Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Premier Guitar Destination in Arroyo Grande
Since 1983, Lightning Joe's Guitar Heaven has been a family-owned destination for musicians seeking premium instruments, expert guidance, and personalized service. Founded on a passion for music and a commitment to community, we offer an extensive selection of over 1,700 new, used, and vintage guitars, alongside specialized services like custom Martin guitar design, expert repairs, and tailored music lessons. Our team of seasoned professionals, including certified instructors and master technicians, brings decades of combined experience in both performance and instrument craftsmanship.We prioritize customer satisfaction through unique benefits like free lifetime guitar setups for new purchases and a no-pressure environment where every client is treated like family. Located in the Historic Village of Arroyo Grande, California, we serve musicians across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, offering a one-stop shop for instruments, education, and maintenance. Our dedication to quality, transparency, and fostering musical growth has solidified our reputation as a trusted leader in the industry.
Services
Guitar Sales
Music Lessons
Instrument Repairs
Appraisals
Gift Cards
Wish List Service
Amplifier Appraisals
String Replacement
Custom Guitar Design
Used Instrument Consignment
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer free lifetime guitar setups for all new instrument purchases.
- Our team includes certified instructors with decades of teaching experience.
- We are an authorized Martin Custom Shop dealer with specialized design expertise.
- We carry rare and vintage instruments alongside modern innovations like .strandberg* guitars.
- Our repair technicians have over 150,000 combined setups and decades of industry experience.
Services
Music Lessons
Private one-on-one lessons tailored to individual skill levels and musical interests. Our instructors provide customized curricula for guitar, bass, ukulele, and more, catering to students aged 8 to 80. Lessons emphasize both technical proficiency and creative expression through personalized guidance.
Guitar Repairs
Expert repair services including neck adjustments, fret work, and electronics troubleshooting. Our technicians offer free evaluations and specialize in setups, restrings, and vintage instrument restoration. We service most guitar types but do not repair amplifiers or effects pedals.
Custom Guitars
Authorized Martin Custom Shop dealer creating bespoke instruments tailored to client specifications. We guide customers through selecting tonewoods, finishes, and hardware to build unique guitars suited to individual playing styles and aesthetic preferences.
Instrument Appraisals
Professional evaluation services for guitars, amplifiers, and accessories. We provide detailed documentation for insurance purposes or private sales, assessing condition, authenticity, and market value through comprehensive research and industry expertise.
Vintage Instruments
Curated collection of rare and historic guitars, basses, and fretted instruments. Our inventory includes 1,700+ pieces spanning classic models to unique collectibles, with expert knowledge to help customers find valuable vintage instruments or modern equivalents.
People
Lightning Joe
CEO & Master Technician
Founder since 1983 with expertise in guitar repair, customer service, and inventory management. Recognized as a master technician influencing industry standards through innovative setup techniques and decades of hands-on experience.
Marelene
PR Director
Co-founder instrumental in customer relations and store operations since 1983. Specializes in helping beginners select first instruments while managing administrative and public-facing aspects of the family business.
Joseph
Special Order Specialist
Bilingual team member since 1999 handling inventory details and customer consultations. Combines technical guitar knowledge with organizational skills to assist clients in finding specialized instruments and accessories.
Ashley
Lesson Coordinator
Music educator and administrator since 2015 managing lesson scheduling and instructor coordination. Teaches ukulele and bass while overseeing marketing efforts and customer engagement initiatives.
Joseph with the Beard
Repair Technician
Skilled technician since 2018 specializing in guitar setups and neck adjustments. Combines technical expertise with humor, handling daily repairs and contributing to the shop's reputation for quality maintenance services.
Questions
What types of music lessons do you offer?
We provide private guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, and keyboard lessons for all skill levels from age 8 to adult, with customized instruction in multiple genres.
Do you sell used instruments?
Yes, we carry over 1,700 new, used, and vintage guitars and fretted instruments, including rare collectibles and modern models from brands like Martin and .strandberg*.
What repair services are available?
We offer setups, restrings, neck adjustments, electronics repairs, and more for guitars and folk instruments. We don't repair amplifiers, effects pedals, or violins.
Is there a warranty on new instruments?
We're an authorized dealer for Martin, Fender, and other brands offering manufacturer warranties. We also provide free lifetime setups for instruments purchased new from us.
Can I trade in my used gear?
We accept used instruments on a case-by-case basis for consignment. Contact us directly to discuss your specific equipment and potential trade-in options.
Do you ship instruments internationally?
We can arrange shipping for most instruments within the U.S. and internationally. Additional fees apply, and we recommend purchasing shipping insurance for valuable items.
