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Cottonwood Music Emporium
4.8 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Guitar & music store in Costa Mesa, California
Music store specializing in high-quality guitars, amps, and effects pedals.
Plan your visit
- Repairs & setups a repair bench comes up in reviews and the store's own info — call ahead for turnaround, since good techs run a queue
- Buys & trades used gear they buy, trade, or consign used instruments — bring the case and any original parts, and expect trade credit to beat the cash offer
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (704) 464-2097
- Website cottonwoodmusicemporium.com
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–2 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–3 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
What's on the wall
“Ordered a pedal and had an issue with the shipping company, Jim from Cottonwood was quick to look into it and helped me get my order within days of the original concern.”
“I played it for a few hours but the setup was a bit off, the fretboard quite dry and the pickup selector switch was messed up.”
“But the guys at Cottonwood were really welcoming and kind, and didn’t make me feel like the absolute novice that I am :) I bought a ukulele to learn, but couldn’t get it in tune.”
Brands they deal
“From a 1959 Fender Deluxe to 1965 Vox Ac30, to Marshal Plexi and all in between.”
What players say again and again
“I played it for a few hours but the setup was a bit off, the fretboard quite dry and the pickup selector switch was messed up.”
“The owner is an awesome guy, really knowledgeable about the products, best selection of amps and pedals I've seen in one place in So Cal!”
From the reviews
Jim runs an outstanding shop. I’ve always known his shop as a super friendly place to hang out and try a huge selection of boutique pedals. Recently he had a Gibson LP Standard in with a gorgeous top.
This place is a destination. First they have the best selection of high end pedals I have seen in person period. Not just your run of the mill Boss or Strymon stuff, but hard to find stuff like Spaceman Effects or Fairfield Circuitry. It's a great place to try these pedals out before buying them.
Found this shop a few years back and wow, I just do not purchase guitars or amps from anyone else now! From a 1959 Fender Deluxe to 1965 Vox Ac30, to Marshal Plexi and all in between. Don't be afraid to pick up a guitar from one of his fantastic custom guitar makers either!
Cottonwood music emporium is hands down one of the best guitar shops I’ve ever been to. Their pedal selection is amazing, and they always have something cool to check out. The staff is super helpful and clearly knows their stuff.
Selling or trading gear at Cottonwood Music Emporium
Cottonwood Music Emporium comes up for buying and trading used gear — confirmed on their own site. Two things make the trip go better. First, bring the whole package: the case or gig bag, the original tremolo arm or bridge parts, the paperwork if you have it — a complete rig is worth real money more than a bare instrument, and it saves the back-and-forth of "can you bring the case in?" Second, know that trade credit almost always beats the cash offer, usually by a healthy margin — if you're upgrading anyway, price your old gear as a trade against the new one before you take cash. Either way, expect the offer to be below what the gear sells for on the wall; the gap is the store's margin for setup, warranty, and sitting on it until the right buyer walks in.
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