Guitar Shoppe — Local services in Laguna Beach

Went in to play a Martin. The price tag looked like $599.00. So I made an offer. Guy behind the counter said it was $999.00. So I offered $800.00 out the door. Guy behind the counter goes into this monolog on how difficult it is to find these guitars and such. I say, "I'm finding it hard to feel sorry for you". Guy behind the counter tells me to get out of his store. He actually kicked me out.

Been going there for as long as I can remember. I put the guitar down and said, "it's a nice guitar" and walked out.

My wife is a physician. I told her about the story. Next thing I know, there's a $6k 1968 Martin sitting in our bedroom. She got online and purchased this beautiful guitar for me because she loves me and felt bad I went thru that. Love that woman!

Would have liked to support our local businesses. Buy hey, if they don't want it, we won't give it.

Good luck to the Laguna Guitar Shoppe. I always liked you guys.

Dean Grohs

Post Script:

Welp, everyone deserves a 2nd chance; except my sister.

The old case for my 68 carved two intentions on the neck while on a trip to AZ. I know for a fact the Laguna Beach Guitar Shoppe is the best in the world at repairing guitars. And I don't say that lightly. Prior to getting kicked out of the Shoppe, they had been repairing and servicing my guitars for 30 years. So I went back asking them to repair my 68 Martin.

They were happy to have me back and vice versa.

Incredible repair job. I cannot even see where the damage was. Looks good as new.

Glad to be back. You guys are the best! Good thing I didn't haggle on the price of repair this time...

Here's a pic of my wife as an alumni cheerleader back on the field for UCLA. Now she just cheers...

Don't go here for setup. Seems they don't really care, or maybe just really don't know or have the skill level needed. But I cannot see that seeing that Kirk has what 50 years' experience. So, I say his heart is not into it anymore and he just does not care. I took one high-end archtop there to get setup and they did a downright lousy job after making me wait nearly 3 months to complete the work. Fret ends needed a lot of work, and I told them it was one of the most important items in the setup that needed addressing. Came back a hair better than it was before but fret ends still sliced my skin and there were gaps under most the fret ends. Took it to 13th Street Guitars and they were able to do the fret ends beautifully and do a PLEK setup. Now it plays great. Go to 13th Street in Huntington instead for any serious setup, you will be happy not sad. I've been buying product from the Guitar Shoppe for 30 years but will never take another guitar into them for setup...

Really cool shop with great people working there. Jake was really helpful and fun to talk with. I did not buy anything that day, but I was able to try anything I wanted and even plug into a real Blonde Fender Showman. The Harmonic Tremolo/Univibe sounds from that amp are unreal.

As an experienced player looking for nice guitars in Orange County there is no better spot to go if you love Fender Custom Shop and High end Gretsch guitars. Their selection is great and based on the way I was treated I will definitely be giving them business on any future purchase. I also would not hesitate bringing a guitar for fretwork or a setup.

They even had...