First time this morning at this Bay area Gem! Of all the places that claim to be a music store this is by Far the only place for all supplies new, used /vintage guitar gear! I purchased a pedal Best deal compared to the entire internet! They had a selection of guitars that you can never walk in and feel, play and touch or even witness! The staff is amazing met Jim today and he is very helpful and has the passion for the gear and everything inhouse!!! def my place to purchase my next guitar or amp!!! 10 stars if I can give it to them! Thanks guys!! read more

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Had heard of them, but never been there. So with a day off mid week and nothing else going on I drove up to check them out. A somewhat cramped space with an amazing selection. Staff was super friendly, and very knowledgeable. Almost walked out with a guitar but can't really afford it right now. When I can, I am definitely coming back. read more

I recieved a Bass Guitar from a friend, and had some questions about the instrument. I was assisted by a Mr. Dave Zimmerman. Absolutely amazing customer service. He spent at least an hour answering my questions about the instrument and general questions about accoustic guitars. I was tremendously impressed with the attention I received. I would highly recommend Guitar Showcase for your Guitar needs. read more

Super friendly staff and great environment. Will work on price with you if you are spending lots of money.

I really love coming to this place purely because of how neatly it is organized! I really like how nice and friendly the staff is here, I feel like every question is treated with enthusiasm and backed with wisdom. I think my favorite part is the unit towards the back 'showcasing' specialty guitars and custom shops! Most are in the $$$$'s-$$$$$ price range, but it's nice just to see pieces of history in action! :) They routinely change up their stock, so it's definitely a place to routinely check at if you're an aspiring musician, enjoy instrument craftsmanship, or have a specific guitar you're keeping your eyes peeled for! Because of COVID, this place allows few customers at a time, which was very nice considering the size of the place. They offer hand sanitizer and are really on top of permitting customers in as ones exit- so you're in good hands! The entire staff wears masks which was a plus, and only those wearing masks are permitted to enter. read more

I'm in the market for an electric guitar. I feel like my acoustic guitar needs a break from me :) Dropped by to check their displays. I am extremely pleased! My questions were answered and no pressure to purchase anything at all. I have my eye on a couple of nice looking ones and will be back for sure. read more

I love love love this place. I go every once in a while and whenever I do, I always think to myself why I don't come as often. The shop is situated in a decent lot and has two buildings. The one on the left is for consignments and repairs. I've checked this out before and you'd be surprised to see some really good quality of used guitars and some odd looking ones too that sell for really high. The second building on the right however, is guitar heaven. Rows and rows of electric guitars that mesmerize me and makes me wanna camp out and live in one of the corners. lol. really. Every size, color, design and style you can think of, they got it. Reasonably priced too, you can't help but just try and touch all of them and actually want to take it all home with you. Any musical instrument/equipment you can think of, they have or atleast carry one for sample/viewing. They have a separate amp room where you can bring guitars in and play them. They also have this one room with elevated floors and glass-covered where some of the most expensive guitar memorabilia are housed at and sooo lovely to look at. My friend and I spend atleast an hour everytime we check guitar showcase out. The first level where all the ukuleles are for about 15-20 minutes and the rest of whenever upstairs where all of the acoustic guitars are at. The 2nd level is pretty huge and holds a corner stage for open mic night which is every Monday at 6 pm I believe. One thing I enjoy about the 2nd level is how it makes you feel at peace and in solidarity. Don't get me wrong, other people are there too but they (including staff) mind their own businesses and let you browse or play in peace. You get that lil sense of calm and freedom to do as you please without worrying about someone nagging you to buy stuff or judging your playing. Besides all the awesome musical instrument/equipments they carry, the staff is unremarkable. Most of the ones I've met are very pleasant to talk too, helpful and knowledgeable. Last time I went, they are offering to re-string guitars for free in exchange for 3 canned goods for a worthy cause. Awesomeness! Bring yours in now! read more

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A friend recommended this place, he said it was the only guitar shop he would go to if he were looking. Now I know why he said that. Gosh what a cool place! Spent a couple hours perusing the area and felt amazed at every turn. It's like a music museum . Only better. The staff was super polite and helpful. No one made me feel like I was expected to buy anything. THE selections..enormous! I would have liked to see more ovations but that is purely a selfish desire of mine as I enjoy the brand. The used section is vast and wide. IF YOU SPEAK LEFTIE...this my friends is your place. No one speaks to the left handed as well as these guys. See the pictures I have included. Ask for Rich, he was amazing. They even do shipping all over the world. They have more than just guitars. We got parts we needed for our other music gear, etc. Even though this is a guitar place, the drum and percussion area was represented really well. In most guitar shops drummers get slighted but not at this shop. read more

