I stopped in here a few months ago and had a lovely time as usual. When I realized today that after…read morea lifetime of patronizing this store, I had never written a review, I wanted to rectify that immediately. I was absolutely shocked when I opened the app and read the bad reviews on here. I made sure to read every single one of them and I think if you do that, you begin to see a pattern of people who are ridiculous and think that because they had a bad day or completely unrealistic expectations, they can strike out against a good business because they take no responsibility for their decisions. The Music Box has been the sole music store in Lodi for over 40 years. I "rented" my first violin from them when I was a small child and we purchased my sons trombone for band here 20 years later. At that time I was a single working mom and they allowed me to put my sons instrument on a payment plan. I actually missed the last payment because I had started working a second job and forgot to drop off the check. When I realized what I had done about a week later, I made sure to plan out a time to stop in at the store and pay off the instrument and apologize. However the day before I was to do that, I received a letter from the owner of this store. I fully expected it to be a demand letter with a late fee tacked on and I was ready for that as it was my own fault. Instead, the owner wrote that he understood I was working hard and was very busy and that he would like to gift me the last payment and let my son keep the instrument. I literally cried. Every experience I have had here has been beyond good. This is a small town store that stays alive because the owner and employees love what they do. The staff is thoughtful and caring as a customer for many many years, I highly recommend them for instruments, accessories, lessons, music or just to help you figure out what it is you need and I hope to see this store here for another 40 years to come.

I go to Lodi on average once a year. I try to make it a point to drop into The Music Box every…read moretime, I never knew why until last week. I asked the guy behind the counter for a couple sets of classical guitar strings. He first reached for D'Addarios but I related my experience with broken strings with only that brand. He told me there was a brand of strings he sells the most of and handed me two sets of Fender strings. I was a little skeptical. I mean they were half the price of D'Addarios and packed in a somewhat plain paper package but why not? Guess what?! They're really good strings! They didn't break, they didn't slip at all and they brought the tone back to my 35 year old Takamine 300 series guitar. Now, here's where it gets cosmic. As I was paying for the strings a voice behind me says "what is your name?" And then "Where do you know me from?" I didn't immediately recognize who it was because of the glare from the windows but when I did I was gobstopped! It was none other than Tim Spencer! One of the best all round guitarists I've ever known. He teaches there a couple times a week. We talked for about 20 minutes and got kinda caught up. Small world. I like this shop!

Just a shout out to Al, what a great experience getting a rental violin for my daughter. He was…read morevery personable, helpful and provided us great customer service. No pressure at all and a very pleasant experience. Thanks Al

It's unfortunate because all of the music stores (or the 3 that I've visited) here in Stockton are…read moreall lacking terribly. I've been a musician for over 20 years. Initially this place gives you nostalgia. You feel like you're back at your old music store as a kid. They've got many of the accessories needed for brass and wind students. He also had some pretty cool harmonicas as well. But, it is as others have stated. He has this attitude that feels like "you don't know what you're talking about, you're not going to purchase anything, so therefore, you need to get out right now." He didn't say those things but that's how it felt. Even when he gave good information about the products and tried to be nice (I can tell that he was trying) it still felt cold. I want to love this place. I feel bad for him simply because most of the mom and pop music stores have been obliterated by big box stores like Sam Ash and Guitar Center. So maybe this is his response to that.

I wanted a nylon string of my own, and Trinidad helped me find one I am extremely happy with. After…read moretesting a few for their action, feel, and sound, he brought me a 1965 Model 900 Giannini that has aged surprisingly well. Trinidad even cleaned and restored the guitar whilst telling me more about its history. I am a proud owner and will do my best to preserve my beautiful guitar.

While the band was in California, I had to go to a Music Go Round. It's a store that sells used…read moregear. This one was somewhat small but there were some deals to be found. I just wanted to buy a keepsake to remember the trip. I found a used Hobo Drive that had been marked down. Got it for less than $60 and it usually goes for more. I did see a used Studio 3 - this is really old from the 90's. I used to work for the company that made it. Those were good times!

Teacher Liz at Music Yard has been wonderful for my daughter's piano lessons. She does such a great…read morejob building confidence while helping her learn and improve each week. Liz is patient, encouraging, and keeps my daughter motivated and on track with her progress. What we appreciate most is how she also helps guide us as parents so we know how to support our daughter's practice and learning at home. It really feels like she's invested in her success. We're very grateful for Teacher Liz and the positive learning environment she creates. Highly recommend her for anyone looking for a supportive and skilled piano teacher!

