This family-run stringed musical instrument store/stringed musical instrument museum is a real treasure, and a throwback to the 70s for me. Amidst an extensive collection of lutes, balalaikas, sitars, and other instruments hanging from the wall are face masks from around the world. Tucked slightly away are all sorts of mysterious instruments in their cases. Here's where you can find a harmonium, and it wouldn't surprise me if there was a theremin in their inventory. There are a lot of small whistles and kazoos and things like that for the children, or the children at heart. Check out the spinning "Leave a Poem" post outside. What a fun place! read more

It's been a decade since I have been here and I am so jazzed that it is still the quirky, love-filled music mecca that I remember.

My family tried to walk into the store but as soon as we walked in, an employee grabbed my wife by the arm and asked her where she was going. My wife, daughters and I stood there while he told us we can only go in if we had a ticket for a concert they were having. We didn't know and there were no signs stating that fact. We only wanted to walk through the store. I understand there was a ticketed concert but the reaction the store employee had was rude. You don't grab people and ask them where they're going. A simple explanation would have sufficed. read more

In 2017 I said in a review that I would never come here again. But I did come again. The worker was talking to a customer about the shop's open mic event. The disrespectful way the employee was talking about the event's participants floored me. These are not good people or kind people. They're arrogant people. After standing close-by waiting for assistance, the other jerk left and the employee said to me, "did you need help?" I started to ask some questions and the phone rang. The employee walked away to answer the phone. I left after waiting for five minutes. read more

Ripped off!!! No customer care. These people ruined my drum. They are all about money and could care less about customer satisfaction!!!! Even worse they will destroy your instrument with no care in the world. read more

One of a kind place. Claremont wouldn't be what it is without it! I love the open mic nights!

Been going there for decades. A unique spot for musicians, music students, music lovers, hundreds of unique instruments. Owners and staff are wonderful. Claremont is blessed to be the location of this unique business. read more

Such a wonderful store! Store workers are very informative and kind! Amazing vintage selection and a cool background history on the instrument! All of their display playable items are beautiful! I could spend hours in there and I don't even play any instruments! Can't wait to go back again. I ended up buying a thumb piano because it sounds so pleasant! read more

Folk Music Center - Mahogany thumb piano - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Claremont, California

Brought my daughter to get her violin tuned. First time at this location and it is simply tranquil and feels so serene... just being inside and looking at the beautiful peices of art, rare instruments and books, colors and rear art takes you somewhere magical. The staff were very welcoming, hospitable and just lovely people. Henry immediately took my daughter's violin and tuned all the strings. When I asked the lady, who happened to be the owner, how much I owed her, she replied, "nothing, its free, we don't charge to tune instruments." They get a BRAVO and ALTO cheer from me!!! read more

Folk Music Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Claremont, California

yeah its true what the other neg reviews say: the local musician snobs all have an attitude here if you're not in their little minimum wage club. Its like the 50 year old dude who is still trying to be cool from high school, mediocre talent still stuck in a small town working a day job so they are jerks to anyone who doesn't want to throw their life away too. years ago I got some pick ups replaced, and they kept / stole the old ones. read more

Check the other reviews - Very rude. Terrible service. Walked in to check out the string instruments. Got yelled at because it was open mic night. Not told, not asked, yelled at. First of all, the door was open and there was no rope or greeter. Secondly, came in as a prospective customer. Finally, it is never appropriate to treat people badly. Additionally, whatever live music they had sucked. We weren't trying to sneak in to their "awesome" concert. What a joke. Zero stars. Will not come back for instruments or live music. Ever. Shame on Ben Harper if he actually owns this place. read more

All I have to say it what a fantastic Luthier group at this Music Store. My beloved Epiphone John Lennon Revolution Casino suffered a snapped headstock. If you know anything about these particular instruments, they are very rare and are worth over $5000, as Gibson only released 1965 of these guitars in 2001. The repairs performed by Folk Music was just fantastic and they had my guitar back in my hands in just a few weeks. And the price was very very fair. Thank you!!!! read more

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Fun little music store to wonder through. They have a bunch of odd/different instruments to try. Not sure if would be what a serious musician is looking for but heat to wonder through. read more

