The world needs more guitar shops like this. Unique instruments and truly knowledgeable, kind staff. You want cheap, go to GC. You want an instrument to cherish, this is the spot. read more

My first visit to this local guitar shop and I am very satisfied! Staff was very helpful. I'll definitely be back for my daughters next guitar needs. read more

I am a professional guitar instructor who has been teaching in orange county for over 50 years. Some of my students are very rich and or famous. They occasionally send me out to find them a guitar. The Guitar Shoppe Is always my first stop, and more times than not, my last stop. Great selection of guitars, very knowledgeable, and most important, very trustworthy. If you're in the market for a guitar no matter what the price, check these guys out first. You won't be disappointed. read more

It's really hard for a cat to find a place with competent luthiers, craftsmen that you'll trust your most prized guitar to. Well, these guys know what they're going and have so much more going for them compared to that so-called "Doc" guy inland. While I normally do most of my own setup work, I don't hesitate to bring the really tricky acoustic stuff here. They also have a nice selection of new guitars and amps, though I've never had the chance to purchase anything here other than strings and some accessories. Still, this would be the first place I'd shop if I were shopping for a new acoustic guitar. Why not five stars? Well, Smokie has seen them spraying lacquer on guitars . . . out in the back alley! Hey, we gotta breath this stuff, not to mention it's completely illegal! Get a proper licensed spray booth, use it and then you'll get your star back! read more

A Great Guitar Shoppe! It's nice to go into a store that offers personalized service and doesn't just carry the standard array of guitars and amps. You can always get someone to help you, rather than waiting twenty minutes for a staff member to free up. I would say the store is more geared toward acoustics and offers a better selection of higher end acoustics than the typical big box guitar store. And they stock 12 strings, ukuleles, banjos, off the beaten path electrics, boutique amps, their own line of guitars, and vintage guitars. My opinion is that they really excel in repairs. They are honest, and the prices are reasonable. A much different experience than the one I had with a repair service I previously used in Fountain Valley. The best part about their service - they do their best to save you money on repairs. As an example, I had a stripped tuner gear on my Larrivee Parlor. They could have just ordered a new tuner, or a set of new tuners. Instead the took the tuner apart and replaced the one stripped part. Good as new! read more

I am a first time customer of the Guitar Shoppe in Laguna Beach and I am certainly going to be a repeat customer. I recently purchased a vintage guitar and the bridge pick-up was dropping in-and-out. After explaining the issue to Sean he plugged the guitar into an Amp and determined the problem and sprayed some electrical contact cleaner into the input jack and 3-way switch and resolved the issue in a matter of a few minutes. I was thrilled to know it wasn't a bigger issue and that Sean was honest with me. I then asked him to evaluate the action, etc. Sean said everything looked good and I could continue playing my guitar or in the future he could do some minor tweaks and adjust the neck slightly as part a set-up service. Since I was already there I left my guitar with Sean to dial it in. He said it would take a week and I received a call exactly one week later to pick up my guitar. When I got home I immediately noticed a difference in the way they set-up my guitar I absolutely love the action and the way it plays ...a world of difference. They really did an outstanding job not to mention the store has a great small town vibe filled with beautiful guitars. read more

I found a limited edition strat that I was looking for that had some string buzz issues. I figured that I could just get a set-up and that would be the end of it so I brought it here. It had non-standard gauge strings on it as part of the novelty and I wanted to preserve that. I also actually prefer a higher than most action on my guitar as I strum pretty hard. When I brought it in I wanted to talk to the tech that would be working on it so that I could tell him about it's problems and ask him to keep the string sizes the same and the action where it was. The super friendly guy behind the counter said that he wasn't sure who would be working on it but that he would pass the message along. When I picked it up it buzzed, had the nut shaved for lower action, and it had been set up with 10-48 strings! 0 for 3! read more

