Alans Music Center

There are very few good music stores left that actually have a decent selection of sheet music. This has got to be one of the best. I could probably spend many hours going through what they have to offer.
In today’s internet world, it appears that most people purchase sheet music online. And while this may appear convenient, it usually does not give you the ability to review an entire piece before purchasing it. So you have to buy it, download it, and then find out that the first sample page was fine, but that the rest is not up to your standards. This has happened to me more than once. So it is very nice to be able to look at the whole piece before making a decision.
Alan’s also offers lessons in various instruments. Our six year old granddaughter has just started piano, and, so far, is enthusiastic about practicing, going to lessons, etc. This is a good thing. Also, these lessons are very reasonable.
So no wonder that they have been around for over a half century and still appear to be going strong. This is the kind of store that deserves public support — so go buy something!

Went into get strings in the morning, they are open earlier then the other stores and they were super quick and easy. And didn’t make you feel like they were raping you on the price. Finally!

Very good and respected music store in all of East County. Came here back in 2009 to rent my first flute, and Alan, back when he was still alive, gave me my flute. I love their collection of sheet music, its nice and organize, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, they’ll get it for you.
However, I wouldn’t go here if looking for double reed supplies. I converted to oboe and english horn, but their reed brands are very plain and very unstable. As for repairs, it can be backed up most of the times, and I end up going to Garrett’s Music in Lemon Grove.
Other than that, it is a great family business and they represent La Mesa well.

I went in, asked them to repair my son’s cello… He seemed very busy, but I asked him if he could fix it sooner than later since he needed it for school. That same evening he called me up and told me it was ready! Great customer service, and fixing it was not as pricey as I expected.

I always go to this store to buy music pieces. They offer great customer service and reasonable prices! Love this store.

Support your local music store****
Sheet music****
Instrument selection**
Not very organized *
Friendly helpfulness ****
Purchased a guitar from here, loved the recommendation.

Such a breath of fresh air compared to other music stores in the area. You walk into a clean and well organized store with friendly and knowledgeable people there to help. We have been looking for a used violin for our daughter, that won’t cost an arm and a leg, and is in good condition.
They have:
1) a great rent to own program
2) reasonably priced private lessons
3) lost of sheet music options
4) good selection of instruments (not falling apart or damaged like we’ve seen at other stores)

Love this place! My son and I both take music lessons here… great teachers, reasonable prices.

Friendly and useful service. I purchased a Ludwig drumset here a couple weeks ago and a Casio Privia 88-​key electronic keyboard almost two years back. It is my primary place for music-​related needs, whether it’s for instruments or sheet music.

Fantastic service. Bob and Bill are great. Very patient and leaves customers feeling special. Alan would be proud.

Very good selection of music books and friendly service! Always one of the stores we have to go to when in the San Diego area!

I had no clue what I was purchasing. I just handed the man behind the counter the list my sons music teacher gave me and he got me everything I needed. I was so glad everything on the list was in the store. Initially when I walked in i felt claustrophobic. There’s was to much of everything which I guess is a good thing but for someone like me new to the music world I was overwhelmed. Luckily, they were there to help me get everything my son needed to begin his musical career playing the trumpet.

I get my daugters’ flutes fixed here every so often. The repair guy (Bob) does an excellent job. The prices are way low.

Found store on Unilocal,never been there before. Decided to call after reading some of the positive reviews. When I called the store to inquire about an acoustic guitar repair (string replacement) I spoke with Jan (store manager) was very unhelpful and unfriendly. Poor customer service, was short and negative when answering questions, reluctant to give useful information about repair even when I explained what kind of repair was needed.
It felt like I had to extract very basic information that could be easily given over the phone. I finally asked her if she could give direct pricing info on both steel and nylon strings. She made me feel like she did not need my business. Very disappointed and I will not be visiting store, especially since she was the manager! So sad to have had that kind of experience.

They really take the time to help you get exactly what you need. Very nice and reasonably priced.

My daughter takes piano here, with Karoline for about 2 years. We love it! Karoline is a great piano teacher, nice but firm and her tiny studio is cozy. I think the price is reasonable. My daughter has learned a lot and we will continue going here.
The store above the music lesson studios has so many products and a friendly staff. Overall I just like the pleasant, friendly old-​school feel here

I’m sorry but I’ve been going to Alan’s Music Center for 25+ years, and I dropped off my instrument there and they wouldn’t look at it. After two and half months I picked it up and I’m taking two a Different Place. It’s sad that they do business this way.

My daughter’s violin was from Alan’s Music Center. Since it was her first one, we didn’t know if she’d actually like playing, so we didn’t want to purchase one. At Alan’s we were able to rent it! It is actually a rent-​to-​own which means that if she likes it, the money already paid goes towards the actual price of the instrument. If she decides it isn’t for her, we can just return it.
The violin itself is great. We got it brand new and it came with everything. We got to choose the color of the case, too. She’s had it for several months now and it’s still going strong. We also purchased her music book there. They have a large variety of things in the store; something for everyone!
Recently I returned to have a string replaced on the violin. They were able to do it right then and there for only the price of the string. I was in and out within 5 minutes. Although it is far from where we live, we would not hesitate to return over and over. Their customer service is exceptional!

I just had one of the best shopping experiences tonight. I walked out feeling so happy and excited.
I knew very little about ukulele but the staffs were so nice in helping me choose the one i like.
From the start, they were really welcoming and friendly, and when I asked for help, they really took their time to listen to what I’m looking for and to show me what they have available, and spent time with me so that I can choose the one I really liked. They give great guidance and they’re also knowledgeable too.
I also like how they are open late.
I may not have come here if it weren’t for all the great reviews that I read on Unilocal and if they weren’t open at after-​work hours. But I’m really really glad I got my uke (hehe) from here.
A very pleasant experience! Highly recommend this store to everyone. :)

I like how this store provides individual sheet music for piano. They also have many instructional books. They cater to a lot of musicians needs. I am glad I found the piano pieces I was looking for. I even received a music teachers discount. I will definitely refer my students who live near the area to visit this place for their music books and accessories.