The best guitar stores in California
Ranked by the players who actually walk in and plug in — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 147,244 reviews of California stores. Minimum 25 reviews to qualify, true guitar & music stores only, one location per chain, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.
#1 The Magic Flute
5 ★★★★★ 1,762 reviews · San Rafael, CA
Music shop offering instruments for sale or rent, plus lessons & repair services.
“I’ve been a long time customer of The Magic Flute for years. Whether I’ve rented instruments, taken lessons, or bought music equipment, they’ve always been a fantastic place to imm…” — Erik
#2 Guitar Center
4.5 ★★★★★ 3,528 reviews · Los Angeles, CA
Long-running retailer for guitars and other musical instruments with repair services.
“We had a really positive experience at Guitar Center recently. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, making our visit enjoyable and helpful. They were true experts,…” — Gines
#3 Bananas At Large
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,558 reviews · San Rafael, CA
Musical instrument store, featuring new and used guitars as well as basses, drums and other instruments.
“Great staff, great selection! I just got a new acoustic bass from them and the entire process went so smooth! After I found the bass I liked, I later decided I wanted to try a few …” — Billy
#4 Goodfellas Pawn Shop
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,549 reviews · West Covina, CA
Unpretentious pawn shop buying & selling electronics, jewelry, instruments, watches & collectibles.
“Love this place, it’s become my go to when I’m in a bind. If you’re looking to sell your gold I would highly recommend them, trust me you’re not going to find a better offer out th…” — R
#5 Westminster Mega Pawn
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,244 reviews · Westminster, CA
“so happy i found this pawn shop! it’s worth coming to them , you feel like you’re getting an honest price for your items. especially compared to surrounding places! plus all the st…” — Dannahary
#6 Gottschalk Music Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,083 reviews · Clovis, CA
Resource for instruments such as guitars, amps, and ukuleles, as well as repairs and rentals.
“Gottschalk Music Center is a cool and quaint little music shop in the heart of Old Town Clovis. My 10 year old son is a music lover especially in all musical instruments and loves …” — Lia
#7 Loyalty Pawn #3
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,243 reviews · Roseville, CA
Welcoming pawn shop with a variety of goods, from jewelry to electronics to tools.
“Loyalty Pawn is amazing! Brittany helped me out today but I have been here several times. The staff are always super friendly and knowledgeable! I would 100% recommend and will def…” — Kendra
#8 Gold & Silver Trading Co
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,011 reviews · Bakersfield, CA
Clean, friendly shop that lets visitors buy or pawn items like electronics, jewelry and power tools, and sell their own.
“I had an excellent experience at this pawn shop! The person who helped me, Rodrigo (Adam), provided outstanding customer service from beginning to end. He was patient, knowledgeabl…” — Brenda
#9 AJ's Super Pawn
4.9 ★★★★★ 962 reviews · Pomona, CA
Long-standing pawn shop buying and selling jewelry, gold, and musical instruments.
“Your staff was very professional. It was a warm day she offered me Ice water and a paper towel to wipe my forehead. She was very pleasant to speak with. And I would do business wit…” — Eric
#10 Green Music Center Sonoma State University
4.7 ★★★★★ 988 reviews · Rohnert Park, CA
Spacious college concert hall with multiple performance venues, outdoor spaces, a restaurant & more.
“I went to see Jurassic Park with the live orchestra (Santa Rosa orchestra) playing the soundtrack. They had mountain Mikes pizza, beer either in bottle or tap. We selected lawn sea…” — Dan