My first time here and it won't be my last! Loved the intimate space while watching one of my all time favorite female singers, Jonatha Brooke. The room is normally set up for sales but when a show is on the calendar the staff quickly clears it to set up the chairs for the audience. Since their first impromptu show back in 1968, McCabe's has been hosting the finest in folk, bluegrass, Americana, world music and more. It can accommodate 150-seats and is one of the best listening rooms in the world. The sound engineer was spot at this performance. Most of performers will play one of the guitars for sale here which helps keep this amazing shop going. *Located just off the 405 freeway @Centinela on Pico Blvd *Plenty of street parking (meters) *A few restaurants within walking distance if you want to grab a bite to eat before or after a show. *Guitar lessons available *FYI purchase show tickets online. You will get receive a confirmation email telling you that your name will be on a list at the door (you will not get physical tickets) read more

This review is specifically about an acoustic guitar setup in the service department. I paid $95 for the setup service. I am dissappointed in the results and would not recommend their repair or setup services. The final results show a lack of quality control. I love the vibe of McCabe's and the 'grab and play anything you want' attitude which is rare at guitar stores these days. The staff have always been welcoming and don't hover or bother you unless you have a question. I even saw what appeared to a homeless person come in and ask to use the bathroom and the staff was kind and treated the person with respect and care. I've been a long time visitor, and needed a setup done on an acoustic guitar so I thought I'd bring it in and give them some business. Because the store is about a 30-45 minute drive for me, I asked if they could do it while I waited around the neighborhood and they said they were backed up and likely wouldn't get to it that day. I said ok and left it there and they called me about 2 hours later to say it was done and ready to get picked up, so I completely could have just waited for it. I wasn't able to make it back to the store for a few days (because it's a long drive), and when I picked up the guitar I was in a hurry and didn't spend a lot of time checking it out in the store. I pulled it out for a quick few strums to make sure the high action near the body was fixed, and it was, so I packed up the guitar and brought it home. Lesson learned - spend time at the store/shop when you are picking up your guitar. Spend more time than you think you should, better to find any issues at the shop before you get home. When I got home and saw the guitar in better lighting, I noticed there were a bunch of areas where there was some wax or polish that was obviously not buffed out. So the first thing I did was to spend about 5 minutes going over the whole guitar with a soft cloth to try and buff out all of the polish. Not a big deal, but obviously nobody at the store did any final check of the guitar, or if they did they would have seen this and just didn't care to do anything about it - just felt like poor quality control and lack of care. (Also - this is a matte finish guitar, so I'm not sure you're supposed to put polish on it at all..?) Then once I finished buffing out all of the leftover wax/polish, I tuned it and up and immediately discovered that both the A and the G string were buzzing while being played open. So I ended up spending another 10-15 minutes doing a truss rod adjustment to get the guitar into playable condition. Another indication that nobody bothered to check or play the guitar after the tech put it back together, or they would have clearly heard the buzzing strings. Or they just didn't care enough to fix it. For $95 I would expect the guitar to be able to come out of the case and look and play well without me having to do any additional work. I'm sad to have had this experience with a store a I have really grown to appreciate and enjoy. read more

