Today is 01/02/25, Thursday, the day after New Year's Day. It's 11:15am that I'm writing this review. I've been waiting for 15 mins for the store to open even though the hours say they open at 11:00 am. Their voicemail is full but the recording also says 11:00 am opening. Their website says open at 11:00 am. I'm not quite sure if everything says the store should be open but they aren't open. I purposefully came here to get my guitar strung with fresh strings. I wanted to support local stores specifically. The worker came in around 11:18 am. We all have hard days. I only dinged one star because truthfully it was only one worker for the whole store he was very very apologetic... He cleaned, oiled, and strung my guitar. He took his time and carefully did everything while also having to man the whole store by himself! He apologized profusely when he had to step away to help customers. I could be upset set, but it's the beginning of the year and we're all human. $12 for full restring (all 6 strings) you pay for the cost of the strings you want put on. I chose Elixir for my acoustic electric and those run around $20-ish bucks read more

Music Central - Online hours - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Diego, California

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It took some convincing (most of last school year), but my 5th grader "decided" to play an instrument this year--the violin! Yay! Our school provided a list of required items, based on the instrument selected. They also listed local places where parents can go to rent or buy an instrument. Disappointingly, both of the recommended places are owned by the same big company that has been absorbing local shops the last few years. So I busted out Yelp on my phone and Music Central came up as an option. I gave this shop a call and Charlie was kind enough to answer all of my questions over the phone. He left a great first impression from the different shops I reached out to that morning. I decided to take the afternoon off from work and pick up my daughter early during her minimum day so we could see Charlie while he was working--glad I did! Charlie answered more of my questions and measured my daughter for her first violin (insert proud parent tears of joy here). We discussed rental terms and Charlie answered another round of questions to help make me very comfortable signing a contract. I like how standard repairs (like string replacement) and maintenance (like tuning) are included with my rental. And I LOVE how I can "trade in" my rental for the next size up instrument (in similar condition) without breaking my contract! During our first visit we picked up a few of the required accessories listed for the violin and Charlie gave his recommendations on what is really needed to help save me some money up front. As a dad on a budget, this was much appreciated. This shop has a large collection of acoustic and electric guitars in the back. There are also lots and lots of music sheets in stock too. Much to my surprise, Music Central also has a large collection of ukuleles from different manufacturers. My eldest daughter has been interested in ukuleles for years (we have owned a few inexpensive ones to foster her exploration of this instrument) so this may be the focus a future visit. I mentioned this to Charlie and he shared that he teaches ukulele for the shop. How cool is that?! Thanks for an awesome first visit Charlie! Looking forward to a long relationship with Music Central to help my daughters make beautiful music. read more

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went to ask for help with a problem with a instrument device was told no problem easy fix , called all week with no reply from Rio from the store, finally got fed up and went and got it back, other employee was rude when I said tell Rio thanks for nothing, Will never go back again BEWARE this store read more

We went to Bertrand in PQ to get our trumpet. Instead of looking at the trumpet, they tried to convince us it was not repairable and convince us to rent one or buy one. Either way it would cost us at least $200. They also said that repair would take 60 days. We went to music central in Mira Mesa. They fixed the trumpet in 4 days and it cost me $45. Go here! Don't go to Bertrand. If you need a second opinion, go to music central. Honest people that won't try to up sale you. read more

My daughter recently got into playing guitar, and I needed to get a couple guitars restrung and tuned. Service provided was super affordable and the individual who helped us was knowledgeable and friendly. I ended up buying a few music books and other accessories. Great experience and I'll definitely be back! read more

Hi, I figured I would reach out by doing a tip. I noticed that online for quite a while now it's been very outdated. I was specifically hoping to find an area to review or search current sheet music in store.... I got to a coming soon: online store page, at the bottom is said if you want to search for a specific sheet music to click the link below.. but there isn't any link... even when I click the banner it's only a photo.. I'll have to stop in store but I'm off work around the time you close... the which makes it inconvenient for the customer but also the employee. I try not to hinder someone who's closing by staying around after hours. Just a little constructive criticism. Positive vibes and thx for all you guys do. I've been coming to music central for 16 years but just recently got a new sax after not playing for a while. P.S. the last post linked from Facebook was from 8 months ago. (: hope this helps. read more

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I went in to get a guitar re-stringed and the staff were extremely helpful. The clerk Vaughn got the job done super quick and was very friendly throughout. Would definately come back read more

Great selection of sheet music and various arrangements of classical, jazz, blues, oldies to choose from!

The place has such a wide selection of guitars, instruments, sheet music, tablature and more! The staff are also very lovely.

Very friendly staff. They (Bucks) did a great job fixing two of my guitars. Thanks.

