Absolutely wonderful shop owner. So enthusiastic about my mountain dulcimer and out strings on it tuned it up watched videos on the guy who made it. Just a wonderful place. They gave me a book for lessons and are honest about what they can do. Would recommend read more

Thieves. I rented an instrument for my child and realized that they were charging my card twice a month instead of once a month. I called them about it and after several months they finally paid me back. Then a couple years later I noticed that they were doing the same thing again. I called several times and spoke with Gentry. He said he'd look into it and he never did. I went in person to the store and he said the same thing and he never did. I read some other reviews that said this same thing before I chose the store and didn't believe the other reviewers. I am telling you first hand, its true. If you rent from them, check your credit card statement every month, but better yet, rent from a different store. I am about to rent another instrument for my younger child and even if I have to drive an hour, I'll do it to find a reputable place that doesn't steal. read more

**BEWARE** If you are thinking about getting music lessons for you or your family at this place don't do it! Go to Alan's music up the street. Much better, more organized, honest place. I brought my daughter here for singing lessons, only because Alan's doesn't offer singing lessons. It was a terrible experience from day one. Her first lesson was rescheduled multiple times and then finally canceled. After 3 months she had been to 4 lessons because of their postponing and rescheduling issues. All with different teachers who refused to teach her the songs she wanted to learn. She went from loving anything that has to do with music, from karaoke to watching music videos and performing in the mirror. She now wants nothing to do with singing because of the uncomfortable unorganized side show this place is running. The first impression of 10 people standing in the front with nowhere to sit in that mess of a shop should have been the sign to turn and run. But I wanted to give this place the benefit of the doubt. That was a mistake! Save yourself the trouble and the potential trauma that this place can inflict. I hope my daughter will come around and her love for music will be re ignited, but as of now McCrea music is the reason for her loss of interest because of her terrible experience. As if all that wasn't bad enough, when I explained to the awkward, sketchy looking guy that sits in front, that my daughter no longer wants to do singing lessons. He tried to talk me into her taking lessons for another instrument or me taking some lessons, and refused to refund the money for the 12 lessons I pre purchased. They obviously need the money more than I do, so they can keep it. I wish I would have read the reviews for this place before I did any business with them. The money is one thing, but the fact they squandered the love my daughter had for music is what makes me the most upset. That place should not be giving lessons to children or adults for that matter. I am mind boggled that that place can remain open with how they run their business. I would give zero stars if I could. read more

I purchased a violin and case from here back in 2017 and it came the time last year that I no longer needed it. I was trying to sell it independently after reading reviews (which I unfortunately didn't do before I came here) only to find that there was no maker information in the instrument. It usually comes on a card inside the body of the violin with country of origin and serial number. They also failed to give me a receipt even though I requested one at time of purchase. I received one, but only for the guitar stand my ex had purchased (only noticing after the fact). I told them the date of purchase but when they received photos they said they didn't think it even came from their store. I did find a buyer but it made it extremely difficult to do so and I lost quite a bit of money on it. TLDR; they sell unlabeled instruments. SUPER SHADY and unhelpful. read more

I used to work for This store and Gentry Mccrea doesn't pay his teachers in time or well at all. He would split our paychecks in half and would be paying a month late. You would have to constantly call him to remind about payday. He does not communicate very well with acquiring a solid schedule. As I decided to quit, he still hasn't pay me my last paycheck for over three months since The day I quit. Please don't bring your kids here or take lessons here. The prices are unreasonable and it is very unorganized when it comes to scheduling or lesson planning fees. And don't ever plan on buying an instrument or bother renting one because the instrument conditions aren't great and also has unreasonable value of what the instruments are. For example, I have witness one of my students being scammed to buying a 400 dollar "antique" authentic violin when it's actually a half priced copy model. They don't follow any safety procedures either during the pandemic and the lesson rooms are crowded and outdated. There is even mold, and dust throughout and the place is an absolute mess. read more

***BEWARE*** We rented a stand up bass from McCrea to support our son's middle school band efforts. Gentry seemed really nice, just a little disorganized, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt and rented through him.  I returned the bass on 6/15 and he gave me an odd story about how it would take up to 10 days to credit my $250 deposit back to my credit card.  I took that at face value at first, but once 10 days passed, he became completely unresponsive to my calls and texts.  I ended up filing a dispute with my credit card company in order to get my deposit back.  Save yourself the trouble and take your business elsewhere. read more

