Mc Cabe's Guitar Shop

(310) 828-4497

3101 Pico Blvd (31st Street)
Santa Monica, CA 90405 34.0261 -118.4573

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Neighborhoods: Pico, West LA

MCCABES.COM

Hours:

Sun 12pm-5pm

Mon-Thu 10am-10pm

Fri-Sat 10am-6pm

Last updated 6.23.11

Category:

Musical Instruments

Payment Methods:

American Express, Cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Bar & Club Type of Music:

Blues, Rock & Pop, Alternative Rock

Bar & Club Special Features:

Live Music

What People Are Saying About Mc Cabe's Guitar Shop

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – The humble back room of this venerable acoustic music store and repair shop has hosted some of folk and alternative's most acclaimed musicians, including Jeff Buckley, Beck, Sun Ra and Liz Phair. Folding chairs on a flat floor make for aching spines and bad sight lines, but the genuine warmth of the venue and high quality of the performers keep Westside folkies and Hollywood hipsters coming back.

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
McCabe's offers a wide range of music lessons and classes, from klezmer and rockabilly guitar to ukulele, voice and didgeridoo.
When to Go:
Certain nights, the back room of McCabe's turns into an intimate venue for eclectic performances by notable musicians. Call or check their website for details.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. On the one hand, it's a great place to see live music in L.A. Musicians love to play here because the space is intimate and the crowds are fun.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. best store for guitars
  2. McCabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica is a great place to visit if you love music.
  3. On the one hand, it's a great place to see live music in L.A. Musicians love to play here because the space is intimate and the crowds are fun.
service
100.0% positive
  1. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive (but not overly), funny, and talented.
4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/02/07

Great shows

by lisastitch

Great, cozy place to see a show. Great sound system. Good crowd, interesting and talented musicians.

  • Pros: ambience, not overly crowded, has seating
  • Cons: they don't serve alcohol
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/25/05

Banjos, Guitars, Ukes and a strumming staff

by mickphil

Whether its group uke classes or concerts with headliners, McCabes packs in a loyal clientele of singers, pickers, and musicians-in-progress. Every ince of the walls support stringed instruments of all kinds -- especially accoustic. The staff is knowledgable, and happy to help you make a decision. And the group lessons are a bargain, with the first lesson free!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

06/06/02

Great Acoustic Music Sets

by taradelis_citysearch

McCabe's has its pluses and minuses. On the one hand, it's a great place to see live music in L.A. Musicians love to play here because the space is intimate and the crowds are fun. It's not unusual to see people singing and dancing along from the get go -- something that rarely happens elsewhere in L.A. Also, there's a music store attached, so audience members can pick up guitar strings or whatever else they may need. On the downside, there's no alcohol served here, so people who are used to enjoying live music with a drink in their hand might be caught a little bit off guard. Also, the neighborhood is pretty barren so far as other places to eat/drink/get a coffee go. Take the good with the bad and it's still pretty good. Check out Dan Bern or Martin Simpson -- both great performers and both McCabes semi-regulars.

  • Pros: great acoustic jams
  • Cons: no drinks, not much in area
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/21/02

It's all about the banjo ...

by mphillips_citysearch

... but this review isn't. McCabes does carry a fine selection of banjos -- Gibsons, Deering, Stelling, resonator and open-backed, new and used. But they also stock many (more) guitars, electric and accoustic, fiddles, mandolins, ukeleles, kettle drums, even bones. There's usually a pot of coffee brewing. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive (but not overly), funny, and talented. They'll pick out a song for you if you like. There are lots of lessons. McCabe's also serves as an intimate showcase for some of the finest accoustic touring acts in the land. Some terrific kid shows, too.

The Details on Mc Cabe's Guitar Shop

Place Categories:

  • attentive staff
  • great place
  • love la musicians
  • fun crowd
  • famous store
  • terrific kid
  • great performers
  • love music
  • best guitar shops
  • great shows
  • great mccabes semiregulars
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