I am all about supporting LOCAL stores! There is a reason that this marvelous store has been in business for over 30 years, many reasons to be exact! The staff are all musicians, with experience and honesty. Take Linda for example, she is the sheet music expert, ready with a smile for me every time I come in the store. She is a freaking human encyclopedia of music who can simultaneously read your mind and name that tune in seconds! I would never buy such a personal and important item such as an instrument any where else. The Internet, please. I am always grateful that the staff "fits" all of my purchases into my real needs and budget. With rentals and lessons going on in the side studios with students of all ages, it really feels alive in there. Thanks Magic Flute for being a real treasure in my "hood. Here's to 30 more years of passing on a love of music. read more

Great business. I have purchased a guitar, music and other accessories. More recently I rented a saxophone, just to see if I'd enjoy learning to play that instrument. They have been generous with their advice, friendly and helpful--and put me in touch with an excellent teacher. They'll leave you alone if that's what you want, as you leaf through their large collection of music and books, but they will come to your rescue if you need help. Their repair department has worked on my guitar to lower the action, and worked on my clarinet as well. The prices are not cheap, but they are reasonable. While they are not understaffed, because they only seem to hire knowledgeable people who are willing to stop and give advice when asked, they do get busy. It's always worth waiting. A couple years ago, my Japanese nephew came to visit. He is a top-flight sax player and after a couple weeks was going through withdrawal. We went to Magic Flute, where they graciously allowed him to take their instrument into a sound room and play (With his own mouthpiece and reed.) Their kindness made a great impression on Hideo and on me. read more

very nice folks, especially Christian who gave excellent advice to my son and repaired his guitar with a crack on the base (thanks to United Airlines, even with a $300 "bulletproof" guitar case, they manage to damage it, bad luck because we have traveled with United and used this case many times with no problems, oh and they are not responsible). will be back to do more business. read more

Wonderful knowledgeable staff, nice quality and variety of items. We've been patrons about 10 years, from renting middle school band instruments to purchasing others. Always helpful and no pressure sales. read more

Love this store. I'm definitely not the musician in the fam but I've rented my 11 year old son's violin and viola here for the past few years and we've experienced nothing but helpful, friendly (if sometimes a bit busy!) staff. We also took my son's acoustic guitar in recently to be restrung and a staff member took the time to teach him how to do it himself. Same staff member also helped helped him pick out music. I appreciate that he engaged my son especially because I was clueless and couldn't help him. We'll be back--and not just because we have a rental contract! read more

I can't say enough good things about Magic Flute. Their selection is great; the organization is helpful; the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The follow-through on orders has been impeccable. As a music teacher, I have been able to benefit from well-researched recommendations from a number of staff. I'm utterly willing to haul across the bridge from Oakland for the friendliness, selection, and expertise. read more

I have been using Magic Flute for over thirty years. Mostly for every day stuff like strings, cords, effects ,etc ,and I have definitely purchased at least one guitar one bass and an amp or two. Oh yeah, and a keyboard or two I am shocked at the treatment I just received there!! I was shopping for a hollow body electric. I tried several out and ended playing one I liked in particular, for 20-30 minutes. Not excessively loud, and I am not excessively good, As I am trying different effects and pick-up settings, Homie comes up with his hand out like, sorry, out of time. So I say, " oh. I'm sorry, are you getting ready to close up??" He says, " no, but if you don't like the guitar, I need to put it away." So, I never said anything to that affect. And if I were squirming about the price being out of my range, that's when a salesman should get to work! I own two small businesses in Marin. Therefore I tend to buy from smaller stores and avoid the GC"s of the world. The Magic Flute would do well to avoid hiring young guys who don't understand the importance the fact that us older guys, do have money and are happy to part with it. Yes , I was in my work clothes. and yes the kid is likely way better than I. However, a little helpful guidance would have put another Grand in the Kitty. Thanks, Travis Empanada read more