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An unassuming looking location with an attentive and knowledgeable staff. Lots to choose from and a huge selection of new and gently used guitars. Also I noticed a stream of apparently repeat customers who were each greeted by staff- what's that tell you? read more

I've been shopping at Guitar Showcase for over 30 years. Manager Dan Aronie has been there for even longer and he and his team have always provided top-notch service. In a day and age when independent music stores are becoming more scarce, Guitar Showcase has shown to go the extra mile for their customers. They provdie good value, excellent selection, and they buying experience is always a pleasure. Their acoustic guitar selection is second to none - the entire 2nd floor is acoustic guitars - simply amazing They have a "Vault" area with high-value vintage guitars for the collector types. Really some very rare pieces behind the glass. Good selection of Basses and bass amps as well. Regarding percussion, they have some stuff there but clearly it is not a drum shop .. it's for guitar players. They have a pretty diverse selection of used equipment as well .. I have many times found smokin' deals on used gear. Every time I walk in, I'm welcomed by their staff. They often are eager to show me a new and interesting piece that "just came in". They have a Music school next door called SMI - Showcase Music Institute. My son has been take drum lessons from Rick Alegria for about 10 years now. Great program, with monthly jam night for student. Just an all-around great experience read more

A local staple for music gear! I've bought a few things here, and my brother bought a really nice Martin acoustic for a good price. A number of my friends have taken lessons from the guys here, including the lead guitarist in my band. Just by listening to him play you'll know that they are very good at teaching what they teach. The showcase room is really cool to check out some classic and vintage guitars. No other place in the area actually has the history this place has inside of it, which is pretty damn cool. I also enjoy walking into a place and not hearing the wall of wanking that goes on in a place like guitar center. Sometimes 'center' is the way to go as far as prices and convenience (for me) goes, but supporting the local guys is always a personal thrill as well. Nice selection of not too commonly seen Fenders and Gibsons, as well as some really sweet amplifiers and an entire upstairs room full of high end keyboards. Check this place out! :) read more

I've been going here since my alternative days in high school. In fact, it was at this location I made my first big purchase scrounging change from all the money my parents lent me as a preteen. One Marshall practice amp and Mexi-Tele later, I'm still coming back to check out gear and it still holds my interest after 13 long years. Has all the eye candy and fingerprints your musical senses can take in. I was (and still am) a Jimi Hendrix fan in my teens so what initially got me to drive here in my first car was the Monterey Pop Hendrix Strat displayed in the showroom. Of course they have other artist pieces to show off and they're still above my pay grade but they're always fun to look at. What's neat about this shop compared to "other" big box stores is that most of their floor models are plug'n'playable. From LPs to PRSs, from pricey acoustics to low-end basses... the staff is usually game for you to plug in and watch you butcher the intro to Stairway to Heaven (ha). All kidding aside, the staff is really knowledgeable and friendly; some working here for as long as I remember. I still recognize the fella who sold me my Telecaster! One of the most memorable days of my life! Thanks to the good folks here who maintained my guitar before the days of youtube and self-serve videos. A one-of-a-kind business for real musicheads. read more

Came back the other day and picked up a sweet strat! Everyone of the staff members such as Jack, Tony, Jesse, and Dillon were extremely helpful while the store was busy. I'm glad this store exists and will continue to go here for my guitar needs. read more

Guitar Showcase - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Jose, California

Has been my place for gear simce 1996... only place to go for PRO gear.. guitar center is baby poo next to this place

I love this place! Everyone here is so nice and helpful. They have cheap used instruments and of all sorts. :) I bought a few guitars here already and loved them both. Everyone here knows what they're talking about. read more

Decided to check this place out when I was visiting San Jose - man, this place is like a candy-store for guitarists. Just about every pedal brand imaginable - including Earthquaker Devices which I'd been lusting to try. Lots of guitars, cool vintage room, never before have I gotten to stand so close to a $25K 56' Esquire before, getting to look at all that while trying out the bizarro pedals that I was looking to integrate into my crazy pedalboard was rather cool. The prices are pretty good too in a lot of cases. And they had PARADIGMS! I've been looking everywhere between Reno and San Jose looking for a local shop that carried those strings as they are my favorite. Other thoughts, cool stock of guitars, they had plenty of offset models (that's what I like to play), some Gretches I'll try out on another visit. Did find it a bit tricky to find an outlet strip to plug into testing pedals though, but that's just due to the sheer enormity of what's availible. Did I mention this place is like a candy-store? read more

