Excellent service Family owned…read moreAmazing selection of all kinds of books and instruments.

I've always wanted to learn to play guitar, but, well... life happens. So when my husband surprised…read moreme with a guitar for my birthday, I decided it was finally time. A friend recommended Lightning Joe's for lessons, and I'm so glad they did! I filled out the form on their website and heard back quickly from Ashley, the lesson coordinator. She was friendly, responsive, and made the process super easy. She paired me with Charlie, and I can't say enough good things about him. The patience that man has is remarkable! I've been taking lessons for a couple of months now, and Charlie's encouraging attitude and easygoing style make me genuinely look forward to every session. Whether you're brand new like me or brushing up after years away, this place feels welcoming and supportive. Highly recommend the lessons program at Lightning Joe's!

I also had a bad experience. The gentleman who presumably owns the place immediately began talking…read moredown to me and asked me very basic questions in a condescending way. I was able to answer them, of course. I was purchasing something for a homeless guy who never asked me to buy it. Not an expensive item. I explained this to the owner. Instead of saying that I could buy it discounted or offering to do buy one, get one free, or any kindness, he up charged me. Later, the guy I was buying it for said he went to a different music store and could get the item for 2$ when I paid $11. Then the other store ended up giving it to him. I will not be returning. I didn't enjoy being questioned about my musical knowledge.

I had an urgent need, and Musicians Unlimited got me out of a bind relatively easily.read more

This is a local, mom & pop store and for that reason the service is expedient, personable and…read moreenjoyable. I needed a basic guitar (am just learning) and Dan helped me find the perfect one. I had previously purchased a guitar online and was very disappointed with it. (Duh!!) So, I found this place and what I got by going into their store is Dan's knowledge about the guitar and its maker, and how to care for it. Also I can go in and have them adjust it, when needed, and help me with restringing it when one breaks. I now have two guitars, but the one I bought from Grand Central Music & Conservatory (An Alvarez) sounds sooo AMAZING and the price point was very similar to the one i bought online. very reasonable! I am so happy I found them! Thank you Dan & Cathy.

I rented a PA system for an event that was held in Pismo Beach at Holiday RV Park and the equipment…read moreworked perfectly and the process was seamless and smooth. The employees that helped me did a fine job and were lovely to deal with. This was my 2nd time renting a system and I was completely satisfied! I will be returning soon!

Had some work done on two guitars. Eddie is cool and kept in touch as the tech fixed my Ibanez and…read morerefurbished a MIM Strat for me. Guitars came out great. Only thing was it took a couple weeks + to get them done but that's not a big deal for me. He also has some great looking guitars there for sale. Check it out!

Local music store with a mix or new and used equipment, accessories, and drums, beginner electric…read moreguitars and basses, vinyl, and tee shirts. Friendly owner who greets everyone making sure all are acknowledged as they browse. It is challenging to have all that gear in a smaller space. Their location is excellent since they benefit from the foot traffic during farmers markets.

I'm so glad I found Steve's shop. After moving to the Central Coast 2 years ago, I needed to find…read moresomeone I could trust to work on my guitars. Steve has done pickup replacements and full setups for me on several of my electric and acoustic guitars (Gibson LP, Eastman SB59, G&L ASAT Classic 'S', and an Eastman E10-00-SS). His work has been exceptional and done with great care and respect. He's very easy to work with, has a great sense of humor, and though busy, always seems to get jobs done within a reasonable time. Most recently, I brought in my Eastman acoustic to get the (very tall) bone saddle and action lowered. I brought in my Taylor 514CE (which Gryphon Guitars in Palo Alto had worked on to dial in its action), for Steve to see and play, and serve as an example of the setup I wanted for the Eastman. Not only did Steve match the action on my Taylor, but the Eastman turned out even easier to play! Great work. Needless to say, I've definitely found my go-to guitar shop here.

My Martin D-28 is my baby. I play music for a living and play my guitar daily. It's been long…read moreoverdue for a fret job but I've had reluctance on letting just anyone work on her. I heard about Steve from multiple respected sources and I finally caved and brought the guitar in. Well I just my guitar back and it sounds and plays like a dream. It actually feels like I first remember out of the Martin factory. Steve was very kind and told me if I need anything adjusted to let him know. His price was affordable and most of all his work shows true professionalism. I highly recommend him. I wish I could give him more stars.

Owens Music is family owned and run business. They carry all your needs for music: instruments &…read moreall necessary items for instruments, sheet music, stands, albums etc. The inventory is extensive. Guitto is awesome! We've patronized Owens for 5 years now. They have a great rent to own option; or just rent. Their prices are very competitive :) If something isn't available in SLO, they will have it sent up to SLO from their other store locations. We've rented another Tenor Sax:))

After spending a lot of time calling trying to find a 1/8 violin for my daughter finally found one…read morehere. Nice place, the staff was a bit odd, disorganized (took her 10 minutes to find a ridiculously outdated rental contract for the instrument), mumbles a lot. Great rental price though! ($15 per month rent to own). That said, even though the rental price was low, the purchase price was high ($250) especially since it was used , a quick internet search showed the same violin for much less. But it seems to be a trend in music storefront in general for the price to be inflated. It was a bit weird because I rented thru the SLO store, but I was specifically told to only call the Santa Maria store to pay the rental fee each month. Anyways, we went ahead and purchased a violin elsewheee so we'll be returning the rental. But I'd probably shop here again, nothing really bad to say, they were just a bit odd.

Able to explain the quantum behind value and expectations. Professional and friendly.read more

Lovely people to deal with. Friendly and sincere. They helped me in a time of need, as I am not…read moreused to being at such a financial disadvantage, and the crew made the transaction of pawning my very most cherished possessions go very smoothly, and, with grace and gratitude. Thank you to all the staff! - KM, Atascadero

My experience with Music Motive was simply super positive! With an interest in purchasing a new…read moreukulele my expectations were exceeded. The help was casual but attentive. The selection was very adequate to try them out and I walked out with a beautiful baritone w new set of strings, insulated carrying case & e tuner. What a really good experience with Music Motive.

I am on my 3rd lesson with Joe Payne at the Arroyo Grande location and can't say enough about his…read moreenthusiastic teaching style. Not only is he a well-versed teacher, he knows how to motivate his students. I leave the lesson pumped-up and anxious to return. At 72 years old, I may be his oldest student but obviously he doesn't consider age a factor. He seems to think that I am more capable than I do and that is a good thing. And on top of that, Music Motive is a well organized company offering a wide array of lessons at reasonable prices. Highly recommended!