Los Angeles stands as one of the world’s premier music destinations, home to countless recording studios, live venues, and legendary guitar stores that have served musicians for decades. Whether you’re searching for acoustic guitar stores in Los Angeles, Hollywood’s iconic music shops, or specialized dealers in Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Long Beach, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect instrument and service for your musical journey.
The City of Angels has nurtured musical talent since the early 2025, with guitar stores that have become integral parts of the local music scene. From vintage acoustic treasures to cutting-edge modern instruments, these establishments offer everything from beginner-friendly options to professional-grade guitars that have graced countless recordings and performances.
McCabe’s Guitar Shop – Santa Monica’s Musical Institution
Located at 3101 Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, McCabe’s Guitar Shop has been a musical instrument store, concert venue, repair shop, and music school since 1958, serving as an LA staple for excellent guitars and ethnic instruments. This legendary establishment represents over six decades of musical excellence, making it one of the most trusted acoustic guitar stores in the greater Los Angeles area.
McCabe’s extensive inventory includes guitars from major brands, with particular strength in acoustic instruments ranging from traditional steel-string guitars to classical and flamenco models. The store stocks guitars, ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, dulcimers (hammered and plucked), fiddles, bouzoukis, sitars, ouds, and ethnic percussion instruments, creating a diverse musical ecosystem under one roof.
What sets McCabe’s apart is its multi-faceted approach to music. Beyond retail, the shop operates as a respected concert venue hosting intimate performances by touring and local artists. Their repair services are handled by skilled luthiers who understand both vintage and modern instruments, while their music school offers lessons for players of all skill levels.
The store’s commitment to community extends to offering discounts to worthy customers, especially their students, and providing healthcare to their employees. This customer-centric approach has earned McCabe’s a loyal following among professional musicians, collectors, and hobbyists throughout Southern California.
Norman’s Rare Guitars – Tarzana’s Vintage Paradise
Norman’s Rare Guitars specializes in buying, selling, trading, repairing, and appraising rare and vintage guitars, establishing itself as a premier destination for collectors and professional musicians seeking exceptional instruments. Located in Tarzana, this shop has built an international reputation for its curated selection of vintage acoustic guitars and expert knowledge.
Norman’s inventory focuses heavily on pre-war and golden-age acoustic guitars, including rare Martin, Gibson, and other prestigious American makers. Their expertise extends beyond sales to authentication and appraisal services, making them invaluable for collectors and estate transactions.
The shop’s repair services are conducted by master luthiers who specialize in vintage instrument restoration. Whether you need a crack repair on a 1930s Martin or a complete restoration of a war-era Gibson, Norman’s craftspeople possess the specialized knowledge and period-appropriate materials necessary for authentic repairs.
Norman’s also maintains strong relationships with musicians in the entertainment industry, often serving as a resource for recording sessions and live performances where specific vintage tones are required. Their expertise in acoustic guitar history and construction makes them an educational resource for serious players looking to expand their knowledge.
Guitar Salon International – Classical and Flamenco Specialists
Guitar Salon International, in business since 1983, has become the world-renowned dealer and center for classical & flamenco guitarists and collectors. This Santa Monica-based establishment specializes exclusively in nylon-string guitars, representing the pinnacle of classical and flamenco guitar craftsmanship.
Guitar Salon International’s inventory features instruments from the world’s most respected classical guitar makers, including Spanish masters, American artisans, and emerging contemporary builders. Their selection spans from student-level instruments suitable for beginners to concert-grade guitars valued at tens of thousands of dollars.
The shop’s expertise in classical guitar construction and setup is unparalleled in the Los Angeles area. Their staff includes classically trained guitarists who understand the nuances of different playing styles and can recommend instruments based on individual technique and musical goals. They offer detailed consultations to help players find instruments that complement their playing style and artistic vision.
Beyond sales, Guitar Salon International provides specialized services including humidity control consultation, classical guitar setup and maintenance, and access to limited-edition instruments from renowned luthiers. Their client base includes professional classical guitarists, recording artists, and serious students studying at local conservatories and universities.
