McCabe's Guitar Shop

What a truly historic place. So many amazing guitars/string instruments, if you need something repaired or want to learn to play, just stop by and check it out.. They also offer music shows that are amazing, they have been doing this for so long, so many artists have played here some before they were famous others after.. I've seen some amazing young artists play here, but they aren't always young - but they are always talented.. So for the last couple months my GF has been taking group guitar lessons.. she absolutely loves it and plans on keeping it up.. She drives from Torrance just to be close to the history and talented teachers.

Amazing iconic SoCal guitar shop! A really interesting and unique collection of vintage and new guitars as well as huge variety of stringed instruments. The vibe is totally chill and the guys working there: Steve, Kevin and Max are super knowledgeable and friendly! A must see in Santa Monica if you love guitars! My son had a great afternoon playing and window shopping and we’ll definitely stop in again soon!

“No job is too weird” is a complete lie. I’ve been here on multiple occasions and have left the store feeling like an alien. When you first walk in none of the employees will greet you, they only stare at you and wait for you to utter a word. Additionally, unless Mike or Doug are there, they turn down almost any job that isn’t a re-fret or string change/standard setup and will refer you to repair shops in Timbuktu and not necessarily in a local area. They say they are “too busy and overworked” to take on any other type of job. Staff is not friendly and will critique and criticize your playing. Though, Mike is a great help and extremely friendly and if you do have the urgent need to visit this store, I would recommend speaking to him.

1980 I was visiting with a friend and trying out guitars. He said," Check out this Martin HD 28." I sat down with it, played awhile, and was smitten. For $1,000 brand new, I sold him my D28 for $500 and took the HD home. I've seen many shows over the years: Alex DeGrassi, Will Ackerman, Daniel Hecht, D'Gary, Pierre Bensusan with John Renbourn, John Fahey, Michael Hedges! Mike Marshall, Darol Anger, George Winston, Fallon, more than I can remember over the last 45 years

Worth a stop if you are in town. A large selection of new and used instruments, some very interesting old instruments that are not for sale. This place is not only a store, it is a concert venue and practically a museum of old guitars, ukuleles, ukelins, zithers and other stringed instruments.

Make sure you call or email ahead to make sure they are willing to do the guitar work you want them to do. Despite the website proclaiming "No job too weird or too small" and "No appointment necessary" they would not do a pickup routing job and I wasted time and effort bringing my guitar to their shop. They have done good work for me in the past, but maybe should update the website to reflect reality when it comes to guitar service.

Huge selection of guitars and other instruments, staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They are reachable when you need them, and they don’t interrupt when you’re just trying to get to know an instrument.

First of all the place awesome it like you just walked into a museum of guitars, my guitar needed repairs / a strut rod adjustment and new strings and now sounds like it did in 1964 or even better now no joke Thank you McCabe guitar shop :-) you made my day

My first time here and it won't be my last! Loved the intimate space while watching one of my all time favorite female singers, Jonatha Brooke. The room is normally set up for sales but when a show is on the calendar the staff quickly clears it to set up the chairs for the audience. Since their first impromptu show back in 1968, McCabe's has been hosting the finest in folk, bluegrass, Americana, world music and more. It can accommodate 150-seats and is one of the best listening rooms in the world. The sound engineer was spot at this performance. Most of performers will play one of the guitars for sale here which helps keep this amazing shop going. *Located just off the 405 freeway @Centinela on Pico Blvd *Plenty of street parking (meters) *A few restaurants within walking distance if you want to grab a bite to eat before or after a show. *Guitar lessons available *FYI purchase show tickets online. You will get receive a confirmation email telling you that your name will be on a list at the door (you will not get physical tickets)

Came here to see Vienna Teng live! Street parking was pretty easy to do. Love that there is a cross walk right next to the business. The venue itself is larger than you think! We were lead down a hall and there was a large area in the back for the show. It also has a lot of charm that can only be achieved by a long time business that has a lot of love. Everything is warm, and the smell of the instruments makes the place fell homey. I can't really say much about their classes or their business practices. We were there during their off hours, but I am really glad that my love for Vienna Teng brought me to this establishment!

This place is pure class. Amazing staff, helpful and a wide variety of gear. Just bought a low budget Martin that plays great and couldn't be happier. The young lady that helped me wasn't pushy at all and was knowledgable and kind. Don't go to Guitar Center - give McCabe's your business. .

