The teacher was very good and I took a couple of lessons with him. I am now trying another teacher. I want to try them all before I settle on who I connect with for long term lessons. Being a beginner guitarist, I am hesitant to talk to the experts at a music store. They immediately put me at ease and were very helpful and knowledgable. I have been practicing daily and am really enjoying playing. For my birthday, I decided I want to also learn electric guitar. Their knowledgable staff helped me choose an amplifier and gave me great insight into what to look for in an electric guitar. Even though I didn't buy my guitar with them, they were very helpful and nonjudgmental. Now I feel at home in their Santa Rosa store and look forward to going back. Highly recommended. read more

The staff was knowledgeable helpful and efficient. I found everything that I was looking for on my long and eclectic list of things I was there for. I will be back! read more

Great people, fun store with good Selection and Advice The only place to purchase my guitar

Highly recommend this place! Sergio helped us and we are quite happy with his service. He was good with kids, we have two rambunctious boys (3 & 5 years old) and he was patient with them, showed us instruments that our kids might like. He knows when to walk away and come back as my husband and I go back and forth on what to purchase (husband wants to get a little drum set, I said no. Lol). We ended up getting a starter electronic keyboard and a super cute ukulele with a rainbow print on it. He also suggested getting an electronic drum set in the future instead so we don't have to upgrade plus, it's not as loud as the traditional one. Their prices are also competitive and even gave us a military discount. Please support your local stores and go check them out! read more

Bananas at Large - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

Thanks to Zachary at this store! Just a new guitar player and wanted to try and check out Fender Stratocaster's- so many varieties to choose from and I emailed the store with many questions. I went yesterday and spent a couple hours trying 3 different Stratocaster's- thought I'd like the American special for the price but went with the Fender American Pro- even to me as a novice it was SO much better! Then the amp choice was tough BUT Zachary let me try an nice used Fender tube amp! ( Pro Junior with Jupiter speaker) OMG YES! THANKS to Zachary! read more

Bananas at Large - My New Fender American Pro Strat- Antique Olive and Fender tweed used tube amp! SO HAPPY!!! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

Bad ,Bad service last time I was there I'm prefer do my shipping at musical guy on line read more

It is a candy store for the kid musician in all of us! The staff is always friendly and attentive, they have what you need on hand and if not are willing to get what you need. Much better than their competition in Cotati. Come on down to Bananas! read more

Purchased my first item from bananas, a wireless transmitter for my guitar to the amp I Could've gotten it cheaper online but wanted service if needed. Glad I did. After a month and a half it stopped working and I took it into the shop who told me they did not have any to replace it with on exchange. The associate Chris took it upon himself to investigate and found that the problem was pairing the channels on both devices to match. This is something I never would've figured out. Instead of just telling me I had to wait a month and sending me on my Way he went the extra mile so that I could be jamming tonight. Thanks Chris and thanks bananas at large you have a lifetime customer here. read more

Gotto support these guys. Good equipment and great staff. Santa Rosa is lucky to have this music store.

I've been a Bananas customer since the mid 1970's when they opened the first shop in San Rafael. I still visit the current store on 4th at E street San Rafael once per season to buy a gadget or 2. I have purchased $1,000's worth of musical gear from Bananas since then. Always get a good deal. I am so jazzed to have a real, full line, professional quality musical instrument retail shop in Santa Rosa! Yeah, this arrival will be a boon for all Sonoma county musicians. read more

Still waiting on a order going into the 4 th month , just a pity full example of customer support

I have said this before, and I'll say it again: I live three miles from a GC, and I would rather cross the Richmond-San Rafael bridge, pay a toll and spend 45 minutes to get to Bananas. In exchange for this, I get great pricing, great service, a feeling that I, as an old guy, am welcome into the store. I have NEVER been steered in the wrong direction on my selection of gear. That incudes amps, guitars, strings and,as of today, some great gear for my granddaughter to go digital vocal with Steinberg and Boss. Alan and his crew are to be complimented on their expertise and patience. They will take good care of you. That is why I shop there. You should, too. read more

Great customer service. They carried the Roland digital piano I was looking for and I was able to get a good deal on the floor model. Their prices are comparable to internet prices, which is incredible, but not expected. I will definitely be back for future purchases. Thank you Bananas! read more

Bananas at Large - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

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What a delightful group of helpful staff. Visited first time to pick up my first pair of drum sticks and to my delight the young men were not ageist and encouraged me to take up drumming. Kind, helpful, friendly. A huge shout out of praise for Sergio, very nice young man and extremely helpful and approachable. read more

So, check out my reviews. I don't write them unless a place really exceeds my expectations. The staff here at Banana's in Santa Rosa is exceptional. They know their stuff, are professional and have just the right amount of 'hands off' salesmanship that allows you to make informed and practiced decisions. I make sure to buy all of my gear here. If I see something I like on-line and they don't have it, I'll have them order it for me and receive it at the store. Supporting this type of local business and these sorts of sales-folk is important to me. read more

This is the best guitar shop anywhere near me. Hands down. I went to look around, received outstanding service from everyone. They had a nice selection, friendly staff, very personalized service. It was a busy day and they still treated my wife and I like we were the only customers. I'll definitely be back. If they regularly stock what I saw in there today, my next guitar will come from them. read more

Bought an instrument case here, today. It was a good price, and a very good quality item. I will most certainly visit this store again thanks to the courtesy (and willingness to help) of Sean, when I called to ask about cases, and the kind professionalism of Zack, who finally sold it to me. The store is well stocked, the parking is convenient, and the service is great. Thank you Sean, and once again, thank you Zack. read more

Don't even brother to come to this place. They will rip you off! I paid for a very good new set of strings for my guitar and they ended up putting 2 different sets on it. Totally not the quality I paid for. I called to let them know their mistake and a month after I still haven't heard from them. Ah and the guy with black hair and a pony tail that works there is very rude. I DO NOT recommend this place. read more