We had a flute serviced/repaired through McCrea's. Owner took gentle care of our flute. He kept us updated on status of the repair. He went out of his way to make sure we were able to get our flute in time for a parade. Extremely status with his customer service! read more

Very helpful and knowledgeable with the instruments. I would recommend people to give them a opportunity read more

As far as a music store goes I have to agree with the other reviews. This location falls short. You're much better off going to Alan's down the street. The focus here seems to me primarily lessons with some random stuff scattered around. Like many others, I stood and waited without being acknowledged for about 7 minutes. Then when I asked for a metronome for one of my students, they didn't have any. Can't believe this place is still here. It's been around since I was a very small child. read more

McCrea Music Company - Sign out front - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - La Mesa, California

I have been taking trumpet lessons there for 10 years. The McCrea teacher, Mr. Carlos, has taken me from Junior High School level playing, to post college, orchestra playing. The owner is a true small business man and is more concerned about the students than making a big profit. - David read more

We love McCrea's. We have been taking lessons since 2010, and my husband even took lessons back in the 90s! It is definitely an anachronism in today's world. Gentry is a kind soul, flexible almost to a fault. And he needs some help modernizing his web presence and overall office management. Ralph Schatz is an excellent and most professional guitar teacher - encouraging, realistic and all around awesome! Gentry is accommodating about COVID and has been excellent in coordinating zoom lessons for us since COVID began. Take other reviews with a grain of salt, and just make sure you know what you are signing or what terms you are agreeing to with Gentry. It is easier to complain than to compliment. Rock on! read more

Quoting Kristie M. from 1/19/2022: "I used to work for This store and Gentry Mccrea doesn't pay his teachers in time or well at all." This is very true. The owner is disorganized especially with this, and his records are not always correct regarding agreed upon rates and what lessons actually took place. Over zoom, he would "gate keep" teachers from their students. The most illegitimate thing that the owner did (on more than one occasion) was that he told his clients that their teacher "was not available" and he would tell his teachers that his clients "were not available" when neither was true. I do not believe this is forgetfulness, but rather lying. The store is a dirty, moldy, and dusty mess and the owner has no idea how to properly maintain his instruments or fix their setup. In other news, a teacher should not be forced to provide lessons on an instrument they are not proficient enough to teach or even play. Keep out of this establishment. read more

I placed two horns on consignment here. He sold them both and took months to pay me. i had to call and call and call and was ignored. eventually he gave a cashiers check and didnt sign it. read more

My daughter used to take flute lesson here before and the experience was not bad but it was not good either thus the three stars. It was an o.k. experience all around. Gentry I believe is the son of the owner or part owner, he is a very likeable gentleman and I don't quite recall the other gentleman's name who fixes the instruments, he is very knowledgable as well. So why the visit, McCrea Music Company had a concert that was free of charge and we attended thsi event for an extra credit opportunity band requirement. I wish I can think of something else to add but alas this is all I have. A solid three in my book! read more

I used them for my daughters instrument rental. I was being charged every three weeks instead of once a month. Do not go here. I'm shocked they're still in business. Dishonest to the core! read more

We went to McCrea's wanting to support a smaller local business. The folks there were nice, but the place was terribly disorganized. They did not follow through on any of the deadlines promised, were horrible at returning phone calls, but still we used them. We have been double-charged almost every month (except one) since we started. At first we thought it was just monumental disorganization, but we then realized that every other parent (who responded to a mass email) in our kids' class had similar issues with being overcharged. Some had already tried to get their money back and have not yet been successful. Nobody in the class has piped in that they were treated properly or fairly. When researching further, we learned that banks recognize fraudulent activity when the amount withdrawn changes by small amounts, and therefore will not be auto-flagged as potential fraud. Our duplicate billings have routinely been a penny different than our contracted payment. This means that it was a manual change, implying deliberate theft. It appears that this sort of behavior has been going on for several years... I hope more people come to Yelp before doing business here! read more