I want to be fair here, because this is really a story about two very different visits. The first time I came in, I worked with Barry, and he was fantastic. I had never bought a guitar in my life and barely knew what questions to ask. He sat down with me, pulled close to ten guitars off the wall, and played every single one so I could actually hear the differences for myself. He never once rushed me or made me feel like a clueless beginner taking up his time (great player btw!) By the time I walked out I had fallen for the shop and found the exact guitar I wanted, a Taylor 114ce. I was so excited that I could not wait to come back the next day to buy it. I had also planned to sign up for lessons there. The next day is why I'm writing this. Barry wasn't in, and the guy working the guitar repair counter helped me instead. He acted like I was a massive inconvenience from the second I walked up. The store was nearly empty at the time, just one woman trying out a guitar in the back and another customer making conversation up front, both of whom were perfectly friendly when I chatted with them for a minute. The guitar I wanted was a floor model with two deep scratches gouged into the front, the kind that do not buff out, plus a pickguard worn down from being played constantly. It was still priced like it was brand new. When I asked if anything could be done about the price, he went to check and came back offering fifty dollars off. I asked if he could come down to seven hundred and he flatly said no, though he said he could throw in strings. All of it came wrapped in the same cold attitude, like I was lucky he was even bothering with me. I decided to leave and went to another shop that had the exact same guitar, brand new and so pristine it clearly had never been played. I did not even think to ask for a discount because it was in perfect condition, but they gave me one anyway and knocked ten percent off without me saying a word. On top of that they set me up with a stand, a tuner, a capo, a handful of picks, strings, and even a hat, and discounted those accessories too. They were thrilled to help the entire time. I bought my first guitar there and booked my first lesson there too, and I walked out feeling exactly the way you should feel buying your first instrument. So if you go to McCabe's and you get Barry, you will understand why this place has the reputation it does. He was the reason I almost became a customer for life. There was also a gentleman there both days who I believe may have been the manager. The second day he gave me a quick hello and then stepped into the back right as I pulled the guitar down to start the process. I have no idea whether he picked up on how that interaction was going, but I really wish he had been out front for it, because a ready and excited first-time buyer walking out empty handed could have been saved. If this somehow gets back to Barry, thank you for helping me find my first guitar. read more

Had a great time at McCabe's Guitar Shop last Sunday evening. I'd never been and was pretty jazzed to be there for Ellis Paul. It's a small venue and oh so intimate. Ellis did a few acoustic numbers down on the floor with the audience and it was delightful. I'm glad we made the trip to Santa Monica and will be watching for the next opportunity to visit this unique venue. read more

McCabe's Guitar Shop - Ellis Paul, singer songwriter and storyteller extraordinaire. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Great concerts! In addition the diverse and refined selection of acoustic stringed instruments will amaze and entice any picker.

Local gem, iconic establishment, and great music. Of course, you may have heard of McCabe's. Maybe you've driven by. Once you finally get there (or maybe you already have a deep connection with it already), you'll see how this place is special. I saw a fantastic show here earlier this month. The sound is pristine, the talent abundant. I've also now got tickets for the end of the month, too. But hosting shows for the past 50 years is only part of the story here. Guitars are at the heart of the matter. Lessons, sales, repairs, community. When you see the stage, you'll see the many guitars displayed on the walls. It's a comfortable, expansive vibe with a matter-of-fact quality that you might pick up on.. I can't believe it took me this long to visit McCabe's. It's a thrill to be there, and the music is what will bring you back. read more

McCabe's Guitar Shop - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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My first time here and it won't be my last! Loved the intimate space while watching one of my all time favorite female singers, Jonatha Brooke. The room is normally set up for sales but when a show is on the calendar the staff quickly clears it to set up the chairs for the audience. Since their first impromptu show back in 1968, McCabe's has been hosting the finest in folk, bluegrass, Americana, world music and more. It can accommodate 150-seats and is one of the best listening rooms in the world. The sound engineer was spot at this performance. Most of performers will play one of the guitars for sale here which helps keep this amazing shop going. *Located just off the 405 freeway @Centinela on Pico Blvd *Plenty of street parking (meters) *A few restaurants within walking distance if you want to grab a bite to eat before or after a show. *Guitar lessons available *FYI purchase show tickets online. You will get receive a confirmation email telling you that your name will be on a list at the door (you will not get physical tickets) read more

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McCabe's is great - I've taken some of my favorite guitars for a setup and they sound better than they've ever been before (probably even better than the day I bought them). They're easy to work with and communicate well with how long the task will take, and costs and what not. It's lovely that there are places like this on the west side - so, next guitar that needs a setup, I'm taking to McCabes. read more

McCabe's is where it's at. We live close by and had passed it a hundred times always thinking it looks like a cool little place. Let me tell you... McCabe's has layers. You walk in to a small and intimate shop, with history pouring through its veins. One of the staff (Camila) was kind enough to take us on a little tour to check out all the nooks and cranny's. We ended up getting some sweet swag, but I plan to take my nephew back there to get one of those ukuleles . There are some legit musicians that perform at that intimate venue - will need to check out a show there! read more

