In 2014 Stanroy Music Center relocated to 850 4th street in Santa Rosa: a bigger, brighter location that easily includes the sales, repair, and teaching facilities Sonoma County has come to know and trust. The new building is nearly 5,000 square feet, offering a large sales floor for new and used instruments from entry-level to professional, generous racks of sheet music, rooms for private tutoring, and an instrument repair shop. New owner Dustin Heald is as committed to the North Bay musician and musical community as the original owners were back in 1947.
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His partner/cousin Roy Chilton (Thus the name Stan-Roy) left the business to Stan after the first year. That original store grew to become the leading music store in the North Bay. In 1980 Tupper & Reed, another legacy music store located in Berkeley, bought Stanroy from Stan and moved it from it's initial location at 622 4th street to it's second and largest location, 741 4th street. In 2008, struggling against the economic downturn, Stanroy moved across the street to it's 3rd location, 640 4th street.
Stanroy Music Center, located on 4th St. in downtown Santa Rosa, Ca. for over 64 years, is Sonoma County's only full service music store. We offer a wide selection of name brand instruments ranging from acoustic and electric guitars, basses, woodwinds, brass winds and violins. We also carry guitar and bass amplifiers, harmonicas, recorders, and all kinds of hand drums. We stock a full compliment of accessories for all your instrumental needs. We also offer a large selection of books and sheet music.
Stanroy Music has a generous selection of acoustic, resonator, flamenco, and electric guitars, basses, banjos, ukuleles and mandolins. The staff at Stanroy really knows their stuff, and are happy to help find the perfect instrument for you. Our acoustic guitars are stocked in sizes from fractional for smaller players, to parlor, dreadnought, jumbo, and many in between, and our electric guitars, basses, and banjos all come in fractional sizes as well.Come in, and we can help you choose the size that is best for you.
Stanroy carries a range of modern and tube amps for guitars and bass, from performance level to portable practice amps. If you have your amp already, take a look at our selection of pedal effects, tuners and much more. Whether you are a first time purchaser of a P.A. system for yourself or your band or you are a professional sound engineer, we have a PA system at your level, including microphones, mixers, speakers, effects processors, and everything you need to connect them.We also carry computer interfaces, and a range of mics and cables for home recording.
Reviews (30)
Ami Parkerson
Apr 07, 2022
Erick H.
Jan 04, 2022
Tom S.
Jan 03, 2022
December 30, 2021: I have literally been researching, auditioning and shopping for a digital piano since September 2020. Most musical instrument retailers have floor samples of the big three: Roland, Yamaha, Casio. All of those I tried didn't satisfy for various and personally important reasons. Mostly like the keyboard didn't feel like an acoustic piano or the simulated piano sounds were too fake electronic. Was motivated to visit as Stanroy is a Kawai digital piano authorized seller which no other local sellers carry. I've been an occasional Stanroy customer since 1973.
In the dark distant past I have purchased guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, even a few real German made pear wood recorders. But it's been decades since my last purchase. Was always satisfied with the shopping and purchasing process. Today, played the Kawai KDP-120 digital piano. Keyboard action feels like a "real" piano. The sound models are remarkably pleasing.
Close your eyes and you'd be hard pressed to hear that it's digital. The construction is solid. Industry reputation for reliability is excellent. MSRP for the piano is $1599. Stanroy price = $1199. Sold! Nice folks. Stanroy is a real musical instrument store in that they sell and service orchestral instruments. Only place in Sonoma County you can buy a trombone, trumpet, piccolo or French horn.
All the other shops (which I also love) are basically electric guitar stores with amps, a few synthesizer keyboards, DJ tables, PA systems, one drum set, and the panoply of electronic gizmos for rock n' rollers. Stanroy, it's been too long since my previous visit until today. I promise not to stay away too long again. Highest recommendation.
In the dark distant past I have purchased guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, even a few real German made pear wood recorders. But it's been decades since my last purchase. Was always satisfied with the shopping and purchasing process. Today, played the Kawai KDP-120 digital piano. Keyboard action feels like a "real" piano. The sound models are remarkably pleasing.
Close your eyes and you'd be hard pressed to hear that it's digital. The construction is solid. Industry reputation for reliability is excellent. MSRP for the piano is $1599. Stanroy price = $1199. Sold! Nice folks. Stanroy is a real musical instrument store in that they sell and service orchestral instruments. Only place in Sonoma County you can buy a trombone, trumpet, piccolo or French horn.
