Guitar Salon International - Santa Monica, California

Jose Carlos Cabrera

El paraíso de las guitarras! Un lugar ideal para encontrar tu instrumento soñado, en un ambiente agradable, con personas muy amables que brindan la comodidad necesaria y oportunidad de probar todas las guitarras que quieras hasta encontrar la tuya. Además, te hacen unos videos muy profesionales con guitarras magníficas. Recomendado!

L Ferrer

Excelente calidad en las guitarras a la venta y organizacion de eventos musicales, la gente muy profesional, conoce su negocio y atentos con los clientes

Tony k

I was in the area and stopped by to check out some guitars.
I was greeted by a nice gentleman at the door, and invited me in and showed me around. I was able to look around and try out some amazing guitars.
Really a great place, the staff is very kind and professional.
Definitely a place to go to if you are looking for a nice quality classical guitar.

Tony Zinnanti

I just purchased an Hermanos Camps CL-18 from Guitar Salon. I had a great experience with the staff. Sales director, JohnPaul Trotter, spent all of the time with me that I needed to make the right decision on an instrument. All staff members with whom I worked have a comprehensive knowledge of classical guitars, tone woods, finishes, strings, etc. If you are a professional, serious amateur player or dedicated student of classical guitar, a fine instrument is a must in developing your voice with the instrument. Guitar Salon is the place to go. I will be back in due time for another addition to the collection.

Alex Droessler

GSI is an ABSOLUTE joy to deal with. I've been a customer of theirs since starting my journey in to playing classical guitar back in 2003. Mr JohnPaul Trotter and the rest of their staff are the pinnacle of customer service and professionalism. They set the standard in the classical guitar buying world. I recently received a STELLAR Jose Ramirez 1A that John found for me. I still can't believe I have it. The entire experience as of late is everything you'll ever want or need. Save yourself any amount of heartache and don't go anywhere else... Thanks again GSI! Customer for life!

Eric Mokotoff

been after a 640 scale guitar and between inventory out there, price, accessibility, I was not finding what I wanted or could afford.
Custom builds for this are either out of my range or simply inferior results based on past experiences.
When I came across the LA CAÑADA on GSI I was very curious. Having read up on the FE17's original history it peaked my interest.
There were very few sound samples/videos online about these and the ones on GSI were duets of 2 woods, and an interview leaving little to the ear to make any proper assessment. Youtube had a few videos showing off these guitars and they seems to sound quite nice.
So I reached out to JP at GSI who kindly recorded sound samples of both the Maple and Granadillo backs and there were two models available one being an "A" for antiqued look the other for reg/new look. The Antiqued pics looked real nice, especially coming from playing a very high end and beautiful luthier made sitka spruce/brazilian rosewood made nearly 40 yrs ago in the 5-7K range.
SO with taking a chance I went for it.
At first glance the visual is stunning and beautiful, it looks like a beautiful old Torres with French polish and great lines and colors but in new condition. The stock phots dont' do it justice.
The 640mm scale and wonderful suede case are apparent, its also light as a feather and feels almost like a 3/4 size guitar.
Immediately I noticed fret markers on 5 and 7 only, I hadn't seen fret makers since I was kid on my first guitar. If you are like me and switch between size scales daily then its actually a good thing because its easy to under or over shoot a fret/finger placement (I still visually prefer no markers)
The smell is divine, the maple back is stunning and almost holographic in nature.
It feels like butter and has an ease about how it feels in both the small body hugging you and the left hand and neck. I am a very tiny person so I have small hands and have to work on my 650 over the years. SO making a stretch from Low F on 6th to high C on 1st Index and pinky like in Mallorca has always been work this was not. Like I said with a smaller everything this 640 feels like a 3/4

ITs built excellent, all the details of the antique , the lines, the colors the grain and next to my 1986 Prenkert its like the lil brother.

From the first note I was impressed, I have played it several hours from yesterday afternoon, evening and this morning - giving it a good workout of pieces ranging from Carcassi op 60 no 14, Guiliani op 48 no.5, Guiliani op 107 Handel variations, some of my own arrangements, and a few more to test drive the tones and colors.

This guitar is a little powerhouse of color, tone, depth and separation. I was very impressed and pleased, a sound that my ear liked a lot. The guitar's response dialed in immediately. Certain intervals of bass and treble make the bass sound like a drum of depth and color and power, while playing ponticello or sul tasto portamento the colors are full spectrum.

Needless to say I am very happy, impressed, surprised and totally rec this guitar for those $3k budgets. It renewed my perception of factory and Made in China, best of all the label doesn't say made in China. Its well made and the inside looks like wonderful supervised craftsmanship.

Jeff Calhoun

If your looking for a classical or flamingo guitar this is your place.
Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
The whole staff is professionally trained.
5 STAR FOR SURE!

Harmik Mansourian

Specialised guitar store for classical and flamenco guitar enthusiasts, with a friendly and helpful staff. Got myself a hand made student flamenco guitar at a reasonable price. I'd definitely go back there in the future to browse through their stock for more guitars!!!