My favorite music store in the world. There is *nothing* like a local music store: the…read moreknowledgeable staff who get to know you by name; the curated collection of instruments, equipment, accessories and resources; the music lessons on-site; the in-depth knowledge and recommendations given freely with a smile; the special orders with the expert opinion to know what you actually need and what the best choice would be based on quality, price, shipping time and more; the on-site repair shop - there is just *nothing* like it. Sure, I could buy from That Big Instrument Center, or that Sweet Other Big Retailer, or That Amazingly Big Website, but if I buy it from Dale or Aaron or Caruso, I'm getting the same price while also investing in the fabric of our community and in making my own day a little brighter, and my my musical knowledge grows a little every time I come in. I LOVE this place and so will you!

I went in to try alto sax mouthpieces and was very enthused with this charming store. It's rare you…read morefind such a clean cozy music store with such warmhearted people and I was delighted to find one. It was definitely a welcome refresh from the corporate music stores of today. They had a wide variety of things in the store which is what first brought us there and we were not disappointed. When we first walked in they instantly remembered us from the phone and allowed us to use one of their rooms in the back to test out some of their products. When we went to check out it was clear it was great value especially considering the level of service. We even chatted with the owner, Dale for a bit and he gave me some helpful tidbits on things like reeds and maintenance. Everyone in the store was so welcoming and kind, it definitely made me feel like a part of such a warm music community. Was a bit out of our way but definitely worth the drive any day. We will for sure be coming back for other essentials and repairs if needed since it was clear it was a shop we could definitely trust! Would absolutely recommend!

I just had my first introduction to American Music and Jay and I'm pleased with both…read more I found Jay to be friendly, personable, professional, and willing to teach me some tips in what I was trying to do. I enjoyed meeting him and also looking around the store. I'll come back for guidance and equipment as well as looking at singing lessons, and maybe even bass lessons. I highly recommend the store and I think you'll be very pleased.

This is the best music store i've ever visited! Super knowledgeable employees who always take their…read moretime to help you find exactly what you need! The Best!

James Hood is my go-to for all my guitar needs. Not only do they do great setups at a solid price,…read morebut they've helped me out of some really frustrating situations when I butchered some of my own guitar mod attempts and didn't know what to do next. Can't recommend these guys enough. Friendly, timely, good communication, great work!

This was my first time using the shop, and I was really looking forward to it, especially after…read morehearing so many positive reviews. I brought in my Taylor K24ce, and I also left my Taylor GS Mini that day for a neck reset. At drop-off, the front desk tech assured me the low E buzz on the K24ce would be addressed and handled as part of the standard setup. Both guitars stayed with them for nearly two weeks. I called a few times since I wasn't getting updates, and eventually was told both were ready for pickup. After driving 30 miles, I tested them in the shop. The GS Mini was done well--I could see an improvement in the neck, and I appreciated that. But when I took out my K24ce, it wasn't tuned or wiped down properly. After I tuned it, the exact same low E buzz was still there. How could that go unnoticed, I wondered--had the guitar been played after it was tuned, they would have then noticed the buzz and should have informed me by email, rather than having me come all the way down. I mentioned it to the owner, and he took the guitar to the back for about 10 minutes. When he returned, he told me that if I wanted to leave it, I'd need to pay another $90 for a deeper inspection, since it might be a more technical issue. The tech who reassured me at drop-off was right there but didn't say a word. It was close to the end of working hours, so I figured James would just have me leave it at no cost. When he didn't, I didn't feel comfortable leaving it again. I really expected a more thorough check right then or at least a suggestion to leave it at no cost. After all, I 100% mentioned the buzz to the tech at drop-off. In the end, my K24ce is my primary instrument--it's the one I rely on most--while the GS Mini is just a backup. I ended up paying close to $400 for both the setup and the neck reset. The GS Mini was done well, but the whole experience left me feeling like I spent $400 just to fix a $600 GS Mini, while my main guitar's issue was never resolved. Considering all the time, effort, cost, and travel, I really expected a full assessment and clearer communication before it was marked complete. I've attached a video so you can hear the buzz yourself.

As a professional luthier of over 30 years myself, and a human for 77 years, I know something about…read morespotting top notch luthiers, and top notch people. Buck is both. He has helped me out now several times with design and 3D printing jobs for Lame Horse custom guitars. The work is always top notch and very prompt. I could not give a higher recommendation!

