This place is awesome! Went in for new picks and left with a chord book,new strings, and picks! The picks have to be the best here, you can pick whichever you want! So you are not restricted to having to buy a bag of a single kind. I will definitely come back should I need anything for my guitar. read more

I've spent a lot of time at Gryphon trying instruments and having work done on my guitars. They really run a great business. The guys in the repair department are VERY knowledgeable and always show an interest in explaining something should I have any questions. I'm particular about my setup and they always nail it. I haven't even mentioned their selection of guitars yet, oh boy. If you're a fan of acoustic instruments this is your shop. Their electric selection isn't too bad either. Overall a cool store, I'd recommend a visit. read more

I cracked the neck and headstock on my Les Paul (a terrible mistake on my part), but the guys at Gryphon did a fantastic job of repairing it. It looks and plays as good as new! A fantastic repair job, great customer service, overall an excellent experience in what was a pretty stressful situation for me! read more

Great selection of stringed instruments and professional luthiers who really know their stuff. I have been going to Gryphon's on and off for 15 years and the service to this very day has been excellent. You really get what you pay for. I needed a minor adjustment on a premium Kanilea ukulele and was serviced by Alex in the repair dept. He immediately knew what to do and took precise measurements. He performed the work while I waited which was about 15-20mins. This is usually unheard of since most luthiers require you to drop off the instrument and leave it for a few days even for something minor. Playability of the uke was transformed. Thanks Alex!! All the staff I interfaced with were all very helpful and kind! read more

Super helpful staff . Didn't give 5 stars because I would have liked a bit bigger selection.

This place has limited street parking. I always end up walking from half a block away, although as a plus they are close to Frye's. The guitar strings I bought here broke immediately (bad batch?) Ended up mail-ordering better-quality strings for 25% the price, which did NOT break. I went in two years ago looking for a vintage guitar. A younger sales associate happliy gushed about some vintage models they had in the back room, then snobbily denied me visitation rights, insisting that they only let "serious buyers" see them. Hopefully he was just an exceptional idiot and didn't represent their whole sales staff. They now have some vintage specimens in glass cases in the main floor though, so you don't have to look like a celebrity to get to see them, but I still don't know what it takes to get to touch/play them. read more

Knowledgeable repair guy (Frank) but one other guy has an attitude that shouldn't be displayed to customers. He walked by my Martin - in for a check up - and this guy made an insulting, off the cuff comment about it. Keep your comments to yourself. Don't need your opinion unless asked. read more

Stay away from Derek See.I've dealt with lots of salesmen,and this chap has it all:rudeness,incompetence,arrogance & contempt towards the buyer.I cancelled at least two sales and went elsewhere.Should only come out at night. read more

Not a good experience! I stopped in this afternoon and was basically ignored except for the young sales clerk. He helped me try out different Martins. But when the tall old white haired dude asked me if I needed help, he walked away once he found out I wasn't interested in the $4K models! Yeah, that wasn't very cool! So I then drove down to Guitar Showcase and Jack there spent a huge amount of time with me and helped me select the Martin that suited my needs. He had helped me on previous occasions and was genuinely interested in providing me with good important information. With his help I found and purchased a D-28P. He cares about his customers! I will never visit Gryphon again - not that it probably matters one whit to them! But rest assured, I will spread the word... read more

I have been coming here for decades. It's very close to my home, but i really prefer other shops. The staff has ignored me many time. Made mean spirited comments about my guitars I have brought in. The owner can be very abrupt. He seems to lead by example. Again, I only really come here because it's so close to my house. They do standard level work when it comes to guitar repair. Nothing worth the incredible price tag they attach to it. Look somewhere else! btw no parking at all!!! read more

Came in for the second time with a used guitar asking for repairs. This time it was a very old Spanish Ramirez classical, and for the second time, the recommendation after very careful examination by two of their experts was: don't bother. The money you will spend is not going to be worth the finished project. And they told me why -- how this particular guitar (from the 1930s) was made, in what kind of a shop in Madrid, by what kind of luthiers, and why repairs to the cracks were not going to be worth it. Made sense, saved me money, and what can I say but these are experts, and they are not out to squeeze money out of you, but only seeking to do what is meaningful to your guitar. Very impressed and love this place. read more

A year ago I bought a lovely $2000. Gibson. I tried to trade in my Larivee and they looked at it and said it needed a lot of work and offered me $300. I took it to a luthier who said it was in excellent condition , and ended up selling it on eBay for $12000. Just makes me pisses off that they tried to take advantage of a "beginner". read more

