I got my first guitar in July 1960. I've bought and sold 1,000's of guitars., amps, drums, keyboards, etc... No exaggeration. I owned a 1,500 square foot musical instrument shop from 1998 to 2007. So I know equipment. I've visited Skip's several times over the past few decades. But my last visit was long enough ago that it was at the former Watt Ave location. This new store is visually impressive. Plenty of space which gives the room a majestic feel. It's dramatically lighted. The overhead music system is not obnoxiously loud. It's a fun place to browse. The inventory is all good quality. Every item is a real musical instrument, not a junky toy. No Amazon type crap here. The 5 staff members I interacted with were all friendly and helpful. I stopped in with my family to buy some Xmas gifts for the grandchildren and a few cables for myself. I pre-shopped the items on the Skip's website. The items were in stock. We bought a mini electric guitar for the 6 year old grand niece who actually knows already how to play some basic chords. We also got her a small amplifier, cables, guitar strap... Everything she will need to start her musical journey. Pricing is pretty standard MSRP. I know the price structure at wholesale and retail level and was not going to haggle for a discount out of respect. Profit margin after all the business expenses is meager. There's a high riser stage for in store events & concerts. There's also programs when students perform. Great experience for students to begin public performances (Where, hopefully, they get prepared for paychecks when they graduate to playing at bar gigs, weddings, birthdays and maybe even the big time (if they work really, really hard)). If you or you little virtuoso wants some gear I highly recommend that you shop here rather than at Guitar Center. Shop local, support a family owned business rather than a corporation. read more

Now retired I want to learn to play guitar. I went to Skip's Music in Sac and was pleasantly greeted by Alex at the front. I walked around for a while just astounded and a little intimidated by their s. Alex assisted me and retrieved a Yamaha FSX800C from the warehouse that I wanted to see. He set it up adjusted it and tuned it. No pressure just super helpful. I purchased that guitar from Alex and plan to go back for future supplies and possibly lessons. Skip's is Great store, Super service, good fair and competitive prices not to mention a large stock of guitars and other stringed instruments. I highly recommend Skips. read more

Skip's Music - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Sacramento, California

DO NOT attempt to rent anything from them. I asked them how I could rent equipment. They told me to just come whenever I needed it, since everything was always in stock. However, when I showed up, they informed me that they only rent to those who have made a reservation in advance. Consequently, I was left without a single item from them. JOSH is the most unprofessional employee. Don't waste your time. They can screw you over at the last moment. read more

So Skip's Music had a promotion today where they offered to change out your guitar or bass strings for Dunlop brand strings for FREE! I've been using Super Slinky's for decades and didn't have a reason to switch it up since they're not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive. When I got there, there were about 4 other people with guitars/basses in front of me. The man changing the strings was Nathan and was not only changing strings but quickly cleaning up the fretboard and making suggestions as to guitar setup. It took about 10 minutes for him to get each guitar done. I had 10-48's on my Les Paul but the closest thing he had was 10-46's which I agreed to try. He cleaned up my frets a bit and lowered my tailpiece about a 1/4". I've been home now for about an hour playing the guitar amazed a what a difference the strings and tailpiece height adjustment made. Thank you Nathan (and Ship's Music) for such an amazing gift! You've earned my business and Dunlops are now my Go To strings. read more

Skip's Music - Gibson Guitar - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Sacramento, California

So... I really really really want to love this place. Staple of the community, lessons, tech shop, decent used selection... it's just that every time I'm in there I leave feeling like I got the wind knocked out of me. This last time was rough. I brought in a guitar to trade in for a used piece. I think in my mind I figure that they can low ball me on the trade in (I get it, they need to make money) and I can potentially work in a lower used price for the gear I want. Not a chance here. The guitar I wanted was missing it's back plate, dings on the neck, no original case. Brought that up, wasn't looking for a huge margin in savings, though figured they'd work with me. Nah, chatted with one of the guys about helping me out and he, without much tact, said something to the affect of "its marked at a fair market value price and we can't lower it". Now I know it may sound like I'm whining about it, though I'm not. Shopping in store should provide me with some sort of benefit. Even if I went with a shop out of state, they'd still let me try before buy, so why even go to the store? The guitar was marked at $899, I took my trade in home and promptly ordered the same guitar, in excellent condition with all the case candy and it cost me $770 + 72 in shipping. I may still be stuck in the past where you can haggle on these instruments. Just don't see the point going out when I can get better prices, far better selection and more buying power anywhere else. read more

Went in just to look and try out guitars for when I'm in the market to purchase, either the manager or owner came over and encouraged me to try a bunch of stuff out, I felt extremely welcomed. Never had this kind of experience when I've gone to guitar center. I will for sure be coming back to purchase! read more

