Music & Arts - El Centro, California

Michael R. K.

A bit Too quiet for a musical instrument store. The atmosphere was better here than a larger chain would have been. The Staff wasn't pushy with trying to sell me anything but it didn't seem like they were trying to interact with me either. I got some picks and strings and a harmonica set for a friend..... Oh oh.... AND some very reasonably priced bongos for my girlfriend. She is very happy with them. They have a selection of affordable quality guitars there as well.

Songbird 8.

BE CAREFUL!! I purchased a mandolin here and realized it was MOLDY three days later while we were on the road. Brought it back in ten days after purchase and the employee said it was definitely MOLDY and it should definitely be replaced, but that we had to come back and talk to the manager. She tried to blame the MOLD on me, even though when I bought it she said it had been hanging up there "longer than I care to admit." MOLD roots can't be killed. Ever. The inventory here could all be infected. And I'm pretty disappointed they are doing business this way.

Tommy D.

If I could give this place 0 stars I totally would. All other reviews must be for a different “Music & Arts” store that I’m not familiar with. “Friendly staff” is the last thing on my mind any time I have to go in there. The girls seem fine, but 99% of the time I’ve gone in, I’ve been rudely greeted by some jerk named David I believe. Guy obviously hates his job, perhaps even his life. Little to no knowledge on anything. Had to give the guy a rundown on a fender amp he didn’t know what he was selling. He flat out pointed me to a cheap amp, when I was looking at his Deluxe Reverb. He said he didn’t like the “ancient” look of Fenders. Went in a few months later to look for strap locks, they didn’t have them. However, when I walked in the door I saw him on the computer so I looked for myself. After making eye contact with the guy a few times, he shouted from across the room “what are you looking for?”. Not a “can I help you?” Not a “hello” nothing. Pretty sure this man has not had pleasant human interaction a day in his life. I feel bad for his coworkers. How he’s still there is beyond me.

Julian D.

Absolutely fantastic spot in El Centro. Right next to a donut shop and behind a gas station too.
The manager and her lead rep are outstanding. The gentleman is very knowledgeable and energetic. Absolutely adamant about music and showing you the benefits of the instrument. I always see this man handling MULTIPLE people in an orchestrated fashion.
I have visited many times throughout this recent year in hope to finance some of the drums, violins, basses, trumpets, saxophones and 12 string they have. I usually do online orders with them in store too.
I go for quick grabs like strings picks drumming practice pads, sticks, and here soon I’ll be cleaning out their string section!
Great place. I’ll visit soon.

SniperSam

They’ve got more stuff now. A little more updated too. Great friendly service.

Joseph R.

This place makes me feel like Joe Dirt in the Desert at that firework stand.
They only carry what they like and not what the customer likes. It’s always a slap with “we can special order that for you”

Lack of music equipment. Everything someone actually needs, isn’t sold here.
Lack of accessories.

They don’t carry extended range guitar or bass strings. They don’t carry intonation tools. They don’t carry strap locks….. need a bunch of random off brand pedals? They got that!

Michael G.

We really enjoyed visiting this store. The staff wad pleasant and helpful. The place is well organized and has a decent selection of moderate priced instrument including guitars, key boards, horns and others. They were running a great special on strings and picks for guitars. They apparently provide music lessons and have a goid selection of sheet music.

Steven S.

Great customer service and friendly staff. Fair prices for being one of the few local music shops that are still in business. I've been a customer of Clark's for most of my life and I only ever go over the hill to San Diego if there is something I really need that he cant get. With his recent additions of Marshall and Eden amps, I'm finding fewer reasons to go to San Diego.