Harper’s Music Store

These are very snooty, superior types that will treat you like you’re somehow a threat to them if you make an inquiry that is in any way confusing.
I came here about five years ago looking for an amplifier, and as soon as I specified the type of amplifier I needed and what my intended use for it was, they laughed in my face and started persistently giving me the cold shoulder. No matter how hard I tried to get them to refocus on the matter at hand, they kept laughing and talking amongst themselves, and ignoring me as if I did not exist.
I hope this review gets around because any store that treats their customers so thoughtlessly does not, in my opinion, deserve to stay in business.

First time at this store, great first impression. Customer service is exceptional, store is clean, organized, with lots to choose from.
Mark in particular, was so sweet! He went above and beyond to help me and that made my day! :) He’s very knowledgeable of the instruments in the store and even gave me good tips on my new guitar! :)
Although I live a bit far from this store, it’s worth the drive. #thumbsUp #youllLikeit #heehee

Awesome! Super friendly staff very knowledgeable and accommodating. Great guitar tech. Family feel ambiance to this. Beats out all competitors.
Highly recommended to any musician.

Had a gig down the road @ Dock’s and lost the key to unlock my guitar case! Walked 2 blocks to Harper’s and not only did they have a key that worked, but they let me keep it… gratis! Great service and I didn’t even spend a dime. Thanks Harper’s, you saved the show!

Bought my first acoustic guitar here way back in 2003. I would visit over the years to check out equipment and play with the drums. Customer service has been consistent ever since I can remember. I went in this week with an electric guitar set up I’ve owned since probably 2006. I had the guitar, amp, cable, and guitar bag, it was one of those combos sold at costco, Walmart, etc. Anyway, I hadn’t used it in a few years and thought I would start playing again, but wanted an acoustic again. So I showed up and asked to do a trade in, and they happily obliged granted me a nice in store credit which I used to get my brand new acoustic guitar. Went in there with a plan and I was glad it all worked out. Both the manager and employee were helpful and very nice during the time I spent there as customers kept coming in and out while doing the trade in.
Nothing but positive vibes from this place.
Thanks guys!

At first i thought this place was great. I even recommended this place to some of my peers for their rent-​to-​own program. My fiancé wanted to learn violin, so she rented a violin from here. The rent to own program automatically adds an extra fee for insurance per month, apparently its not optional, but hey if something were to happen, at least we’d be covered right? WRONG. After just a few months her violin bow broke. It would no longer tighten the bow hair and the knob literally came off. Well, i assumed since we had insurance we could swap it out and that would be the end of that. Well, apparently its not covered under the insurance because its considered «wear and tear». I don’t know what kind of cheap violin bows they have, but this is not «wear-​and-​tear.» We came back on a different day, when the manager was available, but he told us the same thing. She ended up buying a new one, but we will no longer be coming here and will definitely warn anyone who wants to purchase anything from here and especially to watch out for the rent-​to-​own program

very nice business! Nice guy behind the counter :) Im renting to own a brand new Sax for my daughter. it took about 10 min total for everything the paperwork getting the sax all the necessary extra equipment (which was all together in a package). They’re really nice I called about a week later to double check the payments would come out on the date I needed and had no problem getting a hold of them and it took about 3 min to verify. Pretty hassle free! I don’t know much about musical instruments so can’t comment on the quality of items in the store or anything but I liked the customer service they were really laid back and the young whippersnapper at the counter took care of everything in a flash and was totally polite and helpful too :) nice experience

I think my appearance makes me an intimidating and odd site to see inside of a music store. Stocky football build black dude, backwards fitted cap, black tee, some basketball shorts, tube socks, and some Jordan flip flops. Yes. I dress like a hood n!@#$. Only because it’s comfortable and convenient, not because I’m «ghetto».
I walked in with the intention of scoping out a new classical guitar. I’ve had mine since high school days and it’s time for an upgrade. I was also looking at getting a Boss Acoustic Simulator and some reeds for my alto sax. This guy without asking me what I was interested in or what I was even there for procedes to tell me about the keyboard and mixing specials, as well as the deals with midi keyboards, and PA systems. –_​– thanks bro, but I’m not looking to become the next Dr. Dre.
Maybe I’m just being nit picky, but that kinda turned me off to this place. They have what I need though, so I just grab it, pay for it, and leave. They get three stars for solid inventory. I recommend Alan’s Music in La Mesa.

I just went for my first time to purchase my violin for my violin class at college, and had excellent service. The place wasn’t very busy near my house, helpful service even if other costumers were trying to buy a instrument they make time to try and help you out at the same time. This is my all time favorite music store will become a regular soon with great excellent multi tasking service :)

Bought overpriced strings for guitar. D string popped on its own less than a week later. Dude told me all he could do was give me discount on new ones and that I should complain to martin co. I’ve been coming here for 15 years. Guitar center here I come now that we have one by the boarder.