BEST place in the South Bay to try or buy a guitar. If you haven't visited before, do yourself a favor and go go there now. Upstairs is all acoustics, first entry past counter to right are some amps, Electrics to your left, then the best part is to the left and then right through the doorway to gaze in wonder at the hallway of both highly collectible vintage and custom shop gear in "The Vault". On the floor there are also many used amps of high quality. Don't be bashful. Ask one of the guys there and they will let you try out just about anything. All staff there are exceptional down to earth people and the experience there is what a guitar store should be. I know several guys who drive 2-1/2 hrs just to go here every few months. That should tell you something:) read more

Guitar Showcase was already my go-to spot for all of my guitar equipment. Everyone who works there is super knowledgeable and helpful, and they have a great selection of new, used and unique inventory. I'm writing this review because yesterday I brought my Epiphone ES in for a repair thinking I'd be paying for a new switch and the labor to install it, but it turned out to be a really simple wiring issue. They fixed it in less than 10 minutes and didn't charge me for the work. Super grateful to have them around. read more

Jack Van Breen is the most amazing guy ever met in this store. Will definitely come back and see him

Went in yesterday to buy my very first ever guitar (acoustic); I just started taking lessons. Upstairs are all the acoustic guitars and they have a good selection. Aaron helped me out and was great! He made me comfortable and was very knowledgeable, making great suggestions. I found I liked the parlor-sized guitar best and found a Yamaha I liked within my $400 budget. It came with a nice, padded case and one month of free lessons! I also bought a strap and Aaron was so kind as to sell it to me at a 25% discount. Great place! read more

Guitar Showcase - Aaron was very helpful! This is my very first ever guitar I bought! Just started taking lessons at age 57! Excited! :-) (Parlor size). - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Jose, California

Searching for an affordable vintage instrument is never easy, luckily Guitar Showcase exists. I knew of showcase but had never bought an instrument from them before. They had this consignment '74 P Bass on the main floor so I got to playing it and it was not in great shape. I made an offer I thought it was worth and how much work my tech would charge me to work on it. They asked what was wrong with it and the next day Kelly was in the shop working on every issue. (Frozen tuning pegs, a lot of pick up problems, whack string action etc) Everything was fixed but the OG pick up ended up needing a re wrap so I was given 3 options: 1) take it with the busted pick up for my offer 2) pay for a new pick up & installation on top of my offer 3) they fix the OG pick up for me and it's back to listed price I went with option two and I gotta say Thank you Kelly for letting me truly get the best deal possible and for really taking care of this thing for me! She SINGS. read more

Guitar Showcase - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Jose, California

Thanks to the entire staff for making today a very special day for me in all aspects! I highly recommend Guitar Showcase for all of your needs. Thanks for the 2017 Dean Michael Schenker American Standard.!!!! read more

I've never bought anything but strings here but I LOVE the guitar selections. It sucks that they close kind of early and the dudes that work here are chill and helpful...sometimes. But the best part (obviously) is the guitars. What an expansive collection! They have some pretty good deals on some models but it's not really advertised anywhere that I can see so it's really up to chance if you find something you can afford. There's a large music book section too. Once I pay off my debts, I'll probably come here to reward myself with a new toy. read more

These guys are the best. If you want a high end acoustic or electric, you have to go here. All guitars are accessible for you to play. I find it slightly annoying to call a sales person Everytime I want to try a different guitar. This happens at pretty much every other store. This is not an issue at showcase. They have a large inventory, and it's all up for you to look at and play. I spend 10 hours over multiple visits before I buy a guitar..they have never made me feel unwelcome. In fact the staff are quite happy to talk and share their personal experience with the various guitars. I've worked with Rich to buy a Taylor recently. In the past I worked with Terry and Kelly to buy a Les Paul. I had some issues with the LP just past the warranty period and they fixed it anyway (on store warranty). For these reasons, they have me as a customer for life. Thanks Guitar Showcase! read more

