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With the weather warming up, we've just received a wide selection of Luna Ukuleles, djembes, assorted drums, and acoustic guitars. Everything you need to get outside and play some music. Gretsch Carducci will be honoring us between 11am and 1pm. Joe has 46 years of working with Gretsch guitars. Foggy Mtn Music store is offering Gretsch Pro lines like the famous White Falcon, Brian Setzer and George Harrison models.

2019 is bringing new Acoustic, Electric & Bass Guitars, Mandolins, Violins, Banjos, Amplifiers, Pedal Effects and Pro Audio Gear to us.
Services
Foggy Mountain Music served it's first customer in 1975 in the current location of 104 West Main Street in Grass Valley California. The brainchild of owner Mary Ellen Sorci, Foggy is a full line music store selling everything from guitars, drums, keyboards. Foggy Mtn Music store is the prodigy of a long line of musicians.
We cannot stress enough the importance of taking lessons from a qualified professional. Not only is it hard to go back and correct bad technique, but you slow down your progress by trying to learn without guidance. So fulfill your dreams in 2018. Our teachers are professionally trained and easy to work with.
Parking: There are two parking lots near store. You will see the first on the corner of West Main and South Auburn street diagonally across from store. The second is on South Auburn and South Pine. Cross the intersection of West Main on South Auburn and you will see the second on the next corner. This lot is just a few steps from our back entrance.
Electric and acoustic guitar repairs: restring, setup, cleaning, pickup installation, wiring, and truss rod adjustment. Violins and orchestral band instruments: Restring, bridge replacement, tuning, pad replacement, cleaning. We also restring tune and repair Harps, Mandolins, Banjos, Dulcimers please call about other instruments we may have not listed it is possible it is on our list!.
Reviews (28)
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Matt Harris
Apr 28, 2022
To my surprise this lil mountain store was very well stocked with Fender strats and basses. A very nice selection of aucustic guitars. The staff was nice and friendly.
Aleksander Podlubny
Mar 28, 2022
They took good care of violin that had to be serviced. Also found on the spot perfect case for it. This is a gift for one of my soul friends, high quality is very important. I am very satisfied with quality of work. And staff, good guitarists.
Sunny Reinke
Sep 27, 2021
Best knowledgeable music store around gv they will even let you hookup and play a toon to tryout equipment they offer lessons and have a friendly helpful staff looking to fitt your specific needs and interests
Jasmine M.
Jan 20, 2021
My sister saved up a lot of money to buy a guitar she'd been looking at for weeks. She was super anal about who got to touch it and stuff because she wanted to keep it nice. So after a few months, one day she took it off her wall stand and saw a crack had formed in the wood on the back panel. No big deal, my dad took her to foggy to talk about fixing it so she didn't need to return it. Foggy sends it back to the manufacturer in China, and the guitar never shows back up again after a few months of it being gone. Ok, so she gets her new guitar from foggy to replace the one China never sent back to foggy - she has it for a few months, and then a common crack in guitars that was on the neck occurs so she goes in to ask how to fix it.

Just some glue and clamps, so I guy offers to fix it for her. The guy never fixed it like he said he would, and then when my sister returns to check on her guitar they don't give it back to her, they give her a new guitar valued less than the original (which was $300) and tells her never to buy a guitar from them again. How is that fair? If you would have been more Diligent on getting the first guitar back from the manufacturer or just fixing the very minor break in the neck like promised, you wouldn't have had to replace 3 guitars for her.

My sister has 2 other guitars that she's owned for around 5 years with no problems like the ones she's bought from foggy. It seems more like a store problem than my sister being the issue. If you promise to fix someone's guitar, fix it. or recommend a reputable person that can fix the problem. Don't just ban her because your bad at your job.
Ed Y.
Apr 06, 2020
My wife and I recently purchased vacation, recreational property in Grass Valley. In dire need of a guitar pick I made my first visit to Foggy Mountain. The gentleman behind the counter greeted me with warmth and kindness and showed me what appeared to be a thousand different kinds of guitar picks. Choosing one that felt proper to my fingers and had the word "Cool" on it suited my tastes to a "T". And that's my feelings about Foggy Mountain Music, they are Cool people have a Cool store in a Cool town.
Royce N.
Mar 27, 2020
Good advice. beware don't take guitar lessons here. I took guitar lessons here for quite a while. In the beginning I was very green on the constructive learning techniques of it all. I finally came to the realization. I was being ripped off. I never was taught full songs from beginning to end. The instructor would never teach full songs. Just little bits and pieces of useless techniques that no real guitar player would hardly ever use.