Very sketchy guy. Left two horns on consignment. He sold one and never contacted me. After 6 months I checked in with him and then began another three months of lies and BS. He eventually gave me 4 bad checks. After losing patience with him I finally got a cashiers check for one of the horns. Wish I had read the other reviews here before I trusted this guy. Honestly I don't know how he's allowed to be in business. Angry doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. read more

***DO NOT DO BUSINESS HERE!*** Better to go through a mail order in a foreign country who takes cash up front only! Seriously, we were referred to this place by our son's school. Rented an instrument with no issues for a year. Until it came time to return. After repeated visits to a closed business during their business hours, we then got the run around on when to show up. Apparently this is the owner's side business to their real full time job. No one ever showed up when promised, and then was finally advised to leave it with the lawyer business next door. Well 3 months has gone by, charges continue to appear on my card despite promises for refund. I had to file a block with the bank. ****This place is a fraud! **** read more

Ha! The fact that McCrea actually has 5 stars makes me laugh. Check these reviews http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3711555138 If you read down the list, the basoon one was written by my mother. We bought a basoon for my brother from these guys around Christmas and were told it would be in before Christmas. Needless to say it never came. We had placed a $2000 deposit, so we asked for our money back, but the owner charged the credit card anyway. My mom had to go through a long ordeal with the credit card company to get the transaction reversed since she never did recieve the basoon. Rediculous way to run a business. Looks like there are tons of other horror stories on that review site as well. The only reason I gave 2 stars is because the teachers there aren't half bad. It's just the way the business is run that is sketchy. read more

Don't know how this place survives. Prices might be cheap, but it's not worth the hassle. Wanted to rent a tenor sax. Called ahead. Was quoted a price. Was told they were available. Hour later - at the store. Nobody knows anything. And, no, there were not any tenor saxes. Maybe they'd have one by the weekend . . . nobody knows for sure. read more

I rented a cello for my son from John McCrea in 2015. I then decided to purchase a cello for my son for Christmas in 2017, with the agreement to keep the cello I had without a rental cost until my new cello was ordered. I started checking in every two months or so, with a promise that the cello was on the way. During that time, I would come into the shop to exchange the cello to a larger size, or for other cello related incidents. I would always get a promise that the cello was coming in. I started texting, coming in, and even called for the status, with excuses of issues with China or it being picked up in LA. I tried to understand why this was happening, as I was always holding into hope for my son's sake. I finally asked for my money back in January 2021. I even told him he could pay me in installments. I really tried working with John, hoping he wouldn't take money from a child. He continued to have excuses. At one point, he paid us 1/5 of what was owed, with a promise for more soon. I waited two weeks with no more contact. I filled a small claims suit against John. He finally paid two days before the court date. I know people post he is a great teacher, which may be true. He though is not a great business person, as I found others who have had similar incidents. John claims to want to help kids with their music, but his choices created my child to really see how he does not. I just don't want other families to have to go through what we did. Take the other negative posts seriously, as I had to go through the stress and agony of John's poor business practices. read more

I took lessons at McCrea years ago, rented instruments and attended performances as a kid and teen. It has come time to get my daughter an instrument and she really wanted a violin, naturally my mind goes to McCrea Music in La Mesa. Well I knew that McCrea had moved but you wouldn't know that they were still in business at all from the information on facebook, google, yelp or their voicemail or anywhere else for that matter.... it just says PERMANENTLY CLOSED. I called around and was told it had moved to 3rd street when I received a call from McCrea stating yes, they were on 3rd street... in the bottom of a dental building. Again, you wouldn't know it. There is no signage, no sticky note. I found someone outside and asked if she knew where McCrea Music might be and she pointed in the dental lobby, "right there" she said "I don't know if they're open yet." I opened the door to find a small room stacked with stuff, sky high. A few violins on the wall and a woman hidden among the stacks. I asked if I could rent a violin and she paused and said, "yea... sure." I decided they might be in a transition and I didn't want my payment information to wind up in some stack, in some office with no name. MOSTLY: I hope this isn't where McCrea Music ends but where they are now is definitely not beneficial to customers. I would suggest updating addresses and phone numbers if McCrea is interested in retaining business, if not, seems like it actually might be PERMANENTLY CLOSED. read more