Took one of my acoustics here to get it fixed and setup properly (The saddle was shaved way too low and the frets were uneven, causing tons of buzzing and unplayability higher up the fretboard). If I were to have it sent back to the luthier to get fixed, it probably would have had to brave cold weather and possible damage, so I opted to just take it in locally. I always knew about Guitar Shoppe since coming down to school at UCI. I discovered it by accident my 2nd year when driving around randomly and seeing a "guitars" sign off PCH. Anyway, I recently was referred back to these guys to get the guitar fixed up so I took it in. They did an EXCELLENT job and the costs associated with everything were very reasonable. I'm just happy that the guitar's at least playable now. They also have a nice selection of guitars (Taylors, Martins, etc). There was even a Goodall on consignment! The thing looked sweet but I was too scared to take it down and play it ;) A couple of guys who work there also build their own guitars and sell them at the shop. Mark Angus is one of the guys - he had a few of his guitars out on sale. They sound pretty decent! Check it out if you're ever taking a drive down PCH and if you have the urge to play because you're blasting Tommy Emmanuel or something :P read more

The Guitar Shoppe: I have only been here two times but in those times I have always left happy. First time was to get the nut on my guitar fixed. The guy reconfigured the neck, made me a new nut, and gave me new strings at a really good price. The second time was to fix my tuner. The light was glowing red as if the battery was low and I could not figure out what was wrong. They took my guitar keep it for a few days then gave me a call to let me know that all it needed was to be rebooted. He said that he had to look it up but they don't have it on any web sights, but he figured it out. He did all that for no charge. I am happy to say that I will deffinetly be coming back to this place any time I need some help. Or even to just check out what they have. Nice place, great people, I love it here. =] read more

They are super nice here. Sent my favorite strat in for a set up and they dialed it in for me. Plays better than it did before and that's why I sent it here! Good price, good work, A+ read more

Ed is the man! My daughter is taking guitar lessons for the first time and he does such a wonderful job with her. He's encouraging and fun...She's picking things up and enjoys her weekly lessons. Couldn't give a higher recommendation. read more

Love love love this place! They are the best and know how to fix any guitar. I took my Gibson in and they set her up for me and in a timely manner. Anyone who cares about their instrument must go here! read more

I've been stopping by and fantasizing about getting a nice guitar for years. I finally decided to pull the trigger and had my sites set on a certain beautiful, and affordable, new guitar. After trying a few out and committing to my first choice, I heard Ben say "Oh wait, you might want to have a look at this used Martin." I ended up leaving with that guitar, a guitar I shouldn't have been able to afford. It's amazing and I haven't been able to put it down since. Definitely a good day. read more

The historic "Guitar Shoppe" is a must for guitar lovers when visiting Laguna Beach. Been a customer for last 15-20 years, there is no one i would trust with my vintage martins and gibson es335 than Ben, Shawn and other professionals at the Shoppe. If ur lucky u might get to talk with world famous luthier, Kirk Sand and see some of his works of art. read more

My go to shop for repairs and adjustments to my collection of high end acoustic guitars ( classical and steel string). Ive also purchased several multi thousand $ Jazz guitars, at very fair prices and with excellent after sale support. Kirks personal built electric acoustic are world class and i hope to own one someday Also very cool to have met some great players like Doyle Dykes at the shop. Great shop for serious players read more

Took my 85 (Chesbro) Ibanez Road Star #1 in for fret dress & neck refinishing. Now I know what other 5 star reviewers know. Never knew in this guitars 33 years it could ever play like it does now. Look at the guitar pickers photos on the wall who have graced the carpet at this store. This is a high end store run by masters of the business. For many (Marco M.) I suggest Guitar Center where you can dent/scratch guitars, and play as loud as you want. read more

Been coming here since 1981, Kirk, Jim, Mark, and Ben really have their act together. Have purchased several instruments , books, and accessories over the years, still coming around here in 2017. Give these guys a try, you won't regret it. read more

