Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Guitar Shop in Arroyo Grande, CA
Celebrating over 41 years in business, Lightning Joe's Guitar Heaven is a family-owned and operated establishment dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and fostering a passion for music. We specialize in offering a vast selection of new, used, and vintage guitars, basses, and fretted instruments from renowned brands like Martin, Fender, and Gibson. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to helping musicians of all levels find the perfect instruments, gear, and accessories. Located in the Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, California, we serve San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties with a welcoming environment where customers are treated like family. Our expertise extends to personalized music lessons, expert instrument repairs, and lifetime setup services for instruments purchased in-store.With over 1,700 instruments in stock, we pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for musicians seeking quality products and services. Our knowledgeable staff, including Lightning Joe, Marelene, and their team, bring decades of experience in lutherie, music education, and retail to ensure every customer receives tailored guidance. We also offer custom Martin guitar consultations, allowing clients to design instruments to their exact specifications. Our commitment to community and music education is reflected in our lessons program, which caters to students aged 8 to 80 with flexible scheduling and experienced instructors. From beginner to advanced players, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where music enthusiasts can thrive.
Services
Guitar Sales
Music Lessons
Instrument Repairs
Custom Guitar Consultation
Appraisals
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- 41 years of experience serving musicians with expert instrument knowledge
- Free lifetime setup service for all instruments purchased in-store
- Experienced instructors offering personalized music lessons for all ages
- 1,700+ instrument inventory including rare vintage and custom models
- Authorized Martin Custom Shop dealer with specialized guitar consultants
Services
Guitar Sales
We offer an extensive selection of new, used, and vintage guitars from top brands like Martin, Fender, and Gibson. Our inventory includes acoustic, electric, classical, and specialty guitars for all skill levels. Customers benefit from expert guidance to find instruments matching their style and budget.
Music Lessons
Private one-on-one lessons are available for guitar, bass, ukulele, and more with experienced instructors. Our program caters to students aged 8 to 80 with flexible scheduling and personalized curricula. Lessons focus on technique, theory, and practical application in various musical styles.
Instrument Repairs
Our repair services include setups, restrings, and technical adjustments performed by seasoned technicians. We offer free lifetime setups for instruments purchased in-store. Services cover neck adjustments, intonation, fret work, and electronic repairs using quality parts and tools.
Custom Guitar Consultation
As an authorized Martin Custom Shop dealer, we help customers design bespoke guitars. Our consultants guide clients through wood selection, tonal specifications, and aesthetic details. This service ensures personalized instruments meeting exact musical and visual preferences.
Appraisals
We provide professional appraisal services for guitars and musical instruments. Our experts assess value based on condition, rarity, and market demand. This service benefits customers seeking insurance valuations or selling instruments.
People
Lightning Joe
Founder
Founded Lightning Joe's Guitar Heaven in 1983 after discovering a passion for instrument restoration. With over 40 years of experience, he specializes in guitar setups and has influenced industry standards through innovative techniques.
Charlie Foppiano
Instructor
Graduated from Musicians Institute in 2008 with an Associates Degree. Teaches guitar, bass, and ukulele with a focus on personalized curricula. Combines 15+ years of teaching experience with studio recording expertise.
Toan Chau
Instructor
Professional musician with 35+ years of experience. Teaches acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and banjo. Performs locally in multiple bands while offering flexible teaching approaches tailored to student interests.
Questions
What types of guitars do you carry?
We offer new, used, and vintage acoustic, electric, classical, and specialty guitars from brands like Martin, Fender, Gibson, and more.
Do you provide guitar repair services?
Yes, we offer setups, restrings, and technical repairs performed by experienced technicians with free lifetime setups for in-store purchases.
Are music lessons available?
Private lessons for guitar, bass, and ukulele are available with experienced instructors for students aged 8 to 80.
Can I get a custom guitar?
As an authorized Martin Custom Shop dealer, we help design bespoke guitars with personalized wood, tonal, and aesthetic specifications.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards and cash for all purchases and services at our Arroyo Grande location.
Reviews (7)
Sam Roberts
May 21, 2022
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Amazing place, decent selection of guitars and gear. Seem happy to let you try different things out and staff seem knowledgeable.
Marco Giovacchini
May 21, 2022
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Lightning Joe's is the best guitar store in the area, hands down, and we take the whole band here before any show and sometimes just use practice time to get new pedals, tuners, amp heads, different picks, etc etc. I recently took a guitar here to buy a part I didn't know was even purchasable but they had it, and offered to install it right then and there for a great price. Love this place and if you are getting in to guitars or have been playing for your whole life, there's always something to see here, and with the knowledgeable staff there's always something to learn too.
Matthew McGillivray
Apr 27, 2022
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This is the greatest guitar shop I've ever seen- Joe stocks everything from 7 string multiscale shredders to the finest classical guitars made. Boutique pedals, uncommon amps, custom parts, etc. Everything in here is priced lower than retail, and everything was personally set up by Joe which increases the value in itself. I could not recommend an establishment more firmly than i do for lightning Joe's guitar heaven!
Jim Oliphant
Feb 06, 2022
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Lightning Joe's is the real deal. I was simply in awe of the selection, and the knowledge of the employees, who BTW are all part of the family. Thank you Joe for exceptional experience.
Ronald Raade Ron
Dec 23, 2021
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If it isn't the greatest selection of guitars ever, I'd be surprised. Joe is great but Joseph is becoming my favorite, he's such a happy for you guy. I love the vibe and knowledge this family has.
Holly Blessing
Jul 31, 2021
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My experience was amazing, I had to take a minute and breath. This place has a large variety of guitars, pedals and anything else you may like/need to make your shopping experience complete. I woke up the next day wanting to go back anyways stop by and enjoy this amazing place. Guitars every where
Caleb Willoughby
Jun 20, 2021
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Lightning Joes is one of the best shops you'll ever do business with. Its one of the last really great family shops in the United States, all while operating at pro-level. I found the guitar that I had dreamed about here and Joseph went over and above when we had some issues to overcome. They will go the extra mile. *Highly* Recommended.