Came in for a set of strings and the place felt like an infirmary with old men hacking and sneezing. Their string selection was limited and I ended up buying a set out of desperation. No prices are listed and everything moves at a snails pace up front because they have to scan each item for them to even know the price. I will never go back to that way overpriced hole in the wall. Because there is a shortage of Luthiers in the area they clean up with their jacked up prices. Instead go to Guitar Center in San Jose where they too rip you off, but not as much. Budding musicians need to know that stringed instrument are not out of the box playable and sustainable without constant care and adjustment. Buy your strings and basic tools or OSH on Ebay, learn as much as you can to maintain your instrument off Youtube. If further help is needed go to a shop. read more

Super nice place to ogle beautiful top-of-the-line guitars and specialized stringed instruments. Comprehensive and wide range of items to fill the needs of everyone from the Medieval lute enthusiast to the speed metal guitar fiend. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and helped us try out a variety of small electric guitar amplifiers. Luckily they have semi-sound-proof room dividers so that our Led Zeppelin riffs did not interrupt the bossa nova acoustic guitarist or the banjo player in the neighboring rooms. We purchased a portable Vox amp that will entertain us for hours, offering many distortion / special effect options and even a drum machine for less than $200 - wow! read more

"We do not value instruments by how they sound", etc... DO NOT TALK with the senior repair guy, its his way or the highway. I felt like running outside and throwing up as here were all these beautiful guitars and this fellow who knew all was disrespecting them, the music and those that appreciate them. I'm only a humble worship musician so not only did he fail my technical test (elite engineer in another life) but the man seemed soulless. I'm very sensitive to music, the way it sounds and the way people react to it. I felt like I'd been "slimed" and need to shower for several weeks to get the sticky sulfer smelling stuff off. I suspect the store as a whole (including the repair techs) deserve 4/5 stars. I've been privileged to see and even sit next to the best guitarists of our age. This was one of those rotten apples in a gold medal vintage year barrel. read more

I love this place. Everyone is extremely friendly and knowledgable. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because of Derek. He is not very friendly and sometimes he is just plain rude. I wonder why he is allowed to work at such a great place. read more

We owe it to the very rare stores like Gryphon to make available the finest selection of outstanding steel string guitars and keep the guitar craftsmanship art form alive! Gryphon is a high-end guitar store, and even though they carry some entry level guitars, they are unique because they choose to carryç the finest. The staff welcomes questions while letting visitors enjoy the store...after all, they must be used to people like me who come by for the sheer pleasure of admiring beautiful guitar craftsmanship. read more

I've been to Gryphon a few times now, once to buy some picks, once to have them check out some damage on my old guitar, and most recently to buy a GS mini and install a new pickup. Everytime I've been through the store I've had awesome customer service. They guys here are great and more than happy to share their knowledge of guitars with everyone. This place just has a more small town vibe and it really makes the guitar-choosing process so much more personal. Eric was the guy who helped me pick out the GS mini and he was great! He very patiently helped me pick out the tone and look of the guitar I liked and really "fit me" and also helped me weigh out my options with installing a pick up too (which I'm very glad I did here). I'll definitely be going back next time I need something for my guitar! read more

Steven Peterson, Gryphon luthier, has performed outstanding work on both a Gabriele Pandini mandolin (2003) and a Gabriele Pandini liuto cantabile (also 2003) that I own. Steven is a very bright and resourceful artist who performed a thorough assessment, then guided me through the most logical adjustments to these instruments. With careful study of their integrity, Steven made recommendations that brought each into top playing condition. After Steve's work, I had the good fortune to campare the instruments Steven worked on with similar instruments by the same maker owned by colleagues of mine. Hands down, Steven's work shone through. Exceptional playability, superb tone, and sweetness of voice all highlighted Steve's work as the key differentiator during our comparisons. For anyone with critical work on an artist-grade instrument, I would highly recommend seeking out Steve Peterson and developing a working relationship with him. read more