Some of the songs I wanted to learn the instructor couldn't or wouldn't teach due to lack of desire or lack of skill. I quit taking lessons here. I began taking lessons from another instructor. When I did I learned more in one week then. I did the few years I spent taking lessons here. I have also witnessed other students having the same issue with the instructor.

The instructor would most of the time with hold information needed for the student to be successful to become an advanced guitar player. The instructor would always stretch out the learning time during the lesson. Practicing with the student on each worthless little technique that led to no where. The instructor would also feed worthless techniques slowly to the student.

The instructor even got upset at a student because the student informed his parent that he wasn't being taught on quality learning techniques that he should have been shown. The instructor was dishing out crappy and made up useless techniques for the student to practice at home which was completely worthless. Before I quit taking lessons from here. The instructor told me to go on the internet and learn.
Adam A.
Jan 02, 2020
Awesome shop with awesome staff. I was stoked to find they have a good selection of studio and synth gear along with everything else musical you could hope for.
Clayton Horn
Nov 27, 2019
Great little music store with a great selection and great customer service. They just made me a great deal on an ukelele that was less expensive than the "show special" at the Waikiki Ukelele festival we attended this summer. Thank you Foggy Mountain Music!
James L.
Nov 06, 2019
Cool and cozy little shop, nice people and great service for what it is. It's a mom and pop style shop. I somewhat can get the complaints about knowledgeable staff, and No, I cant really shop for and buy any high high end recording equipment or guitars here. you gotta Realize upfront your supporting a local business, and don't be a "d bag".

This is a "starter" store, for people exploring the idea. Serious musicians should be educated enough on gear (with the internet at your fingertips) to not have to rely on a mom and pop shop for major advice. This shop does well for what it is. We will always need a place to quickly grab a cord or something, or buy a mini guitar for my 2 year old (lol, yes I did and she hasn't broken it yet) or a place for kids to save up and buy their first guitar. or that mid life crisis guy to pick up a fender he will play for 10 minutes and hang on the wall for the next 20 years. we need these types of shops, or we will be stuck out in the cold next time your last good cord shorts out before a gig or jam session. so support them when you can. Thanks for being there when we need you.
DonR
May 11, 2019
Nice folks. Helpful, busy and they know their stuff. It was my first experience there but not the last. Good selection for a small town music store. And it's great that they are still thriving.must be doing something(s) right.
Matt M.
Apr 16, 2019
I visit a lot of music stores, particularly small ones, looking for informed staff and a range of good to excellent instruments. I was shocked at the poor quality in this shop and the lackluster staffing. Their great guitars are hanging from the ceiling and not for sale. Their lessor quality guitars, banjos, and fiddles (I don't know fiddles) are scattered about at floor level. Just not a great stringed instrument store. One can do better
Joe Conterno
Jan 23, 2019
Foggy mountain is a good little mom & pop music store they have all your needs and wants and if the don't they can order it, they give back to the community and I'm a firm believer that you should buy where you live so if I have musical needs I always start at Foggy Mountain I like the employees and the owners are good people. Worthy of a stop in and I'm sure you'll return over and over
P. Kirby
May 26, 2018
Wonderful music store with an amazing assortment of instruments and very knowledgeable sales staff. It's almost a destination in itself, this old-time store, with instruments displayed all over the walls and shelves. I appreciated their care and concern in helping me sell an instrument some years back.
Renee B.
Mar 12, 2018
I bought a new guitar-like stringed instrument (a Quarto) there and noticed later on that the top surface was bowed outward a slight amount below the bridge. It wasn't much, but I noticed it. I brought it back in to see what they would do. The service was spectacular. Meanwhile, Mary Ellen allowed me to continue to use it while we waited for the replacement to come in. I still kept the instrument in the interim and was called as soon as the new one came in. Excellent Music Store.
Susan M.
Jan 05, 2018
I had the worst store experience in my life at this store! AVOID at all costs. I went in to buy a $200 microphone and asked the clerk if he knew if it had good sound he said he didn't know and when i asked him to help me figure out how to set it up and he told me to look online. When i asked him what he did when other asked for help with equipment he said they don't and it wasn't his problem if i was too stupid to know how to use it.