Poor customer service. I took an instrument to them to be repaired, called them 6 weeks later and…read morethey did not know where my instrument was. Megan said they would call me back. I called them back later that day and the next day, the manager did not bother to get on the phone with me but was relaying messages to Megan on the phone. They assured me they would be calling me back. The next day. I received a text message letting me know it would be six more weeks and the manager would update me. I had yet to talk to a manager or receive an apology. I texted back that it was unacceptable since they already had it 6 weeks and they lost it. They said they would try to get it done as soon as possible. Two weeks later I was informed the manager would be picking up the instrument and would contact me. A week later Gabe contacted me and was very apologetic for the situation. This was the first apology that I had received. Gabe is the reason this review got one star. He went above and beyond to apologize, communicate and called me more than once. I did get the instrument back. However, when I went to go pick it up, Megan acted like she did not want to help me or recognize that I was in the store. I paid over $300 to have the instrument fixed and my daughter informed me not all the pads were replaced. Very disappointed in this music store and the customer service received. I will be using a different music store in the future

Loved comin here I believe the guys name was Nick who helped me out He way good with studio and…read morecomputer music shi cause it's complicated as hell tbh he said if he there I could bring my laptop in an he would help set it up if I cant get it off youtube super smart staffs here

I took my son's saxophone in to be adjusted and let them know specifically that we were having…read moreissues with the lower notes. It took almost a month to get the saxophone back and when we did it was still having the same issues.I paid $228 for the service that was not done and when I called to get my money back the owner refused and said the only thing I can do is take it back and have them fix it again. When I refused that service because I don't trust them now, he refused to hear my concerns and got more and more upset until he hung up on me. When I called back and told him he hung up on me he said "yes I did and I can refuse service to anyone and I'll do it again." Please DO NOT use them for any kind of services, they'll take your money and not do the work you pay so much money for.

Dr. Pazo is a gifted musician, a responsive and consummate professional in his work. Our funeral…read morehome director connected us with Dr. Pazo as I requested a bagpipe player at the graveside portion of my mother's funeral this August. Mom (and I) have Scottish heritage and she grew up with her Scottish Dad singing Highland songs to her and in turn sang them to me. So it would be an understatement to say this music was a very important component of Mom's funeral service. Dr. Pazo phoned me beforehand to get a sense of what the service would be like and what our musical requests were. He was compassionate, kind, and efficient at a time when I was in shock from my mom's death but needed to call on my executive functioning skills for funeral planning. Definitely a challenging time but I was so relieved that the bagpipes would be played at my mom's funeral. When the day arrived it was an incredibly moving and powerful experience to arrive at the graveside and see Dr. Pazo in his full regalia and hear the haunting sound of the resonant bagpipes which filled the air. The bagpipes and the beautiful songs Dr. Pazo played gave a weight and power, a somber honor to my mother's life that I and my family will always remember. We grateful for Dr. Pazo's artistry, empathy, and power as he played the bagpipes. Some time after mom's funeral I watched Queen Elizabeth's funeral. When I heard and saw the bagpipe procession, I said, "I think we had a better bagpipe player at mom's funeral." That's how great Dr. Pazo is! List of Songs Played: Prelude: On Eirin's Green Shores, My Home, O Flower of Scotland, My Bonnie Lass, Skye Boat Song, The Isle of Innisfere, You Raise Me Up, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Processional : O Danny Boy Commital Song: Auld Lang Syne Potslude: Abide With Me, Going Home

Dr. Pazo played bagpipes at my husband's funeral. He did a…read morewonderful job and was easy to work with.

Alec teaches our 10 yo in Roseville. He is a gifted musician/ teacher that resonates with our…read moredaughter. She practices on her own and making good progress. I love the reward system at the end of every lesson. Alec also puts on a recital which allows his students to perform in front of a large audience. Perhaps the biggest perk with Alec is that he does in home lessons! A huge time saver. Highly recommended.

As an adult beginner, starting piano felt intimidating but working with Alec has been one of the…read moremost rewarding decisions I've ever made. I've been taking lessons with him for over a year now, and I can't say enough about his patience, encouragement, and unique ability to make each lesson both fun and challenging. He doesn't let me coast, he pushes me just enough to grow, and yes, I do sweat through my lesson! But that's exactly why I've progressed so much. My husband, who took piano lessons for years as a child, recently told me that I already play better than he ever did. What I appreciate most is that Alec believes in me. He helps me chase my childhood dreams, no matter my age and makes me believe they're within reach. If you're thinking about learning piano--whether you're young or just young at heart--I highly recommend him.

Joey was very thorough and meticulous. He pointed out some focus areas and double checked the…read moretuning. He also shared what to look out for within the next few months. Highly recommended.

Joey was very thorough and took his time to make sure all was right and in good working orderread more