Truetone Music – Santa Monica’s Modern Boutique
Located in downtown Santa Monica, Truetone Music serves as a one-stop shop for top brands such as Fender, Gretsch, Danelectro, Orange, Ernie Ball, Supro, Rickenbacker, and PRS. While known for their electric guitar selection, Truetone maintains an impressive acoustic guitar inventory featuring both vintage and contemporary instruments.
Truetone’s approach emphasizes curating instruments that offer exceptional value and unique characteristics. Their acoustic selection includes boutique builders alongside established manufacturers, providing options for players seeking instruments that stand apart from mass-market offerings.
The store’s staff consists of working musicians who bring practical performance experience to their customer interactions. This real-world knowledge helps customers make informed decisions based on actual playing situations rather than just specifications and price points.
Truetone’s repair and modification services cater to modern players who want to optimize their instruments for specific applications. Whether you need a pickup system installed for live performance or want to modify your acoustic guitar’s action and intonation, their technical staff can handle both standard and custom requests.
Guitar Center Hollywood – The Industry Standard
Guitar Center Hollywood features an enhanced inventory of Taylor acoustics, including exclusive and special-edition models unavailable elsewhere. As one of the chain’s flagship locations, this Hollywood store maintains extensive acoustic guitar inventory from major manufacturers while providing the resources and services expected from a large retailer.
The Hollywood location’s strength lies in its comprehensive selection and immediate availability. Whether you need a beginner acoustic guitar, a professional recording instrument, or replacement parts and accessories, Guitar Center typically stocks what you need or can order it quickly.
Their services include on-site repairs, financing options, and trade-in programs that make upgrading instruments more accessible. The store’s rental program serves local recording studios, touring musicians, and students who need temporary access to professional-quality instruments.
Guitar Center’s used gear section often contains interesting acoustic guitars at attractive prices, making it worth regular visits for bargain hunters and players seeking unique instruments.
Old Style Guitar Shop – Vintage Character and Modern Service
The Old Style Guitar Shop has earned recognition among serious players for its carefully curated selection of vintage and vintage-style acoustic guitars. Located in the greater Los Angeles area, this boutique shop focuses on instruments with character and history, offering alternatives to mass-produced modern guitars.
Their inventory emphasizes pre-war styling and construction techniques, featuring instruments that capture the tone and aesthetic of acoustic guitars from the 1930s through 1960s. This includes both authentic vintage pieces and modern guitars built using traditional methods and materials.
The shop’s expertise extends to understanding how different woods, construction techniques, and aging affect acoustic guitar tone and playability. Their staff can guide customers through the complexities of vintage guitar evaluation, helping distinguish between instruments with genuine vintage character and mere cosmetic aging.
Old Style Guitar Shop’s repair services specialize in vintage-appropriate work, using traditional techniques and materials when possible. This attention to authenticity makes them popular among collectors and players who want to maintain their instruments’ historical integrity.
Imperial Vintage Guitars – Collector’s Paradise
Imperial Vintage Guitars caters to serious collectors and professional musicians seeking exceptional vintage acoustic instruments. Their inventory focuses on golden-age American guitars from Martin, Gibson, and other prestigious manufacturers, with emphasis on instruments from the 1930s through 1960s.
The shop’s expertise in guitar evaluation and authentication makes them valuable for both purchasing and selling vintage instruments. Their staff includes experienced appraisers who understand market values, historical significance, and the factors that affect vintage guitar pricing.
Imperial’s approach emphasizes education, helping customers understand what makes certain vintage guitars special and valuable. This educational component helps buyers make informed decisions and develops their ability to evaluate instruments independently.
Their services include consignment sales for customers looking to sell valuable instruments, estate appraisals, and authentication services for insurance and legal purposes.
Golden State Pawn & Guitars – Hidden Gems and Great Values
Golden State Pawn & Guitars offers a unique shopping experience combining traditional pawn shop discoveries with dedicated guitar expertise. This approach often yields surprising finds at attractive prices, making it popular among budget-conscious players and treasure hunters.