Ok these guys r wonderful. I brought my vintage acoustic in for a recurring problem.E String breaking consistently. They not only fixed it on the spot..but filed the bridge down etc. n stopped this ongoing problem. Ben treated me well ..listened to my concerns and gave me a deal that will certainly come back to him in business ten fold. I was enrolled in guitar class at the community college n i will certainly spread the word on campus that these guys r worth the trip to North Laguna Beach. read more

A breath of fresh air after visiting Guitar Center! The people working here were friendly and helpful. I feel like they're more knowledgeable here and I'm more comfortable asking for advice and having them work on my guitar. Worth the drive to Laguna Beach! read more

Checked out this cool local shop since I was in town. If Fender Telecasters, Gretsch Hollow Bodies and Martin acoustics are your thing stop by and have a look! read more

I'm in the area from out of town for about 10 days twice a year. Friends we see when here have, in the past, borrowed a guitar for me to use while I'm here, which has at times been a bit of a hassle. So I found a fairly inexpensive guitar on Orange County craigslist, the friends went and got it for me and my plan is to leave it with them so it's here for future visits. It was badly in need of a setup. Long story longer...Jake at the Guitar Shoppe did me a real solid and did a basic setup while I waited. He worked some magic and now the guitar plays great. I wasn't in the market for a nice new guitar, but if I was, I'd head to the Guitar Shoppe. Great line of Martins, Guilds, Taylors, el al. I found the atmosphere to be friendly and not condescending (if you've visited many guitar stores, you probably know what I mean by that). They also have some pretty cool t-shirts (I'm wearing mine now). You won't find knowledgeable service or skills like this at the big box stores, so support the independents. Thanks again Jake! read more

I've had two guitars setup and/or repaired here, and both times the result was outstanding! Last week, I took a new-to-me electric to the Guitar Shoppe. After owning it for a month, I could not get it to sound like I know it's supposed to. They dialed it in! Now I can't stop playing, and I'm almost ready for the Catalina Wine Mixer. POW! Thank you! read more

I was fortunate enough to purchase TWO of Kirk's handmade guitars that were previously owned, one mahogany nylon, and one archtop. Kirk very graciously inspected and set up both of his "babies," and added MIDI to the nylon guitar, all at a very reasonable price. These are the finest guitars in my collection, and having them serviced by the original luthier is a killer bonus. I live 150 miles away, but I will occasionally drive to Laguna Beach just to visit the Guitar Shoppe and browse their inventory of top quality professional gear. read more

Not very friendly staff. My son had two lessons at the shop. It was not a good experience. Lucky my son understood that the teacher was just not a good match for him. first lesson went well and second lesson it seem the teacher was having a bad day. We did have one of my son's guitar fixed and they did a good job. told me the price over the phone when I picked up guitar the price had gone up. so what I am saying is you never know what you will get walking into the shop. And you get the feeling they are guitar snobs. read more

Came here on recommendations from both my guitar teacher, and a coworker who was a former student of this same teacher. Both of them recommended that the action (height of the strings from the frets) needed to be lowered, so that the guitar would be easier to play. The workers here were very knowledgeable. Having taken one glance at my guitar, they knew just what I needed even before I uttered a word. Since I was planning on getting new strings for the guitar at the same time anyway, I figured that I would add this request also. Knowing little about guitars, I took their recommendation to use .011 gauge strings instead of the factory-installed .012 gauge that I was practicing with up to that point. I dropped off my guitar at their last hour on Friday, and it was ready for pick-up the following Thursday, as I had requested. It would have been ready by Tuesday of that same week, but since this place is at least 20 minutes out of my already long normal commute (over 30 miles one way, one hour each way with traffic), Thursday was the earliest day that I would be able to return. The cost was $60 for the service, and $9.95+tax for the replacement strings. There may be cheaper options for guitar work, but I've heard the horror stories from other guitar players about how screwed up work had led to even larger repair bills later. Although lowering the action may be a routine thing, I liked how I didn't have to specify how much, since the measurements that I might have given would have led to certain doom for my guitar. The peace of mind in knowing that my guitar was in skillful, knowledgeable hands was well worth the cost. The guitar came out looking like one of their $4000+ models for sale in the store. The strings now feel like feathers compared to what I was playing with before. If you have the strings replaced, be sure to have a tuner ready, since the strings will certainly need to be tightened before playing. I couldn't be happier with the work that they did. I'm glad that I went with their recommendations, and will be ready for any others that the workers here may offer later. read more