My friends, if you're a professional musician, this is the place. They are highly knowledgeable, and oh so honest. There is no bull s**t here, so if you're thin skinned, about your talent or your instrument, just set it aside. You'll be glad you did, as they are a wealth of information, that you will NOT find at the GUITAR CENTER. I'm a fan of the Guitar Center, but for entirely different reasons than this store. This is a great place too, if you've retired and want to reenter the music field. Straight on answers to questions. My ladyship, decided she may want to learn to play bass guitar. I've been playing all of my life, so I knew what she needed, and DAMNED, if there was no BS. Learn on this and then come back, for this. You will also, see some of the finest instruments, that you'll never be able to afford . . . which is cool. Another thing I appreciate, because my time is valuable, if you need a repair, they will look at it at the front counter, and tell you right up front if it's worth taking to the back of the room. Yes, there is a reason, to use the Guitar Center, but if you're really a working, professional, stringed instrument player, this is a place full of knowledge and learning. Parking can be tough, but it's worth the walk. Enjoy without attitude, and you'll learn a lot!! read more

Gryphon is the Mecca for all practitioners of fretted stringed instrument devotion. I have been going to this iconic establishment for 12 years and have purchased from it a Rover mandolin, a Goldtone banjola (more on this delectable curiosity below), strings for a dozen instruments, picks, books, magazines, videos, DVDs, an eBow (electronic device that simulates bowing and wind instrument sustain on electric guitar), a volume pedal, a tuner, and various other accessories. Gryphon has a marvelous collection of guitars (steel string acoustic, nylon string, electric, lap-style, and resonator), banjos, mandolins, fiddles, harps, and ukuleles. Every time I enter the store, I find some out-of-this-world instrument that I cannot bear to part with. The last time I went (early March), I saw the aforementioned banjola, which is a five string banjo with an oval-hole wooden mandola body instead of a skin stretched over a resonator or open metal frame. My fiancee was struck by the delicate beauty of its unique tone (somewhere between a mountain dulcimer and an Irish bouzouki, although you can get a more customary nasal banjo tone by playing right over the bridge) and the intricate craftsmanship along the fretboard. The price Gryphon charged for this exquisite instrument was $400 less than the cheapest offer I could find online. I should also mention that Gryphon has one of the best music instructional libraries (DVDs as well as manuals and books) in the Bay Area. They carry the complete line of Homespun and Guitar Workshop courses. As other reviewers have mentioned, Gryphon has one of the best repair services in the world. The main luthier, Frank, also administers the encyclopedic website FRETS.com. Enough of my prattle; carpe diem and experience the magick that is Gryphon for yourself! read more

You can trust this shop. Especially for used guitars. Plus, they offer solid lessons from Walter, Darrel and Rick. I am sure all their instructors are great for that matter. read more

Guitar fixed in 2 mins and for free: turned out the buzz was coming from too long ends of the strings touching somewhere. (I was expecting complex body work actually). read more

Gryphon is one of the finest acoustic instrument shops I've ever done business with, and they have one of the finest instrument repair staffs I've ever met. If you're looking for an acoustic guitar, mandolin, uke or other instrument, you owe it to yourself to visit their store. They have a great selection...and you can actually sit down, play and HEAR the instrument (try THAT at Guitar Center! It can't be done)! Their sales staff is knowledgable, low-pressure and will help you as much (or as little) as you want. Good guys, all the way around. Likewise, their repair shop is top notch. If you have an acoustic or electric instrument that needs repair, Gryphon is the place to go...especially for acoustics. Frank Ford is one of the finest luthiers I know, and can fix just about anything. Seriously. Gryphon's an outstanding shop, and definitely worthy of your business. read more

These guys are one of the best, if not the best Norcal stringed instruments store. Great instrument selection, if heavy on Taylor and Collins (two brands I don't particularly care for), with some used gems coming up regularly, friendly and knowledgeable guys behind the counter (notably Steve, great guy) and of course the 1st class repair facility of Frank Ford, insuring that your new guitar setup is at it should be, and that can perform professionally any repair or mod your guitar may need. No, they are not the cheapest, but they do have a quite wide selection price point wise, know what they are doing and guarantee the quality of their services, so you get what you pay for. Luckily, this place is far from where I live, otherwise my bank account would scream murder ... already bought two instruments from them, and something's telling me the story's not over! You have to pay them a visit if you're in the market for a new stringed instrument. Period. read more

Very nice and clean instruments, if your in need of a quality acoustic guitar they have them. Excellent repairs and techs

Had heard about Gryphon for years, and decided it was time to take my '64 SG Special in for a little work- the atmosphere is low-key but you get the feeling everyone really knows what they're doing, feel in good hands- I got a few things taken care of on my SG to get it back in playing condition, and the charge was very reasonable. I also found the hemp guitar strap I'd been looking for! read more

This is the place to go for your high end guitar needs! I don't play the guitar but am always amazed with their shop!