So I had a little time to kill during lunch. I frequent Skips quite often but this time I really took my time and I bought some cymbals. Went down memory lane with the drum tech talked about Jeff Collins, and Skip and some of the other drum techs that worked there. I came in the following week, met up with John Dengate, what a pro, the first thing you notice when you walk into Skip's is it's so clean and everything is in its place not a bunch of boxes laying around like the "other music store" I was simply amazed how every keyboard was live and active ready to show off it sound. The building is spacious and open. You don't feel claustrophobic very pleasant atmosphere. I bought stuff from." the other store." out of necessity, but the shopping experience at Skips is first class read more

Skip's Music - My used new to me Zidjian K's - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Sacramento, California

The owner is a nice guy, but some of the employees on the floor are rude, condescending and need a lesson in respect. They act like I'm bothering them when I'm trying to buy a $250 pedal. read more

Excellent service, excellent overall vibe. My husband grew up going to Skip's so it was only appropriate that we bring our daughter to Skips to get her first guitar. We've brought her in twice to look and both times we had such great experiences. I highly recommend! read more

I have purchased several pieces of gear here - pedals, pedalboards, accessories, and I have had many guitars worked on. The service department does exceptional work. I had a very poor experience today, however, and it really soured me on buying anything else. I was trying out a guitar, and I was serious about buying it. Admittedly, I was taking my sweet time, but I was playing what I would say is tastefully (i.e., no repetitive, cliche riffs) and putting the guitar through its paces. After 15-20 minutes, a salesperson came over, stood uncomfortably close to me and ask "is there anything I can answer for you?" I said "no, just considering picking this up today." He said "well, do you want to?" I thought to myself 'maybe I am doing something unwittingly stupid or rude,' so I asked if I had done something wrong, and he said "well, you've been sitting there for a while, and maybe it's a little loud." So I reach over an turn it down, but he persists in standing there and looming over me. I guess I was done at that point. He didn't move until I got up, and it was clear that he wanted me to be done. It's a massive cavern of a guitar store, and it was relatively empty. There weren't a bunch of us competing for airspace - it was maybe me and 1-2 other people; one on acoustic across the way (and clearly loud enough for me to hear consistently while I was demoing) and a someone on bass (again, clear enough for me to hear the entire time). It's a guitar store, dude - people are going to play. I wasn't some teenager butchering Stairway or something (and nothing wrong with that - we all cut our teeth somewhere). I wasn't there for four hours playing every high end guitar either. I've never in 26 years of guitar store shopping had that sort of experience. Maybe he was having a bad day, but I ended up deciding not to buy anything. Incidentally, I drove over to guitar center, they were incredibly cool about me demoing some guitars, and I picked something up (incidentally, it was the same model for $100 cheaper - not that I needed that; I am happy to support local business, but still). I'll have to decide if I want to give any more business to Skip's. I have absolutely had solid experiences there as well. read more

wow! these guys are awesome! i broke my headstock in 2 pieces and scott one of the guitar techs totally fixed it and made the guitar look like nothing ever happened! 10 out of 10 guys! i highly recomend skips for your music needs! p.s it plays great too! read more

Micah was the best salesman I've ever seen. Made me buy an extra guitar but now I'm in love with it. 11/10 recommend seeing Micah when you go into Skips! P.s. he's also quite handsome read more

My favorite music store. Especially compared to GC. Attended the grand opening at their new location on Madison St. in Sacramento. A much bigger store than the previous location. We've always dealt with Jake and he is awesome. If you're in the area, this is a must to check out! read more

Skip's Music - Grand opening at the new location on Madison Ave. - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Sacramento, California

Josh R. took the time to understand our situation and guide us to what we actually wanted versus what we thought we wanted. Super cool, glad we came in. No substitute for in-person knowledge and experience! read more

Excellent service. Helpful staff. Reasonable rental prices for sound equipment. Would definitely recommend Skip's for my next music event. read more

I have been going to Skips Music since the mid 1970's. This was my first time at their new location on Madison Ave. The store was laid out well and immaculate. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. I had a fantastic experience with Eric in guitar repair. He did a phenomenal job on my Driskill guitar and I will certainly be back. I am very happy to see that Skip's name is continuing with fantastic employees. They have come along way since I first went there on Florin Road! Please give them an opportunity before the warehouse stores for products or repairs! read more

Let me start with Rich in the Drum section is awesome! I purchased from him a complete Ludwig drum kit. He spent time showing me everything about it, how to assemble it, and even tuned it for me! In addition, he gave me insights on how to play and what to learn. I cannot thank Rich enough! A true professional! I want to add, I was in the store for guitar lesson and walked out with a complete drum kit. Actually, a really great drum kit. In addition, I have a whole new musical avenue to pursue, thanks to Rich and Skip's! Great job! Give Rich a promotion! read more