I bought a USED Mixer from Harper’s and took it home and forgot the power supply cable.
I went back the next day to Harper’s and told them that I had forgot to take home the power cable and showed them my receipt and asked them if they could please find it for me.
The store associate helping me said I would need to pay an additional $ 10 since he said it wasn’t part of the sale. I told him that was the most absurd thing I had ever heard because he wasn’t even the stupid jerk off who had sold it to me the day before.
After talking with this employee, he then went over to another gentleman working inside of the business and they had a quiet whispering conversation with one another and then the other employee who I assumed was the manager came over to talk to me. He also refused to help me with finding the power supply cable but said he could sell me one which then hinted to they wanted to play hardball.
I started to complain and bitch and gripe that I wouldn’t have bought a mixer board from them if they had no intentions of including the power supply especially buying a USED beat up piece of equipment that I hadn’t actually been able to test musically yet.
After ignoring their mumbo jumbo I took a stroll around the store checking out the other gear for sale all while shaking my head in disbelief for the poor non-​existent customer service with the slimey sales people of Harper’s.
I then walked over to the table that the mixer had been displayed for sale, and to no shocking surprise the exact power cable necessary for operation was sitting all by its lonesome self. The name of the company printed directly on the power supply battery.
Why did you guys have to make it so difficult???
I picked it up, put into my pocket and then walked out of the store right past them with a huge smirk on my face. =D
They had a confused look on their faces as to why I was all of a sudden so pleased as I walked past them and out the door when only moments earlier I was clearly upset with their poor customer service.
They were too busy to notice me take what was rightfully mine because they were busy trying to rip off other customers since it was sort of busy day that Saturday afternoon. I had my receipt showing it belonged to the mixer I had just purchased the day before so EFFFFF you Harper’s.
Let’s just say I will never buy anything from this business again if it was the last place on earth. !Cabrones!

I went here to get my daughter’s violin tuned and the staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They not only sold me a tuner but showed us how to use it. This has now become my go to music store.

been coming here since i was a youngin. The first time I came in here was when I started to play the piano, (6 years old) and when I decided to be brave and attempt the Violin for two years in the 5^th grade. I“m now in grad school, at 26 years old, trying to find once again, my inner beethoven.
Place hasn’t changed. came here to be inspired and once again i was. I like looking at sheet music and am a definite fan of the classics as well as recent pop music. recently bought a keyboard for my apartment in LA but I remembered that I used to frequent this place when I needed something as a child. THis is a great place to purchase equipment, rent musical instruments, as well as buy sheet music. classic music store for sho!

My son decided he would play the trumpet this year in 6^th grade band. Woohoo I love a good brass section. Since he needs to play the instrument for the next three years of his middle school career we decided we should buy one rather than rent it. Why pay on and on for something right? So we began searching Craigslist’s for a nice used horn. After days of near misses and downright shenanigan’s I decided renting was the way to go. I visited and called several stores in my search. Some were downright rude or indifferent. Other places required a DNA sample and seven months salary to seal the deal.
Finally I ran across this store and thought well let’s try. Walking in the boys working the counter were sweet and helpful out the gate. (yes i called them boys I have a tween and teen so to me they are boys lol) Two easy pieces of paperwork and my credit card were all that was needed to get a very nice brand new trumpet. Best part is we own the trumpet in a few months but can trade it in before that if my son decides he has a passion for a different instrument. Everything I pay towards the trumpet would go towards the new instrument to boot!
Xavier seemed to know everything off the top of his head. He was so efficient helping multiple customers at once. He made sure everyone in line was acknowledged and told they would be helped soon. The other boy wandered around the store with an elderly gentleman who wasn’t sure what strings he needed, showing him different guitars until the man recognized the strings he was looking for. Good customer service is hard to find these days but these guys had it down.
My house is full of musicians. My husband plays multiple instruments as does my older son. They told me the selection was not the best but the prices were good and with service like we received today we will certainly make this a stop when looking to add to ever growing collection of things to make noise on.

I went in to Harpers Music and I was treated like I always am treated. Great! I purchased studio equipment from them, and a base guitar. The service was personal and very helpful. They know about instruments and if there is something I need that they don’t have in stock, they special order it for me. Now that is personal attention.

Harper’s is family owned business and you get treated as family. Every time that I go in, im always greeted nicely. I can look around and browse without a sales rep breathing on my neck, but still are there for any questions that I have. They always help me choose the best product for my need.

After so many years (and a different name at one point) Harpers Music store has remained in business on 3^rd Avenue. It’s not hard to see why, when you receive personal attention and great service here. This, I believe, has been the cornerstone for Harper’s.
At Harpers there is still a good amount of instruments, including guitars ranging from entry level acoustics to the top quality brands. They also rent out a wide range of musical instruments here as well with the option to purchase. I myself, love to come here to purchase the extra stuff such as picks, strings, and music. But who’s to say I didn’t purchase big stuff here throughout my lifetime.
It’s amazing to recall the history I have with this music store! Years ago (late 80’s) my family purchased a Yamaha piano from this establishment. Not only that but we had rented out a flute (then purchased) when I was in the 5^th grade. My early college years (1997) I earned my first acoustic guitar and took lessons here in the summer. Why all the talk about my history with Harpers? I just wanted to write a review honoring them as a business who cares about people and their musical journey! It’s pretty rare to get that service at a big chain you know? Thanks Harper’s!