They have the knowledge, They have the experience, They have the instruments, They have what you need to keep your music flowing. They can fix you stuff. They are friendly people. I recommend. Metta john read more

CLOSED! Unfortunately. Best music store ever for many decades. That's what we all get for buying Amazon instead of local.

Unfortunately they no longer carry sheet music and it's a great store!! Gary Interesting things however and very friendly.... read more

With Ryan, experienced sales rep (People's Music) Demo a Peterson Electronic Tuner on those amazing Conga's behind me. Great selections and knowledge here. A must for your next level GIG! David #ROCKR TUMBAO Patocchi read more

People's Music - With experienced sales rep Ryan, (People's Music) The Go-To Music Store, for YOUR next level GIG! David #ROCKR TUMBAO Patocchi - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Sebastopol, California

The Music Store in Sebastopol is outstanding. Not only do they have a large variety of instruments, but the staff is very very knowledgeable and courteous. They have the expertise to help you with your instrument issues. I strongly recommend them. read more

my purchase from nj on a saxophone end it well thanks Alex shipping was super fast great item .need a tenor now !!!! read more

This music store has to be the worst I've ever entered! When you go to a music store typically the staff wants to help you with the instruments that your interested in, even sometimes allowing you to play them. This store the staff treats you as if your putting them out if you ask to play an instrument, they are extremly rude and answer you can play it when you purchase it. Wow, does the owner know that this is occurring? Not sure if this store is run by family, but they surly should change how they treat potential customers, it would be good for business! Will never go here again. Signed completely unsatisfied read more

We drove up from San Francisco on a sunny Sunday to look at banjos and dulcimers. The store is adorable and we were excited to explore. Unfortunately the lady working there didn't seem terribly interested in helping us. I asked a couple times about the two vintage banjos hanging behind the counter, but she said she couldn't tell me anything about them and didn't seem willing to take them down. Instead she repeatedly directed me to the new banjos in the back. The new banjos she mentioned were all imported factory built instruments of middling to very low quality. Several of them seemed to have had no setup done at all, with little or no head tension. If you're going to sell such cheaply made banjos they really have to be set up right, and most of these weren't. For dulcimers they had a used one of fairly low quality and a moderate quality Romanian import. That's a better selection than most local shops, but both were a good bit more expensive than we'd seen elsewhere, and neither instrument was as nice as the one my friend is borrowing from Freight and Salvage. It was a beautiful day, so we enjoyed the long drive and it was nice to poke around the shop, but I won't be returning. read more

I live in Sebastopol and I loved this cool little store when I first saw it. However on my first interaction with them, their customer service completely counteracts anything cool about this store. The staff needs some serious training on how to treat customers, which by the way means that the owners are probably rude people too. My wife and I walked in happy then left 5 minutes later feeling poorly like somehow we were a bother to them (staff? Owners? Who knows). Fortunately there are other great music stores with more selection and friendly staff in Santa Rosa. Worth the extra drive to avoid this place. The only reason I gave 2 stars was because it is a cute little store. PS: bought a two drums and a Uke elsewhere the next day ($400+). read more

If ever you plan to do any business with this store definitely have a rethink. I'm a professional musician and as far as I'm concerned, i will not ever step foot in this store again. There is one employee who is wonderful there but I experience a very unpleasant rude vibe while visiting the store.. Also watch out if you bring anything into the store for repairs you might have a new bill when you come to pick it up with a price you didn't expect nor was ever informed of even after being called by the employees. Very rude manager even on the telephone hung up on me. that's not the way to do business "peoples" music. I highly recommend going into Santa Rosa or if you're in San Fran hitting Guitar Center. read more

A taste of funky 60-70s retro. I had a charango with a broken bridge and they fixed it up. The repair failed (this is an old charango from Chile), but they took it back, carved a new part for the bridge for free and it's been great ever since! read more

