This is one amazing music store, packed from floor to ceiling with musical instruments at very competitive prices. My musical interests since 1981 has been on guitars and I have owned several acoustical brands- Castillo Concert, Yamaha Concert, Ibanez Parlor, Taylor Swift Baby Taylor, and Martin, to name the ones I remember. As I gradually moved up the scale of quality and expense I began to lean to Martins because I found I was having difficulty handling the larger models for size and was not terribly impressed with sound of the Parlor and Baby types, all to the physical changes called "aging". Last year I returned the Taylor to Sweetwater and traded in 3 of those brands listed above at Foggy Mountain for a Martin 000-10. I loved that guitar, but, as I mentioned above, I really needed something that was smaller that I could get my hands around, and still had the fretting and sound of the Martin. I started seriously looking at what was available, pricing, and models. I did research online and listened to professionals on Youtube talk about which ones they preferred compared to others, like the Taylor, Eastman, and even cheaper beginner brands. A huge majority said that the Martin all wood was the best. I called up Foggy Mountain, spoke to the very nice gentleman about their inventory, and they had one of the guitars I was leaning toward because of size, weight, fretting, nut distances, etc., and it was a Martin all wood with a Spruce top, and Sapele sides and back. I looked up the word "S A P E L E" to see what that was. Interestingly enough it is a very high quality hardwood from Africa that tends to be quite strong and also very similar to mahogany. In one of the videos discussing the use of that wood, it was mentioned that the sound and tones were not as "dusky" as the mahogany but did add a particular brilliance to the fret board, while maintaining the softer melodious depths of the music. Today I decided to go and see this guitar. The size is about 1/4 less in girth and length, and just a tad smaller on the fret board. See the pics to compare the Martin 000-10 to the Martin 000 Junior. The latter is definitely a more suited lighter weight travel guitar than the former. I played a few riffs and decided the size and all the features, including the built in electronic system and tuner, were exactly what I wanted. The trade in was almost equal to the value of both, and I offered to pay the tax plus $100 to cover the transfer. I brought the Martin Junior home, plugged in my small Laney amp and was tickled with joy that I had made the right decision. The moral of the story- 1) don't buy a cheap guitar called a "beginner" because they are poorly made and sound awful, in most cases. If you buy online, Amazon is NOT the place to buy- if you can't see it, touch it, or play it, it is a waste of money, a lot of the time. 2) Do your homework- some folks may not like AI, but I found it was the fastest way to glean information that provided suggestions and links to sites and videos. 3) If you are a beginner and are serious about playing excellent music, pony up the dough, and buy some serious instrument that will give the sound you want to produce, fits your body style, and then take lessons until you have a good understanding of what and how good music is produced. Use your noodle, try out different models and styles, and give yourself a day to ponder your findings. Then, buy the one you willing to pay for, practice like you would anything else that you want to excel in, daily and often. Practice could make perfect, if you stick to it. read more

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Literally worth the drive to GV - even if you "just need picks." ;) Pete's a gent, the shop's a gem...stop in and be delighted. Smells like memories and good music. Love you guys! read more

This place was a staple during my teen band years. Sheet music, reeds, guitar strings and I had no idea they had only been open about a year at the time. It was as cozy then as now. Looking like it had been there for 200 years. I've popped in over the years when I'm in town for the usual. Last week it was to talk about freshening up my autoharp. As I walked in a clocked a hammered dulcimer in the corner. I've wanted one for years! After my autoharp questions were answered I asked about the hammered dulcimer. It was on consignment and had been for nearly a year. I asked how much it was and it could be in my price range. I was excited. They called the seller and we made a deal. So excited. It's a hammered dulcimer made in Nevada City. So special. No matter what you need in the music world this store has you covered even 50 years later. Everyone so friendly so helpful. Helped me carry my new instrument out to my car and gave me great ideas for my autoharp. read more

Foggy Mountain Music - Hammered dulcimer on consignment. Win/win for me. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Grass Valley, California

Stopped by the shop while visiting from out of town. Had a good selection of instruments and some interesting unique guitars. Paul was super helpful and we had good conversations about gear and possibly getting a tube amp repaired in the future. It's a few hours from home, but I plan to be back. Good people and good service. 2 Thumbs up from me. read more

