Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Musical Instruments & Lessons
Founded in 1986, Nick Rail Music has established itself as California's premier school music dealer, dedicated to providing high-quality instruments and services to students and professionals alike. Our expertise spans traditional band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion, guitars, keyboards, and sound reinforcement, complemented by a comprehensive selection of sheet music and accessories. With over 100 years of combined experience, our instrument repair technicians ensure optimal performance through meticulous maintenance and restoration. In 2019, Laura Penrose, a seasoned music retail and manufacturing professional, assumed leadership, reinforcing our commitment to accessible, top-tier musical resources. Our seven Southern California locations offer competitive pricing and extensive inventory, while our educational partnerships provide tailored support for school music programs.Penrose Strings, our 2020 specialty shop, expands our offerings with handcrafted violins, bows, and expert luthier services. Our team of dedicated educational sales representatives delivers on-site assistance across Southern California, ensuring seamless access to rentals, repairs, and educational tools. We prioritize technological integration, offering online learning resources and modern solutions to meet evolving musical needs. Every aspect of our operation reflects a deep understanding of musicians' requirements, from beginner instruments to professional-grade equipment. For over three decades, we have remained steadfast in our mission to empower musicians through quality products, expert guidance, and unwavering service excellence.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Music Lessons
Instrument Repair
Sheet Music Sales
Educational Support
Penrose Strings
Online Rentals
Luthier Services
Sound Equipment
School Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer instrument repair services with over 100 years of combined technician experience.
- Our seven Southern California locations ensure convenient access to instruments and expertise.
- We provide tailored educational support through partnerships with school districts and teachers.
- Penrose Strings offers exclusive handcrafted violins and professional luthier services.
- Our competitive pricing guarantees access to high-quality instruments for all skill levels.
Services
Instrument Rentals
We provide traditional band and orchestral instrument rentals for students and professionals. Our inventory includes beginner and professional-grade options with flexible terms. Rentals support school music programs through partnerships with educators and districts.
Instrument Repair
Our technicians offer maintenance and restoration services with over 100 years of combined experience. We handle minor adjustments, major repairs, and sound optimization for all band and orchestral instruments.
Penrose Strings
This specialty shop offers handmade violins, bows, and accessories. Services include bow rehairs, fittings, and repairs by a professionally trained luthier, serving string musicians in Camarillo and beyond.
Music Lessons
We connect students with instructors for personalized lessons across instruments. Our educational resources and school partnerships support curriculum development and student engagement in music programs.
Sheet Music Sales
Our stores stock a wide selection of print music, method books, and educational materials. Inventory caters to band, orchestral, and solo performers, supporting practice and performance needs.
People
Laura Penrose
Owner
Laura Penrose, a California local with a background in music retail and instrument manufacturing, acquired Nick Rail Music in 2019. As a performer, she prioritizes accessible, high-quality musical resources.
Mike Marlar
Director of School Services
Mike Marlar leads educational outreach, connecting schools with instrument rentals, repairs, and curriculum support. His team ensures programs receive tailored resources for student success.
Mathew Swanson
Educational Sales Representative
Mathew Swanson serves San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, providing on-site instrument support and educational tools to schools and music programs.
Peter Blok
Educational Sales Representative
Peter Blok supports Ventura and Los Angeles counties, offering instrument rentals, repairs, and educational resources directly to schools and music educators.
Mark Malone
Educational Sales Representative
Mark Malone serves the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas, delivering instrument solutions and educational support to schools and music programs.
Questions
What services does Nick Rail Music offer?
We provide instrument rentals, sales, repairs, music lessons, sheet music, and educational support for schools.
Do you offer instrument repair services?
Yes, our experienced technicians handle repairs and maintenance for all band and orchestral instruments.
Are there music lessons available?
We connect students with instructors for personalized lessons across various instruments.
What is Penrose Strings?
Penrose Strings is our specialty shop offering handmade violins, bows, and luthier services in Camarillo.
Do you partner with school music programs?
Yes, we collaborate with schools through rentals, repairs, and educational resources tailored to their needs.
Where are your locations?
We have seven stores in Southern California, including Santa Barbara, Camarillo, and Bakersfield.
Reviews (5)
John Mutinelli
May 27, 2022
Report
I've been going to Nick Rail Music in Santa Barbara since1987 for all my trumpets, mutes, and other music accessories and repairs. The staff is awesome, too It's great to have such a wonderful full service music store in town!
Larry H.
Jan 14, 2022
Report
Made a call to this music store having done some business some time ago. The gentlemen I had dealt with was no longer there (very nice gentleman). I need some work on my sax, so I called this music store again today. A man answered the phone, I asked for the gentleman I has worked with previous, and was told he was no longer there, so I asked for his name and he would not answer. I asked again for his name and he hung up on me! Great customer service. Don't waste your time, very BAD customer service.
Chris X.
Aug 21, 2021
Report
I've been to literally hundreds of music stores being a 30+ year guitar hobbyist and collector. We were looking for a Trumpet for my son to rent for school band These guys were great. We were greeted warmly and they were very accommodating to our requirements and working with us to get to an acceptable instrument and rental agreement with a reasonable applicable credit toward purchase. We've rented at other stores in the past that were 5 start experiences.
This store was small but great and inviting. It was the polar opposite of our experience at Bertrands. Bertrands was an absolutely horrible experience with cold lifeless greeting, lack of customer service skills, crappy instruments, and overall feeling they were just trying to rent you the crappiest used instrument they could for the highest price.
This store was small but great and inviting. It was the polar opposite of our experience at Bertrands. Bertrands was an absolutely horrible experience with cold lifeless greeting, lack of customer service skills, crappy instruments, and overall feeling they were just trying to rent you the crappiest used instrument they could for the highest price.
Defiance Offroad
Feb 13, 2020
Report
Super friendly and helpful. Highly recommended to anyone on the Scripps Poway area. I was there to get a $5 item for my daughter and they made me feel appreciated as much as someone buying a new $700 instrument.
Ezequiel Villegas
Jun 10, 2019
Report
I was really looking forward to renting a clarinet from this location. Unfortunately, the service was terrible and I decided against it. Try a different music shop or try ordering online.