I decided to learn a new instrument. I went to People's Music to look at mandolins after visiting a store in Santa Rosa with less of a selection. I decided to make the drive to Sebastopol after I called because the person who answered was very open to all of my questions and took time to listen to me. I was lucky enough to meet Oliver as I walked in the first time. Oliver is a violinist who teaches how to play mandolins as well. He listened to my requirements regarding price, and played all the mandolins to show me the difference between them. In the process I felt as though I'd been treated to a mini concert - Oliver is talented! It was a pleasure to watch him switch from one mandolin to the next, showing me the difference in sound while teaching me about shapes, etc. That day I bought a mandolin. The next week I had my first lesson. It turns out that Oliver loves to teach music. He's patient. I could have bought my mandolin and gone straight home and watched YouTube - but here I have Oliver to teach me music theory! I feel very confident as I attend my weekly lessons that I will have a solid understanding of this instrument and even better, how to play it properly while learning to read music, too. I've read older reviews of People's Music that were not the best. My experience has been nothing but positive. I loved the feeling of this place as soon as I walked in. To me, there is a large selection of different kinds of instruments. Each person connected to the store that I encounter seems to enjoy being there which gives it an easy going atmosphere. Each person has been approachable, happy to talk and share their knowledge. I've read that the prices are higher here than other places but seriously, it's Downtown Sebastopol and it's a locally owned shop. If you want to buy something for a better price, go do that. Don't complain about it. People's Music isn't just a store for supplies. You can get your lessons here as well - there are separate rooms for several students to learn at once. It may not be well known but in the back, there is also a person who repairs instruments. I was very happy to learn that - not that I expect to need repairs; it just shows me that there is experience and knowledge to be found here. I'm really happy to have found People's Music. I strongly suggest giving it a try. read more

Strings and such are so expensive here. Ukelele strings $10.50 plus tax. Same strings on amazon, 4 pack for the same price. Now, I want to support mom and pop, main st. locally owned, but what is the mark up here? Not priced for experienced musicians it seems, but for amateurs that don't know any better. Better prices in downtown manhattan. Strings aren't paying your rent, so price them reasonably. Sorry guys. Also bumper stickers on counter that say drum machines have no soul is kinda elitists and excluding more would be customers. Have you heard an 808? Can you feel that bass? Lol. I go back to support out of convenience and duty to local but normally regret it, due to prices, selection, and customer service read more

I've been going to People's music for about 15 years, maybe closer to 20, a few times a year. And yes, I've experienced a distracted sales person once in a while, plus the prices are not rock bottom. But the prices are fair, and very appreciated when you need to pick up something in a hurry or just don't want the hassle of on-line sales. And in general the owners and sales staff have been great. Over the years I've purchased a very decent violin (about $1500), a Hohner electric bass (only a couple hundred dollars and really quite playable), another electric bass and amp for a friend's son (I tried it out and really liked it a lot for the price), maybe five or six sets of their custom grouped violin strings (not bad and at under $30 about half the price I usually pay for violin strings), a few harmonicas at the normal (and fair) retail price, sax reeds, music stands, many other items including quite a few music books and sheet music. It's actually the sheet music and other music books that usually brings me in. They have a nice selection for all standard music instruments, as well as that great library of jazz and salsa books from Shar Music. I also play classical music and have purchased several excellent volumes that my wife and I play (piano and violin/flute). In fact our current favorite compilation, "French Tangos for Violin", was discovered and purchased at People's Music. They also have a super selection of hand percussion instruments and some of the weirdest music instruments that just have to been seen. By the way, I'm not friend's with the owners or staff of People's Music. Just a satisfied customer almost all of the time. And don't forget that it's just down the block from two excellent restaurants, a cookie/espresso shop, great book store (Copperfield's), some clothing stores and other fun Sebastopol stores. read more

The absolute worse customer service i have ever had!!!! The wanna be hippy behind the counter was so RUDE!!! If i could give NO STARS i would!!!! Don't ask to try out any of the instruments because it will be met with sarcasm and rudeness!!!!!! If i were the owner and wanted people to buy anything from my store i would definitely get a staff that is welcoming and helpful.... read more

