Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Musical Instruments & Expert Services in Santa Cruz
Founded in 1984, Sylvan Music has established itself as a premier destination for musicians seeking high-quality instruments and personalized service. Our expertise spans decades of curating acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, banjos, violins, and more from renowned luthiers worldwide. With exclusive partnerships as area dealers for brands like Santa Cruz Guitar Company and Taylor, we offer instruments for every skill level and budget.Our repair shop, operational for 40 years, specializes in vintage restorations and modern instrument maintenance. We prioritize customer confidence through live telephone sales support and transparent transactions, ensuring every purchase aligns with our commitment to musical fulfillment. Located in Santa Cruz, California, we serve local musicians and global clients through our comprehensive online inventory and educational resources.
Services
Instrument Sales
Music Lessons
Instrument Repairs
Instrument Rentals
Appraisals
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 40 years of experience in instrument repair and restoration
- Exclusive dealership partnerships with top luthiers
- Specialized vintage instrument inventory
- Live telephone sales support for confident purchases
- Comprehensive repair services for all stringed instruments
Services
Instrument Rentals
We offer month-to-month rentals for stringed, orchestral, and woodwind instruments. First three months' payments apply toward purchase. Requires driver's license and credit card. Available instruments include guitars, basses, violins, and more.
Instrument Repairs
Our 40-year repair shop handles major/minor instrument surgery. Services include setup, fret work, crack repair, pickup installation, and vintage restoration. Staffed by experienced luthiers specializing in acoustic and electric instruments.
Music Lessons
We connect students with qualified instructors for guitar, violin, piano, and other instruments. Teachers offer in-person outdoor lessons or virtual sessions via Zoom. Available for all skill levels and musical styles.
Instrument Appraisals
Professional instrument evaluations conducted by experienced staff. $65 appraisal fee includes overnight analysis for accurate valuation. Services available for vintage and modern instruments of all types.
Online Instrument Sales
Browse our exhaustive inventory of acoustic/electric guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, and accessories online. Detailed descriptions and photos match in-store inventory. Live sales support available for confident purchasing decisions.
People
Albert Markasky
Founder
Founded Sylvan Music in 1984. Built over 20 acoustic guitars and repaired thousands of instruments. Specializes in vintage instrument restoration and customer engagement.
Mike Sparber
Owner
Current owner with deep appreciation for stringed instruments. Manages daily operations while maintaining active involvement in Santa Cruz music community.
Patrick Ray
Luthier
Specializes in vintage guitar restoration and pickup building. Creates custom acoustic guitars under the Aberdeen brand. Holds expertise in offset guitar models.
Aidan Collins-Smith
Musician
Left-handed bass player in local bands. Active in Santa Cruz music scene. Provides instrument expertise through performance and retail experience.
Skyler Hughett
Music Specialist
UCSC music graduate with extensive event production experience. Combines technical knowledge with performance background to assist musicians.
Questions
What instruments can I rent?
We offer stringed, orchestral, and woodwind instruments including guitars, basses, violins, cellos, and woodwinds. Rentals apply toward purchase within three months.
Do you repair vintage instruments?
Yes, our 40-year repair shop specializes in vintage instrument restoration including crack repair, fret work, and pickup installation for acoustic and electric models.
Are music lessons available online?
Yes, many instructors offer virtual lessons via Zoom. We provide connections to qualified teachers for guitar, piano, violin, and other instruments.
How do instrument appraisals work?
Bring your instrument to our repair shop. We'll keep it overnight for evaluation. The $65 appraisal fee includes detailed assessment of vintage and modern instruments.
Can I buy instruments online?
Yes, browse our complete inventory online with detailed photos matching in-store stock. Contact us directly for personalized assistance with purchases.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and cash payments in-store. Online payments processed securely through our website for instrument purchases and services.
