Alan's Music Center Inc — Local services in La Mesa

Alan's has been our one-stop-shop for music, instrument rentals and instrument repair since our daughters started taking piano lessons 18 years ago. In the years since, we've taken flutes, saxes and a trombone in for repair. Often, Bob would do it on the spot - and would refuse payment. Most times it was quick, professional and fairly priced. And, I've posted appropriately complimentary reviews at that time. Our girls are away at college now, so we haven't been there in quite a while, but this week's experience was markedly different. Last Wednesday, I joined a community concert band (first ensemble in nearly 40 years). On Thursday, I took two flutes in for adjustment. On Friday, I called - as directed. Bob advised that he hadn't even looked at them yet, but said that he would call me back. Today - Tuesday, I called and was informed that I was "moving up the list". I understand (now) that they have more work than they can handle, and I don't begrudge them that. But, it would have been nice if they would have said, "We won't be able to get to your instruments for a week, or a month, or until 2019", rather than leading me to believe that I should expect the same service as I'd always received in the past. And, when I picked up the instruments this morning, I asked for a recommendation to another shop that might not be as busy. But instead of extending that professional courtesy, they said they didn't know, since several shops had closed. The 2 stars is for that. So, I guess it's not surprising afterall, that no one in my section had ever heard of Alan's Music. I will take my leaky flute into tomorrow's rehearsal and ask where my fellow musicians recommend I take...

Must have been a bad day, today. Sent my wife in with a bass clarinet requiring repair and to seek out a case for the same instrument. An older gentleman assisted her when she entered the store. Her request for repair, tuning, and cleaning were met with a response of "this may take a while". We expected such and are in no hurry to get the instrument back. She informed him of that to which he responded with his friend in Santee would be able to handle the job. She again stated that the wait was not an issue and even requested the friend in Santee's contact info. The gentleman advised her to google instrument repair in Santee. No estimate of a repair time, cost, or even an offer for the case sale was even attempted. It seemed this business was not looking for anymore work. The Google rating and a recommendation from the director at our son's school is what led us to this business. A bonus was that it's close to home and work for my wife. Could have been a bad day for the guy, but he did not make my wife feel that he wanted our business. ...

Great service, great people. My first choice for lessons in San Diego. Also, my first choice for a place to buy music books and sheet music. They are knowledgeable and helpful and it doesn't matter whether you are buying or not. Reeds are a bit over priced, but sometimes it's so convenient to buy everything here, that I give in to the price. This is the best overall place to look for things and look at things. It's a place you can trust, and I have always been happy with them. It's also a good place to rent, I have rented here and elsewhere, the rentals at Alan's are new and reliable student level. A good place for students to begin. Repairs, I no longer have done here, although they have always been reasonably priced and deliver on time. They are also the best place to get the harp needed for marching band. Be sure to bring your instrument in with you. They actually custom fitted my daughter's Baritone horn at no...