All the other shops (which I also love) are basically electric guitar stores with amps, a few synthesizer keyboards, DJ tables, PA systems, one drum set, and the panoply of electronic gizmos for rock n' rollers. Stanroy, it's been too long since my previous visit until today. I promise not to stay away too long again. Highest recommendation.
S. C.
Apr 12, 2021
Stanroy did a great job repairing three guitars recently. My Taylor acoustic-electric's pickup was malfunctioning and no replacement unit is made for it. Steve, one of the owners, did extensive troubleshooting and ended up replacing one faulty part and making it work with the rest of the system. The end cost was surprisingly reasonable. Another tech fixed the action on my son's acoustic and reseated a fret on his Fender electric.
Not only do they do good work, they create an environment that is welcoming to all, free of ego and sexism--attitudes commonly found in music stores. I genuinely felt that their primary goal was to support people in their musical development rather than to make money.
Not only do they do good work, they create an environment that is welcoming to all, free of ego and sexism--attitudes commonly found in music stores. I genuinely felt that their primary goal was to support people in their musical development rather than to make money.
Signore Derek
Apr 04, 2021
Mike F.
Mar 05, 2021
6/25/202i My apologies to this store. I accidentally posted a negative review here that was to be for another store. So.please accept my deepest apologies and any review showing from Mike F (myself) here is by complete accident and should not be held as truthful. Thanks you.and again, I am sorry for the mix up.
Lisa Marie R.
Feb 22, 2021
Ben B.
Feb 20, 2021
Brought a new guitar in today for a set up and was greeted kindly by a few people working. The technician working on the guitar was very communicative and got rid of the buzzing fret issue I was having. I didn't even feel much of a change in the action which was great. Will do business again with this friendly bunch when in town. Thank you, Stanroy.
Atom Demise
Jan 29, 2021
This is the most friendly and truely has a wonderful person that runs it, mom-&-pop locally owned (with out the mom) music store. i would recommend this store HIGHLY. tired of big business music with horendous customer service? go to Stanroy! i cant get into the several reasons why stanroy is so great right now, but it all has to do with Steve, the owner. great store, even greater owner! SUPPORT LOCAL BUSIN3SS3S
Sara P.
Jan 25, 2021
This shop is terrific! The staff is very down to earth, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I went to purchase a ukelele and had a hard time deciding on one. They allowed me all the time I needed without pressuring me into a choice and were available for any and all questions. I'll go there for my next upgrade for sure.
Jon Fitzpatrick
Jan 06, 2021
Kurt H.
Dec 29, 2020
Vanessa B.
Oct 20, 2020
John H.
Oct 11, 2020
I was shopping around for a new acoustic guitar this weekend, and literally went to every pawn shop and music store in the area. These guys were friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable about the instruments. They were also very careful to be safe inside the store. I went back the next day, and purchased a Breedlove guitar. It plays like a dream and I can't put it down. Thanks for helping me find the perfect guitar for me!
Brittany N.
Jun 02, 2020
I had a wonderful experience with this place. I am staying in Santa Rosa due to COVID-19 (with friends) and needed new guitar strings. I loved how they remained open but stayed safe (curb side pick up). Steve, a nice employee, took my guitar back to test it for the right strings. I paid and left, forgetting my guitar there. When I realized this within the hour, I called and he stayed OVER TIME just to try to track me down so I could get my guitar back.
He apologized for forgetting to give it back to me (as I equally forgot as well!) he said he could either drop it off to me or I could come get it, AND offered a full refund for the strings. How sweet! It is rare and extremely refreshing to experience this level of amazing customer service. Thank you thank you, and I hope to visit when the full store is open again. Highly recommend this place. They have a heart.
He apologized for forgetting to give it back to me (as I equally forgot as well!) he said he could either drop it off to me or I could come get it, AND offered a full refund for the strings. How sweet! It is rare and extremely refreshing to experience this level of amazing customer service. Thank you thank you, and I hope to visit when the full store is open again. Highly recommend this place. They have a heart.
Nancy L.
May 30, 2020
I was in the market for a Kala ukulele. I contacted Kala directly but the model I wanted was out of stock. I thought, hey, check with Stanroy. I called them at 2:55pm, not realizing they were closing that day at 3pm. I spoke with Mark who said he thought they had one but he had to go upstairs to check. A few minutes later, he got back on the phone to tell me they had one and at a great price.
He said, if I wanted to pick it up today, Steve, one of the owners, would wait for me to come by. I was impressed he would do that for me but, because of my schedule, I opted pick it up the next day. Wyatt was there to give me a little demo of the instrument (it was exactly what I wanted), picked out a case for me and an instruction book to help jog my memory as to how to play it.