Then he told me he wasn't going to sell it to me cause i wouldn't like it anyhow. He struck me as one of those obnoxious boys who go postal. i have never been so offended. He said his mother use to own the store. I can only imagine she was better if they have been around for so long. i don't know how they can stay in business. MAJOR WARNING.
Tye T.
Nov 05, 2017
My review is from many years ago. however it was terrible. I bought a guitar for my brother for Christmas. About a week later I went back because I realized I over extended my budget. I had asked if I could return the guitar when I bought it and they said yes. So I went back just looking to get one more affordable. not even to return it entirely. The next thing I know I'm being shouted at by the owner while he calls the police. despite my calm demeanor.

In the end he took the guitar back with a 20% restocking fee which with the cost of the cheaper guitar I was asking for ended up costing me about the same original price. I've never been so offended.
Jennai P.
Apr 20, 2017
TERRIBLE. We have been customers of Foggy Mountain Music for more than 30 years. This was the final straw. My husband took a bass amp in to be fixed and was Mary Ellen told us it would take less than a week and would cost less than $100.00 to fix. About two or three weeks later, nothing had been done and they called to notify us that they had then sent it off to the manufacturer to be fixed.

This was relayed to us after the fact. Meanwhile, we needed an amp for 2 separate shows. Instead of providing a loaner, because they couldn't hold up their end of the bargain with fixing the amp in the time allotted, they CHARGED for the loaner. Finally, nearly THREE MONTHS LATER, we get a call it is fixed, at double what they quoted us. This is unacceptable.

I don't expect the charge to be completely wiped (though as a business owner myself, I would do that with a HUGE apology) but to at least be discounted to the original quote. Nope. No loyalty to us, even though we've been loyal to them for more than 30 years. Ridiculous! We could have taken it to Roseville for repair and had it back in 48 hours, but we chose to stay local. Foggy Mountain does not care about their customers. Take it out of town and get it done quicker, cheaper and with a thank you.
Dillon Gamby
Apr 11, 2017
I love foggy mountain music. I've been going there for any instrument repair I've needed for a long time. They are seriously the best fricken music shop in Northern California. The owner and her workers are all very nice and give great service.
Keeth L.
May 18, 2016
My experience hasn't been so good. Having recently moved to the area from Southern California, I was really happy to see a small music store thriving. On my first visit I found a 1968 Bandmaster Head with Cab sitting in the back. These are one of my favorite amps and I immediately asked about it. The owner seemed rather dismissive, and proceeded to lecture me about older amps, how she went about selling them, the fact that there was a no-return policy, etc. etc.

I just got a rather uncomfortable feeling and left. I guess it was for the best because two days later I found a great Dual Showman that I immediately grabbed. This last week I dropped in to purchase some drumsticks for my granddaughter. Since I am not a drummer, I had a couple of questions. However, the owner was far too involved in a phone conversation, and continued the call throughout my entire transaction.

I guess she settled the deal on "not renting one of her harps, " but I left feeling totally ignored. Mind you, I am not a young guy who is just in the store to play and abuse instruments that I cannot afford. I just retired, and have a lot of disposable cash to spend on my hobby/obsession. And I would love to help out local "mom & pop" stores instead of the giant chains. However. I will not be back.
Mickrod S.
Dec 23, 2015
Hey, these people have always been helpful in my musical journey. I have to give them some credit. They also are very patient. So, all around a great music store. I like the electronic setup you can noodle with.
Hrrmdi H.
Jun 29, 2015
I come to this place often, the staff is helpful knowledgable I have gotten some gems from this place for sure. Music is my passion feels so good to be facilitated in this, excellent customer service and information given keeps me inspired every time I go in. Really love the vibe and definitely recommend this place! keep up the good work guys!
Ann H.
Jun 04, 2015
The staff in this store are knowledgeable and friendly! I would recommend them to anyone who wants an instrument, supplies or repairs.
Michael S.
Jul 26, 2014
Simply said, any bad reviews of this company is false. My very first guitar was purchased from them 10 years ago and my most recent also was, as well as EVERYTHING in between. i have never shopped at any other store for music and i never will. i ran into the owner at my work not too long ago and she told me about this bad review on yelp, so i had no choice but to disprove what was said.