My friend toured me around Claremont Village one lazy morning, and we ended up here. The Folk Music Center is a large store with all manner of international and not-so-international musical instruments and toys and trinkets and doodads - more than half I can't even identify. Still, you don't have to be a musician to appreciate the array of stuff here, though the more musically-inclined surely will appreciate their inventory. Helpful staff let you try the instruments - ask first to be sure, like we did. I recall seeing a Nepalese singing bowl (I hope that's what it was) and plucking the strings of a small instrument, with a neat note overlay so I could strum some children's songs. Besides being a decidedly different place to window shop, the Center offers music lessons and instrument repairs. What a wonderful musical resource for the community! read more

Folk Music Center - (photographed by Dave Hong) - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Claremont, California

Two stars for a cool and interesting shop. It is too bad the rudeness of the employee overshadowed that. The woman who works here is just so rude and mean. Read the other reviews on here and it's not just me who thinks this. For a shop that sells stickers that promote "peace, love and happiness" you'd think they'd have some! read more

Brought in a vintage Gibson acoustic for them to repair. The owner, Ben, just happened to be in the shop so he took a look at it, made a minor truss rod adjustment, and sent me on my way. I offered to pay, but he said it was such a quick fix that it wasn't necessary. It was such a nice gesture that I decided to bring in another one of my guitars that needed extensive repairs. I inherited my grandfather's guitar after he passed away, but the neck angle had gotten so bad it was no longer playable. Every other shop I took it to said a neck reset would be impossible, but Henry at Folk Music Center was the only one willing to work on my guitar. He agreed a neck reset was impossible so, instead, he was able to shave down the wood on the fretboard in a way that would vastly improve the neck angle. He did that, reglued the bridge, and replaced all the frets for such a low price that I felt like I was taking advantage of his hard work. The people that run this shop are very generous and sweet, and Henry is one of the greatest luthiers I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Thank you so much for bringing my grandfather's guitar back to life - its like being able to hear his voice again for the first time in years :) read more

Henry Barnes is the man I trust to work on my guitars. He's a seasoned, professional, and excellent luthier. Plus he's great to talk shop with, very personable and loves people! If you are looking for a trustworthy luthier to work on your instruments, look no further than Folk Music Center. read more

Who DOESN'T love the Folk Music Center??This is one place we'll dearly miss when we leave California. There's nothing else like it anywhere, that we're aware of. It's one of a kind, eclectic, a very special place. My son is obsessed with the variety of folk instruments, especially the antiques. The owners and all who work there are wonderful, helpful, knowledgeable, caring people. Happy to exist on this planet at the same time as the FMC. read more

I am new to playing banjo so I didn't know were to take my banjo that was given to me by my awesome daughter for a setup. I went on the forum banjo hangout and was told about Folk Music Center. I walked into to the shop and was greeted with welcome and smiles. Henry the luthier came out to check my banjo and what a great person is Henry. He was so giving and sharing about the banjo and made me feel so comfortable. I am a novice player and my banjo is not expensive but that mattered not to Henry . I am so lucky to have a place like this for all my banjo needs . I highly recommend this place . Thanks Henry read more

Come ye all musicians, wonder at the marvel that is the Folk Music Center. A staple in the Village (that's downtown Claremont for y'all outside the know, but hey, now you know.) If you've ever wondered what kind of instrument is right for you, this is the place to come dillydally. All sorts of folk instrument line the walls & tables. They even have a museum set up in back of historic, rare, or unusually cool instruments. I haven't used their teachers but their staff is always helpful and have a real passion for music so I can only imagine they'd do great as teachers. I've gotten my banjo and guitar fixed up here for reasonable prices. It's where I come to pick up new strings & have purchased more than a few smaller instruments. Beautiful place to stop by when in the Village. read more

