Call this wierd. However, no good deed goes unyelped in my book…read more I called APEX to ask about a certain piece of audio equipment: if they sold, what brands ect. Mainly, just to get some info before driving over, and double check the hours. 10 minutes before opening, on the phone, the dreaded answer "we don't carry those.". However, over the next 25 minutes, an explanation of who does, where they are, what to expect for the particular piece of equipment, things to consider, the insight of the employee. And, they do rent the equipment. With a fair warning, that they might sell the rental equipement, but since the particluar piece is industrial and well maintained, it'd probably go for MORE than normal places. And it'd be subject to the bosses approval. You have to wish more places would be open, honest, helpful and provide answers to the quality and extent that this place does. A stand up place to do buisness, if there ever was a definition of it. Clearly a tribute to it's many years of existance!

Came here to get my ukelele strings replaced with metal strings (I know, weird) and Steve was very,…read morevery helpful. He made this an experience to remember, and when I had questions he answered every one of them non-pretentiously, and with enthusiasm. Though, it did take a while since he seemed to be the only one working and he was helping about five other customers, too. But, he attended to every one of us. If I were to go anywhere for any music needs, or even questions, I would definitely come here. No hesitation at all. The customer service is some of the best I've ever received, anywhere. Not only is he very kind, he's incredibly knowledgable and gives you all the time you need. The store is well-stocked, and will most likely have what you're looking for, too.

Chuck is great! As an adult I wanted to finally start taking violin lessons and he got me right in…read morethere that week and here I go.

Mr King is an eccentric piano teacher who is full of fun stories and very good at motivating and…read moreteaching young kids! My daughter started playing in her first lesson and was very excited she could play right away. He is very friendly, caring and knows his stuff! He also shares tips and tricks to improve, inspiring players and lent us books to practice with. He is a gem & we love piano with Mr King!

Our son has been playing drums for over 3 years and Jon has been his instructor from day one. Jon…read morehas taken our sons ability from only being able to hold the sticks to most recently rocking out and drumming Metallica and Nirvana. Our son has learned to drum Rock, Metal, classics like the Beatles and even some Pop. Jon is very talented and covers a wide range of genres, he is patient, encouraging and is great at being able to coach and connect with kids. If you or your kids are considering drums, Jon is great. You won't be disappointed. My opinion, you do need to give it some time. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't come right away. It takes a few months to really see results but Jon will get you there.

My 11-year-old son has been playing drums for 6 years. Jon was his second teacher for 4 years since…read morewe moved to San Diego. To me, learning drums is a lonely process, especially in the beginning. Imagine an 8 years old little boy sitting in front of a drum set which was huge to him, playing repeated simple patterns. However, my son continues drumming and starting jamming songs with his friends. Jon is always patient and kind to my boy. He listens to my son's ideas and struggles. He keeps him motivated and excited about his lessons. Jon published his own drum method book and it was very easy for my son to pick up because of the child-friendly colored guide. We went to Jon's performances and roadshows, it showed my son a pathway for what a drummer can be. Highly recommended!

fantastic place, the people are great. Todd tuned my guitar…read morefor free. Very friendly and helpful.

Called for a quote on some wireless mics for a wedding. Guy who answered the phone told me he'd…read morehave his guy call me later, which he did. Appreciate the help and follow up

I brought my Modulus M92 5-string bass to Brandon. I love…read morethe bass, but I there was no battery compartment door on the back on my bass like I had seen in photos of the same model. I had to lift the 'pickguard' plate to change the two batteries. While replacing the batteries, I had inadvertently disconnected the ground wire more than once. Brandon created an enclosed back door entry to the battery compartment. Now I can easily pop the 2 9 volts in and out. He did a beautiful job. The bass looks like it was born this way.