Wow, talk about the easiest experience getting an instrument fixed! We called a few different places for help with a ukelele as one of the strings had broken and so glad to have found McCabe's! The setup is pretty impressive as they use specialized tools to look at everything like scientists with microscopes. We were in and out in less than 20 minutes and it was less than $10 to fix the ukelele string. Street parking was easy right on Pico in front of the shop. Great small business to support and I can see why it's successful! read more

Pretty good music store if you're into bluegrass, folk music and Irish music. I've been going there for the past 40 years. Very helpful staff. I bought my Martin HD 28 from them as well as my Eastman mandolin. read more

Went to see Sue Foley and it was a great concert and music venue. Not a bad seat in the house! I can't wait to return for my next concert.

Came here to see Vienna Teng live! Street parking was pretty easy to do. Love that there is a cross walk right next to the business. The venue itself is larger than you think! We were lead down a hall and there was a large area in the back for the show. It also has a lot of charm that can only be achieved by a long time business that has a lot of love. Everything is warm, and the smell of the instruments makes the place fell homey. I can't really say much about their classes or their business practices. We were there during their off hours, but I am really glad that my love for Vienna Teng brought me to this establishment! read more

I took a couple guitars in to get evaluated, appraised. They were very nice about it and I thought they gave a decent appraisal. Very friendly. A nice guitar shop. I really recommend it. Let's keep these guitar shops open. Let's keep a little humanity. OK. read more

Wanted to say that Mike and the crew at McCabes surpassed all expectations working on a 77 Ovation 12 string and numerous guitars I've had over the years. Ecellence and care and humble. Thank you so much read more

Guitarist mecca... if you don't know the history of McCabe's be sure to ask when visiting, if the walls here could talk oh what stories they would tell! Great selection of some really cool guitars you won't find elsewhere, in addition to the other odds and ends you'll find at any good music store. The people here are great and helpful, very friendly and courteous and just want to make sure you have a great shopping experience. Sure this place has changed over the years, what hasn't in 66 years? This place has stood the test of time, and still has a lot to offer whether you are just playing guitar as a hobby, or if it's your living. If I lived closer this would be my go-to guitar shop. read more

A fantastic, unique venue. The site of so many memorable concerts, I cannot begin to list them. No booze, no chatter, no matter! Great shows that make you feel like you were witness to an event you'll talk about forever. read more

Everything. Love the ambience, great selection of guitars, banjos, and Mandolins. The banjo luthier is great!

A real gem. When you have Doug, a guitar repair technician, walk out looking like a nuclear scientist, with a headband magnifier perched perennially above his forehead - ready for action - you know this is the real deal. Brought in a couple new Martin's to seek some advice on if they were set up properly or needed anything, and Doug was patient and kind with his advice. Ended up concluding that they did not need anything, even though he could've easily talked me into a re-set up or something more extensive. Could not speak more highly of Doug and team that offers repairs, guitar set ups, and string changes. The guitar selection is is well curated with Martins and Taylors, as well as boutique makers like Collings, Santa Cruz, and Bourgeois. They do a decent amount of custom orders, and seem to be one of the bigger Collings dealers in Southern california. Collings guitars are rare to be able to find and be able to play in person, but I was able to try out several here. It is on my wish list in the future. They also had a vintage 1947 Martin 000 18. They do live shows in an intimate setting. They offer lessons. This shop has a reason to exist and is a neighborhood institution. Hope to see them thrive for many years to come. read more

These guys know their stuff! Always helpful and full of knowledge. I find them to be very fair and truly passionate about what they do. Nice to support this kind of business. Highly recommend. read more

The owner is extremely nice, passionate about his work, and so professional. He made sure I was assisted with care and I'm very happy with my results (violin restring). I'll definitely be back! read more

I went in and bought an instrument from macabes and when I got home I looked up info on the instrument and realized I needed a differnt model , called the shop and the guy said no problem. 10 days on new instruments.... Went in for a refund or exchange and I can't tell you how incredibly RUDE the 2 men at the shop were , Talking to me like I'm an idiot and trying to hard sell me to keep it. Was an aweful experience and I will never ever recommend any shop there ! I mean this guy who was talking down to me didn't even know what a VSL is and treating me like a moron lol. Will never shop there again ! read more