What a great music shop. This was the first music shop I ever stepped foot in as a kid and can happily say that it was the shop that supplied me with my first and second drum set. I have been playing drums now for about 18 years and I still play and make my own music to this day. I'm still using my Tama Starclassic custom set and am really happy that Mary Ellen was so helpful then to get that order for me at the time. If she doesn't have what you're looking for, she will most definitely get it for you. Foggy Mountain for life. read more

I love this store. So many amazing instruments and the people that work there are so friendly and helpful. My daughter likes the mini ukuleles. They also have a sweet collection of midi instruments and fx plugins. read more

Just a great place to see, try, and buy ukes, guitars, banjos, accessories, amps, etc! A friendlier crew you will not find. And a very laid-back feeling, with no pressure to buy or decide about anything. I live in the Bay Area, but I've bough my ukes and banjo here! (And the owner's NYC roots add another layer of cool vibes.) read more

This place is so cool. Do many vintage instruments. The staff and owner were so helpful and knowledgeable. I bought a Martin Guitar. This is now my go to music shop. read more

My sister saved up a lot of money to buy a guitar she'd been looking at for weeks. She was super anal about who got to touch it and stuff because she wanted to keep it nice. So after a few months, one day she took it off her wall stand and saw a crack had formed in the wood on the back panel. No big deal, my dad took her to foggy to talk about fixing it so she didn't need to return it. Foggy sends it back to the manufacturer in China, and the guitar never shows back up again after a few months of it being gone. Ok, so she gets her new guitar from foggy to replace the one China never sent back to foggy - she has it for a few months, and then a common crack in guitars that was on the neck occurs so she goes in to ask how to fix it. Just some glue and clamps, so I guy offers to fix it for her. The guy never fixed it like he said he would, and then when my sister returns to check on her guitar they don't give it back to her, they give her a new guitar valued less than the original (which was $300) and tells her never to buy a guitar from them again. How is that fair? If you would have been more Diligent on getting the first guitar back from the manufacturer or just fixing the very minor break in the neck like promised, you wouldn't have had to replace 3 guitars for her. My sister has 2 other guitars that she's owned for around 5 years with no problems like the ones she's bought from foggy. It seems more like a store problem than my sister being the issue. If you promise to fix someone's guitar, fix it. or recommend a reputable person that can fix the problem. Don't just ban her because your bad at your job. read more

I'm not really a fan but I ran into Mickey Dolenz from the Monkeys in here one day. I was standing next to him and didn't notice him at first. It was weird because I thought it was someone who looked like him. It was him though. I found out later he was my next door neighbor and had no Idea lol. I saw him driving up the hill leaving downtown GV and he flipped up his sun glasses, smiled and drove off. lol read more

I bought a new guitar-like stringed instrument (a Quarto) there and noticed later on that the top surface was bowed outward a slight amount below the bridge. It wasn't much, but I noticed it. I brought it back in to see what they would do. The service was spectacular. Meanwhile, Mary Ellen allowed me to continue to use it while we waited for the replacement to come in. I still kept the instrument in the interim and was called as soon as the new one came in. Excellent Music Store. read more

I cannot enter this store because it's too cramped. Feels like a hoarding environment. Very sweet workers once you get to the counter. Getting acknowledged service upon entering feels like waiting for the grass to grow, although quite knowledgeable musicians maybe. 20 bucks to remove a stuck trumpet mouthpiece though? WTF? read more

I visit a lot of music stores, particularly small ones, looking for informed staff and a range of good to excellent instruments. I was shocked at the poor quality in this shop and the lackluster staffing. Their great guitars are hanging from the ceiling and not for sale. Their lessor quality guitars, banjos, and fiddles (I don't know fiddles) are scattered about at floor level. Just not a great stringed instrument store. One can do better read more

Awesome shop with awesome staff. I was stoked to find they have a good selection of studio and synth gear along with everything else musical you could hope for. read more

mary ellen (owner) is a genuine original. I've known and been doing business with her for over 25 years! Great gear, price matching anything the internet warehouse companies advertise and did i mention...PERSONAL service!! Foggy has been around for so long because she and het team do a great job making you feel like you are a valued client and part of our local community family. 5 enthusiastic stars. Greg Whatley- owner Mountain Event productions (recording engineer and Video editor) read more