Guitarist mecca... if you don't know the history of McCabe's be sure to ask when visiting, if the walls here could talk oh what stories they would tell! Great selection of some really cool guitars you won't find elsewhere, in addition to the other odds and ends you'll find at any good music store. The people here are great and helpful, very friendly and courteous and just want to make sure you have a great shopping experience. Sure this place has changed over the years, what hasn't in 66 years? This place has stood the test of time, and still has a lot to offer whether you are just playing guitar as a hobby, or if it's your living. If I lived closer this would be my go-to guitar shop.

I went in and bought an instrument from macabes and when I got home I looked up info on the instrument and realized I needed a differnt model , called the shop and the guy said no problem. 10 days on new instruments.... Went in for a refund or exchange and I can't tell you how incredibly RUDE the 2 men at the shop were , Talking to me like I'm an idiot and trying to hard sell me to keep it. Was an aweful experience and I will never ever recommend any shop there ! I mean this guy who was talking down to me didn't even know what a VSL is and treating me like a moron lol. Will never shop there again !

Historic music store with lots of guitars and friendly staff. Also they have great shows in the back where you can see legends play, up close and personal.

Called asking if they could do work on one of my instruments. They said "yes bring it in" and hung up on me. Didn't even ask what work was needed

This is a legendary store and neighborhood gem. Amazing instruments and a killer repair department.

The website says that their shop motto is "no job too weird or too small" and that can't be further from the truth. I called asking about performing a basic service and was told to head down to the shop to see if they could do what I needed done. I drove an hour out of my way to come down to the shop just to be met with rude and inconsiderate employees basically telling me to get lost. They were not only unwilling to help, but gave me attitude about it. Would not recommend this shop to anyone that is looking for friendly staff looking to help you with your guitar needs.

Can't thank Doug here at McCabes enough. He helped me with my great grandfather's 1940s guitar to get it playing again. It was in a severe state of disrepair due to being (unbeknownst to me) kept in a trash bag in a a garage for a few decades. Doug was able to restring it, fix a peeling away fret board, and polish away some damage from a melted pick guard. A guitar we thought couldn't be saved - and that a few other guitar shops that are supposedly the "best" turned us away - and got it playing. He gave us a very fair deal also - I was expecting to pay a lot more. My grandma is going to love this revived gift for her upcoming 86th birthday. Thank you so much McCabes, you saved an invaluable family heirloom.

It's history. I saw Emmy Lou Harris there among others. Small, intimate, brilliant! Thanks, McCabe's!

It just ain't the McCabe's it used to be. I now have three chips in the French polish of the classical guitar I had handmade in Spain from their tech Whatever newbie changed the strings also didn't bother to finger tighten the machine heads causing one to fall out when I got it home. Not only did the clerk shoe me away from speaking to a tech, she didn't even offer an apology. It's a real shame, always been a special place to me, my dad would bring me here when I was a kid to see his folk acts, - McCabe's was an institution of LA folk culture, now they got all the personality (and know how) of a Wallmart.

Many changes since the time I had work done there in 1976. Back then the personnel were polite, courteous and eager to go the extra mile to help out. The Luthier who helped me on my most recent visit (2020), appeared disinterested in professional decorum. The work done on my guitar was not the top notch level of quality I came to know of McCabe's. Very disappointed, to say the least. No return trips for me--telling my friends and music associates of my experience. I will check back to ensure this post doesn't get taken down again.

Went to see a show here lately, Carla Olson. Felt like a private party for friends. Audience not invited. Really a put off. Should've been billed for I SEE HAWKS IN L.A., since Carla didn't have the pipes to sing. I've seen great shows here, but lately it seems like these old guys are performing for a smaller audience and its a SMALL CLUB THAT YOU'RE NOT IN. Too bad...check out the Lobero. Much more inviting without the BS show biz bravado at the geezer McCabe's Guitar Shop.

I loved my visit to McCabe's. As a newcomer to LA, I got a few recommendations to come here and am so glad I did. I brought my electric guitar to get a setup for $85, and they did a great job making it feel like a new guitar again and fixing this issue I was having with the string popping out of the nut. The wait time for the repair was about a week. The store also feels like a guitar museum with all the unique guitars hanging up, and the showroom has a great selection of both new and used guitars. Definitely come to McCabe's!

One of my favorite guitar shops anywhere, including Nashville. Very laid-back vibe, and very cool merch. Be sure and shop in-person as their merch is very cool and it goes fast. Very awesome selection of acoustics, Gibson, Bourgeois, Martin, everything I love is here. AND there is actually a really cool music venue in the back of the store - some awesome artists come to play concerts, very awesome. Highly recommended!

