Sylvan Music

Very kind. And helpful. They are there for the costumers and fitting them in best instruments.very knowledgeable.a great experience.good parking in back. Wonderful

Great little music store, I got a restring done and David did a great job. I always appreciate an old timer who's good at their craft, keep it up David. Employees seem pretty chill there too. Their guitar selection is more vintage and they have a lot of higher end acoustics (very pricey) I am used to going to guitar center where they cater to my type of guitar and amp preferences, but I won't dock any stars off the 5 star review just because of their limited guitar selection.

Clearly they cater to a niche demographic with their vintage and expensive guitars, it's just not my demographic as a rock, blues, and metal guitarist. Still appreciate this cool music store right next to the university.

I have 40 years experience in playing, teaching and competing on bluegrass banjo. when I began searching for some better quality banjos at a reasonable price (I needed two), I found Sylvan Music via the internet and began browsing their inventory. I was very pleased to find the store had two of near exact what I was looking for, so I contacted them. An employee named 'Mike' immediately replied to my email within minutes. we chatted over a few emails and then he called me, and we had a really nice conversation and Mike worked with me on a 'two-for-one deal', we both agreed and I immediately paid for the instruments online.

Before the close of business, Mike had already sent me a follow-up email saying that I had paid for the purchases, he sent me tracking numbers, and the next day the banjos were on their way to me, near 4000 miles away. within 7 days, as scheduled I received the instruments and was VERY pleased to see the careful packaging inside the cases around the banjos, strings turned down and bridge laid flat, then with the banjos inside the cases, both were shipped in heavy duty Martin boxes and rigid bubble packing material and foam, surrounding the case inside. wow, these instruments were prepped for a serious road trip!. the fedex delivery man was very good to us and stayed for a couple minutes as I unpacked and inspected both banjos (shipped in separate cartons). the banjos were mint perfect with no shipping problems!.

I sent Mike an email immediately after receiving and inspecting the banjos. Within minutes he replied back, and said how he was happy we had a good experience with Sylvan Music. I have since bookmarked the store website, and plan on dealing with Mike and Sylvan Music again. Five Stars all around! *****

Caveat: the inventory is oriented toward the more experienced musician. The staff are super friendly. It's just that they are better equipped to deal with folks who can't find what they are looking for anywhere else. Think of it as hands on museum.

The guitar repair tech was so nice! Gave me thoughtful consulting and even gave me a quick fix for my problem. All for free! This dude knew his guitars and knew exactly what to do.

I didn't like how he treated me tbh & perhaps the guitars are a bit expensive looks like I can find these guitars in a yard sale

This is the only place I'll go to get my instruments fixed. One of the lutheirs, Patrick, is so helpful and really has his craft down. The first time I asked for something specific to be done and he fixed it perfectly. The second time I realized I made a mistake and he was so quick to replace a part and get my guitar set up for me. Would definitely recommend this place if you need a tune up or need any parts. Everyone is friendly and they always ask if I need help with anything.

Gosh man I'm speechless! In town for the day for a wedding and had a few hours to burn so I went on a guitar safari and boy did I hit the jackpot I got lost in some really stunning vintage instruments I pulled a 1957 J-50 off the wall One of the best sounding if not the best sounding acoustic guitars I have ever heard, couldn't restrain myself I had to rip a big old G chord and it practically jumped off the fretboard someone better go buy that guitar before I get back. Nice folks too thanks

Sylvan Music, two years and half a pandemic later, you're still the store where the customer greets the staff to a gruff response rather than vice versa. I drove a ways to check out their Nash inventory, which they'd know had anyone bothered to ask. The staff's attention was squarely focused on an older customer, playing a $7k guitar while pining, "man if I ONLY had $7k." Understood, it's a great guitar!

But since it's off the table, maybe the salesperson could multitask? I left after getting a backhanded, "May I help you?" while looking at the electronics on the back of an amp before trying it out. I apologized for not asking for help first (apparently you need to look like you're stealing something before that happens.) and was told "well, it's a little late now." This will be my final trip to Sylvan Music.