The building is beinh emptied out. I think its safe to say its closed down. The weird flute teacher yelled at my daughter. I told gentry and he said that man would no longer teach there as he got many complaints. We went back for lessons 2 weeks later and weird guy was there. So we left. Never had her take another lesson there. read more

Stop in your tracks. This guy is a crook. I rented an instrument from McCrea's music and gave provided a credit card for payments to be withdrawn automatically. Gentry seems to be a nice a friendly guy but don't be fooled. After approximately 3 months, I for tax purposes had to reconcile my bank account. I was shocked, he was running my card for the monthly contract amount at will. Some months he ran it three times. When confronted, he gave me the run around and said he would look into the matter. After a few weeks of being dodged, I let him know that I will be contacting prosecutors re wire fraud. It was at that point he refunded me most of the money due. Then two months later, I checked again and he again continued to run my card, even after the the instrument had been returned. I recommend viewing this NBC Video. It was completed three years prior but based on my experience, the problem continues. https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/mccrea-music-company-instrument-payment-plan-problem/108915/ read more

Great value, its no wonder this place has stood the test of time despite the negative comments here. Amazing place to get connected with many talented musicians, find good instruments, and receive lessons. read more

We found this place looking for a book assigned by a teacher. I had rented a stand up bass from a shop in Sorrento Valley at 110/mth! yikes! After 6wks, the bridge broke. McCrea's offered to rent a bass for 45/mth! of course, we jumped on it and were assured a bass within 2 wks. after 6wks, the bass finally arrived. McCrea's credited 6wks of lessons back to us, lessons which already had been taken on the shop bass. It was confusing during the waiting period. We were at the shop 2 days a week and "the bass is in the mail" was the story. I think it was out of Gentry's hands and he did the best he could do. Very happy with the lessons my kids recieve. McCreas is very flexible and fair with last minute cancelations - we've never been charged for a missed lesson. Finally, the price of the lessons is very fair and our instructors are excellent both personally and professionally. It is a pleasant place to wait for the kids while they take their lessons - bring a book and a hot drink- the shop is a real throw back. read more

There was a time when I thought McCrea's was a reputable shop, but my experiences have proven otherwise. Mr. McCrea is a very kind man, but I found the rest of his staff to be somewhat rude. I've had students go there just to be haggled and cheated. And our attempts to make amends of the situations have only been resolved when Mr. McCrea himself was brought in. I no longer recommend McCrea's to my students. read more

I rented a saxophone for my son to take lessons at school and I wish I'd kept a journal over the past year so that I could remember all of the reasons why you should avoid this place. The automatic payment would come out of my account earlier than expected, sometimes 2 weeks early. I learned to deal with it but continuously watched my account to make sure I wasn't overcharged because from the looks of the bookkeeping and housekeeping, I was very leery. No big deal but expect it if you decide to rent from them. After several months, the school teacher realized that there was a piece missing so we took the saxophone in for repair. 3 weeks went by and after numerous phone calls, being put on hold for long periods and the run-around, we finally got it back. After another month we took it in again. Apparently it wasn't tuned properly. Since my son had already missed 2 weeks of school practice I asked for a loaner while its getting repaired/tuned. They didn't have a loaner but Gentry promised that he'll put a rush on it. I called every other day for over a week and all I got was excuses. With only a week away from my sons winter concert I decided to go into the shop, cancel the rental and go elsewhere. When I arrived they still hadn't fixed it. It seemed like the appropriate time for an apology from them but the opportunity wasn't seized so I digress. I demanded a refund for the last 2 months and the reeds that were in the case. Gentry replaced the reeds and promised the refund. 5 weeks have gone by and still no refund which is odd seeing how overly punctual they are with taking payments. I called today and he told me to call back at 2pm to remind him. This should be fun..... I've started to remember many other reasons but I'll leave it as is. UPDATE 2/25/16*** I went into the shop and finally received my refund. My ties have finally been cut! read more

Worst business ever. Rented a cello with a $150 dollar deposit over a year ago and returned it six months later and have still not received deposit. Questioned the owner several times and always got the run around. Even had the audacity to give me some sob story about his aging mother. DO NOT GIVE THESE WORTHLESS PEOPLE BUSINESS. When they close their doors and go bankrupt I will throw a party. read more