A couple of years ago I took my lefty '79 Rickenbacker 4001 to Folk Music Center to repair a cracked headstock. A friend recommended them so I went and they did a fantastic job for an amazing price and turned it around in less than five days. Wish I could remember the name of the tech but, alas, memories fade. I recently bought a lefty Ibanez acoustic off the rack from Guitar Center Sherman Oaks; it played wonderfully but needed a set up and new strings. I took it to a hack in Mentone who returned the guitar to me in worse shape than it went in (ie. high "e" volume was audibly less than the adjacent strings, the "d" and "g" strings were flatting-out on the 13th fret). I live in Crestline so Mentone is much closer but I learned my lesson. I brought the Ibanez to Henry at Folk Music Center and for a great price (lower than quoted) Henry delivered my guitar in perfect playing condition with everything fixed and he turned it around in five days. From now on Henry and Folk Music Center are my "go to" business for all my guitar needs. You guys rock! read more

Legendary place, great selection of special instruments and knowledgeable staff. Also a great price range from very affordable for beginners to high end. Much respect to this place, go here. -professional live and session musician read more

This place is a great resource but at the moment I am REALLY upset! My mom's boyfriend took my guitar to Folk Music Center for the strings to be restrung. I didn't know he took it there---I am really kind of OCD about my instruments leaving my house/leaving my sight. Once he brought it back I noticed a HUGE stain on the bottom of the case, really big and was still sticky. Seemed like a coffee or coffee beverage stain. The guitar had ONLY gone from my house, to the empty trunk of a car, to Folk Music Center and back again. There is no way that the stain happened any where except for Folk Music Center. They didn't cop to the damage which is very upsetting. It is a very expensive hardshell and cloth case (guitar collectors know how much cases can run)... I certainly will never leave any instruments with them in the future, and wouldn't have OK'd that it be left there for something as basic as string change, anyway. I know accidents happen and damage can occur, but for them to not cop to it is really unprofessional. Despite there being a "No Beverages" sign on the window of the store, the employee was waving around a coffee drink while saying how it couldn't have happened there... read more

I grew up near the Folk Music Center and completely took for granted that they're nearly one of a kind. Several times I've found myself far away and assuming there must be a shop like this nearby, and will invariably be directed back to my hometown and FMS. It's a very special place with a huge selection and ready education, not to mention it's the perfect place to take kids to get them interested in music, and it deserves our support. read more

Family-owned business with an amazing selection of instruments and very kind staff. I will be coming back for a native flute !

So it turns out this shop is run by the family of Ben Harper. I didn't know who that was until I started coming here. I'm still not 100% sure I know who he is. Shame on me. This is the only exotic musical instrument store I know of in the L.A. area; similar to Lark in the Morning with its various outlets across the Northwest. The owners are incredibly accommodating and friendly. Just about every sort of acoustic instrument you could think of, from every epoch and every land, can be found here. An Indian sarangi. An Australian digeridoo. A German replica of a Baroque gallichon. Even the ubiquitous recorder--from plastic cheapies to a high-quality consort fashioned out of exotic woods and based faithfully on historic examples. I drop by a few times a month to talk shop with Rufie (Richard Barnes), the resident luthier and instrument repairman. He happens to be a specialist in the oud, or Arabic lute and every visit proves to be an entertaining twenty or thirty minutes, where one of the staff will share a new discovery of theirs or I will bring in one of my finds (usually some weird Baroque contraption) for them to see. But aside from being one of those local treasures that tourists will go out of their way to visit, it's an incredible resource for the musically-inclined. Even the musically-disinclined might find their redemption by dropping in. read more

Cool music shop with interesting selection of folk instruments, etc. Somewhat unique. The problem is you must be careful of Sundays. They do not keep the hours posted on their website or their phone message (the former says they open at noon on Sundays, the latter says 11am). I planned a trip from Burbank with my daughter to get her a good smaller sized nylon acoustic guitar for beginners. We planned the day around it basically, in part because Burbank is a sizeable drive down the 210 East. We get there and they're not open. No sign of anyone by half past noon or so. On the door it's says "call for hours on Sunday." But their website makes no mention of that; neither does their phone message. Wasted day and it seems there is no way to know when they will open on a Sunday. ‍ It's unfortunate because they have good stuff and it's a nice shop. read more

Where I try to help mom and pop shops, I am not into abuse from others. Made an appointment for guitar lessons for my son. We get there and are told the guy can't make it... I check my messeges, sure enough, he texted me while I was on the way. Not very considerate. I reply to him. So he texted back with two time options for coming back, I respond, then never get a text to confirm. Really? This is how you do business? Someone tell them they aren't the only shop around... I won't because i already forget their address. read more

