Customer service alone deserves more than a 5-star review. Went here on the 2nd of March to get a new practice amp as my cheap Amazon amp was not doing enough. Went to another music store, which shall not be named, and was not greeted very kindly- workers at that music store were very quiet, I wasn't even greeted at the door and had to make my presence noticed and say good morning- to them. The experience here at Harper's Music Store was different however. It's been years since I've been here- last time I was here, I recall getting a synthetic reed for my baritone sax. The owner, Steve, greeted me as I walked through the door and asked me what my needs were. I told him I was looking for a beginner AMP and first showed me some small, cheap options. I then asked him that I wanted something with a little more features to it and then showed me a Marshall MG30FX and a Spider IV Line 6 75 W. I decided to go with the Line 6 as the presets and customizability of the AMP was what persuaded me in buying it. I'm not sure if he works here too but Michael helped me in further solidifying my purchase of the Spider AMP over the Marshall because of the same reasons, so thank you to you too Michael! Purchasing my Fender Starcaster here was a breeze- I traded in a guitar for the Starcaster and that process was very straight forward- just show your ID and Steve'll take a look online to see how much it is priced and give you a fair offer like he did with me. Overall, if you're looking for musical needs, going to Harper's Music Store is a great idea. The customer service let alone is really what knocks this place out of the park. I'll be coming here again if I need anything else. read more

Harper's Music Store - Line6 Spider AMP and Fender Starcaster - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chula Vista, California

The owner Steve is extremely knowledgeable and kind. I also met Xavier, who went above and beyond to fix my Taylor's pickup system. Xavier is a guitar tech and was outstanding at listening to and addressing my detailed concerns. I have never experienced such a high level of customer care and these guys know how to take exceptional care of a veteran musician such as myself. Perfect customer service and prices. read more

They did a great job repairing my Yamaha piano! Now my granddaughter can enjoy that amazing instrument!

They're very professional. They greeted us as we came in. They were very good with my daughter who is a high school guitar player they took care of the strings. Had the guitar ready the next day they're willing to talk and explain things to you nicely. It's a new building they've moved to a new plaza. It's much larger now. read more

Staff is knowledgeable, they always have good deals, you can also rent to own. Highly recommend read more

I had moved from LA to the San Diego area and came to realized there were only 2 guitar centers around me, then I found Harper's. Everyone in the shop is extremely friendly and after taking in my Les Paul in a couple of times to to get it set up and for them to look at it due to a wiring issue, they squared everything away. They may be limited in what they may have on deck but are more than willing to help you find a part for your instrument. I highly recommend them! read more

Harper's Music Store - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chula Vista, California

I've been a repeated customer here at Harpers and have been very satisfied with their customer service and products (guitar, keyboard ect.) Especially after meeting and receiving that personal attention from Steve and the staff. I come here on a regular bases now for about a year and keep coming back, because of their knowledge staff. Prices are fair and they let me put my items on layaway... Not to mention they always do a great job on tuning up my guitars... read more

Harper's Music Store - New Jasmine S34c acoustic guitar... - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Xaiver was very helpful and knowledgeable, out of all the shops I called around they were the only store to answer! 10/10 bring in your equipment or even take a look at what they have!!! read more

Late last year I tried adjusting the truss rod on my telecaster myself and I messed up pretty bad. I caused the truss rod nut to fall out and the strings fell to the fretboard. I've been going to harpers music for years, ever since they were located in 3rd Ave. I told the guitar tech what happened. And he said "I can fix this up for you. For about 50 bucks." I felt relieved right when he said that. And that price! I was afraid I would have to end up paying hundreds of dollars to work the damaged truss rod. I will definitely becoming back to get my guitars serviced here. Thank you! read more

Harper's Music Store - Fixed truss rod. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chula Vista, California

See all

Great experience getting into a new guitar. Super helpful and very knowledgeable staff. Steve was super nice. I was taken by surprise with the customer service skills and all the shared knowledge. read more

Super efficient. Nice guys. Store has a delicious woodsy aroma. Reasonable! Tuned up and fixed violin within an hour or so. 97 year old mom was eagerly waiting for it. So made her day. Thanks guys! read more

i bought a new trumpet and wasn't happy with one of the valves. They tried to repair it, but it still was sticking. This was even about 4 months after purchase. They offered to exchange it without questions. I ended upgrading a bit to a slightly better model, and now i am completely happy. Great customer service. I'll recommend to whoever is looking for new or used instruments for sure. read more

I went in to buy a Ukulele. It was my first time purchasing one and the staff was very helpful in telling me which would be appropriate for learning on and had fun ones to choose from. My husband ended up actually purchasing one as well! The staff is making sure everyone is sanitizing their hands and keeping their equipment clean. I will definitely be back for any other purchases I may need! read more

A few weeks ago, we purchased a guitar from Harper's for my son. There was a vast variety to choose from (new and used) with prices that began with the very affordable. We have since gone back several times with questions, to get help with tuning, and to purchase additional accessories. Each time, the staff has been friendly and knowledgeable. read more