Incompetent business people or crooks. Zeros stars if I could. I delivered an old flute there that I intended to have refurbished and donate to a local school. They promised me the flute back in a month, I called and it wasn't done yet. I called a month later, still not done. I called another month later, still not done. Finally they said they would call me when it was done. Several months go by and my wife stops in to see what was up. They said that since it wasn't picked up they ended up selling it to recoup the costs of the repairs. They never called to say it was ready although they had my number. I am considering filing a small claims suit. They will certainly never see any business from me. read more

I wish I could post a review with no stars! We took a couple of instruments in to sell and were quoted a price. I thought we would get our money up front, but no Gentry said his mother had to check out the instruments first and she would put the check in the mail on Monday. This was a Friday. I asked him to call on Monday when the check had been mailed so I could look for it. Monday came and no call. So I called on Tuesday and was told that his parents had a lot of medical bills and could they mail the check the next week. I fell for it. I told him I could wait until the first if that would help. It was now two weeks since we left our instruments and I was getting a bad feeling. I finally checked Yelp ( sure wish I had done so before all this) and read about all the problems others have had dealing with McCreas. I then called and said we would be there on the first to pick up the check. It would save them a stamp. He agreed. I called the day before to remind him and he says, "Oh, is it the first already?" We were told to come at 4:30 because that's when his dad usually comes in. We arrived at 4:30 and he states he better go pick up his dad. We waited for almost an hour( I had to go out and feed the meter) and decided we would either leave with the money or our instruments. Gentry finally comes back (no dad) with 4 post dated checks. The first one was dated a week off. I wonder if dad is actually alive? I never saw him.... I said this was unacceptable and we wanted our instruments back. I could just imagine trying to cash these checks...what a hassle!! We took our instruments to The Music and Pawn Shop on El Cajon Blvd. and got actual cash on the spot! read more

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!!!! If I could have given it not a single star I wish I would have read the many reviews regarding the awful service Mccrea Music Company provides... I would have run for the hills. I have been dealing with Gentry for only two months and have had nothing but problems.. First off, the day I rented my instrument I paid in cash the first month's rent and deposit. I was then told they needed to authorize my credit card, just to make sure it was an active account, but they ended up charging my credit card $250.00, (where they came up with that figure, your guess is as good as mine) when I called to question Gentry about what had gone wrong... he stated the "pending" charge would fall off and not go through... it did!!! and the money was taken out of my account. I called and spoke to Gentry again about a refund... he stated it could take up to a month for the credit to be returned depending on my bank.. I was not satisfied with that, reminding him that in a credible business when a refund is given it is posted to the account as quickly as when the charge is made... nevertheless it still took 5 days and three heated phone calls to get a refund. Two weeks later I notice on my account they had charged my monthly fees two weeks before they were due, and in another two weeks they charge me again monthly fees... at that time I had, had enough I marched down to Mccreas returned the trumpet and demanded a refund... I was begged by Gentry not to return the trumpet and they would make it right refunding all of the unauthorized charges. I stuck to my guns...return the trumpet and was told by Gentry I would be refunded...another two weeks pass and still no refund. I decided to give them one more try before I disputed the charges with my bank.. Gentry had no remorse for still having not refunded the unauthorized charges. He stated I needed to return the trumpet before he would refund me... he then attempted to verify my address, stating he was sending someone to pick the trumpet up from my house since I obviously didn't want to return it.. the gull of this man... I couldn't believe it especially since I had already returned it and had had this conversation with him... I wondered if he was on drugs or senile...It was then clear I was better off dealing with my own bank, disputing the charges... I informed him I now understood why his company had so many bad reviews and I would be reporting him to the BBB, and ended the conversation. But get this... no more than 15 minutes pass ( I am on the phone with my bank disputing the charges) and some man from McCrea shows up at my door demanding the trumpet... I couldn't believe it ..... I agree this place is run by incompetent crooks... seek else where for your musical needs.. read more