I've been going here off an on for the past 5 years. Here's why.......The female owner that works there is NOT the nicest person to be around. I've done my investigating to find this out myself. She's rude and VERY impolite to customers that want or need help with their instruments. You walk in and she just looks at you with no smile, no "hello, can I help you." Her ego runs high. This was the last time I go there. If I was her. STAY HOME!! read more

Cool: tons of really interesting instruments, and mellow staff. The stoney woman who's usually there can apparently tune and play just about any instrument in the store masterfully. Not cool: I bought a djembe at FMC and later had to get a replacement skin installed on it there. "Call you in four weeks" said the stoney woman. Ok, five weeks later I call and she says "we didn't call you? it's ready." I come in and discover one of the tightening nuts was way over-tightened, shredding the inside of the drum at that spot. The skin is still playable, but I wouldn't want to risk adjusting the nut any more. She calls the repair guy by phone since he's not in at the time. No answer. She looks at me with a blank stare, as if to say "I did all I can do. Oh well." All told I gave them $150 over 3 months for a broken drum. A little effort on her part would have been nice. It's a cool store, but I'll probably never go there again. read more

Spent a Saturday a couple of weeks ago at the Folk Music Center...I was charmed by the small town vibe of the neighborhood as well as the people that work in the store. You can get lost in there for hours. Everyone was warm, helpful and extremely knowledgable. My experience was vastly different than a couple of the reviewers below. All I have to say to that is, maybe Ellen (the owner) found Lin (who took a lot of time to expand on her displeasure ..in 2 reviews) hard to please and possibly unpleasant? I witnessed her taking the time to meet, greet and engage with the people walking in to say hello. She seemed lovely to me as well as everyone else that worked there. All I'm saying is there are more positive reviews here that not...I say go in and check it out for yourself...awesome place! read more

Folk Music Center is a Claremont staple. Part music shop, part museum, there is no other music shop you could visit that would have this type of exotic selection, this much cultural and educational value, or be this fun! Open Mic Night (Last Sunday each month) is awesome. Great community of diverse musicians who love to support one another. Really cool. Is this your average music store? Nope. Don't expect to see electric guitars, drum kits or synthesizers. If, however, you are a culture connoisseur, or just curious about seeing an eclectic menagerie of musical instruments, this joint could be a treasure chest full of amazing finds! read more

Since I'm a musician, this is my favorite store in all of Claremont. I can't figure out which I enjoy more... the uniquely blended array of ethnic and modern instruments or the positive energy flowing from a highly knowledgeable staff. The employees take the time to know their customers and provide one on one service for all my musical needs. Anytime I need an instrument repaired, Henry is on it. He has a love and joy in his heart for music and a passion towards the blending of materials and craftsmanship used to create it. He takes the time to get me the cheapest possible price on every repair since he knows I'm a single mom and every penny saved goes to feed my little angel. Jerry, Ellen and the rest of the crew are always courteous, helpful, and pour their hearts into providing friendly and personalized service. They come through for me whether I need strings, picks, or a warm smile. When I don't have an hour to dig for new tunes at Rhino, The Folk Center is a great alternative to quickly find new CDs when I need inspiration. They support local music and their selection is tasteful and provocative. A few weeks ago, I thought it would be fun to close my eyes and pick a random CD to purchase. It's currently my favorite album! I'd like to share an interesting experience I had here recently. I was shopping for a recorder for my daughter's school music class. There was a group of loud, mischievous college kids running around and playing the instruments like they owned the place. I love to see children inspired by music but honestly, it was a little annoying. I was just waiting for them to damage some rare piece then pull out their black amex to cover the cost. I could feel the employees discomfort and concern. I'm a retail manager so I really respected their approach in dealing with a shop full of overgrown toddlers. They showed a high level of class and tact in diffusing a difficult situation. I'm sure they got a vengeful one-star review out of that experience LOL. Their's a HUGE lack of productive criticism on this site anyway so whatever. Their auto-bot review scanner needs to grow some integrity but I'm sure that will never happen. (BTW... Ellen is not a rude female dog in my experience!) My only suggestion is a better selection of flutes that actually work and are in tune. I accidentally bought one that was unplayable when I was in a hurry awhile back. (My bad for not having the time to test them all.) I should bring some sanitizing wipes in the future so I don't have to keep asking them to clean each one after I play them. read more