Great store, with a tasteful selection of instruments. The staff was knowledgeable and welcoming. Jack was extremely helpful in setting my son up with instruments. Unpretentious vibe, with a focus on what's most important- the music. read more

Great experience purchasing a flute for my wife on 6/16/18. We were not rushed as she tried out a number of flutes for an hour and a half. She's elated with her new Powell flute. A good value! Thanks, Rob Lloyd and Marsha read more

Great people at a great store. We had an oboe performance here. The store staff were all kind and offered us great assistance. We also tried a few instruments there (didn't end up buying anything, though), and everyone was so helpful. read more

Nice shop with highly knowledgeable staff to serve your lesson and merchandise needs. Best selection of music I have found in the North Bay.

Thank you Magic Flute! Had a trumpet emergency today and store associate Brendan stayed on the issue with us until he got things resolved and working again - just in time to record this afternoon. Phew!!! We are so grateful. Thank you Magic Flute! Thank you Brendan!!! read more

Amazing local music store in Marin with a friendly family feel to it. Great selection of instruments, as well as accessories. They even carry Orange amps, now! I've been coming here for years either in need of a new guitar or a set up. I always enjoy coming in and chatting with friendly staff, as well as browsing whatever is new. The sales people are knowledgeable and never pushy. They even have a separate room with sliding door if you want to check out an instrument in privacy and crank it up! Magic Flute is truly a gem of a music store, and we're lucky to have them in Marin! If you're in the market for a new instrument, repair, set up, music sheets or lessons, be sure to check them out! read more

I came in with my daughter to look and try out instruments for 4th grade band. Mike helped us and was so patient and kind for our many questions about instrument rentals. He let my 9 year old touch, hold and play several different instruments she was interested in. Customer service was incredible. Support this local store, they are a gem in our community! read more

I was looking for the right guitar center around my area. Most of them was closed. I browsed online to see which guitar center was open . Lo and behind, I saw Magic Flute. I was skeptical at first on why it said Magic Flute . I saw guitars on the website and so I decided to call them . I spoke to a Representative by the name of Mike . He was excellent with customer service and friendly . He was able to recommend me the right guitar for my size and was able to accommodate me with the guitar strings that was bothering me and I was satisfied leaving the store knowing that hmm and along the staff members of Magic Flute we will help you with no hesitation. read more

I love The Magic Flute. I've been there about 50 times: 12 months of weekly clarinet and sax lessons from Steve Bergman. Steve is a terrific teacher and professional musician himself. Magic Flute staff are always friendly and knowledgeable. Especially Rob and Linda. Owner Chris took lots of time to show me around the guitars. The store has an excellent inventory of accessories for musical instruments. Ivan in the Repair shop performed an excellent rebuild of an 80 year old clarinet for me. He was a great communicator about when I could expect the work to be completed. I notice the store staff are great with young students there to take lessons. They are great with special orders, too. read more

Wow, this is a great music store - one of the only places in the San Rafael area where you can buy, rent, and repair classical musical instruments. And the service is excellent: the sales manager offered to help me carry my stuff out to my car, and noticed that I had a flat tire. He helped me fill it up on the spot and pointed me to the nearest service station! That was way above the Call of Duty, thank you! read more

Many wonderful things can be found at the Magic Flute ... instruments, sheet music, expertise, friendliness, lessons, fun, and more. It is a musical treasure trove! read more

Thankfully they changed hands in 2010 (Mike, former owner retired). Chris, the new owner and a hand-on manager, is a great guy and is very knowledgeable about music, musicians, and instruments. It is a great place for lessons, sheet music, string instrument supplies, world music, etc. A dying breed! My husband is a music pro and he has the highest opinion of Chris and his staff. We are fortunate to have this resource in Marin. read more

Horrible! I rented a trombone for my son for a year, when I returned it they said it was in horrible condition, wanted to charge me a minimum of $300.00 for repairs, the older repair guy was rude and arrogant. I left feeling very disrespected. Took the trombone to a local repair shop and he fixed everything including things the Magic Flute was not going to fix. He charge $100.00 and was very nice and pleasant to work with. Never again Magic Flute. If you rent make sure you check off every ding and anything that is wrong with it or they will hit you with a huge repair bill. I ended up having to buy the trombone for $359.00. Huge disappointment with customer service and repairs. read more