It's been a while since I've been in Gryphon but I have had some repair work done and purchased a few items from them and I really like their place! Great selection! read more

Great selection of banjos and guitar, probably one of the best selections I've seen. Especially If you are into acoustic/folk music you will love these instruments. It is kind of expensive, but it is great instruments. Staff is generally friendly and helpful. read more

What can I say about this place? In a word: amazing! Incredibly helpful, accommodating, and knowledgeable staff with top notch product makes this paradise for anyone who plays guitar, mandolin, ukulele, banjo or dobro. What a great store to have in the Bay Area. Just great. Makes all the other guitar stores look lame! read more

Gryphon is a great store. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. The service department does a great job too. They carry a wide variety of acoustic stringed instruments and a good selection of electric guitars and amplifiers as well. read more

I went in here get my mandolin set up, and ended up buying a brand new one. They have an awesome selection of acoustic fretted instruments, and very helpful people. They also seem very knowledgable about repairs and setup. read more

Many thanks to Frank and Steve in the repair shop for their expert analysis of how to remedy a fret buzz problem I was having with my Gibson L5. I have had several guitars worked on at Gryphon and have purchased a couple of guitars and amps there as well. Always 100% happy with my experience. read more

I went into Gryphon today with my kids and was struck by the kindness and understanding of all of the employees. I don't know anything about music, other than I like to listen to it, and they were so patient and understanding. We were there to find out about guitars/lessons for the kids. I found out they sell and rent and have lessons. Wow. One of the people we spoke with was named Paul. He was so kind, and so good with the kids, and my thousands of questions. I was a little nervous going in, because when a friend found out we were on our way there, she said it was known to be the best shop of its kind in NORTH AMERICA. Wow. They certainly are the best if you ask me : ). read more

I recently had a number of guitars appraised by Gryphon. They were very friendly and extremely knowledgable. The report summaries were excellent! Very reasonable$. I am very impressed with the incredible inventory of quality guitars, both new and "antique". read more

Let me start off by saying to those who THINK these folks are snobs, YOU DON'T KNOW THEM! That being said I find the store to be very friendly and helpful if you let them. Yes their prices are high but they never advertised "Affordable instruments" if you want that go to another store that specializes in "AFFORDABLE" guitars etc. I shop at Gelb music a lot and believe me they have both high end instruments and affordable ones as well. They cater to a different clientele than Gryphon. Musicians ARE a different breed AND if they are good ones they can have a bit of an attitude but that has never been shown to me. So be objective when you go in there and enjoy. read more

Outstanding service, repair and guitars. I took my Taylor Mini in to find out why my new Fender Acoustic 100 amp didn't have much power with my guitar. James from the Repair Section patiently spent a good deal of time showing me different pick up types, guitars, etc. They even have acoustic guitars set up with multiple pickups so you can test out several pickups at once. James summed it up simply and accurately...my passive guitar pick up and new amp were a poor match. So he recommended an active pick up and not only installed the pick up, but also lowered the action and corrected the fretboard...it plays and sounds like a different guitar -- as in still my beautiful Taylor Mini, but MUCH MUCH better!! THANKS James!! All the service people there were knowledgeable and patient, not pushy AT ALL, and the selection of guitars there is off the charts in terms of exceptional quality. I thought the pricing for this kind of quality work and quality parts was excellent. And the turnaround time was less than a week. It is really a pleasure to experience Gryphon Stringed Instruments, the quality cannot be matched. read more

Gryphon's has an outstanding collection of guitars, amplifiers, mandolins, banjos, ukes, and other random stringed instruments I haven't heard of. Their staff is friendly and their repairs are always timely and well done. One of the teachers, Rick Vandivier, is also a phenomenal instructor and performer of jazz and blues. Buttt, they suffer from the same problem that almost every store in this area does: insane pricing. I love that Gryphon's is local and that they take good care of their customers, but their customers are WEALTHY. I mean IPO, CEO, can't really play-o types. You know, the guy who tells you that you can't buy any instrument worth owning for under $3000, has a bunch of tube 70s restored stacks, 10 gibsons, a couple Martins, maybe a fender or two, and plays for his family on christmas... I don't blame Gryphon's for their clientele, but I would love it if I could afford to use my local guitar shop. I am a graduate student in music, a regular live performer, and I can't afford anything in the shop. If you've got a wallet that requires a forklift, I highly, highly recommend gryphons. If you're broke and want to spend under $1000, try musician's friend (Free shipping on most orders). Again, I love gryphon's and I aspire to someday buy an instrument from them. read more