They have no respect for their customers, so why should the customer show respect in return? Particularly after reading the other reviews, if I were the shop's owner, I'd lock the door and hold mandatory trainings until my staff: 1/ are able to greet and speak to customers appropriately and politely, 2/ are able to distinguish their storefront inventory from that of a private collection (there seems to be some confusion, ) and 3/ are able to not only make sales, but stop sales from walking out the door. not because of a lack of inventory, but lack of respect. I'd rather my day down by the water, and would suggest you do the same.

Fantastic music equipment and instruments. Locally owned and a great place to find and carefully play some of the finest guitars in the industry.

I bought a 1944 Banner J45 from sylvan. This is the biggest purchase I made in my life besides a house! I was pretty nervous about it, especially since I live half way across the country and all I saw of it was some pictures and video. Their description of the condition of the guitar was not exaggerated which people do. And the price was very fair. I recommend anyone to buy from sylvan

I highly recommend Sylvan Music. Their service is outstanding. I purchased a Martin OM-28A online, sight unseen, knowing I could trust Sylvan Music. I was not disappointed. The guitar arrived in perfect condition and well packaged. They provided free shipping to my shipper in Washington (I live in Japan). Mike at Sylvan worked out a deal where I could pay via bank wire which made the whole transaction possible and easy and quick. Sylvan really cared and provided excellent communication throughout the whole process. I would not hesitate to purchase from Sylvan Music again and I hope one day to visit their shop in person. Thank you Sylvan Music for providing me the guitar of my dreams.

I don't live in Santa Cruz but when I need a quality luthier I'll always make the drive because I can count on Al to bring my guitars back up to top performance level. AND, while I wait, there are so many fine instruments to check out that you just can't find anywhere else on the central coast! It really is a special and unique guitar shop and an experience you can't get close to online.

This is my first review. I don't want/like to post bad reviews but the two times I've been here it was really dissatisfying customer service. coming from someone who works in customer service and is an amateur string player seeking advice it felt really condescending and uncomfortable. I won't be back again.

Slightly rude and condescending staff. Caught a weird vibe today. Obviously didn't want to be there. I know we're in a pandemic, but come on guy. I'm trying to spend money at ur business.

This place is snobby and pretentious. the employees look at you funny if they feel like you dont belong here. So I guess that would be considered poor customer service.

TLDR; I had an axe to grind. I trusted Al at Sylvan. It was a good choice. I got a great deal on a Gibson Flying V online. When I received it and plugged it in, the guitar sounded amazing but the frets were far too high for my liking/playstyle. Researching online it seemed clear that fret height reduction was my best option. However, this is a job for a skilled luthier and certainly not to be taken lightly on a nice guitar like this. That's where Al and the repair shop at Sylvan came in. I'm sure many luthiers would not have even wanted to attempt this on a brand new Gibson but Al did his due diligence of explaining the downsides and asked the necessary questions so he was sure that this was in my best interest as a player.

I picked up the guitar today (over a week ahead of schedule I might add) and I am absolutely addicted to playing it. Al got to know me as a player well enough to turn my vision for this guitar into reality. I could tell he was proud while he listened to me try it out in the amp room. BIG feels for Sylvan right now. Support your local business! I know everyone wants to be playing right now, if you're having instrument problems then RUN don't walk to go talk to Al. He will get you squared away!

It"s not too often that I feel compelled to do a review of a business, but today I make an exception. I needed to have the factory "set-up" on my new Martin HD-28 changed since it was higher than I liked. I asked around, calling a friend as well as the Santa Cruz Guitar Company, and both recommended Sylvan Music on Mission Street in Santa Cruz, which is also a Martin dealer.

So I called them and spoke to Albert (Al), who I think is the owner. He listened patiently to my problem and said he could resolve it if I just brought my Martin in the next day. I did just that and Al did a great job adjusting the set-up and changing out the strings to lighter, more comfortable ones. Now my guitar is not only much easier to play, but actually sounds better.

The charge was quite reasonable, and I enjoyed talking with Al and his very cordial and knowledgeable employees as well. I feel we are very fortunate to have a superb music store in our community, and am very glad that I was recommended to Sylvan Music. Mario Beltramo Capitola, CA.

