Garrett Band Instruments

I have been a consistent customer for years… even suggesting to my students to go here for rentals and repairs. I was treated very rudely over a misunderstanding. The owner suggested I go to another store. I will. Forever.

Hank Garrett was able to repair my late mother’s 45 year old acoustic guitar. It plays beautifully just as when my mother used to play it for me. Not only was the repair job impressive, but his sense of urgency on this meant so much. I now get to carry on my mom’s tradition because of Hank. Without a doubt, any future repairs I need on my guitars will be handled by Hank. Wonderful customer service!

been going there for years. Always helpful. My child had lessons there for a couple of years with no problems. The owner even repaired her horn without charge before a lesson. I went there today to get a pad for my violin; still a great place to shop and buy.

Hank Garrett has been my go-​to instrumental repairist for the past few years on my Armstrong Flute and my NZ25 F. Loree Oboe. He usually gets the service done quick and easy. I brought a friend once with me so he could get his Baritone Saxophone fixed, and within 10 mins, Mr. Garrett had it sounding like new, it saved my friend and our school a lot of time and money.
As for lessons, I’d go here only if you are beginning to learn music or any instrument. These teachers are great at teaching the basics and techniques needed for specific instruments. But if you have surpassed the beginning and intermediate level of playing, find a private teacher of known value or professionalism.

Just got my tenor sax back from a major tune-​up and repair, and it plays better than ever — even when it was brand new 11 years ago!

Garrett Band Instruments store is great! All I have ever received here was great customer service. Hank has saved me because on more than one occasion I’ve had my saxophone break and I have a gig the same day. When I called Hank he dropped everything and took my sax in and repaired it on the spot. Now I only use Garrett Band Instruments for all my musical needs. He has cool accessories there too. I buy all my tambourines and percussion instruments here to! If you need any instruments or instrument repairs then call Garrett Band Instruments!

I sure don’t understand the good ratings. Same guy, Hank, told me he wouldn’t take a credit card over the phone to hold a saxophone I wanted to rent but couldn’t pick up that day. Simply «we don’t do that — it’s first come, first served». Lousy customer service I thought, but I figured I’d go in the next day. Web site states the shop opens at 10 am. I drive the 15 or so miles out to his place, get there at 10:20 am, and there is still a CLOSED sign hanging in the window. I called the number, Hank answered. I informed him that I was parked in front of his store reading the CLOSED sign. I asked him when he was going to open (reminding him his own website states they open at 10am.) He told me he wasn’t open yet, would be open soon, and hung up on me! I wanted to ask how soon, but he never gave me the chance. Perhaps Hank should stick to repairs and let someone else interact with customers… or stayed closed.

Excellent service!
Hank Garrett is the owner and you can find him behind the counter almost all the time.
We have bought two flutes and two clarinets from this location. Hank makes sure that the instruments are in sound working order. A free maintenance is offered for all instruments purchased and you can buy an extended service warranty if you would like.
The music lessons are reasonable at $ 40 per month.
Located in the City of Lemon Grove next to the humongous «lemon». The staff is very friendly and helpful.
If you want to learn how to play an instrument, then this is the place to be.

Man, I wish I could share in your glowing reviews about this store! I just went to this store, as a musician for the last 22 years, I was interested in a saxophone to continue practice with and asked the gent behind the counter if I may see one. I was met with an attitude of sheer… dismissal… and I was APPALED. I have never been treated at any store in a manner suggesting I can’t afford or even VIEW an instrument I was intent on purchasing! My advice? GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! If I am treated this way as a customer interested in a purchase… please don’t risk shopping at this store.

Came here for some lessons and it was a complete waste of money. The teacher would show up late and then end the classes early. Was told to basically read the book. I could of told myself that!!! The only good thing about this is the price is cheap. Thats it.

The negative experience is detailed under «filtered» content on this review page at the bottom. People need to know the facts about how negative things can get here! Let the truth be known!

I had a flute repaired here for only $ 13. It’s a small shop, and the man running it was helpful in determining how to get the most bang for my buck. Cheaper than what I was originally told it would cost from another place. I first came here a long time ago to get a violin reworked, and it was cheap then too. I’d go back here for any small repairs.

Is it possible to give negative stars? This guy really got my goat. After TWO horrible experiences with this guy, I would never give him another red cent. I would warn people to run the other way. This guy has obviously been in the biz way too long, give it up buddy. End your misery, you obviously do not believe in pleasing your customers.
After agreeing to a renting a musical instrument from this guy, I asked if he could explain how to maintain it properly to my son, he replied that the rental fee is way too low for him to waste his precious time! Wait, what? Did you just say that we (Customers) are wasting your time? And that the fact that we would actually want to take care of your property is a waste of time too? That blew my mind.
Then when I brought the instrument back, he was virtually pulseless, no thank you for your business, have a nice day, nothing.
So I get my credit card and it shows another charge for January, returned the item on the first Monday of the year. I give him a call and he is unwilling to reverse the charges. He argues with me about how I should’ve brought it in on the 31^st or earlier. I am not asking for any handouts but you’d think the guy would cut me some slack. I told him how I felt about my last experience at his store, he didn’t care. Whatever happened to customer service, making the customer happy? That obviously is not his tune.