The Folk Music shop has a bad reputation for having a legendary rude woman. However, it's dealing with her is worth it, because the other employees will make up for it. The types of foreign instruments is a sight to see and the attempts play them is awesome feeling of experiencing new things. Once in every in full moon she's nice towards to customers. I had once experience this phenomenon. read more

Folk Music Center - Odd Toads - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Claremont, California

What a fun, fun joint! I wouldn't give it 5 stars only because it can definitely be improved and thus it's not yet "as good as it gets" but hey, I'm a total fan. What improvements, you ask? I just wish there was more accommodation in terms of people helping you through the many, many different and interesting instruments they have. Or, maybe, even small write-ups next to instruments to let you know what you're looking at. As it is, everyone is pretty much left to explore on their own and to just have fun. So yeah, a little extra information and attention would be nice. Still, super fun little place in the Claremont Commune (shout-out to my hippies!) read more

The Folk Music Center in Claremont is the sweetest place for the most interesting musical instruments from around the world. Most of the instruments you can actually play; some of them you have to ask before you do. I always enjoy pulling something off the wall and jamming with a couple of my buddies when we get the chance to hit the place together. If you're a music buff, you will completely enjoy your time at this store and probably will have a hard time leaving! Coolness factors: 1) Ben Harper (from Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals) actually owns the Folk Music Center now (he purchased it from his grandfather before he passed away) and Ben's mother now runs the place. 2) My buddy works there so I've had a few things signed by Ben (sweeeeeet!!!). 3) The FMC actually builds there own instruments from scratch, including instruments designed and made by the guitar builder that are quite interesting. read more

This isn't just a music store. It's more like a shrine for people who believe music is a spiritual source of power that can save the world. In my mind it is a foundation stone of Claremont. I think this may have been the first place I visited in Claremont back in the 80s. Mr. Chase, one of the owners then, was an artist, poet and musician and made everyone feel not only welcome, but better for having been there. Though no one admits it officially the statue over on Harvard and Third is him teaching a child to play the dulcimer. The feeling continues to this day now that Ben Harper (yes that Ben Harper) owns it. The place is half store and half museum. They have a place for people to post their poetry. They let the customers play many of the instruments and have every instrument I have ever heard of. I brought back a few strange instruments from my travels and brought them in to donate to their collection, and they already had other examples! I've bought instruments, strings, reeds. They've done repairs masterfully. I had a nice guitar I never played because of the action. After Ben set it up, it has become one of my favorites. I enjoy their shows and always stop in to see who's playing where since they have almost every flyer for every band. It's hard to explain. You have to experience it. If you love music, or just want to be around some friendly folks who do, it's a must visit place. Think of it as your musical hajj to Mecca. read more

This place is awesome! And I live so close...yay! This place has a great selection of musical instruments. Ranging from the typical to the very odd. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable as they are all musicians. They've even got someone there that repairs instruments. They also have a list of teachers handy if you feel like taking lessons. A great family business that helps give the town of Claremont it's earthy, intelligent, college town vibe that we all love so much. By the way if they don't have it... they'll find it for you and it won't break the bank! read more

This is one of the most amazing stores on the planet. They let you play with any of the instruments and, as long as you're respectful, they'll let you continue doing this. I've spent entire days in this place and have just learned so much. The staff is all very helpful and wants to help you out in making the best instrument choice possible instead of trying to make a quick sale. This is a true find in Claremont. I'm so glad that, in just a few months, it'll be so close by! read more

I wish I was a musician and talented enough to walk into the Folk Music Center and be able to play any instrument there beautifully. But since I'm a lazy good-for-nothing, I can't. Anyways, this is an awesome alternative to the Guitar Center's and Sam Ash's out there. It's a small shop packed with guitars, ukuleles, drums, and weird instruments that have names that Dr. Seuss would come up with. Plus, there are also CDs, instructional manuels, and other music-related items. The staff is quite friendly and knowledgable too. Fans of good music need to treat themselves by visiting the Folk Music Center any time they're in the area. read more