Great experience, great guitar work. Bought a semi-hollow guitar online a while back. The PUs sounded great, but it developed a problem with the PU switch and it really needed a proper setup. I took it in and was directed to the repair shop in the back. The guitar tech took a look and fixed the switch in about a minute! The setup was ready in less than a week.

They didn't even charge me for the switch fix. So now I have a working switch and a buttery setup which makes this a fantastic guitar. Many thanks to Sylvan and the repair shop (didn't get the name of who did the fix and my setup, though "JK" is listed on my receipt, and the other guy in the shop at the time suggested a nice set of strings which sound great on this guitar). This guitar plays so much better now, I wish I'd taken it in sooner!

A great music store, with an interesting selection of instruments. I visited after touring the Santa Cruz Guitar Company factory to try out some of the instruments. They had a diverse selection, provided expert guidance and a relaxed atmosphere to explore the range of instruments. I was also impressed with other guitars, both new and vintage that they had to offer. I would definitely recommend a visit and consider buying a custom SCGC instrument from them.

I refrain from a one or two star review since I didn't conduct any business but this place should be called Sylvan Guitars and not "music." They have very little, if anything other than guitars. They didn't even have a music stand when I went in there.

This place is the best! The staff here are very knowledgeable and attentive; all the while giving me time and space to get to know the instruments. They let me play whatever I want as long as I remove any belt buckles or garments that could scratch the finish. They are great with my supervised kids, who love going there to experience the power of playing an SG or custom Les Paul.

I have been in many shops that won't let us near instruments of this quality. Sylvan is part of our routine whenever we go to the West Side. Last year, I purchased a Santa Cruz Tony Rice guitar from them. If they hadn't let me play it so much I may not have fallen in love with it! They gave me a great price on an extraordinary guitar that has pushed my playing to new levels. Thanks, Sylvan, for all the great experiences you continue to provide for my family and our community!

Large variety of amps, pedals, and guitars from all kinds of companies, small to big. Ranging from inexpensive begginer equipment to hand-wired AB763 Headstrong Royal Reverbs, brand new custom shop instruments, and collector Fender's and Gibson's from before the time God needed guitar lessons from Hendrix. They also have acoustic guitars, if that's your thing.

Best place for guitar Repair! I have taken my Bass guitar there to be repaired and it was quick and inexpensive. Also I went there last night with my guitar thinking that I needed a couple of switches to be replaced after being quoted almost $100 from another luthier in town and Al, the luthier at Sylvan fixed my guitar for free while I waited. He was kind, competent, and very quick.

Amazing service! I am hoping to take a big project to him later on for some upgrades on my guitar. Also Sylvan is a great place to buy a guitar or bass. They have a great selection in a relatively small store with everything from inexpensive beginner guitars to museum piece type vintage collectors items. And the staff there are very kind and let you play the guitars as long as you are careful and don't have any zippers or belts that might damage them.

They also have a great selection of guitar amps and pedals. This is my favorite guitar shop in Santa Cruz and my favorite guitar repair shop in santa cruz. Thank you Sylvan music!

It pains me to say this about a local business, but I had a terrible experience renting an instrument there. I hadn't played the instrument in decades, so didn't know what to look for, but rented the instrument offered me. When I went to a private lesson my teacher showed me that the instrument was damaged in several critical ways and unable to be tuned.

I brought it back to Sylvan, asking for a refund of one month's rental fee out of 2 I'd paid before my lesson. They refused to refund. Beware before you rent an instrument there. Bring someone knowledgeable with you or go someplace else.

As most locals know, Sylvan's one of those places that you just couldn't imagine Santa Cruz without. (Like Logo's.) Anyway, I bought my first violin there. Also, a nice bow recently. I've started taking lessons again and there are a few really good instructors there. So, I can come for my lesson, buy any accessories like rosin or whatever or strings, ask questions, and all the guys there are really helpful. Don't know what I would do without them.

Hey, they take Apple Pay! Hooray! I just paid with my Apple Watch and I think that was the first time that the gang there has seen it. I love this place. They have great deals on microphone stands, microphones and other accessories. The best part is that the manager, Mike, and they staff there are always greeting customers with smiles. I don't k ow mike does it but even if I haven't visited Sylvan in 6 mo the he always remembers my name!