20 years ago I rented a horn from McCrea's every Christmas and Gentry was always pleasant and professional. So when I had a horn to sell he was my first choice to help. I did read the previous very bad Yelp reviews along with a couple other poor personal ones, so I went in with trepidation. It all worked out in the end, but I'd never have them sell anything for me again. It was the most bizarre, frustrating business experience ever. First Gentry said he could sell my horn, no problems for the price we agreed on. He had a number of people he would call immediately. This was March 2010. The only communication I would get is if I called and actually got Gentry on the phone. He doesn't return calls worth a darn. After we dropped the price about 6 months later, he said it should go fast. Not. In November, after I asked for the horn back, Gentry finally said he'd pay me. (it sounds like the horn might have got damaged? Like most of his explanations, they're not real clear.) I'm also glad I kept my paper work because he remembered a price less than we agreed. Once I finally got paid, after another couple week wild goose chase, I was paid with a series of 6 post dated checks, a week apart and starting two weeks from when I received them. They had to be deposited into my bank account, not cashed. I tried to cash it at their bank and no luck. Gentry assured me they wouldn't bounce, it was either trust him or small claims court, and in this case he was correct. I just had to go to the bank every week to deposit them. What a pain in the butt and his reasoning was Twilight Zone material. I think Gentry is honest... to a point. He sure isn't forthcoming with information that would be good to know. The frustration was not worth it. I could go on and on with more frustrating details. I think you're safe renting from him, but putting your instrument in his/their hands, all bets are off. read more

The service was nice, the first time, but after that, it went downhill I'm renting a cello from them and the over charged me five time, they still owe me 59$!!!. I recommend any where but there, ps. There office is sooooooo cluttered read more

I WAS a McCrea Music customer for over 15 years - I took lessons there, I bought 1 instrument there, and tons of reeds and accessories. For basic sales of reeds and student instruments, they are fine. However, I recently went to consign my Cannonball Saxophone, and decided to go to McCrea given my past experience with them. We agreed on a price, and I left it with them. Two weeks later, Gentry told me that it was sold, and that I should get my payment within 2 weeks, as long as it is not returned (fair enough, as they have a 2 week return policy). 3 months later, I was battling Gentry McCrea and his mother, Gentria (who is also the owner) to get paid. Gentria is apparently the only one in the place that handles payments, and so everything has to go through her. But she is starting to lose her mind, and cannot remember anything!!! After sending them a certified letter threatening to take them to court, they finally agreed to a payment plan!!! They couldn't come up with $500, and had to pay in 4 weekly installments of $125! I couldn't understand...it's consignment, they were only entitled to their commission, not the entire amount, but they spent it and didn't want to pay me!! read more

Went here because our niece and nephew were coming into town and wanted to play viola and cello for us. We called and they said they had what we wanted, but when we got there, they didn't have the cello in stock and the violas were all too small. Still, they promised the cello would be there the following day and both instruments would have to be strung. Turns out that they weren't open the next day at 10:00 (their posted open time) and the instruments weren't ready until the following day anyway. The owner said he would credit me one rental charge for the inconvenience. I was charged a $500+ damage waiver on December 30th and returned the instruments on the 3rd. It is now the 21st of January and I just made my third call to try and get the deposit put back on my credit card. The owner said it would post "for sure" by Thursday. Need I say more? read more

Do Not go to this music store! They have ripped off me and my friend off two years in a row with overcharging on the autopay credit card for viola rental This is a scam they have going. They charge on the first and 3rd or 4th week of the month, not consistent dates either, just two times per month. Last year they told me it was a mistake and they thought I was rent to own and my friend too. This year I wrote large on my contract NOT RENT TO OWN, and they continued to charge me two times a month. Do not leave your credit card information with these scammers. One time they can make a mistake, three times, it is a scam. read more

Don't go here! Gentry is a crook! He told me it would be $75 for four, 30 minute lessons. He charged me the $75. Fine. I took only one lesson and was charged an additional $54! Now he won't return calls or answer the phone. read more

I love how much of a "hidden" feeling it has to it. Inside the character of the building alone is the greatest, and the sheer clutter of all the instrument cases laying every which way makes it feel like you are in some old attic. The prices are reasonable for instrument rentals, lessons are offered, and the employees are the most knowledgeable people about their field that I have encountered in a long while. read more

FRAUD!!! I ordered a clarinet with them online, paid with my credit card, and NEVER got it!!! Called numerous times, got the same run around. I do not live in the San Diego area, so I could not go in person to get my money back. It's too bad I did not check Yelp before doing business with them! read more