In all seriousness my experiences with skips has been akward at best. Every time that I have wanted to buy something a guy (who I think is skip's son or part of the family treats me like a homeless guy and has even raised the price of an instrument over the marked price after I showed interest in it. He comes over and sets the volume on the amp I'm playing and they tell me that someone that I know is not there when I ask but always says that he was there when I speak to him. I would buy stuff there if I didn't get treated the way that I do. I have gone in three times now looking to buy an amp only to get buzz killed and blown off. I think that they need yo realize that the world doesn't revolve around them. Sacramento needs more independently owned music stores. I hope that skips can survive alienating customrs the way that they do. read more

In December 2024 I purchased a BOSS GTT-1000 multi processor pedal. During the set-up immediately had repeated problems with a firmware update, but finally got the update to install at a much later date. Additionally, my guitar input signal would not register to the recommended adjustment. Third, a loud static feedback loop would not abate no mater how many adjustments I made. With all of this, contacted Skips to return the pedal. Over the phone I was informed that their policy was a three day limit for returns. BOSS recommends to retailers that a 30-day return policy is customary. I have been buying from Skips since my teens and throughout my adult life. So, after many, many years of being a loyal customer, this is how I was treated. Skips is no longer the store I fell in love with so many years ago. So, just know you only have three days! read more

Our go-to place for anything music related. The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable, and their selection is great!! Have been shopping with Skips since I was young, took vocal lessons there as a kid. Now my son is into music, has taken guitar lessons from them, and loves to go in and add to his growing music equipment/instrument collection. Love supporting local, we just were there last week and Rich was a huge help! read more

Great service and great new location. Got two guitars restrung and a pick guard installed and they went above and beyond.

My friend and I walked into the store today. We walked past 2 employees who made eye contact with us and didn't even acknowledge us. Just followed us with their eyes. I think it is important to note that I am a black and more masculine presenting female and my friend, black and feminine. We went in with the intention to buy but were met with such unfriendly energy that we decided to take our business elsewhere. Very sad, considering we were super excited to visit this store and see what they had to offer. read more

Matt greeted us as the store opened and offered us a number of options for the small scale guitar we were looking for. He was very helpful in answering our questions and meeting our needs. We did purchase a guitar and some accessories read more

Just another storefront business that has nothing in stock. Drum department should just be shut down, they have nothing. Guitar area is almost as bad. Just a bunch of low end guitar center crap. Complete waste of time. read more

Sadly, I feel obligated to warn customers and briefly explain what happened to me . On May 3rd, 2024, one of the guitar techs " Eric" supposedly ordered a wilkenson bridge for my guitar, so I would have a trembol bar upgrade. The plan was I would then pay them to replace the old original bridge with the new one. Approx. $119.00. Days turned into weeks. I returned to the store and spoke to the other tech Scott. He looked into the situation and reordered the bridge again. ? Blaming the supplier and not having a commercial account, and so on excuse after exvuse. . Again, days turned into weeks. A month later, I spoke to Scott, he did not remember anything. Asked my name, went into the back, and spoke to a manager named Steve. Scott apologized and said Steve was going to order the bridge now. Again, days turned into a couple more weeks. On July 17th, I called the store and told Chad to give me a refund, which did. Chad also apologized. The bottom line is nice guy customers finish last at Skips. Nobody there had the balls to take responsibility for what happened or even try and salvage the sale and replacement work. Very Sad. Maybe I should write a song about it ? Lance Ward read more

Amazing service thanks to Jake. Went in looking for mics and got guitars and mics. Shoutout to Jake, made the whole experience of finding the right guitar easy and gave a lot of suggestions. Other staff was awesome too, very helpful, would highly recommend going here. read more

Skip's Music - Tim's brand new Teisco Guitar - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Sacramento, California

Hats off to Skips for moving to a much nicer location, it's way less crowed and parking is a big improvement. Have been in a few times and they have a welcome no pressure atmosphere. The amount of guitars, drums, organs, and other stage and recording equipment is massive. The guitar techs are very knowledgeable and will go out of their way to answer any questions, which you don't get with online stores. read more

I was looking for something to connect my turntable to my PC to record some vinyl to digital. I had a little bit of an idea what I was looking for, but wasn't 100% sure. I went into Skips on New Years Day and was helped by Matt. He was super helpful and got me all dialed in with what I needed to make it all work. He assisted me with buying a PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 and all the cables needed to make it work. Amazing customer service!!! I am not a musician, but I enjoy listening to music. Thanks for all the help, and look forward to the next project. read more

Skip's Music - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Sacramento, California