McCabe's is one of the finest guitar and music shops in the country. It usually has an outstanding collection of used guitars for sale. Many high end models such as Taylor 912, Martin D41 or Gibson SJ 200 for example. They sell only the best of these in great condition. Prices can be high but they are sometimes negotiable. McCabe's also performs expert repairs, as well. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable about guitars and their other products. They also have occasional live performances that can be amazing. (For example, I saw John Hammond JR solo. It was one of the best shows I have ever experienced, for about $35).I consider them a true gem in the vast wilderness of the LA music world. read more

I loved my visit to McCabe's. As a newcomer to LA, I got a few recommendations to come here and am so glad I did. I brought my electric guitar to get a setup for $85, and they did a great job making it feel like a new guitar again and fixing this issue I was having with the string popping out of the nut. The wait time for the repair was about a week. The store also feels like a guitar museum with all the unique guitars hanging up, and the showroom has a great selection of both new and used guitars. Definitely come to McCabe's! read more

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McCabe's is a musical "institution" in Santa Monica since the folk music revival days for the best in instruments, books, lessons, repairs, and a famous performance space. You can't do better for acoustic music (and they outfit rockers as well). You need to go there and meet the great staff. Join their happy family! You'll be so glad you did. read more

Historic music store with lots of guitars and friendly staff. Also they have great shows in the back where you can see legends play, up close and personal. read more

I wanted to order some McCabes merchandise to the UK for my brother's 50th birthday, he and I visited McCabe's several times over the years. Although you don't routinely offer international shipping Camila showed great customer service in both arranging it for me, and also advising me of new stock just received that I also purchased from. Result - one happy customer and considerable extra business for McCabes. Thank you, Camila! read more

It just ain't the McCabe's it used to be. I now have three chips in the French polish of the classical guitar I had handmade in Spain from their tech Whatever newbie changed the strings also didn't bother to finger tighten the machine heads causing one to fall out when I got it home. Not only did the clerk shoe me away from speaking to a tech, she didn't even offer an apology. It's a real shame, always been a special place to me, my dad would bring me here when I was a kid to see his folk acts, - McCabe's was an institution of LA folk culture, now they got all the personality (and know how) of a Wallmart. read more

Top notch tune up. I brought my vintage Taylor in as the action was way too high and had never been adjusted since I purchased back in '91. Kevin set it up perfectly and now it plays like a dream. Couldn't be more happy about the service and attention to detail. I'd definitely bring any of my guitars back for service. Thanks! read more

This place is pure class. Amazing staff, helpful and a wide variety of gear. Just bought a low budget Martin that plays great and couldn't be happier. The young lady that helped me wasn't pushy at all and was knowledgable and kind. Don't go to Guitar Center - give McCabe's your business. . read more

Can't thank Doug here at McCabes enough. He helped me with my great grandfather's 1940s guitar to get it playing again. It was in a severe state of disrepair due to being (unbeknownst to me) kept in a trash bag in a a garage for a few decades. Doug was able to restring it, fix a peeling away fret board, and polish away some damage from a melted pick guard. A guitar we thought couldn't be saved - and that a few other guitar shops that are supposedly the "best" turned us away - and got it playing. He gave us a very fair deal also - I was expecting to pay a lot more. My grandma is going to love this revived gift for her upcoming 86th birthday. Thank you so much McCabes, you saved an invaluable family heirloom. read more

McCabe's Guitar Shop - guitars on the wall - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Monica, California

It's history. I saw Emmy Lou Harris there among others. Small, intimate, brilliant! Thanks, McCabe's! read more

Was there for Uke fest. Amazed of their collections and all. Uke fest was great. The stage system was far better than any other theater, I think. The lighting and the sound was super. Very friendly personals. read more

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Called asking if they could do work on one of my instruments. They said "yes bring it in" and hung up on me. Didn't even ask what work was needed read more