I have been dealing with Maryellen at Foggy Mountain for over 35 years. She has been such a big help to me. When I first started playing music she even let me buy things on credit. She has all way's been more then fair and if there was a problem she fixed it. I just bought a new guitar and key board from her and again a great deal and excellent service from her and staff. I can't see how anyone could not love this store. I am Michael Sims from The Band Overland Express and i say if you need something you need to go see Maryellen at Foggy Mountain Music. I have also had other business dealing's with Maryellen & Jim and they have always been honest and fair. Great people & great store. read more

This Shop has been open for almost 40 years! Foggy Mtn Music, is in my opinion the best music shop in town. If you go in and they are a little busy just check out the great Vintage collection that Mary Ellen has hanging around the shop. A couple of times i have gone into ask if they had this or that, and if they didn't have it they are always willing to order it for me. I strongly recommend this Shop! They also match internet prices! Yay for deals!! read more

My review is from many years ago... however it was terrible. I bought a guitar for my brother for Christmas. About a week later I went back because I realized I over extended my budget. I had asked if I could return the guitar when I bought it and they said yes. So I went back just looking to get one more affordable... not even to return it entirely. The next thing I know I'm being shouted at by the owner while he calls the police... despite my calm demeanor. In the end he took the guitar back with a 20% restocking fee which with the cost of the cheaper guitar I was asking for ended up costing me about the same original price. I've never been so offended.... read more

TERRIBLE. We have been customers of Foggy Mountain Music for more than 30 years. This was the final straw. My husband took a bass amp in to be fixed and was Mary Ellen told us it would take less than a week and would cost less than $100.00 to fix. About two or three weeks later, nothing had been done and they called to notify us that they had then sent it off to the manufacturer to be fixed. This was relayed to us after the fact. Meanwhile, we needed an amp for 2 separate shows. Instead of providing a loaner, because they couldn't hold up their end of the bargain with fixing the amp in the time allotted, they CHARGED for the loaner. Finally, nearly THREE MONTHS LATER, we get a call it is fixed, at double what they quoted us. This is unacceptable. I don't expect the charge to be completely wiped (though as a business owner myself, I would do that with a HUGE apology) but to at least be discounted to the original quote. Nope. No loyalty to us, even though we've been loyal to them for more than 30 years. Ridiculous! We could have taken it to Roseville for repair and had it back in 48 hours, but we chose to stay local. Foggy Mountain does not care about their customers. Take it out of town and get it done quicker, cheaper and with a thank you. read more

Cool and cozy little shop, nice people and great service for what it is. It's a mom and pop style shop. I somewhat can get the complaints about knowledgeable staff, and No, I cant really shop for and buy any high high end recording equipment or guitars here... you gotta Realize upfront your supporting a local business, and don't be a "d bag". This is a "starter" store, for people exploring the idea. Serious musicians should be educated enough on gear (with the internet at your fingertips) to not have to rely on a mom and pop shop for major advice. This shop does well for what it is. We will always need a place to quickly grab a cord or something, or buy a mini guitar for my 2 year old (lol, yes I did and she hasn't broken it yet) or a place for kids to save up and buy their first guitar... or that mid life crisis guy to pick up a fender he will play for 10 minutes and hang on the wall for the next 20 years... we need these types of shops, or we will be stuck out in the cold next time your last good cord shorts out before a gig or jam session... so support them when you can. Thanks for being there when we need you. read more

This appears to be a cool, funky music store packed with all kinds of instruments. We went in looking for an auto-harp and they had several. We also were interested in a couple other things. The clerk was too busy chatting with a regular who was obviously not buying anything to give us the time of day. This is why small businesses fail to Walmart. She should have recognized us as new blood with money to spend. Instead, we left empty handed to go somewhere else where they want our business. read more