I understand that the prior reviewer found this store too be pricey, but the reality is that this is an independently owned store in a very expensive neighborhood. They don't carry multiple examples of the very same piece like those who run franchises do. What they do offer is a super knowledgeable and highly approachable staff who enjoy sharing everything they know about instruments and music to anyone who makes the time to step in and ask a question. They also provide excellent customer service in helping you to get whatever instrument, sheet, music or lesson is right for you or whomever you are gifting. They do accept trade-ins towards other instruments so you needn't keep that dusty violin in the closet. If a ukelele inspires you more. Yes, they are a bit higher in price to places like Guitar Center, but this store is a true small town treasure. read more

Looking forward to the expansion of the store. Lots of changes taking place. The new owners seem like they are doing everything they can to satisfy all customers. Still a bunch of the weird and unusual instruments that they've been carrying for such a long time along with more new things as well. Pretty cool place. Still a vintage ambience but with a new excitement. I also find the staff there pretty friendly and accommodating. read more

The people are Rude and snobby. The inventory is overpriced and stocked with cheap instruments.

The staff is helpful and super nice, but the prices are very high. I try to always shop local, but People's Music is too over-priced to be my go-to music store. read more

I'd say just go to this store, if for no other reason than to see the musical instruments not found in most music stores I frequent. I found an Australian digeree doo that was authentic, and at a good price, which I will probably keep for the rest of my days. I didn't expect snappy customer service, but I didn't find anything to complain about there either. Just go to this store, and check out the musical treasures. I hope you find something most cool... read more

This place and the customer service has improved exponentially. They care about the client and quality of the inventory. They carry a wide selection of instruments and educated me on the proper way to use some instruments I've never seen before. I purchased a Backporch guitar, a case and some other complimentary items and felt like the staff will always be there for me if I have any questions or concerns as I learn to play the instrument. Super impressed, and highly suggest supporting this local business. read more

Chris did a fantastic job setting up my telecaster. It was ready when promised and cost a little less than the initial estimate. This guitar now rings like a bell. Excellent work! read more

I have had great help from both the male and female staff here. I am thrilled we have a local resource to buy strings, picks and rent instruments. Yes they cost more but almost everything on Main street does do to location and being independently run. read more

I love peoples music! There very nice people, and i love that they let you play, try out, or even practice in there store! Thank you peoples music for your awesomeness and joy of our local music store! :) P.S. There VERY helpful! :) read more

The woman behind the counter was very stand-off-ish and aggressive all at the same time. I simply wanted some help buying an instrument and she acted as if I was bothering her. Their prices are high and the instruments they stock are definitely less than stellar. I would avoid this store and spend your money at Tall Toad in Petaluma. The woman is going to lose her business if she doesn't learn how to put a smile on her face and at least act interested in her customers. read more

In an attempt to patronize a local business, I purchased an overpriced child's drum (it can be found online for half the cost) for my granddaughter in Denver, unaware of their new 7 day return policy. Unfortunately, my son and daughter-in-law do not have a high tolerance for noisy toys and asked that I take it home with me. When I tried to return the item, I was told that since it was outside the 7 day period, I would only be able get 50% of my money back. Upon my disapproval, the staff suggested I return the next day to speak to Ryan, which I did. He informed me of the 2 options: I either keep the drum or pay a 30% restocking fee! DON'T SHOP HERE! THESE PEOPLE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CUSTOMER SERVICE MEANS! THEY COULD'VE HAD A HAPPY CUSTOMER AND A GOOD REVIEW FOR $20! read more

It's great to have a local music store, but I find this store a little dark and cave-like. The customer service is a bit lacking. People are not too helpful and it feels like they are doing you a favor when they wait on you. read more

Buyer beware at this store - over priced and terrible customer relations. I love to buy local and don't mind paying a reasonable markup to do so. I came in with an open heart to find a drum and I did NOT shop online first - my mistake. They sold me a used Klong Yao drum, telling me it was very hard to find, for $300 which was more than $100 over the price NEW from the Toca authorized online dealer - not hard to find at all. I found this out when I was trying to look up information about the drum, not trying to check their price but it jumped out at me. They told me the drum was in the store for 2 years and that the price must have gone down in that time, not their problem. Their "no refunds" on consignment items policy is written in the tiniest print in back of the counter so one cannot read it standing at the cash register, and likewise on the sales slip. What was the worst was the salesman, Chris, who treated me with utter contempt during the interaction. read more