I went back to Magic Flute the other day to return a rental, and I'm happy to say that my experience this time was 1000% better than last time. The staff person who helped me (glasses) was very nice and thorough. Kudos for second chances! read more

This is a great place to get lessons for your kids...maybe adults too? We have a drumming instructor named Kevin Dillon who is fabulous and really cares about the progress of his students. He is also a practicing musician. The staff, location and environment is warm, clean and friendly. read more

Dropped by this place to kill some time during my lunch break. Was greeted immediately upon entering, and again about fifteen minutes later, by friendly staff who gave me my space afterwards. They have a pretty decent selection of Fender electric guitars. The cooler Squires are well represented, and I picked up and strummed a few before seeing the Please Do Not Pick Up Guitars sign. The guitars I played were pretty near in tune, which is always appreciated. No one hassled me over my faux pas, but after that I didn't feel quite as comfortable, just knowing I'd have to ask to play. Not a lot in the way of used stuff, or guitar effects that I noticed. A very clean and tidy shop. read more

This is the kind of store I hope never, ever goes away. In a world of big stores, online shopping, and plenty of impersonal service, we forget how nice it is to know and really like the people at the local retail store. The staff at The Magic Flute are some of the best folks around. They are always there to assist and support you, whether you're brand new or a very seasoned musician. I dabble a bit on uke (and they have a great selection there!), but my very musical teens feel welcomed by the helpful staff and great instructors, and we love the huge collection of sheet music. We have rented, bought and repaired instruments and it's always a breeze, thanks to the wonderful crew there. WE LOVE THE MAGIC FLUTE! read more

I took my sax in to get basic repairs and the repairman said he was booked and it wouldn't be ready for two weeks. At the time I thought instrument repair must be a rare art and you just have to wait if you want your horn fixed. I drop my horn off there and they say again it will be ready in two weeks and they'll call me. Two weeks pass and I don't get a call so I call them. On the phone, I hear it will be another few days. I'm a little annoyed but I understand they must be very busy. A couple days passes, I don't get a call, so I decide to visit there in person. He started telling me a lot of personal details about himself what amounted to a bunch of excuses of why he didn't do the work he said he'd do. I figure maybe he was trying to appeal to me on a personal level, but to me it seemed to be very unprofessional and not a good way to act towards customers. He has the horn ready in the next two days. I go in and the repairs are $100 more than what I was originally quoted at, but at this point I just want my horn back and don't bother to argue. When I get back to playing it, it's in better shape than it was but it still has leaks! For hundreds of dollars, he doesn't even fix all my leaks, which there really weren't that many to begin with. A few weeks later I discovered a small repair shop that fixed all my leaks in the SAME DAY for under a hundred dollars. So just to reiterate: I took my horn in, waited an extra week and paid an extra hundred dollars than another place that did it in an afternoon for one-fifth the cost. I had my first rent-to-own clarinet from here so it is good for that. read more

This is a great store! Just love coming in and Browsing and talking with Will Meyer in Sales. He is a phenomenally talented vocalist and he can pull off Jimmy Page covers like no one I've ever met. He pours his blood and soul into the business and into his private lessons. Do yourself a favor and look no further. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Hard to find old-world talent and hand's-on education from day on in today's mile-a-minute world. read more

I was really impressed by all 3 visits I've had to this store - I had no idea what I was looking for when shopping for a Ukulele, and I got a fantastic amount of help. The salesperson helped me figure out what I should be looking for, pulled 10 ukes down and walked me through some of the pros and cons. When he saw I was having trouble making up my mind, he immediately gave me some space and set me up with them in a room and let me try them all as long as I wanted. Really great store, friendly folks - I'll definitely go back. read more

It's close to home, it's not guitar center and the staff is very friendly. Decent selection of intrustments and it looks like they have some good music intructors. read more

My daughter takes violin lessons here and my son buys guitar equipment. Always great service.

