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Downtown Book & Sound

4.8 ★★★★★ 137 Google reviews · Guitar & music store in Salinas, California

Bookstore featuring new releases, used reads, rare volumes and a collection of Steinbeck novels.

Plan your visit

Hours

Monday 12–7 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12–7 PM
Thursday 12–7 PM
Friday 12–8 PM
Saturday 11 AM–7 PM
Sunday 12–7 PM

Hours can shift for holidays, clinics, and lesson schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

What's on the wall

Instrument and gear categories at Downtown Book & Sound, confirmed in players' own reviews and the store's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

♻️ Used Gear 5 mentions

“It's a winner based on it being a great space, friendly but respectful staff and a wonderful selection of new and used books.”

All stores with used gear →

What players say again and again

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 137 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

😊 friendly staff 8 mentions

“So, he wandered to the book store and the staff were kind enough to give him a tour of the downtown including passing by the Steinbeck house!”

From the reviews

One of the best organized used book stores I've been in. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

★★★★★ — Jonathan, Dec 2021

I’m a son of Salinas, born and raised 18 years! Have moved away, but I love coming to this store every time I visit, and I just heard the most amazing story from a Czech friend who also visited. He was passing thru and wanted to see Steinbeck center as a big fan, but it was closed.

★★★★★ — Casey, Nov 2025

Wherever in the world I find myself if I see a bookstore I will stop and check it out. When I stumbled upon Downtown Book & Sound a few years ago I quickly fell in love. It's a winner based on it being a great space, friendly but respectful staff and a wonderful selection of new and used books.

★★★★★ — Chris, Feb 2024

The gentleman running this store is very friendly and plays the guitar beautifully. A nice place to relax and look for older books.

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Feb 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 137 reviews →

Where to find Downtown Book & Sound

213 S Main St, Salinas, CA93901

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and player reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this store? Claim your listing — it's free.