I stopped when when exploring guitar shops in the county. I was immediately greeted by a personable clerk and had a short conversation about how the store stocked more affordable guitars. While browsing, I had the opportunity to observe the same clerk assist a mother and her young son shop for a guitar. The care and attention was genuine. Overall, the store holds a wide variety of products. Like most music stores, there is a lot to take in, but everything is neat and clean. read more

Harpers music is a hidden gem. They have a good selection of instruments with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. if you want a more personalized experience when buying instruments go there. I will be returning soon. read more

Excellent spot with super friendly service and slick gear! I will be back for sure!!!

customer service is top notch and the set up done on my guitar is excellent. I highly recommend harpers music!

Had a great conversation with store manager, took the time to answer my multiple questions.

Took a violin in to be restrung. There was no one in the store, they told me I'd have to come back in two hours to pick it up. When I asked if they could not just do it now, they said, it's too much work, and if customers come in, they take priority... Ended up spending an extra $50 to have them actually string it immediately. Good store, but I wouldn't bring instruments in to be restrung... read more

We were looking for violin strings, they were going for twice as much at the competitors. Not only did we find the strings at a lower price, they restrung our instrument, tuned it and fixed our case. They were very friendly and helpful. Thank you!! read more

I bought new guitar strings here. I thought I wanted extra light strings (10) because it was hard for me to bar my chords. They recommended a different type of string and to actually get the 11.5's. The difference is amazing! I can actually play a lot better thanks to my new silk 11.5 strings by Martin and Co. I'll be going here from now on for these! Parking is easy, they have a lot. They didn't have too much of a selection for XLR Cables and quarter inch cables and all that. But they are a smaller store. It's nice to have something in the South Bay rather than having to drive to La Mesa for Guitar Center. read more

The prices are higher than the market value. There is a good chance you are paying an extra $100+ just from buying it here. I bought a guitar and amp for $500. A few months later I went back because I ended up needing to sell it. He told me I could get $350 for it on CL if I sold it myself. I was confused because did it drop in value $150 within a couple months? I then asked them what they would pay for it. They offered $150 in cash or $175 in store credit which I'm not upset about. They have to make a profit and it doesn't reflect the actual value. The thing that upset me was I spent a week thinking about it and came back and decided to have them buy it. Since I took a week they said now the offer was $125. It felt weird and yucky to me and I will NOT ever be going back. I walked away feeling played. read more

Fantastic selection, and even more so, amazing staff. Specifically, Johan was super knowledgeable about the equipment, and his genuine love and enthusiasm for the craft was infectious. My new Schecter Omen 6 is a joy to play and the fact that I got an in store explanation of how the knobs and amp interplay was very much appreciated. If you are a beginner, novice, or advanced player - you definitely need to check out Harper's. read more

I think I started shopping here in around 1980 when they were the only music store around. They have always had a great inventory and good customer service. I have only bought accessories that I need immediately like strings and picks, but as for buying any equipment? I never have because they we always too high priced and places like Apex and Guitar center had a much larger and cheaper selection and actually carry left-handed guitars with the chance of financing too! Now I only shop online with musiciansfriend.com because you can't beat their prices, service or fast free shipping. My last purchase was a Marshall 4x4 cabinet for $259.........you can't beat that anywhere. For accessories they are great but for a real musician...........search online. read more

This place is in a gem of a spot. I wish there were more independent guitar stores stores left, but unfortunately there aren't. :( The good; cool location, lots of inventory. Not many small guitar stores have that many basses and have floor space for an ampeg 8x10. The bad: lots of inventory, but not much for a semi-pro player. A lot of beginner gear, which I think isn't necessarily bad, just a drawback for me. I have been here three times, and greeted as I walked in zero times. What a bummer. Haven't ever bought anything here, but prices here looked ok, but not super. I hope they stay in business, cause shops like this are falling by the wayside. read more

Harper's Music Store - Basses - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chula Vista, California

See all

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE and GREAT INSTRUMENT. I bought a tenor saxophone via Robert at Harper's who was extremely helpful, nice and efficient. The saxophone plays and looks great. Great communication back and forth and he was punctual and spot on with everything. I will be referring my musician friends to Robert and Harper's! read more

The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable. They never made me feel like they were trying to sell me something I didn't need.

