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Johnny Thompson, our cherished 'boss' of the legendary Johnny Thompson Music store, but simply 'JT' as we usually call him and for the most part, the community dignitary for music arts and education, the stalwart of community service for young people's education, both a father figure and an unassuming champion of bridging and bringing together many generations of people from around the world, congregating around the beautiful humanity of music, we miss you.

A video-slideshow with some stunning images and footages in the life and times of Mr. Johnny Thompson and the music store, you'll hear JT's voice *somewhere* in the slideshow; his last recording on the store's answering machine, reassuring timely operations and customer-deicated service, including the part where he directs Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin in recording a JT Music radio ad back in April-May of 1969!
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Reviews (8)
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Albert Calderon
Aug 10, 2021
Went into the shop today and had an awesome experience with Alicia! Very kind and knowledgeable. They got me out of a bind, had in stock what the big chains didn't. Definitely made a long time customer. Had an awesome conversation about the shop's history and it's famous visitors! Highly recommend!
Caroline H.
Feb 08, 2021
Good service, and good prices. Very helpful and kind. Great quality of instruments sold here. Definitely come here if you're looking for anything musical!
Jenifer Fleming
Dec 16, 2020
Johnny Thompson is our go-to store for instruments, music and accessories. We purchased my son's violin here when he was just big enough for a full size and today I brought him in for a new tail piece, chin rest and fine tuner. Jim is great and super helpful. He encouraged my son to do his own labor on the violin to save money and learn how to install the new tail piece.

He came home and got right to work and I can hear him practicing arpeggio's as we speak. 20 years ago my husband bought me my first flute here when we were just dating so that I could join the college wind ensemble without needing to rent an instrument. We've been coming back ever since.
Cristina Martinez
Nov 04, 2020
They had a great variety of instruments and very kind. I went to purchase a violin for a beginner and they were very thoughtful and honest. I would recommend going with them for an instrument.
Tokyo Decadance
Jun 27, 2020
I've been coming here for over 40 years. I brought my oldest daughter Angie when she was 12 for a clarinet. My youngest daughter Ocean got her first violin here. Now she just recently came with her 11 year old son, my grandson Steven for his first acoustic guitar. Great service Great staff Great place. Thank you Johnny Thompson Music. For bringing music to my family and my families family now. 40 years from now you'll Be telling the same story. Sincerely Ruben Daniels
Thomas Quintana
May 30, 2019
Conveniently located in the heart of Monterey Park, Johnny Thompson Music is a true treasure. I stopped in and was immediately greeted by a courteous and professional employee who took care to listen to my issue and concerns; gave me a detailed and thorough evaluation of my disabled instrument; and gave me options to accommodate my situation in the meantime.

I received a phone call first thing in the morning as promised with the estimate and explanation of what exactly needed to be done, as well as a time frame on when I should expect to have the instrument completed. I appreciate their professionalism, kindness and caring. I will certainly be returning to this fine store!
Alex Chan
Apr 06, 2019
The service was terrible when I went to ask for repairing my instrument. The man who attended me said; If I needs to fix your instrument, I will need taking 6 weeks approximately because he has lots of customers to attend for these 6 weeks. That means, I am not his customer because I am wasting his time and money opportunities. The price that he offered to me was not cheap at all to fix the instrument.

I remember It was $150. Practically, I can buy new one. I think, he gave me this price because I bought it online. This store will be good just for beginning musicians, not for professional musicians. They only like to sell instruments and offered music courses better than repairing instruments. Thanks of being your customer, I will not come back again.
Nova King
Dec 11, 2016
The man I dealt with was snooty and uninformed. He treated me like I didn't know anything about guitars, yet his answers showed that he actually knew very little. He verbally put me down, and told me that I don't know what I'm talking about, and that the brand of guitar I was asking about doesn't exist. That's just crazy. I've seen it before in person at other stores.

The store itself is over crowded with crap instruments that they are way over charging for. I don't care much for Guitar Center, but even GC is much better than this place. I will not be back. This place may be ok for people that are just starting out and want to get ripped off for crappy instrument purchases. That's about it.