The shop’s constantly changing inventory includes acoustic guitars from various manufacturers and eras, often featuring instruments that have interesting stories or unique characteristics. While you might not find specific models on demand, regular visits can reveal exceptional values.
Their staff includes experienced players who can evaluate guitars for playability and condition, helping customers identify genuine bargains among the changing inventory. This expertise helps distinguish between diamonds in the rough and instruments with significant problems.
Golden State’s repair services handle both routine maintenance and major restoration projects, often breathing new life into neglected instruments found in their inventory or brought in by customers.
Choosing the Right Store for Your Needs
Each guitar store in the Los Angeles area serves different customer needs and preferences. Consider these factors when selecting where to shop:
Budget and Value: Pawn shops and stores with used inventory offer potential bargains, while boutique shops focus on quality and service. Determine whether you prioritize low prices, exceptional service, or specific instrument characteristics.
Instrument Type: Classical guitar specialists like Guitar Salon International offer expertise unavailable at general music stores. If you play a specific style, seek stores that specialize in your instrument type.
Service Requirements: Consider whether you need repairs, setup services, or long-term support. Established shops with skilled technicians provide value beyond the initial purchase.
Experience Level: Beginning players benefit from stores that offer patient guidance and educational resources, while experienced musicians might prefer shops that assume advanced knowledge and focus on specific needs.
The Los Angeles guitar store scene continues evolving, with new shops emerging while established institutions maintain their reputations through consistent quality and service. Whether you’re seeking your first acoustic guitar or adding to a professional collection, these stores provide the expertise and inventory necessary to find your perfect instrument.
For more insights into the music world, explore our comprehensive coverage of songs, bands, and musical guides to deepen your understanding of acoustic guitar culture and techniques. Additionally, our instruments section provides detailed information about guitar care, selection, and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying an acoustic guitar in Los Angeles?
When shopping for acoustic guitars in Los Angeles, consider the instrument’s playability, tone quality, and construction materials. Test multiple guitars in your price range, focusing on neck comfort, string action, and overall sound projection. Reputable stores like McCabe’s and Norman’s Rare Guitars provide expert guidance to help you evaluate these factors. Don’t forget to factor in setup costs and any necessary accessories like cases or straps.
Which Los Angeles guitar stores offer the best vintage acoustic selections?
Norman’s Rare Guitars and Imperial Vintage Guitars specialize in vintage acoustic instruments, offering authenticated pieces with historical significance. These stores provide expert knowledge about vintage guitar values, authenticity, and condition. McCabe’s Guitar Shop also maintains vintage inventory alongside their new instruments, often featuring unique pieces with interesting provenance from their decades in business.
Do these guitar stores provide repair and setup services?
Most established Los Angeles guitar stores offer comprehensive repair and setup services. McCabe’s Guitar Shop, Norman’s Rare Guitars, and Guitar Salon International employ skilled luthiers who handle everything from basic setups to major restorations. These services are essential for maintaining instrument playability and value, especially for vintage or high-end acoustic guitars.
What price ranges should I expect at Los Angeles acoustic guitar stores?
Los Angeles guitar stores serve all budget levels, from beginner instruments under $200 to professional guitars costing thousands of dollars. Guitar Center Hollywood offers the widest price range including financing options, while specialized shops like Guitar Salon International focus on higher-end instruments. Pawn shops and stores with used inventory like Golden State Pawn & Guitars can provide exceptional values for budget-conscious buyers.
Which stores are best for classical and flamenco guitars?
Guitar Salon International exclusively specializes in classical and flamenco guitars, offering the most comprehensive selection and expertise in Los Angeles. McCabe’s Guitar Shop also maintains strong classical guitar inventory with knowledgeable staff, while some general stores carry limited classical selections. For serious classical guitarists, specialized dealers provide the expertise and inventory depth necessary for informed purchasing decisions.