I have been doing business for a long time, ever since they started. They have always been courteous and very knowledgeable about the quality of various instruments. I just thought I would let others know. read more

Great customer service! Awesome response time when you have any issues! Affordable prices and great equipment!

I'm sorry to say it, but this place is a rip-off if you're in the market to buy an instrument. However, this place is excellent if you're looking to buy sheet music, they have a big selection. This place is also good for rentals and lessons. Since it's a mom & pop shop it can't compete very well against the bigger music chains and stores. They don't have much of a selection in drums, mediocre selection of guitars. They do have a friendly staff. Their "return policy" is pretty ancient- "No Returns Accepted". I got a percussion instrument that comes in different sizes as a gift once, and they got me the wrong size, I wanted to return it, unused, untouched, but they wouldn't let me. If you're looking to get the lowest price, I wouldn't advise coming here. Go to Bananas or Guitar Center or online. But if you need to rent something quickly, need a small accessory, or need music, it's not bad. read more

Great place to find music books! Staff was very helpful in trying to find a piano bench for us as well.

We have purchased sheet music, instrument supplies, and rented instruments during the last five years with excellent service. I realize that some reviewers have posted negative comments, and I can only attest to my experiences. The staff seem genuinely interested in providing unbiased, excellent service. I am always impressed when the sales staff tries to best fulfill the customer expectations even if the recommended item is the least expensive when higher price options exist. Finally, I had a very positive experience with the repair staff. They were very friendly and helpful with a very inexpensive repair to our violin case! They have ordered sheet music on request, notified us upon arrival, and had prices comparable to internet retailers. This type of commitment to service and caring for customers is very much appreciated and is missing from the larger chain retailers. Thank you to the Magic Flute for the great community support! read more

You will think I am funny but 28 years ago I got a bass from Troy for my 16th birthday. I have never forgotten it and still know they provide amazing service. read more

These guys continue to do wonderful work. After struggling with an ongoing issue causing all of the bell keys on my bari sax to speak inconsistently, the Magic Flute's service guy, Jeff, through his consistent professionalism and persistence found the problem and made the fine adjustments needed to fix the problem. All is good now and Jeff is my hero this week... Joe read more

I recently took my trumpet in to have a sticky valve fixed. Steve--the store's repair guy--diagnosed the problem as corrosion (not dirtiness, per se) and suggested a chemical bath. Voila! No more sticky valve, and the slides work better than ever. He even repaired a loose weld that I wasn't even aware of. My horn is a Bach Stradivarius--gold-plated, no less--so I wouldn't just hand it over to anyone. Steve used special techniques while cleaning and welding it to protect the finish, which I highly appreciated. Furthermore, the final cost was even a few dollars less than his estimate. P.S. Steve had a family emergency while he was working on my trumpet and actually had the courtesy to call me to say that the repair might be delayed (though a loaner was available). Amazing! read more

I have an old guitar that I've never learned to use, but needed restrung before I started how to learn. I walked into the store with my guitar, asking for a little advice and a new set of strings. The guy sold me new strings and took about 10 seconds to show me the obvious part of how it's wound around the bottom. I wasn't seeking an hour long tutorial, however I got zero help on understanding how to even restring my damn guitar. I guess my learning experience from this store is that they will only sell items without explanation, and not be nearly as helpful as youtube videos. read more

My daughter was feeling inspired. We went to The Magic Flute and got her violin restrung. They were timely, fast! Helpful, reasonable. Can not tell you how much we love the helpful staff. Everyone bends over backward to help in any way and I love every visit. Always find something new and great there too! read more

Bought my cello here 12 years ago, wanted to sell it back. An employee told me to bring it in when I called, and when I did, he told me that the person in charge of consignment was gone. He replied snarkily "Well why didn't you just call in to see?" Not the same friendly music store I remember, employees are much ruder now :( read more