this place is coool! the bf comes here to get his guitar(s) fixed and the staff seems to put him at ease because they are so knowledgeable and passionate. it's a small place with metered parking but they have many unique guitars - i've seen all kinds of brands, mostly the bigger names like martin, taylor, gibson, (breedlove too i think), etc. it's kind of a drive from irvine but worth the trip if you need to fix, customize, or buy anything guitar or string-instrument related (except piano and harp i believe). i believe they also work on violins, banjos, ukeleles, etc. too. read more

The Guitar Shoppe is a dying breed among music stores - an establishment that puts customer service first, stands behind their products and is an asset to the community. The salespeople are knowledgable, the teaching staff is excellent (and truly qualified - anybody can call themselves a guitar teacher, but their guys are the real deal), and the repair staff (particularly Mark) is among the best I have found anywhere. Kirk (the owner) has built instruments for Jose Feliciano, Chet Atkins, Doyle Dykes, Tommy Emmanuel and other icons, and his level of work reflects the high standards the store is based upon. You will pay more at the Guitar Shoppe than at your local mega-chain music store, but the buying experience and after-care will more than justify it. The G. S. doesn't sell junk, and unlike most stores the instruments they sell, even entry-level ones, are properly set up and ready to play. The store's selection is slanted a bit toward the acoustic side, but they also have a plum selection of Fender, Gretsch and other electric guitar brands. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer. read more

I have been coming to the guitar Shoppe now for almost two years. this is what's great about a small business that make a difference in their community. They build custom guitars (I cannot afford) Sell others of all different ranges, prices and styles. (I can afford) Most of the people that work there all share a passion for music. It is what is missing in many communities. We are lucky to have this store. On to the important stuff. If you are looking for the best guitar teacher on the planet Earth--than ---well Randy Rusk is your man. Patient, encouraging, a sense of humor and can take you as far as you can imagine. All ages and always stays positive through the tough parts of learning. I have been very fortunate to stumble on this great store and to be able to learn from someone like RANDY. want to learn Guitar ----look no further! one side note--if you are a student all the techs always are there to help you upgrade pickups, tighten input jacks, restring anything you need. They are all there to make you feel welcome. read more

I have played guitar for 50+ years. The Guitar Shoppe has repaired half a dozen of my vintage archtop and solid body guitars for the past 25 years. The charges are unbelievably reasonable. They do great work. You do not have to drive to LA to find first class luthiers. The guitar and amp selections are interesting. You can try out the equipment in a private room with absolutely no pressure. I purchased my favorite guitar and amp from them. read more

The Rolls-Royce of guitar shops. Got to meet master-builder Kirk Sand. And play some of his latest models. Exceeded my wildest expectations. Don't miss it! read more

A wholesome alternative to the big chain stores, Laguna Guitar Shoppe is perfect for the musician who needs a great guitar, guitar set-up and fixes of all types or lessons. The friendly, laid back staff lets you take your time trying instruments without bugging you. And you wont have to suffer through the hideous racket of 20 wannabe's blasting out poor imitations of death metal hits through a stack of Marshalls at ear-bleed volumes. An old fashioned guitar haven, one of the last of its breed to survive the corporate guitar monster's juggernaut. Their prices for set-ups and such are extremely reasonable and the quality of work is exemplary. A breath of fresh air for the pro player, and the best place a beginner could ever hope to find. read more

I've gone in there twice with unusual requests for electric guitar parts and the staff was extremely helpful on both occasions. I was very happy with the prices. I plan on going there for all my future needs. read more

These guys are very knowledgeable! I came in with a problem with my strat and they fixed it in no time! Very efficient! Thanks Sean!