I bought a ukulele here while back. Ukulele is good. The transaction was kind of meh. Nothing friendly, but I don't care about that sort of thing anyways. As I progressed I thought about getting a higher quality Uke with slightly wider neck. I wanted to hear how each string sounded, so I played Spanish Romance. Then I hear couple of old timers behind the closed door saying how one shouldn't play classical piece on a Uke. The tone was bit snippy. Door is closed but the room isn't completely enclosed, so I pretty could hear everything they said. I wasn't impressed with their higher Uke, so I didn't buy. The comments didn't help. I'll be getting a guitar after my home remodeling is done. I might swing by to check out their guitar, but still on fence about buying here. UPDATE... (edit: two star seemed bit harsh, so changing to three star.) I swung by couple of more times to shop for classical guitar. I was left alone to play with guitars. Was told that they are available to help. No pressure. No snarky remarks this time. Changed my mind on buying classical guitar and went with buying beginner's electric guitar online. But, I'll check back when I'm ready to buy my next electric guitar. read more

Went in to play Martin Acoustics. Have been shopping for the right one for a couple years and finally pulled the trigger. Jim was there to help me out to make sure i wasnt making a silly decision on a guitar. I am sure glad i picked it up, couldnt be happier with it. The staff at this place are always great. Very friendly, very knowledgeable and easy to hang around with. You dont want to hurry in and out of this shop, it has gems hiding in every corner. Check out their guitar collection in the room with the glass walls, cool stuff and a bit of rock history in there. Cheers and beers! read more

I have wanted another strat for quite a while and I have been looking for years for just the right one. stratocasters have 5 different neck designs, and five different fret shapes, the pickups I haven't counted but I finally found something close to what I want ( modern C neck, HSS texas specials, ) with jumbo frets I am not so happy with jumbo frets but I will try to live with them for now, ( I find they go sharp if you don't play with the exactly the right amount of pressure on the strings. the humbucker sounds "BAD" supposed to be a JB copy "they missed the mark by a mile, the single coil pickups are an old design for a different neck radius that makes the D&G poles so high that my pick catches on them, at the same time thew B&E strings loose sound because they are too low. took it back to a fender service tech and he said it's a design issue - and it's with in specs so nothing he could do, I called Fender and the reply I got was "it is what it is" and we aren't going to authorize any repairs or replacement of parts. the only option the tech gave me was to spend another $500 -$700 in mods that I would have to pay for read more

FANTASTIC! I'm so glad this place is still in business in the age of corporations taking over. Bert was extremely kind and helpful. He generously made sure (even though I was buying a cheap guitar) that it was up to snuff, had the right strings, bridge was correct height and aligned correctly etc. I will only go here from now on. Thank you, Bert! read more

KELLY told me my bass wasn't able to be set up because the truss rod was busted and couldn't be tightened. That I should just get a new one or go to another repair shop up in san francisco. I took my bass back home turned to tighten the truss rod. No fucking problem turned fine. Assholes tried to get me to buy another bass. Fuck em read more

My son saved his money for a drum set. After a very disappointing hour at Guitar Center, we found Guitar Showc. Although there were not many drum shells, there were cymbals! Jim and the manager hooked my son up, showing us instruments on hold, being super patient, even a little break in the price! ... got Zildjian symbols for about 40% of new street price! Awesome guitar collection, Mesa Boogie amps, too! Upstairs are several spaces all acoustic guitars! Candy store for guitarists! ;) read more

I've been coming here for 35 years and the service has always been top notch! Recently, I picked up a used guitar, but after playing it at home, noticed some of the frets were a little sharp. I went back to the store and Dan said no problem, we can fix it for you. Terry did a complete fret job, and now the guitar feels brand new! Awesome service again! read more

I love this place!!!! I like to browse music instruments, guitars in particular. I like to be left alone. Mostly because I feel guilty for browsing without the intent to buy. The folks at Guitar Showcase leave you alone if you want to be left alone. Just a few weeks ago, though, when I visited, I came out of my shell and talked to some of the staff. Oh goodness, they are nice people! Not pushing a sale, not hounding me, just plain nice people! I think I might want to make friends with some of them. But let me get to the meat and bones of the review - The Vault. I love The Vault. I come in here to stare at the relics, the instruments of times past. There's so much history in this one little room (and actually, it's not a little room - it's huge!), it boggles my mind to think of all the stories that are living in this one space. I've wondered what the combined age of all the instruments in The Vault is. Maybe I need to go back and pay another visit to figure it out. I once dropped my son off at his lesson, and came here to hang out for two hours while I waited. I think the fact that I forgot to pick up my son at his lesson should tell you something about what a wonderful place Guitar Showcase is. (And to my wife, if you're reading this review - I'm sorry. I won't forget again.) read more