He put the uke in the case and I was ready to go! Everyone at Stanroy was helpful, knew their products and was willing to go the extra mile to get me what I wanted. I will definitely be back for future musical needs!
He said, if I wanted to pick it up today, Steve, one of the owners, would wait for me to come by. I was impressed he would do that for me but, because of my schedule, I opted pick it up the next day. Wyatt was there to give me a little demo of the instrument (it was exactly what I wanted), picked out a case for me and an instruction book to help jog my memory as to how to play it.
He put the uke in the case and I was ready to go! Everyone at Stanroy was helpful, knew their products and was willing to go the extra mile to get me what I wanted. I will definitely be back for future musical needs!
John H.
Dec 29, 2019
Tim was very helpful and encouraging me to try the Djembe drums out. Post hOliday selection was ample. Count two top ones for me. Not to wait until the new year budget cycle. Tim took the time to explain what to look for when purchasing. Showed me some different skins. Helpful. Thank you Tim. See you after the first Metta john
Jane F.
Dec 03, 2019
Liridona L.
Jul 13, 2019
So I didn't buy anything from here because I just came here for a box to ship my bf's digital piano but they were SUPER nice and helpful. Didn't give any attitude whatsoever which made it more comfortable as well. When we we need something music related and if they have it, we will definitely go there to get it!
Tim B.
Jun 08, 2019
Jennifer Ann Hoff-Schillaci
May 04, 2019
Mike A.
Oct 27, 2018
Maas A.
Sep 18, 2018
My review is based on my experience with the "Repair Shop." I was never helped out -period. I took my entire lunch time to drive downtown, fumble with quarters and then online parking zone pay fee app thing-after running out of coins to wait around for someone named Frank. He never showed up from his lunch. The assistant could not locate him, the retail people hunted around (I will say they seemed urgent in their walk to TRY and help).
But nobody could even crack my saxophone case to look, assess or tell me if they could fix my broken Tenor Sax. The only thing the assistant could tell me was, the wait time would probably be two months! OMG. I called around. Found Gino's brass and woodwind repair and over the weekend it was done. I got it to him on Friday and it was done on Monday (today). I had to share my experience. I hope others can benefit from this review.
But nobody could even crack my saxophone case to look, assess or tell me if they could fix my broken Tenor Sax. The only thing the assistant could tell me was, the wait time would probably be two months! OMG. I called around. Found Gino's brass and woodwind repair and over the weekend it was done. I got it to him on Friday and it was done on Monday (today). I had to share my experience. I hope others can benefit from this review.
Jill R.
Aug 15, 2018
Walter T.
Feb 19, 2018
Some 30 years ago I bought an electric guitar and amplifier from Stanroy. Later we enrolled our son in saxophone lessons. Their staff have always been helpful with sound advice and sensitive to one's finances. Today recovering from losses in the Santa Rosa Fires I returned to Stanroy and purchased a guitar and ukulele. Again they were helpful and compassionate.
I really appreciated Leland who educated me on the nuisances of my purchases. They stand behind their instruments. Forget about online purchases. Support our local merchants who have been part of our community for so long!
I really appreciated Leland who educated me on the nuisances of my purchases. They stand behind their instruments. Forget about online purchases. Support our local merchants who have been part of our community for so long!
Jodi Darby
Nov 16, 2017
What a well stocked, attractive store! They seem to specialize in ukuleles and guitars, but have lots of other new and used instruments, sheet music, and accessories. I bought a very cool looking strap, and had a strap peg installed on my ukulele and they did it in about 5 minutes and the work was done for just the reasonable cost of the peg and strap. Service was knowledgeable and very friendly. They also have rooms for lessons and a repair shop right in front. Highly recommended!
Annie Thompson
Nov 08, 2017
Jeff G.
Aug 12, 2017
Tubadylan
Feb 11, 2016
An amazing place. All the people there are really nice and are great to talk to as a musician. Their repair shop is also really good, I got my bass trombone fixed and got it back within 24 hours. It's an amazing place just to even have a conversation or just to look at all the things they have there. They will have almost anything you need there(unless you need a bass trombone lyre lol)
Michael B.
Dec 11, 2014
I went in Stanroy music center yesterday to buy my first guitar and had a wonderful experience. I knew nothing about guitars Ron the sales man was very friendly and took lots of time to explain the differences in guitars and answered all my questions even when i asked them more then once and I had a lot of them of them. I also like how they continue to offer help after your purchase and the prices are great also, I highly recommend Stanroy music center for all of instrument needs