Okay, so before reading my review, please know that I am being completely honest with my experience, and am not fabricating it in any way. The first time I went in there, I was going to buy my first Acoustic-Electric guitar. As soon as I took a step inside, I was bombarded with questions about what I was looking for, what is my price range, etc. Before I even got to look around, a woman hands me a guitar and sends me in the back to try it out. Now even though this is a nice gesture, it would be great if she would have let me actually look at the guitars, instead of pressuring me into buying one that SHE thought was great. Long story short, I ended up buying the first guitar she handed me. It's a great guitar, but I bet there would have been better (in my opinion) if she would have let me look around. The second time I went there, I brought my guitar (that I had bought there in my previous paragraph) to get the strings changed. For them this included, getting new strings, taking the old strings off, and putting the new ones on. For this I was charged $25, just for the labor- not including the $25 for strings (which I expected for a good pair of strings). A few days later, I went in to go pick up my guitar. It took them awhile to find it, so I stood waiting. Eventually, they came out and handed me a guitar in the case. As I begin to walk out, I notice that this guitar in the case seems a lot heavier than mine. So I open it up and discover this guitar is not mine at all. It is an electric guitar, with the wrong case. So I go back in and tell them what happened (at this point Im not mad, just irritated they could get something so wrong). They bring back a case, and I'm assuming the right guitar in it. So I check the guitar and its the right guitar. As for the case, not so right. In my case, I had my amp cord. This case that they gave me still had the new tags on it, without my amp chord. By this time, I am very agitated. I tell them, and it took them at least 15-20 minutes to find my case. Even with all this trouble, they did NOT say sorry! And they didn't give me any kind of discount (which is fine- but would have been great for such trouble). I come home and my guitar is NOT tuned, and the strings aren't even put on the bridge right. This is an extremely arrogant place, and I would NOT recommend going to it. Please, take the time to go somewhere nice and roomy. Savannah Greer (resident of Grass Valley for 10 years) read more

I've been going here for years and have always had a great experience. The owner and staff are helpful and knowledgeable not to mention friendly. I just purchased a new guitar from them and found what I wanted from an amazing selection at a fair price. The owner, Mary Ellen, completed the transaction efficiently and gave me all the info needed to complete registration. I would definitely recommend this store and shop here again. My thanks to the Foggy Mountain crew. read more

I had the worst store experience in my life at this store ! AVOID at all costs. I went in to buy a $200 microphone and asked the clerk if he knew if it had good sound he said he didn't know and when i asked him to help me figure out how to set it up and he told me to look online . When i asked him what he did when other asked for help with equipment he said they don't and it wasn't his problem if i was too stupid to know how to use it. Then he told me he wasn't going to sell it to me cause i wouldn't like it anyhow. He struck me as one of those obnoxious boys who go postal. i have never been so offended. He said his mother use to own the store. I can only imagine she was better if they have been around for so long. i don't know how they can stay in business. MAJOR WARNING. read more

My experience hasn't been so good. Having recently moved to the area from Southern California, I was really happy to see a small music store thriving. On my first visit I found a 1968 Bandmaster Head with Cab sitting in the back. These are one of my favorite amps and I immediately asked about it. The owner seemed rather dismissive, and proceeded to lecture me about older amps, how she went about selling them, the fact that there was a no-return policy, etc. etc. I just got a rather uncomfortable feeling and left. I guess it was for the best because two days later I found a great Dual Showman that I immediately grabbed. This last week I dropped in to purchase some drumsticks for my granddaughter. Since I am not a drummer, I had a couple of questions. However, the owner was far too involved in a phone conversation, and continued the call throughout my entire transaction. I guess she settled the deal on "not renting one of her harps," but I left feeling totally ignored. Mind you, I am not a young guy who is just in the store to play and abuse instruments that I cannot afford. I just retired, and have a lot of disposable cash to spend on my hobby/obsession. And I would love to help out local "mom & pop" stores instead of the giant chains. However...I will not be back.... read more

I really like Foggy Mountain Music. I have found them friendly, informative, and willing to help you find the best thing for what you are looking for. I'm not super knowledgeable about a lot of musical accessories, both acoustic and electric, so I welcome their advice. They tell you the differences without trying to sell you the most expensive product. I like supporting local small stores, and this is my go to store for musical equipment. Their prices are good too. You do have to realize two things, one: They are a small business and can't hire a bunch of salespeople. If someone goes to lunch there is only one person to handle the phone, and all the customers in the store. Two: They hire knowledgeable musicians to help you, not professional salespeople. So, cut them a little slack, relax and enjoy it. This is part of the ambiance of a small music store. They do a great job. read more