The website says that their shop motto is "no job too weird or too small" and that can't be further from the truth. I called asking about performing a basic service and was told to head down to the shop to see if they could do what I needed done. I drove an hour out of my way to come down to the shop just to be met with rude and inconsiderate employees basically telling me to get lost. They were not only unwilling to help, but gave me attitude about it. Would not recommend this shop to anyone that is looking for friendly staff looking to help you with your guitar needs. read more

This is an interesting space. Access it from the front and it's surprisingly quite spacious in the back of the store. I came here to check out the California Guitar Trio for some easy-listening acoustic guitar sounds on a Sunday night. Looks like McCabe's books some highly talented, but definitely underrated acts. This place is definitely Old School from the antique register, card system up front and low ceilings. There are displays of old guitars as well. Reminds me of a very small museum. This is one of those hidden gem places where people in the know come here to enjoy great musical acts and it's a secret not everyone wants to share. This was evident with a line forning right before showtime. I avoided the surcharge and just purchased our tickets right there in line. I loved the cozy feeling and one of the regulars gave me a tip...to grab a seat cushion up front by the stage. Yes! I would come here again. No food served here. Street metered parking. read more

McCabe's Guitar Shop - Evening performance - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This is a legendary store and neighborhood gem. Amazing instruments and a killer repair department.

I just purchase my 2nd acoustic guitar at McCabes, such a great experience! I love everything about this place from the great selection of acoustic guitars, the relaxed environment to the incredible staff. Alex was so helpful and patient while I was in the shop, striking the perfect balance between helpful and just letting me do my thing and play some awesome guitars. I have checked out some of the other guitar shops in town, but McCabes will always be my favorite by FAR. Also, if you buy a guitar there they have such a great warranty so they'll take care of you for years to come. Lastly, live shows are back! They have such a great concert space in the back room for hosting shows. The concerts are all very civilized with comfortable seats and the speakers set at the right volume so you don't need to worry about your ears ringing the next day. read more

This guitar shop is a great concert venue with absolutely terrific acoustics. The back room has a stage with a large seating area that probably accommodates around 75-100 people. You get a very intimate experience for may a $25 concert ticket. A music lover's dream experience if you're watching your favorite artist, which I did recently when Paula Cole came to town to do a special 20th anniversary show celebrating her breakout album, "This Fire." Photos and videos are prohibited but it made for a truly wonderful experience where the audience was engaged and listening to the artist and not blocking people's views with their mobile phones. After the show, we got to check out the showroom which has a ton of cool string and percussion instruments that you would never find in a Guitar Center. Yes, you can play with them! We waited a little while, but not too long after the show, and got to meet Paula in person. It was nice that the store didn't shove people outside into the cold to wait. Tip: get in line at least an hour ahead as it was already long when we got there. Still, even though we got there when the line was long, we still got seats in the first few rows close to the stage. read more

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In the 1960s the folk movement was spurred by social changes, the Vietnam War and a "rediscovery" of the Delta Blues. Long at the forefront of such movements, certain guitar shops have weathered economic downturns and shifts in musical styles, and McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica still promotes artists and hosts performances regularly. My father's hippie Dead Head background influenced my musical tastes as a youth and nurtured my musical growth when I shifted to playing and performing music, not simply consuming it. This was one of many guitar shops I visited for strings, picks and such and last night I made a wondrous reunion with McCabe's. A Texas folk and country artist named Terri Allen was playing and Dad was very excited because not only had he never seen him play, his music helped, as it often does, Dad get through some tough times. I remembered those days and was delighted to be in such a small venue to share the experience. First we checked out the shop and I immediately fell in love with several guitars. Damn my good eye, the cheapest was $1,000 and the super sweet one was $6K! There is an instrument for everyone there and like good family owned shops there are lesser known brands that are exceptional (like the six grand model). Upstairs are rooms for rehearsal and lessons. Everything you need plus live music. The sound is fantastic! The stage and monitors ensure that the tight sitting space is immersed in the music, free of booming bass and shrill frequencies. While I was fooling around with the guitars Dad met and chatted with his hero. All around good times, memories and music at McCabe's. read more

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