I walked in with my partner with no idea of what I wanted, except for the fact that I wanted to start playing bass guitar. I felt a little intimidated but I asked a staff member for help finding a pink one. Mike explained that there weren't pink ones, but showed me a super pretty crimson red Ibanez bass guitar, and although I don't know how to play, he gave a demo on the sound and didn't make me feel ridiculous or bad about not knowing much about it. Very friendly and explained that I would need an amp that wouldn't blow out from the bass guitar, since I mentioned that we have guitar amps at home. I'm still learning about my instrument, but so far having so much fun experimenting with it! Her name is "Crim" and I'm obsessed with playing along with my fiancé's electric guitar! Mike really reassured me when he said that it's not hard to learn the bass, and that it could be really fun to play around with! Lovely people and wide selection of all sorts of guitars and instruments :) read more

What a great one stop shop! Excellent customer service too! Love the Guitar, Piano AND Ukulele Chord poster charts... read more

Skip's Music - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Sacramento, California

I really wanted to like Skip's. I wanted to support a small local business instead of Guitar Center and Sweetwater. I purchased a new guitar, which I exchanged in two days for another "new" guitar - a 4 year old guitar with the incorrect switch tip, no plastic on the pickguard, missing truss rod and saddle height wrenches. I gave it a chance but ultimately decided I wanted to exchange this one, not return it, within the 30 day window, which is their policy. However, it turns out the exchange window is based on the first purchase, not the exchanged item, so for me it was 32 days. I said I didn't realize that was the policy but they simply handed me back the receipt and turned away. No sorry about that or anything. I was literally the only customer in the store. It's two days. Wow. Both Guitar Center and Sweetwater have been willing to bend their rules for me in the past. I would have thought Skip's would overlook two days to retain a customer. They were not. They were super friendly when I wanted to buy something, not so much for returning/exchanging. So I will not be spending another dime at their store. read more

It seems that Covid has taken its toll on customer service, and the new norm is very frustrating. But let me tell you where customer service is abundant, that's right Skips Music still goes out of their way to deliver stellar customer service. One employee in particular is Matt. He always goes out of his way to help me discover options to my needs. He definitely keeps me coming back time and time again. Good Job Skips. Where customer Service is still a priority. read more

I still dig this place, but I have noticed the stock in the drum department has been anemic since they moved to the new location. Hoping they stock up on gear soon. I had to go elsewhere for drum mics "DMK 52-57" by Shure, mic stands, snare wires and other items they used to carry all the time. read more

Knowledgeable associates and speedy checkout. The older gentleman in pro audio/ keyboards is always a great help. read more

My Gibson Firebird was in need of a serious tuneup. Scott worked his magic on it and it's flying high now! This'll be my go-to from now on.

AMAZING! This place is a gem. All the employees are super friendly and very knowledgeable about all the different instruments they carry. The shop is clean and welcoming. They are following the COVID guidelines to provide a safe environment. All employees were wearing masks that covered their nose and mouth. I looked all over the area for a certain guitar and was super thankful that the morning staff Alex really did his due diligence to see if it was in stock even though I called prior to opening. He also suggested and offered to call the other Skip's location for me. When we arrived, Eric took care of us quickly and even helped me figure out how to care for a clarinet I bought my sister a month ago. He also recommended Tim's music for wood wind instruments. Excellent shop! Great staff! Def will be coming back! read more

I brought a strat pick guard I swapped everything over, but screwed up the wiring. Eric took care of it quickly. He was friendly and fixed me right up. He is an excellent guitar tech and has some awesome chops. I will be back to Skips when the need arises. read more

Ok, about a year ago thought I'd give Skip another try, they were male chauvinist pigs before. By before I mean twenty years ago. I took my Strat in for repairs (last year) and the two guys I dealt with were awesome, in fact if I would of did a review then it would of been a five star. Now fast forward to today. I was getting an oil change nearby and had a couple of hours to kill so I walked over to Skips. I'm thinking about a new guitar, I've saved up a couple of grand and ready to spend it. I walked in and immediately got that same vibe I got twenty years ago. Nobody greeted me, or aked if I needed help. I needed some strings, so I walked over to the front counter. Got my strings and left. I wish I would have gotten the young man's name at the front counter, he was friendly and helpful, that's what the 1star is for. I hope he goes somewhere else before the two idiots in the guitar area ruin him. read more

Used to live in Woodland from 1997-2002. Worked at Valley Records. Skips has been around at least that long...probably longer. They're still around because of the customer service they offer. Both my kids play instruments, so I thought a gift card would be perfect. Didn't feel like going online so I called. Spoke to Alex, who processed 2 gift cards going to two different places. He confirmed the next day with confirmation and tracking numbers. Great experience Shop local. read more

Skip's is the bomb! They are kind, courteous, helpful and professional! Started going there in 1989 and never went elsewhere!! My son was a bassist and Paramedic and loved this place, the prices and the staff-even during his teen years! Best place to go for your needs! FIVE BIG STARS!! read more