Had to go here for Fender warranty repair, drop off was fairly straight forward, called 10 days later ('warranty work may take a week or 2') just to get an update and make a "if possible can it be done by the following weekend") Owner (Mary?) said she would call to check, tech called said no problem. This is where it gets weird: wife goes to pick up with our three kids (all under 12) in tow (we live 20 miles away) Owner says its not there yet and then proceeds to shout obscenities about how blanked up Fender is how she doesn't want Fender or their customers in her shop, and on and on. In walks the tech who apologizes that he miss heard which job was which and ours was not the one that was ready. More swear words from the owner, more apologies from the tech (my 6yo is freaked out by this point) my wife leaves with a 'free rental' due back the following Wednesday. Wednesday comes round and we call to see if we can make the swap ours for theirs and mine is still not done. Considering that my wife and I work 45 miles away she calls to see if at all possible we can do the drop of Saturday instead of Wed. when we are in the area owner says, "no problem". I try numerous times to reach the tech ("mailbox full") when Friday we get a msg on hm machine "shame on you for not returning the rental...you'll be charged $50/ day...you are a coward having your wife do the negotiating (?!)..." and more and more. Basically my unit is held hostage. I can understand to some degree having one bad day, even two, but foul language, character assaults, and thinly veiled threats are ridiculous. Neither my wife nor I ever raised our voices nor showed anything remotely hostile, frankly our only concern was timing the drop off an pick up do to the long drives and incompatible work schedules. read more

We rented a portable speaker system from Foggy Mountain for our wedding reception. Equipment was fine, service was okay but slow. Tough to find parking for loading/unloading equipment, but that's not their fault -- just be aware when you go! read more

I come to this place often, the staff is helpful knowledgable I have gotten some gems from this place for sure.. Music is my passion feels so good to be facilitated in this, excellent customer service and information given keeps me inspired every time I go in.. Really love the vibe and definitely recommend this place! keep up the good work guys! read more

The staff in this store are knowledgeable and friendly! I would recommend them to anyone who wants an instrument, supplies or repairs.

I have been shopping at Foggy Mountain Music for 25 years. The service is bar none. The selection is the best in the county and beyond. The salespeople know the regular customers by name and always greet us as we walk in. Highly Recommend Foggy Mountain Music. read more

I recently moved to the area and had stopped by Foggy Mountain on multiple occasions while walking down town. The staff all seemed friendly and the shop looked like they had a fairly large selection. I had done a lot of research online for an acoustic guitar since my daughter, who is 12 and LEFT handed, was interested in starting to play. I had a hard time finding a reasonably priced left handed acoustic online. I decided to go inot foggy Mountain to see if they could help. We did a little browsing a found a beautiful LEFT handed Fender. It was beautiful!!! One of the two women helped my daughter and i with getting everything she needed to get started. The other women, wish i got their names, helped make sure the guitar was tuned perfectly before we left. They were very helpful, friendly and NOT pushy to sell me things i didn't need. Something i truly appreciate!! As we were about to leave we got a chance to talk with a gentleman by the name of Steve. He works with Foggy Mountain by providing guitar lessons. And maybe other things. Oh, i forgot to mention a FREE lesson was included with the purchase of the guitar :) Steve was very knowledge and friendly!! Im looking forward to my daughter working with him and helping her with her passion. I will totally recommend Foggy Mountain and Steve! read more

The above review appears to be true, however I would like to disagree with the writer's observation that "customer service" suffers at Foggy Mountain Music. I say: What appears to be a lack of service on one side is also focused service on the other. The writer seems secure in the fact that immediate contact to anybody in the room is preferred. Mary Ellen strives to take the time to get to know all customers, in spite of and with a lack of time. She is open every day so, if you don't find what you need today, come back tomorrow and everything will be OK. I have had nothing but positive experiences with this establishment since day one. read more

hey, these people have always been helpful in my musical journey. I have to give them some credit. They also are very patient. So, all around a great music store. I like the electronic setup you can noodle with. read more

Simply said, any bad reviews of this company is false... My very first guitar was purchased from them 10 years ago and my most recent also was, as well as EVERYTHING in between... i have never shopped at any other store for music and i never will... i ran into the owner at my work not too long ago and she told me about this bad review on yelp, so i had no choice but to disprove what was said. The customer service? 11 stars... quality of product? personal leveling? Intent to give you EXACTLY what you want and nothing less for a completely affordable cost? killer deals? all that and then some... 11 stars out of a 5 star rating EASILY... the employees are completely intent on being on a personal level with their customers.. they WANT you to be happy and satisfied... they dont care about how much money they make off you, they only care about if you leave their store with a new dream come true.... if you are dead set on a guitar and your a hundred dollars off? they will work with you and try to lower the price so you CAN afford it... i have NEVER been to a better music store and i never will... foggy mountain music is my go to, and it should be EVERYONES go to.... they are sweet, understanding, and passionate in what they do..... i give full stars plus another full stars... anything less is a lie read more