Sean helped me understand what was needed with a guitar I received as a gift. I would say that whatever you need done to make a guitar play/sound great......take it to these guys for an outstanding job!! read more

These guys are fantastic! The Guitar Shoppe was recommended to me by a few professors at my schooI. I had a problem with the electronics in my guitar and they had it fixed within a day! Very knowlegable, I will definitely be back in the future! read more

I was given a 2006 Gary Sandstrom mandolin by a generous friend who knew I wanted to learn how to play. I brought it in to the shop and told Ben I'd like to replace the strings and have him service this lovely old instrument. I showed him the action, which I felt was a bit high for me and told him I have to work hard to press down. Ben took great care of my mandolin! He spruced her up, lowered the action and replaced the strings. She sounds GREAT and is so much easier for me to play! Thanks Ben! read more

This shop was a terrific surprise to . I drove by and as is usual for me, I stop at guitar shops. Once inside it felt warm and friendly with a wonderful selection of fine guitars. They treated me as a friend, not a customer. So from "just looking" I ended up buying a 1931 National Duolian. The guitar, as is typical, had a replacement fret board, rest original. The work was very good and ends up being my most "playable" National. The tone is just so bluesy its carry. Next time I am in the area I will leave my credit card home as I know I will find something else when I go back. This place is the reason you don't go to guitar center read more

This is not a review, but an open letter of thanks from a grateful neighbor. While I wish I could speak to the quality of the instruments in the shop, or the level of expertise or craftsmanship, or the customer service of the team at The Guitar Shoppe, I cannot. I know nothing of musical instruments or the industry that surrounds it. However, I can speak a little to the character of the folks that work The Guitar Shoppe. Though I don't know any of the staff personally, and the following statement is literally based on one interaction, the guys at The Guitar Shoppe shared a level of humanity and community that I don't get to experience that often. If I were a consumer of musical instruments, my first stop would be The Guitar Shoppe, for no other reason than the character of the staff. The following story may seem a little trivial to some and it has nothing to do with guitars, or any musical instrument for that matter, but it does illustrate the point. Recently, my family lost a member...not lost as in dead, but lost as in lost. Our pet Parrotlet, Kobe flew away from home. He has been member of our family for nearly 3 years and his loss was felt immediately and profoundly. Over a period of 3 days, being outdoors, Kobe managed to find his way to The Guitar Shoppe and flew in an open window and made himself at home. From what I understand, the guys immediately took Kobe in, figured out what to do and cared for him for a couple of days. Through a random coincidence, in seeing one of the flyers that my wife and kids posted around the neighborhood, The Guitar Shoppe guys were able to contact us. For this incredible act of kindness, our family is extraordinarily grateful. Thanks go to the entire team at The Guitar Shoppe. To the guys that I got to meet face to face Kirk, Mark, Ben, and Shawn (Sean?), it was really nice to make your acquaintance. A special thank you goes to Mark, who took Kobe home and cared for him overnight. read more

This is my favorite guitar shop. It's got the total local feel and with an excellent selection of guitars. Kirk Sand is a guitar making legend and this is a must visit on your trip to Laguna. read more

I've been visiting this shop my whole life. I learned to play guitar through their private lessons. I've bought numerous guitars here and have had numerous guitars repaired and maintained. Ben Wagner is a joy to deal with as he's helped me out on short notice and at reasonable prices. If you want an intimiate experience with fellow guitar aficionados, this is the place. Best part is, there is no one taking up space while trying to play "Stairway" as loud as they can. read more