Wonderful guitar shop. Great staff and service. The concerts are great too. Make a point of coming here when in Santa Monica.

I just purchase my 2nd acoustic guitar at McCabes, such a great experience! I love everything about this place from the great selection of acoustic guitars, the relaxed environment to the incredible staff. Alex was so helpful and patient while I was in the shop, striking the perfect balance between helpful and just letting me do my thing and play some awesome guitars. I have checked out some of the other guitar shops in town, but McCabes will always be my favorite by FAR. Also, if you buy a guitar there they have such a great warranty so they'll take care of you for years to come. Lastly, live shows are back! They have such a great concert space in the back room for hosting shows. The concerts are all very civilized with comfortable seats and the speakers set at the right volume so you don't need to worry about your ears ringing the next day.

I took about guitar lessons from Jimi about a dozen times. He couldn't be more indifferent about my progress or struggles as the beginner. Even when I had a question in between the lessons he would hardly ever reply. I cannot speak with other staff but I wouldn't recommend him for a beginner.

Brought my guitar with few loose wires the guitar repair guy was very unhelpful and told me he wouldn't even bother opening the electronics to see what the issue is. Do not recommend this store they are unprofessional and unhelpful.

Was there for Uke fest. Amazed of their collections and all. Uke fest was great. The stage system was far better than any other theater, I think. The lighting and the sound was super. Very friendly personals.

This is an interesting space. Access it from the front and it's surprisingly quite spacious in the back of the store. I came here to check out the California Guitar Trio for some easy-listening acoustic guitar sounds on a Sunday night. Looks like McCabe's books some highly talented, but definitely underrated acts. This place is definitely Old School from the antique register, card system up front and low ceilings. There are displays of old guitars as well. Reminds me of a very small museum. This is one of those hidden gem places where people in the know come here to enjoy great musical acts and it's a secret not everyone wants to share. This was evident with a line forning right before showtime. I avoided the surcharge and just purchased our tickets right there in line. I loved the cozy feeling and one of the regulars gave me a tip...to grab a seat cushion up front by the stage. Yes! I would come here again. No food served here. Street metered parking.

This guitar shop is a great concert venue with absolutely terrific acoustics. The back room has a stage with a large seating area that probably accommodates around 75-100 people. You get a very intimate experience for may a $25 concert ticket. A music lover's dream experience if you're watching your favorite artist, which I did recently when Paula Cole came to town to do a special 20th anniversary show celebrating her breakout album, "This Fire." Photos and videos are prohibited but it made for a truly wonderful experience where the audience was engaged and listening to the artist and not blocking people's views with their mobile phones. After the show, we got to check out the showroom which has a ton of cool string and percussion instruments that you would never find in a Guitar Center. Yes, you can play with them! We waited a little while, but not too long after the show, and got to meet Paula in person. It was nice that the store didn't shove people outside into the cold to wait. Tip: get in line at least an hour ahead as it was already long when we got there. Still, even though we got there when the line was long, we still got seats in the first few rows close to the stage.

I am going to say this... I came back to see if I should take down my prev. non-endorsement. I can see that mine falls in line with many others. I just want to say that life has its ups and downs... My hope is that this store and all the lovely folks involved have some sort of guidance towards excellence and fresh excitement. Something's been wrong there and I would like to see everyone prosper again... Blessings..!!

Guitar shops are very subjective, but this one gets my vote for repairs. Doug in the repair shop took on a project that other luthier in the area wanted to touch and did an amazing job of it. I have a very old German made Hofner classical guitar that's older than I am and I'm 50. This thing looks a bit like Willie Nelson's "Trigger" but with a zero fret and one less soundhole. Recently in the heat of my non air conditioned apartment, the string tension pulled the entire bridge off the soundboard. I had usually taken my business Ito Truetone, because they'd fixed my LP signature (not an easy electronics repair) so initially I tried taking it there. I was a little shocked and irked when they didn't want to take it (there was evidence of a re-glue and they claimed without knowing what glue was used they didn't know how to get it off to bare wood again), but at least they said "McCabe's might take it". Not wanting to consign one of my best songwriting guitars and an instrument I vastly respected to the dustbin, I took it to McCabes and was given an ominous warning- that it was up to their head luthier whether it could be salvaged. I waited two days expecting the worst, then got a phone call from Doug asking if I minded if the bridge would be changed. I jokingly told him that aesthetics were a priority with this instrument. He laughed, I laughed. I told him do whatever as long as she plays again. He told me there was a couple of weeks work in front and it might take a while. About 9 days subsequent I got a call from him again and my beloved was ready. He was right- she plays even better than before the accident and the grudge didn't need replacement but a few interior struts did. I'll be taking all my business to McCabe's for the foreseeable future.