Guitar Center techs in OC had my Gibson SJ-200 so jacked up, I could hardly play it. Also they had…read morefailed to permanently remedy her notorious "pealing pick guard." Madrid Guitars turned it around fast and has it playing like never before (I sat up playing until 1:00 am the night I got it back). Brandon is an F-ing "Guitar Whisperer!" When I picked up my Gibson, I dropped off my Martin and my jumbo Takamine and 1980 Alvarez are both in the "on-deck circle" for set ups. Thanks Brandon! So glad I found you guys!

I stopped into this place today thinking I'd give the "small guy" a shot vs the bigger box guitar…read moreChain stores. Lesson learned - stick to the devil you know. As for guitars they had shit selection for anything even remotely affordable.

I had an issue with Freedom Guitar about a year and a half ago when I lost my younger brother. We…read morehad lost our mother in in a botched surgery a little while before this and my little brother never did recover from his loss. He's been involved in bands and the local music scene since he was 13. Avid guitarist and all around composer. Well he let the best get to him and developed a drug habit as an easy way out. He was a good kid, but unfortunately towards the end he had sold both his and my guitars to support his habit. He took mine to Freedom Guitar and his to Guitar Center in La Mesa. I called Guitar Center and told them the situation and that my little brothers guitar had great sentimental value and if I could purchase it back. Without hesitation the woman offered to sell it back to me at cost, no questions asked. She was amazing, and I'll never forget her generocity. Freedom on the other hand.. well I had told them the story and came in with my original receipt of purchase with my john hancock printed right on it and asked if I could buy my guitar back for a reasonable price. They told me there'd be a 250 dollar mark up on it. Outraged I told them, legally, it was stolen from me and was never theirs to begin with. They we're incredibly rude to me telling me "that's life, bud. and this is a business, not a charity". My father had to come back in to buy the guitar back because I couldn't keep my composure. My entire family is involved in, and plays music and have all bought from Freedom Guitar over the years. Never again, will I, or anybody close to me, or my family, step foot in this establishment again. In response to the other poster, if god is to take retribution on anybody it'd surely be this shop owner. If I remember correctly greed is one of the 7 deadly sins. -Matthew Wick

I have been taking lessons from Chris for about 8 months now. From the very first lesson, concepts…read morethat had puzzled or confused me for years all started making sense. Chris' curriculum was illuminating. I began to actually understand the instrument-- a great feeling, and worth every penny! I would highly recommend Chris to musicians or beginners looking to learn the guitar. I wish I had found him sooner!

From the owner: Guitar/bass instruction and music theoryread more

As an adult experienced guitarist and pianist now hoping to improve my vocal skills, I was lucky to…read morefind Lexi Pulido as a coach at LJM. She is skilled at teaching the finer points of resonance and phonation, aims her coaching at the appropriate level, and is super fun and easy to work with.

Lexi is an amazing piano teacher. Unbelievably patient but also so creative she makes learning fun…read more She helps them make up their own songs in a really fun way and her enthusiasm really stokes a love for music. I couldn't imagine a better teacher than Lexi and highly recommend her.

If I could give 10 Stars for this review to Miss Alison, that still wouldn't be enough. I would…read morewant to go to 11! My son has been going to Miss Alison since he was about 7-years old, so the last 4 years. I have a really limited knowledge of playing music on an instrument, so I'm not going to get technical here however I will say I am constantly amazed at what my son has learned and knows about music because of Miss Alison. To have my son be able to read music, tune his ukulele, write and arrange original music and sing on key while playing -- this is awesome! Miss Alison's energy, experience and easy-going attitude is just so great to keep my son involved and interested. My son hears a song and then we're seeing if she has the sheet music to play it, and then he's playing it. From the Beattles to twenty-one pilots to Bob Marley to DEVO to Bobby McFerrin, my son is strumming and plucking along. Like I said, I want an 11!

We took a music class in the park with Miss Marae. My son is 14 months and really, really enjoyed…read morethe classes! From the drum, to the songs, bubbles, and puppet, he had a wonderful time. Miss Marae really understands kiddos attention spans and does such a wonderful job doing a class for littles. My son absolutely loved Miss Marae's original songs and they continue to make him smile or cheer him up when he's grumpy. We definitely recommend her classes!