Absolutely top-notch work from Buck. Great communication and service. He fixed up two of my…read moreguitars: a new Strat that had alignment issues and an older SG that needed some TLC. Buck fixed the alignment on the Strat, and it's playing perfectly now. The SG feels and plays like it did the first day I got it. He has great attention to detail and even pointed out a few things I hadn't noticed. I'd definitely recommend Buck for any guitar issues.

UPDATE: I bought a second kit from Ed and Susan on 7/4 and I love it. Fun fact, Ed is also a former…read moreteacher and I told him the color reminds me of school pencils, that's why I picked it. I bought my first kit here an it was a great experience. Ed taught me as much as he could about buying used but I'm definitely still learning. I may not know a lot but I do know he gave me good deal and took his time explaining things. Thanks, Ed. I went to his old location but I'm looking forward to visiting them soon at the new shop. I'm taking a break from playing for a bit but looking forward to getting back into it soon.

Amazing staff, helpful and so nice. Drum Flip has a great variety of items from sticks to kits and…read morecymbals, new and used. Great prices also! Today we just got some new sticks but my son has picked up some really good cymbals in the past. They will be moving soon but we'll follow wherever they go. Make sure you check them out if you are in the market for some new equipment!!!

My finance inherited her Father's Guild guitar for me to play. I had some trouble playing barre…read morechords on it and I noticed the action was quite high. I had put on custom light strings and still wasn't happy with it's action. I decided to take it to Russell and see what he thought. He took one look at it and noticed that it possibly hadn't been setup before. He saved my newly (night before) installed strings and wow it plays amazingly now. I tried it out and he said "You should hear it from here" so I handed him the guitar and he played some Travis picking and yeah it sounds amazing. Barre chords are coming along better and the guitar feels more comfortable without the struggle. For the record I've bought a couple guitars from him and will continue to add to my collection via Moonlight Music. The work was quick and I had it back in no time.

I trust Russell to always do a great job on my guitars. His setup and new strings on my…read moreGuild starfire 2 bass were excellent. I love Russels shop here in Encinitas

I have been to countless "luthiers" and have found a few good ones. Even the good ones wouldn't get…read moreit entirely right when I'd ask for something specific. Jim, on the other hand did everything I asked and returned my guitar to me in better form than I had asked or anticipated. I had purchased a Deluxe Nashville Tele which played beautifully. I just wanted new pickups pots and caps installed, the nut slots flared a bit and basic intonation as it was a bit off. When I picked up the guitar a week later, I was very surprised how it felt slinkier. Bends were buttery and easy and the action seemed just right. Intonation was perfect. I won't go anyplace else from now on.

My story, so you know the history of this instrument that I took to Jim Crawford:…read more My mother, who was a professional drummer, willed me her pre-CBS, 1962 Fender Precision Bass that is in EXCELLENT shape, considering it's past. She played it as a hobby and started teaching me as an elementary school kid. I'm 64 now. I know the value of this bass and knew if I took it to the wrong guy, I could take a $16K instrument and have it completely and permanently F-ed by some schlep. In my gigging years, I met a bass player,(who doesn't want me giving accolades to, so I'll use his initial, B.R.. B.R. knows his basses inside and out, so I called him. He checked it out and then turned me onto Jim. (HUGE thanks to B.R. for all he did for me!) To make a long story short, Jim took the bass, found the sound problem (a coil on one of the pickups needed rewound and fixed, which he did himself) He also fixed the multitude of other problems the bass had, and adjusted the neck, the bridge, and maybe the nut too. No more buzz on the frets and now this bad boy plays so easily it's like BUTTER, which it NEVER did before! He also kept in mind that this is an expensive, vintage instrument, and did not do anything to take away from it's originality. FYI, Jim is not just some money grabbing dude who does a crappy 'fix' on crap guitars.. He is a true, and extremely skilled luthier. Yes, he hand-makes string instruments as well. Jim has a HUGE word of mouth business which means he does NOT need to advertise. I can't count the number of big named 'stars' instruments he has worked on, nor number the outrageously expensive guitars and basses he has laid his talented and knowledgeable hands on! Another note: Jim is an avid surfer. During surf season, and when surf is up during off season, you better hope you can wait to get your prized instrument to him. If you can't, my suggestion is to use your secondary ax till you can have Jim fix it. DON'T screw up and take it to some schlep! If you do, you surely will be sorry for not having patience, as he's the best, period.

So amazing to find an alternative to the over priced rentals. We just bought a refurbished violin…read morefor our son, and Luis was great.

My husband got a cord and liked the place a lot. I didn't go but he had good things to say after…read morehis visit so I wanted to share.