Perhaps it was because I knew exactly what I wanted, picked it up from the showroom floor then went to the counter to pay for it.....there were literally six people behind the counter and I'm standing there with the product on the counter and have to effing ask if I could pay for it after five minutes of everyone behind the counter ignoring me. The kicker was the RIff Raff character look-a-like from Rocky Horror Picture Show who looked RIGHT AT ME and walked away. You'd think in these economic times, service might be a bit more amped up (ba-da-dum!) But, sigh, they are still better than Guitar Center. What are my choices here? read more

I feel just plain ignored in this place. I come in, ready to buy. And I find more tumbleweed and other miscellaneous barren-wasteland paraphernalia blowing across the landscape than helpful salesmen. The selection is impressive, and I love the small feel of the place. Acoustics here are great, btw. But if you want business, you need to be engaging the customer. A.B.C. baby. Always Be Closing. read more

The 4 star rating is for the *USED* department. Let me start off by saying, I don't know anything about musical instruments. I went to Guitar Showcase to look for a guitar for my nephew's birthday. He got started on Guitar Hero & now wanted the real thing :-). I went into the main store & was pretty much ignored while I walked around with no clue at what I was looking at. After about 10 mins., I went across the parking lot to the used department & I was instantly greeted & was asked if I needed any help! HELL YES, I NEED HELP!!!! The employee that helped me (Bert) proceeded to give me a 101 class on guitars. He was polite, knowledgeable & didn't force the products on me. I ended up buying a guitar that had a few nicks & scratches on it but my nephew is only 9 yrs. old so I don't think he'll mind. I'd rather buy a guitar with some nicks on it from someone that's nice as opposed to giving my $ to people that ignore me. If you're looking for a guitar & you don't know much about 'em, go to the used side...they'll take care of you! read more

I went to Guitar Showcase to get some idea about PA speakers for a upcoming event. I first went to the use department and looked around at all the old crusty gear. Didn't see any speakers in that area but saw some across from the counter where a sales person was busy talking to some groupie chick. I interrupted and ask if those speakers were for sale. Nope was the answer. OK, will I guess I will go to the new store. Went to the pro audio section. A sales person ask if I needed anything, if so just ask. Hay good news, I am going to get some of my questions answered. Well not quite that easy. He proceeded to sit down behind the counter and type away on a laptop. After looking at some speakers I ask some questions. Do you think these would work? Ah maybe, don't think they would be clear enough. Maybe you need something else. Buy this time he was back typing at the computer and would look up once and a while to answer a question and then he finally got board with me. Now why would a sales person be so rude as to type on a computer rather than engage in a real conversation with a potential customer? What could be so important that it can't wait? It was just him and I. I don't know a lot about this stuff but want to learn and rent or buy some stuff. Maybe I just looked stupid or was too old. At lease he could have offered to do a quick demo. Or show off his experience. I wanted to ask him what the hell we was doing that was so important. read more

You know what? ... my first review was steeped in the frustration of the many years of sitting in the proverbial ""back of the bus" attitude that clerks can have when you shop at a guitar store... well at least this particular guitar store. However, after posting my Yelp review, I was contacted by the digital marketing department of Guitar Showcase with a sincere apology about past customer experiences. They mentioned that they are working with their staff to correct these sorts of issues, which was perhaps the balm I need to put on the psychic wounds of many of us. That in and of itself is more than I ever expected, and very appreciated. read more

I found the staff at Showcase to be mostly rude, not interested in helping you unless you're there to spend a pile of money. I order my stuff online. read more

My Husband came in there today to have them fix some issues he was having with his Bass Guitar and Jack Van Breen was kind enough to take a look at it and fix it up and now it plays like a dream. Everybody is so nice and helpful. We Highly recommend this place to anyone who's looking for a musical instrument or repairs. Thanks again you this place is the best . Will be customers for life read more

Wow - I was really disappointed here. Let me just say that I've been a performing musician since 1993. I've been to all types of music shops all over the place. I own a wide variety of equipment, and have run a professional recording studio. I really expected more from this place... The selection of gear was narrow and weak The prices were just stupidly high - major markups Some of the gear I tried out was in poor condition None of the guitars/basses have decent setups on them Many actions were so high you could shoot arrows with it The staff were arrogant and rude - get over yourself This is really a place that targets noob musicians or people who just don't know any better. Honestly, I'd rather shop at Guitar Center read more