I've been going to Music Central since I moved here because it's the closest to home. They are pretty helpful and provide lessons. My sons received guitar lessons from Charlie Brown who goes out of his way to accommodate him. The guys who work the front desk usually look like they hate life though. Except for Cameron! He's a really cool dude! Everyone should hire more people like him. read more

I grew up in this store. The owner is super cool and is always helpful. Service turn around is super quick and the quality is great!

Inquired by email about renting a guitar, got answer fairly quickly. The quoted price was $27/mo, which sounded like a really good deal. Arrived at the store, friendly greeting, so far so good. But then... oh yeah, there is a cleaning fee of $15. Excuse me?! You're gonna charge a cleaning fee for a guitar?? I get it for wind and wood instruments, but for a guitar that was dusty when it was rented?! The younger clerk was super nice and was going to waive the cleaning fee, but his boss added it back. Since I had driven a ways, and there's no other store that I know of that rents electric guitar, I didn't complain and went with the rental. But it left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, to have that "cleaning fee" added after I got there, when they hadn't mentioned it in their email. Update: just saw that they had messaged me to apologize, that the cleaning fee was a mistake, to be refunded. Giving them one more star. read more

This is only referring to lessons with Chris. He is a nice guy but I have never dealt with a music teacher who not only doesn't call you when you call multiple times for him, but also doesn't call when he's not available and lesson is cancelled! You have to just show up and find out for yourself. The complete lack of communication was infuriating, we switched to another music school which operates completely differently. They actually send me receipts and invoices (which never happened at Music Central) and I'm in direct email and phone contact with the teacher. That should be the norm. Not this elusive way that MC does business! read more

Initially I went to Music Central to get a violin. There was one guy who was helping a family and there were two other families waiting around for service. After waiting around for sometime I asked how long it would be to get helped and they guy said about 30 minutes. I left and went to San Diego Violins the next day. It was quick and easy to rent a violin there. Took about 15 minutes in and out. If you are looking for a string instrument...go to San Diego Violins...not Music Central. read more

I stopped in here right at closing time and they held the store open for us! Thank You for that! We rented a clarinet for my daughter. The sales clerk was friendly, helpful, and happy to help! I would recommend shopping here to everyone! read more

Love this little place! I walked in at 8PM, their closing time, and they still allowed me to browse and stay as long as I liked to!! The customer service was on point. They let me see their recorders while we talked about penny whistles. I was so glad to buy a couple of music books from them. Horray!! Time to hone my penny whistle skills. So thankful. Will be returning again!! read more

Music Central - Music!! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Diego, California

These guys strung my guitar strings incorrectly, and took them two days. They managed to get a few bridge pins stuck when I decided to change it a few months down the line and surprise! They installed the strings with the ball end of the string stuck deep in the bridge pin (wtf rookie mistake is this, are they even musicians?). This is the last of what I expect when I support smaller businesses when I already know how to do it. read more

I'm taking both guitar and drumming lessons at the Merrillville, Indiana store and couldn't be happier! If you want to play those two instruments, Andy S. (drums) and Marco V. (guitar) are excellent instructors and musicians! Jim (the owner), Diann, and Michelle are great people who make you feel at home! Wonderful place to do business! Greg B. read more

I try and try to support small businesses. This store was very run down and no one greeted or spoke to me until I walked to the counter to pay. When I got home I bought the wrong item and now cannot return it due to their receipt stating, "all sales final." I don't think this is actually legal in CA. I saw other reviews for not being able to return reeds or sheet music and I get it. Health and copy write laws come into play. However not being able to return unopened guitar strings or drumsticks within a day or two of buying isn't right. Lastly their items were 20-40% higher than big stores. That being said I'd be willing to pay for just a little customer service. read more

Okay- I'm going to give a tough review to the local music store because I really feel that they need to upgrade things for our award winning band community. First of all, I have to say that at least a couple of teachers in the education business do not recommend you for your rentals nor repairs. In a classroom, I've seen along with them used instruments that are old and weren't even touched for repair. The turn around time is so-so. A few times, you don't carry what is needed. You have to order it. You have a big clientele that goes to the many schools around here. It's important to students that they have a close place to go to in order to get their items for their instruments. My wish for you is to be number one with the music community to bring quality and good service. I see a big difference compared to your competitions. I like to support the local businesses in Mira Mesa. I can only do that if there is a history of quality and good service. I'm not going to criticize the people that work there. There are a few guys that have been there for a long time and they do greet and talk to you. They are pretty knowledgeable with things.They are friendly and willing to help. I do llke the amount of books you carry. You got some great ones. Most of the time you are well stocked on the elementary books and technical books that are used in the classroom. Overall, they do need improvement in a few areas to be in the ring with other competitors. See, business right now in our area is rather shaky. We lost a lot of places. I hope that you can be someone that will stay for a long, long, time,. read more

I should've known the place is crap from the minute I walked in. Went in to rent out a new clarinet for my four year-old. The gentleman (Caucasian short blonde) who assisted me wasn't helpful at all. I didn't feel as if he wanted to rent to me. He started coming up with all these different policy fees that were not listed anywhere on the front or back of the contract nor visible anywhere and tells me, "that's our policy and he will just have to add it in the contract." Seems crooked to me. Rather go elsewhere. read more

I had my guitar re-strung here. They were really nice and were able to finish it while I shopped at Target.