The customer service? 11 stars. quality of product? personal leveling? Intent to give you EXACTLY what you want and nothing less for a completely affordable cost? killer deals? all that and then some. 11 stars out of a 5 star rating EASILY. the employees are completely intent on being on a personal level with their customers. they WANT you to be happy and satisfied. they dont care about how much money they make off you, they only care about if you leave their store with a new dream come true. if you are dead set on a guitar and your a hundred dollars off? they will work with you and try to lower the price so you CAN afford it. i have NEVER been to a better music store and i never will. foggy mountain music is my go to, and it should be EVERYONES go to. they are sweet, understanding, and passionate in what they do. i give full stars plus another full stars. anything less is a lie
Greg W.
Jul 08, 2014
Mary ellen (owner) is a genuine original. I've known and been doing business with her for over 25 years! Great gear, price matching anything the internet warehouse companies advertise and did i mention. PERSONAL service! Foggy has been around for so long because she and het team do a great job making you feel like you are a valued client and part of our local community family. 5 enthusiastic stars. Greg Whatley- owner Mountain Event productions (recording engineer and Video editor)
Jennifer F.
Feb 19, 2014
I recently moved to the area and had stopped by Foggy Mountain on multiple occasions while walking down town. The staff all seemed friendly and the shop looked like they had a fairly large selection. I had done a lot of research online for an acoustic guitar since my daughter, who is 12 and LEFT handed, was interested in starting to play. I had a hard time finding a reasonably priced left handed acoustic online.

I decided to go inot foggy Mountain to see if they could help. We did a little browsing a found a beautiful LEFT handed Fender. It was beautiful! One of the two women helped my daughter and i with getting everything she needed to get started. The other women, wish i got their names, helped make sure the guitar was tuned perfectly before we left. They were very helpful, friendly and NOT pushy to sell me things i didn't need.

Something i truly appreciate! As we were about to leave we got a chance to talk with a gentleman by the name of Steve. He works with Foggy Mountain by providing guitar lessons. And maybe other things. Oh, i forgot to mention a FREE lesson was included with the purchase of the guitar : Steve was very knowledge and friendly! Im looking forward to my daughter working with him and helping her with her passion. I will totally recommend Foggy Mountain and Steve!
Brooke C.
Feb 04, 2014
This Shop has been open for almost 40 years! Foggy Mtn Music, is in my opinion the best music shop in town. If you go in and they are a little busy just check out the great Vintage collection that Mary Ellen has hanging around the shop. A couple of times i have gone into ask if they had this or that, and if they didn't have it they are always willing to order it for me. I strongly recommend this Shop! They also match internet prices! Yay for deals!
Savannah G.
May 30, 2013
Okay, so before reading my review, please know that I am being completely honest with my experience, and am not fabricating it in any way. The first time I went in there, I was going to buy my first Acoustic-Electric guitar. As soon as I took a step inside, I was bombarded with questions about what I was looking for, what is my price range, etc. Before I even got to look around, a woman hands me a guitar and sends me in the back to try it out.

Now even though this is a nice gesture, it would be great if she would have let me actually look at the guitars, instead of pressuring me into buying one that SHE thought was great. Long story short, I ended up buying the first guitar she handed me. It's a great guitar, but I bet there would have been better (in my opinion) if she would have let me look around.

The second time I went there, I brought my guitar (that I had bought there in my previous paragraph) to get the strings changed. For them this included, getting new strings, taking the old strings off, and putting the new ones on. For this I was charged $25, just for the labor- not including the $25 for strings (which I expected for a good pair of strings).

A few days later, I went in to go pick up my guitar. It took them awhile to find it, so I stood waiting. Eventually, they came out and handed me a guitar in the case. As I begin to walk out, I notice that this guitar in the case seems a lot heavier than mine. So I open it up and discover this guitar is not mine at all. It is an electric guitar, with the wrong case.

So I go back in and tell them what happened (at this point Im not mad, just irritated they could get something so wrong). They bring back a case, and I'm assuming the right guitar in it. So I check the guitar and its the right guitar. As for the case, not so right. In my case, I had my amp cord. This case that they gave me still had the new tags on it, without my amp chord.

By this time, I am very agitated. I tell them, and it took them at least 15-20 minutes to find my case. Even with all this trouble, they did NOT say sorry! And they didn't give me any kind of discount (which is fine- but would have been great for such trouble). I come home and my guitar is NOT tuned, and the strings aren't even put on the bridge right.

This is an extremely arrogant place, and I would NOT recommend going to it. Please, take the time to go somewhere nice and roomy. Savannah Greer (resident of Grass Valley for 10 years)
Rose C.
Apr 24, 2011
This appears to be a cool, funky music store packed with all kinds of instruments. We went in looking for an auto-harp and they had several. We also were interested in a couple other things. The clerk was too busy chatting with a regular who was obviously not buying anything to give us the time of day. This is why small businesses fail to Walmart. She should have recognized us as new blood with money to spend. Instead, we left empty handed to go somewhere else where they want our business.