Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Musical Instruments & Lessons
Since 1985, Starving Musician has been a trusted destination for musicians seeking quality instruments, expert repairs, and personalized service. With two California locations in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz, we specialize in buying, selling, trading, and consigning new and used musical instruments, including guitars, drums, orchestral instruments, and pro audio equipment. Our experienced team provides professional repair services for brass, woodwinds, string instruments, and percussion, while also offering school band rentals and music lessons.We maintain a curated selection of rare and vintage instruments, ensuring both casual players and professional musicians can find unique gear. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in our hands-on approach, knowledgeable staff, and dedication to supporting local music communities through both in-store and online services.
Services
Instrument Repairs
School Band Rentals
Music Lessons
Used Gear Sales
Vintage Instrument Consignment
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer expert instrument repair services for brass, woodwinds, and string instruments.
- Our staff provides personalized guidance for school band rental selections.
- We maintain a curated inventory of rare and vintage musical instruments.
- We combine 40+ years of industry experience with modern online shopping convenience.
- We support local music education through dedicated school program resources.
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Quality repairs
Great selection
Excellent service
Helpful experts
Services
Instrument Repairs
Our certified technicians provide expert repair services for brass instruments, woodwinds, string instruments, and percussion equipment. We handle routine maintenance and complex restorations while preserving instrument integrity. Customers receive detailed diagnostics and transparent pricing before any work begins.
School Band Rentals
We offer comprehensive rental programs for student musicians with quality instruments in excellent playing condition. Our staff helps families select appropriate instruments and provides maintenance support throughout the school year. Rental agreements include insurance and upgrade options.
Used Gear Sales
Our inventory features carefully inspected used guitars, amplifiers, drums, and pro audio equipment at competitive prices. We offer both in-store and online purchasing options with detailed product descriptions. Trade-in services are available for customers upgrading their gear.
Music Lessons
We provide personalized music instruction for various instruments taught by experienced educators. Lessons cater to all skill levels from beginners to advanced players. Our teachers focus on technique development, repertoire building, and performance preparation tailored to individual goals.
Vintage Instrument Consignment
We specialize in authentic vintage instruments and rare musical equipment through our consignment program. Our experts authenticate items and provide market analysis for sellers. Buyers gain access to unique instruments with documented provenance and playing history.
Questions
What types of instruments do you repair?
We repair brass instruments, woodwinds, string instruments, and percussion equipment. We do not service keyboards or amplifiers.
Do you offer music lessons for all skill levels?
Yes, our instructors teach beginners through advanced players with customized lesson plans for each student's needs.
Can I rent instruments for school programs?
We provide school band rental instruments with flexible terms and maintenance support for educational use.
Do you buy used musical equipment?
Yes, we purchase and consign quality used instruments and gear with competitive pricing for sellers.
What are your store hours?
We're open Monday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-6pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm in Santa Clara.
Do you ship instruments purchased online?
Yes, we offer shipping within the contiguous US with proper insurance for all online purchases.
