Guitar Merchant

Business Details

27 Years

experience

Your Premier Destination for Music Education & Guitar Services

Guitar Merchant has been serving the musical community since 1999, offering comprehensive music education, instrument sales, and repair services. Our mission is to provide a creative space where individuals of all ages can learn, play, and perform. With a team of experienced instructors, we offer personalized lessons in guitar, piano, drums, vocals, and more, tailored to each student's unique goals. Our retail store features a wide selection of new and vintage guitars, amps, and accessories, while our in-house venue hosts live performances and open mic nights. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive environment that nurtures musical growth and community engagement.

Our staff combines decades of industry experience with a passion for music, ensuring high-quality instruction and service. We offer flexible scheduling with both in-person and online lesson options to accommodate diverse needs. Our commitment to excellence extends to instrument repairs, where we provide professional setup and maintenance services using quality materials. We actively collaborate with local organizations like Creative Collective to expand musical opportunities in the community. Through our dedication to education, performance, and customer service, we strive to make music accessible to everyone in the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

Services

Music Lessons Guitar Sales Instrument Repairs Live Venue Online Lessons Open Mic Nights Band Coaching Amp Repairs String Instrument Sales Performance Opportunities

Details

Year established: 1999

Highlights and features

We've provided music education since 1999 with experienced instructors
Our teachers offer personalized, one-on-one lessons for all skill levels
We combine retail sales, repairs, and lessons under one roof
Our staff includes professional musicians with diverse industry experience
We offer flexible scheduling with both in-person and online options

Website

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Services

Music Lessons

We offer personalized music lessons for all ages and skill levels. Our experienced instructors teach guitar, piano, drums, vocals, and more with customized curricula. Lessons focus on technique, theory, and performance while encouraging creative expression through music.

Guitar Sales

Our retail store features a wide selection of new and vintage guitars, amps, and accessories. We carry acoustic and electric guitars, effect pedals, and string instruments from top brands. Expert staff provides guidance to help customers find the perfect instrument for their needs and style.

Instrument Repairs

Professional instrument repair services for guitars, basses, and other string instruments. We offer basic setups, fret work, neck repairs, and amp maintenance using quality parts and techniques. Our technicians ensure instruments perform at their best for optimal playing experience.

Live Venue

Our in-house venue hosts weekly live performances across multiple genres. The Stettler Room features open mic nights, local bands, and special events. The space is available for private parties, recitals, and music showcases with professional sound equipment and seating capacity.

Online Lessons

Flexible online music lessons available for guitar, piano, bass, and drums. Using video conferencing technology, students receive personalized instruction from experienced teachers. Lessons maintain the same quality curriculum and scheduling flexibility as in-person sessions.

People

Jennifer Youngs

Music Instructor

Classically trained pianist and violinist with experience in theater and music. Specializes in piano, banjo, guitar, and voice lessons. Combines performance experience with teaching to develop students' musical creativity and technical skills.

Nathan Douglas

Multi-Instrumentalist Instructor

Jazz Studies graduate with expertise in guitar, bass, drums, and piano. Teaches using both theoretical and ear-based approaches. Brings professional touring experience to lessons while focusing on individual student development and musical growth.

William Brandt

Music Educator

Multi-instrumentalist with expertise in keyboards, guitars, and digital audio workstations. Combines classical training with modern music production techniques. Helps students develop unique artistic voices while mastering technical fundamentals across multiple genres.

Danny Faragher

Harmonica & Ukulele Instructor

Professional musician with decades of experience in session work and live performance. Teaches harmonica and ukulele with a focus on practical application. Shares industry insights from collaborations with music legends and television production experience.

Neil Rambaldi

Guitar Educator

Billboard-charting guitarist with formal music education and extensive teaching experience. Specializes in rock, blues, jazz, and metal styles. Combines technical instruction with ear training and music theory to develop well-rounded musicianship in students.

Questions

What music lesson options do you offer?

We offer private one-on-one lessons in guitar, piano, drums, vocals, bass, and more. Both in-person and online options are available with flexible scheduling seven days a week.

Do you sell musical instruments?

Yes, we have a full retail store with new and vintage guitars, amps, pedals, and accessories. Our selection includes acoustic and electric guitars, string instruments, and music gear from top brands.

What repair services do you provide?

We offer guitar setups, fret work, neck repairs, and amp maintenance. Services include basic setups starting at $79.95, Floyd Rose setups at $99.95, and custom repairs with quotes provided.

Are there performance opportunities for students?

Yes, we host weekly open mic nights and live performances. Students can showcase their progress in our venue, with opportunities to form bands and participate in special events.

What are your business hours?

We're open Monday-Friday 2pm-8pm, Saturday 12pm-6pm, and Sunday 11am-3pm. Hours may vary for special events and performances held in our venue space.

Do you offer music theory instruction?

All our instructors incorporate music theory into lessons based on student needs. We emphasize practical application while developing theoretical understanding tailored to each student's goals.

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Reviews (6)

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Atalanta R.

Nov 06, 2021 Report

I took my fourteen year old daughter to buy her own guitar and it was a marvelous experience. The owner is charming and helped her try every guitar she was interested in, gave her somewhere to sit and quietly play them and encouraged her to both take her time and encouraged her musically. It was a lovely, peaceful and positive hour or more. My daughter fell in love with her guitar that day and plays every day (all day!). I wish we could have made it to the open mic nights as I am sure they are positive and fun nights - next time we visit L.A for sure. Thank you for the great experience and the perfect guitar

Bonnie M.

Nov 06, 2021 Report

The staff at the store were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I didn't feel pressured to buy anything. I bought a guitar for my daughter and felt the price was fair.

Steve S.

Oct 23, 2021 Report

Have been doing business with the Guitar Merchant for the last 5 years. It is a great place to learn and buy merchandise. One of the last local neighborhood guitar and music schools. Phil is the owner and treats everyone like a family member. Highly recommended.

Cristian A.

Mar 16, 2021 Report

This is your one stop shop for everything guitar and bass related. It's the best place in the area and the owner is very very helpful I love this place and go to it for anything I got my bass strings changed recently there too

Leslie F.

Feb 16, 2021 Report

Guitar Merchant has been a staple of the West Valley for over 20 years and offers musical instruments, classes, and open mic events. Phil is not only the owner but cares deeply about his customers and treats everyone with the utmost priority. Can not recommend any higher.

Frank S.

Oct 23, 2020 Report

Admittedly biased (my son is the drummer in the band Faded Youth a band which was developed and continues to develop out of this venue ) I cannot say enough about Phil St. Germaine who continues to bring a personal touch to this awesome establishment and live venue. This is his baby and he treats it so. Staff and instructors are tops. Bring a guitar in you probably gonna get it back that day or soon after; same goes for amp repairs.

They feature guitars, accessories, amps, Ukuleles keyboards, and did I mention live venue with recording capabilities? Open mic every wed ( zoomed for now) and one more time: Phil and Myles will treat you like a human more than a potential sales op. World Peace Through Music.