Robert was super friendly and helpful ... too helpful we were only looking and left with a piano but my daughter is super happy thanks guys everyone in the store was great read more

Harper's Music Store - Happy girl ready for lessons - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Love this place, my go to music shop for all instrumental needs. Great quality and great product. Steve is fantastic, very knowledgeable. Definitely recommend! read more

This store has the most pathetic selection of musical instruments or equipment but that is besides the point. The employees that work here are the walking scum of our planet. Practically everyone who works here is just a salesman and have no real knowledge of the junk they pass on to any victim that falls prey to the locals that feel they have no other choice. Word of advice people: Don't be that desperate that you would make a purchase from these thieves. They are outdated and stale. Not even close to the other music store selections available in San Diego. Online is where all the deals are. No secret everybody knows that these days. Just plain stupid I guess. read more

These are very snooty, superior types that will treat you like you're somehow a threat to them if you make an inquiry that is in any way confusing. I came here about five years ago looking for an amplifier, and as soon as I specified the type of amplifier I needed and what my intended use for it was, they laughed in my face and started persistently giving me the cold shoulder. No matter how hard I tried to get them to refocus on the matter at hand, they kept laughing and talking amongst themselves, and ignoring me as if I did not exist. I hope this review gets around because any store that treats their customers so thoughtlessly does not, in my opinion, deserve to stay in business. read more

After so many years (and a different name at one point) Harpers Music store has remained in business on 3rd Avenue. It's not hard to see why, when you receive personal attention and great service here. This, I believe, has been the cornerstone for Harper's. At Harpers there is still a good amount of instruments, including guitars ranging from entry level acoustics to the top quality brands. They also rent out a wide range of musical instruments here as well with the option to purchase. I myself, love to come here to purchase the extra stuff such as picks, strings, and music. But who's to say I didn't purchase big stuff here throughout my lifetime. It's amazing to recall the history I have with this music store! Years ago (late 80's) my family purchased a Yamaha piano from this establishment. Not only that but we had rented out a flute (then purchased) when I was in the 5th grade. My early college years (1997) I earned my first acoustic guitar and took lessons here in the summer. Why all the talk about my history with Harpers? I just wanted to write a review honoring them as a business who cares about people and their musical journey! It's pretty rare to get that service at a big chain you know? Thanks Harper's! read more

I did a rent to own violin for my daughter around 2016 then had to upgrade to the full size but was a little past the trade in date but they were very accommodating. Last Friday, a fellow student tripped over her case at school and broke the bridge and cracking the violin. Robert took awesome care of me. Instead of charging me the retail/rent-to-own price, he charged me a fraction on that, saving me a TON of money. They are so nice and helpful. Definitely wanting to keep their customers happy. Any other music issues, and I'll always go back to them. Thank you!! read more

I think my appearance makes me an intimidating and odd site to see inside of a music store. Stocky football build black dude, backwards fitted cap, black tee, some basketball shorts, tube socks, and some Jordan flip flops. Yes. I dress like a hood n!@#$. Only because it's comfortable and convenient, not because I'm "ghetto". I walked in with the intention of scoping out a new classical guitar. I've had mine since high school days and it's time for an upgrade. I was also looking at getting a Boss Acoustic Simulator and some reeds for my alto sax. This guy without asking me what I was interested in or what I was even there for procedes to tell me about the keyboard and mixing specials, as well as the deals with midi keyboards, and PA systems. -_- thanks bro, but I'm not looking to become the next Dr. Dre. Maybe I'm just being nit picky, but that kinda turned me off to this place. They have what I need though, so I just grab it, pay for it, and leave. They get three stars for solid inventory. I recommend Alan's Music in La Mesa. read more

been coming here since i was a youngin. The first time I came in here was when I started to play the piano, (6 years old) and when I decided to be brave and attempt the Violin for two years in the 5th grade. I"m now in grad school, at 26 years old, trying to find once again, my inner beethoven. Place hasn't changed. came here to be inspired and once again i was. I like looking at sheet music and am a definite fan of the classics as well as recent pop music. recently bought a keyboard for my apartment in LA but I remembered that I used to frequent this place when I needed something as a child. THis is a great place to purchase equipment, rent musical instruments, as well as buy sheet music. classic music store for sho! read more

Just wanted to give a shot out to Xavier at Harpers for the great customer service and assistance with repairing in my sons Ukulele. I have been coming here for years. I bought my first guitar here, took some music lessons and since then have purchased other musical instruments for my family. They have always treated me right every single time and have been very helpful and honest. I truly appreciate the customer service, which in my opinion, is what makes this place stand out from the competition. read more

This place is great. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. After looking at Guitar Center prices all day long, I like what I see at Harper's Music Store. I bought a great guitar case for a good price. I may go back and check out the amplifiers, even if I don't reaaaaally need another. read more

After searching for qualified drum masters to tune my conga, I found Harper's Music Store in Chula Vista! They were very friendly and welcoming. Once the drum master got a hold of the conga, he proceeded to tune by ear, playing a familiar song, and I was very satisfied with the results. Had a gig last weekend and got rave reviews on the sound!!! Best of all, he did it right there on the spot, no reservation, and NO CHARGE!!!! I will obviously be back, and highly recommend that you use this fine music store! read more

Awesome! Super friendly staff very knowledgeable and accommodating. Great guitar tech. Family feel ambiance to this. Beats out all competitors. Highly recommended to any musician. read more