In the 1960s the folk movement was spurred by social changes, the Vietnam War and a "rediscovery" of the Delta Blues. Long at the forefront of such movements, certain guitar shops have weathered economic downturns and shifts in musical styles, and McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica still promotes artists and hosts performances regularly. My father's hippie Dead Head background influenced my musical tastes as a youth and nurtured my musical growth when I shifted to playing and performing music, not simply consuming it. This was one of many guitar shops I visited for strings, picks and such and last night I made a wondrous reunion with McCabe's. A Texas folk and country artist named Terri Allen was playing and Dad was very excited because not only had he never seen him play, his music helped, as it often does, Dad get through some tough times. I remembered those days and was delighted to be in such a small venue to share the experience. First we checked out the shop and I immediately fell in love with several guitars. Damn my good eye, the cheapest was $1,000 and the super sweet one was $6K! There is an instrument for everyone there and like good family owned shops there are lesser known brands that are exceptional (like the six grand model). Upstairs are rooms for rehearsal and lessons. Everything you need plus live music. The sound is fantastic! The stage and monitors ensure that the tight sitting space is immersed in the music, free of booming bass and shrill frequencies. While I was fooling around with the guitars Dad met and chatted with his hero. All around good times, memories and music at McCabe's.

My family has been going to McCabes shows since I was a little girl! I love this store - - the staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and there is everything a music lover could need! I recently decided to invest in a small guitar for my daughter and the staff were so helpful in selecting what would be age-appropriate, a good value as well as providing me tips for her to learn! I highly recommend the store as it is a Santa Monica and world of music icon!

Great store, never disappointed, granted I'm a little biased. I've been coming here since I was in diapers. The intimate concert space always makes me feel like I'm part of something special.

Needed a pickup installed, along with a setup on my guitar. I had a great experience with the shop 12 years ago with a pickup install and setup on a Ukulele, from my bad memory I believe it was Mike that helped me out back then. Mike did a excellent job with the install of the pickup. The setup needed an additional adjustment that he took care right away. Guitar now plays beautifully, and sounds great both plugged and unplugged. Thanks! Would highly recommend for any musical needs.

I attended a concert here many years ago seeing Grant Lee Phillips. Always wanted to buy a guitar from such an iconic shop. This dream was fulfilled after seeing a lightly attended Gil Landry show. Tried out a few high end acoustic guitars before strumming on my new Martin 17E. Really nice experience all around I would recommend this place to anyone who loves high end music equipment and service.

Came in to look around. Wow! Such a cool place and so many great looking guitars. Dylan was super helpful and friendly ( super handsome also) .

Pro's place for repair but everyone treats you like apro. Love those guys.. their work is world class. There is a wait for work and they might not take in a big project. They look over the instrument and are very open about time and cost.

McCabe's has a special place in the hearts of the Los Angeles music community. They offer a great selection of stringed instruments in all price ranges. They have a skilled and respected repair shop. Their back room concert series is legendary. I was delighted to find my dream guitar there last week and purchasing it from McCabe's made it even better. Thanks, McCabe's folks!

Good people with extensive knowledge of guitars and related equipment. Easy to locate and plenty of parking near by.

Love McCabes! Been coming here for years! They've fixed a few of my guitars and the prices are really fair for the quality of work! 10/10 would recommend!

This place used to be the gold standard for all things guitar in Los Angeles. The place has become a disorganized and unfriendly place to do business with. I took a very expensive Ibanez Bass to them for a simple repair over 6 months ago. I went in to ensure they had done it, and it not had it done. They now cant find the Bass and have essentially cost me nearly 800 dollars leaving me no choice but to file a small claims case for the loss. No apology. No offer of compensation. Complete mess. Their Covid protocols are over the top as well and you end up sitting outside. Find another shop.

