If you're not in a hurry and need drum gear, lesson books or some basic guitar supplies, try Drumming Uncut which is about a block away between Garfeild and first behind the Silver Jewelry House. Not a lot of stuff in stock or immediatly available, but the service is fantastic and the prices are nowhere near that of Marini's. If Jason doesn't have it, he'll order it. It's more of a drum lesson studio, so he's not worried about making insane profits off of retail.

It is true that the store is small but these guys are big on service! John Marini will always go out of his way to get you what you want and make you a great deal. Although you may find that the big guys like Guitar Center and such may be a little cheaper, I know I can trust Marini's Music Store to be honest and not sell me CRAP. Many times I've gone in to buy the Latest Gizmo and even if he carries it, he will show me something he would recommend and probably uses himself at a lower price. Today it's nice to actually get somebody who cares and puts the customer first. They have a genuine concern for the customer before and after the sale.

I went here tonight with son. The man at the counter put a guitar string on my sons guitar to show him how to do it and then went to all the trouble to take it off and say he would put one on for $10.00 more.
Dont go out of your way Mister, your store was completely empty, maybe a little kindess to go with those overpriced two for one price guitar strings would have brought you some good energy.

Probably the only decent place to find guitar strings in Alhambra, Marini music is very convenient. Their prices are pretty good but since their store is extremely small, they lack the selection of larger chain stores such as Guitar Center. They do have a rather wide selection of guitars, trombones, violins, violas, flutes, etc. They also have accessories such as cases, picks, music books, and sheet music. But they seem very experienced and passionate about music and offer excellent customer service. Parking isn't very good as it's located right behind Alhambra High School.