We were returning Sax items, music book, 3 reeds, other's used cork grease, shoulder straps and cleaning wipe to Mira Mesa Music Central. My son decided to switch to violin, and all items were retuned not used. I was surprised when the following happened: 1. Music book cannot be returned due to copyright issue? I don't understand this policy. Regardless, there should have been full disclosure of no book returns when sold. 2. Reeds due to health issue cannot be returned, once again there should have been full disclosure when sold. Okay, but why would the counter guy sell me used cork grease? Are they not violating the same health policy? Or renting out used horns and reusing the same mouthpiece. 3. Refund for items are refunded after at least 7 days once the owner approves it. 7 days! I asked for my receipt back and due to store policy I cannot have my receipt back! Why? It's my receipt with my credit card number on it. I just am very disappointed at the whole transaction. read more

I had to pick up some sticks for a drummer that I play with and found some really decent bargains at $5 pair.

Stopped in here to buy a Secret Santa gift. Told them my budget, and they put together a nice grab bag. Mostly acoustic guitars, accessories and tablature. Laid back scene. Good service. read more

Great place to shop for music instruments and take music lessons. We love people who work there. They are super nice! read more

Unfortunately they don't have what I need. And their selection is just rather sad. Their Clairemont Mesa location will NEVER see me shopping there again. They failed to put my credit card in for an instrument rental, so they were calling me constantly to get me to come down to put it in, and told me I would face late charges....no thanks. read more

I've been a student and customer at Music Central for several years. The workers are great and all nice people. I'm reviewing specifically Mike Mooneyham for being an incredible guitar teacher. I can proudly say that I still play guitar after about six years. He made guitar something to enjoy rather than an obligation or task to accomplish (which is a flaw I've seen in other music teachers). He helped me improve as a musician and is very talented. He became one of my guitar role models that I still look up to when I'm playing guitar. Great guy, great teacher, great musician. read more

i purchase a violin pitch-pipe for my daughter at a reasonable price they have good customer service

Billy Wear is a great teacher. He taught both of my kids to play and they're still at it. His patience and instruction were 2nd to none and I would highly recommend him to ANYONE thinking of drum lessons in the San Diego area. Billy Rox! read more

I haven't ever written a one star review. But my experience here makes me want to warn other potential customers. I brought in my daughters instrument for service on a Thursday afternoon. I was guaranteed that it would be finished by Saturday. On Sunday I called, because I hadn't heard anything. It wasn't finished and the guy who was going to work on it wouldn't be in until Tuesday. I had to drive there to pick it up, since we needed it for her class on Monday morning. And now we have to find another, more reliable shop to fix it for her. Super disappointing. Not only did it not get finished in the time quoted, but no one even bothered to call me to let me know. And when I was talking to the gal who works there on the phone, I asked if they could give us a loaner instrument until it was done. She told me to call the Clairemont store to see if they had one. I asked her to call for me, since it was there mistake and she told me she was too busy. Nice customer service. When I went to speak to my daughters teacher about this, he told me that he never recommends Music Central to any of his students because of their reputation for lousy, slow service. I wish I would have spoken to him first before wasting my time and gas. read more

this place was ok,, came to get my guitar tuned and then for the 2nd time to get new strings on my guitar...

My son has been taking drum lessons from Billy Wear at the Mira Mesa Music Central for the last year and he's already started a little band at 11 years old. Billy is professional, patient, and a wonderful instructor. If you're looking for drum lessons, I would highly recommend him. read more

Service here is infinitely better than the Clairemont store. Will definitely be back.

I had studied drums with Billy Wear over 25+ years ago when I was in junior high. I can't speak highly enough about not only his talent and excellent musicianship, but his warm/friendly nature, his ability to motivate and get the best out of his students and his true passion for what he does. I am now 40 years old and play more than ever whether playing in local bands or revisiting my old lesson books from my days with Billy...I still feel the same passion for the drums that began all those years ago. I can honestly say that if it hadn't been for Billy I don't think I would still be playing today. He fostered a nurturing environment, helped build my confidence...and of course helped build my chops! I can't thank Billy enough for helping me be the drummer I am today. My only regret is that I don't live in San Diego, otherwise I would be heading in for some lessons (never too old!). I highly recommend Billy, no matter if a beginner, professional or just looking to try something new...Billy is the man! read more