I just had my 13 year old banjo repaired/setup at McCabe's and their luthier, Doug, did a fantastic job restoring the sound to the banjo that started deteriorating about 3 years ago. There aren't many luthiers that seem to know much about banjos, and being new to the area I was not sure if they could do the job correctly. My experience with top notch luthiers were at Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto, now I would put McCabe's in their class. I am glad I found them, even if I have to drive 35 miles to get there.

Great service and communication. Nice old fashioned shop with cute selection of music items. Also cheaper for service jobs than Guitar Center.

I just purchased my first guitar at McCabe's and had such a great experience. Denny was so helpful and patient. He showed me so many different guitars that he thought would be a great guitar to start with. So happy that I went here for this purchase. They also have a great 3 year warranty and buyback/upgrade program which is really awesome too. Really happy with my choice! I will definitely be back for lessons.

Great place and amazing customer service. Doug, the guy who does the repairs on guitars is knowledgeable, super friendly and an all around great guy. I came in on a Friday to see what the issue was with my classical guitar & Doug was able to diagnose the problem immediately. Didn't take long to change the strings as well. They have quiet the collection of guitars as well as lutes. Complementary coffee. Metered parking.

Why did I originally give only 4 stars? I have no idea. I'm grateful this family owned shop is surviving the pandemic, as its history and quality of all its services is important on the Westside. Keep on keep in' on, McCabe's

If words must be prescribed to the feeling of walking into McCabe's, then it is like entering an old film from the 70s. Charming, warm, friendly and inviting, McCabe lets you explore your musical curiosity by taking you through history. The plus side is that they also provide amazing service. I had them install a pickup on my Taylor acoustic and it's been a pleasure to play with it.

McCabes is part of Santa Monica. Over the years they've shared expertise with our neighborhood. I've bought guitars, strings, music, repairs, cases, etc. and they always take time to explain my options, no upselling or pressure sells. It just feels good to be there. It's a great place to see a show too, listening to music in a guitar cathedral. There are not many neighborhood places still in business, and McCabes makes that seem sad.

As the only store in town that carries a U-bass to play with I had to go although I did not like the idea of going to the Westside I don't like going to the Westside for anything except the beach I got in there and they showed me the bass restrung it for me took great care of me The prices are comparable with other places The people there are the best Denny and Tina provided great customer care ! And I absolutely love my U-Bass though I've taken to calling it my Bass-a-Lele

Always thought this place unnecessarily expensive with a staff thinking they were doing you a favor...frankly i don't understand how they have stayed in business all these years...in the old days players would say it was wealthy lawyers and dentists, that didn't know any better, that kept the place alive...after many years i recently dropped by for old time sake...some new faces, unfortunately same old McCabe's...As an old pro, i cannot recommend McCabe's...look for a place where you and your hard earned money will be appreciated... PS...2 Stars for the histoy of the place...

This place is like a musical instrument museum where you can buy the art. Very cool low-key atmosphere and an incredible selection of amazing instruments. They have shows there too but obviously not right now because of well...you guessed it.

My friend needed to restring her guitar so we headed off to the place where she bought her guitar, McCabe's. It is located on Pico Blvd., which can get heavy traffic and the road lanes are a little narrow so be careful. It costs 25 cents per 15 minutes with the metered street parking. Located in a quaint building that has a pretty cool McCabe's Guitar stained glass logo sign on the front door. You're greeted with friendly knowledgeable employees. So many cool guitars, ukuleles, banjos and even a sitar are displayed throughout the store. They even hold classes and have performances here too. You are welcome to try out most of the guitars on display. Kevin took great care in stringing my friend's guitar and answered questions about tuning, types of strings and even the best type of guitars. Christian helped ring us up and even replaced the battery in my friend's clip-on guitar tuner. He even gave instruction of how to use the tuner and a diagram of basic guitar string notes. When I purchase another guitar I will definitely come here. Rock on!

I can't believe that I haven't reviewed McCabe's yet. I've been coming here for much of my life, and this was definitely the show spot for me during high school and college; a bunch of my favorite Irish, Scottish, and English musicians have played here. As for the store, they have a great selection of different folk instruments. While there is a definitely a guitar focus, the store carries many different instruments from around the world, particularly strings and percussion. Everyone here is really helpful and friendly. As far as concerts, the back room serves as a very nice, intimate space to watch performers. They set up chairs facing the stage. 10-20 years ago there was a huge influx of musicians from the British Isles who would perform here, so I got to see some of the best musicians and bands at this venue.

This is my favorite guitar shop.Collection of guitars and other instruments. Live community of Santa Monica folks and musicians come and go and go and come back for the performances.