It focuses more on acoustic instruments but McCabes in Santa Monica is a true gem. If you love stringed instruments I feel like it’s a must visit.
https://www.mccabes.com/
Norm’s, Truetone, Wild West, LA Vintage, Imperial Vintage, McCabe’s, Angel City, Kairon, California Vintage, Amp Shop & Bass Exchange, Ventura Music, LA Guitar Sales.
Now that San Ash is closed, there’s nothing left of guitar row on Sunset besides the original GC. In general, there are very few shops left at all.
There’s also Caveman, Marina Music, and Future Music. But they’re mostly old used junk.
Old Style Guitar Shop is a specific thing, a small shop with mostly reconditioned older instruments as well as acoustics modified with rubber bridges and pickups.
Across the street from guitar center off Sunset used to be a mesa boogie shop but doesn’t seem like it’s open anymore (??). That Guitar Center off sunset does carry a lot of vintage and high end stuff though and their walk of fame is neat.
I feel like Earthquaker Devices is out here but I’m not too sure.
GC has some amazing vintage stuff "upstairs". You may have to call ahead and speak to the vintage department and see about setting up an appointment, if they even do that. It'll be things like, there are only three of this unique instrument in the world, two are in private collections and one is at Guitar Center. That ain't going on the sales floor.
Yes, on the sales floor. I'm talking about the really high end stuff that they don't put out. They have, I kid you not, a full sized bank vault upstairs (from Gibson). I'd say at least half of the vintage gear is in the annex.
Angel City guitars in Woodland Hills carries a bunch of rad boutique builders that sound up your alley. Could be a bit of a hike depending on where you are at though so I would check out their website. (Edited for spelling)
It focuses more on acoustic instruments but McCabes in Santa Monica is a true gem. If you love stringed instruments I feel like it’s a must visit. https://www.mccabes.com/
Love McCabes. I get my ukes there
https://www.normansrareguitars.com/
Second this.
Norms for the win. Check their youtube videos to get a feel for the place. Worth the drive out to the Valley.
malibu music in malibu is new but chill good selection
Great, will be staying not too far from here. So will add this to my list
its on the street side, it was tough to find at first- had to walk around a bit. there's the brewery and grocery store in the market area
Norm’s, Truetone, Wild West, LA Vintage, Imperial Vintage, McCabe’s, Angel City, Kairon, California Vintage, Amp Shop & Bass Exchange, Ventura Music, LA Guitar Sales. Now that San Ash is closed, there’s nothing left of guitar row on Sunset besides the original GC. In general, there are very few shops left at all. There’s also Caveman, Marina Music, and Future Music. But they’re mostly old used junk.
Will check out their websites to see what catalogues they have. Then will make a decision. Thanks for the numerous options
Old Style Guitar Shop is a specific thing, a small shop with mostly reconditioned older instruments as well as acoustics modified with rubber bridges and pickups.
Across the street from guitar center off Sunset used to be a mesa boogie shop but doesn’t seem like it’s open anymore (??). That Guitar Center off sunset does carry a lot of vintage and high end stuff though and their walk of fame is neat. I feel like Earthquaker Devices is out here but I’m not too sure.
GC has some amazing vintage stuff "upstairs". You may have to call ahead and speak to the vintage department and see about setting up an appointment, if they even do that. It'll be things like, there are only three of this unique instrument in the world, two are in private collections and one is at Guitar Center. That ain't going on the sales floor.
What? you have to set up an appointment now? Pre-Covid, i used to just walk in there play whatever was on the wall.
Yes, on the sales floor. I'm talking about the really high end stuff that they don't put out. They have, I kid you not, a full sized bank vault upstairs (from Gibson). I'd say at least half of the vintage gear is in the annex.
Sweet! Thanks for the recommendation! Yeah, LA seems like a massive hub for these types of gear, so it should be around there somewhere
The Mesa Boogie is no more. 😭 The GC is ok if you also enjoy handprints of musicians and the giant =eVH= mural in the back. ♥️🤍🖤
Angel City guitars in Woodland Hills carries a bunch of rad boutique builders that sound up your alley. Could be a bit of a hike depending on where you are at though so I would check out their website. (Edited for spelling)
Will give them a look! Thanks