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February 2024 by Jesse Nuñez
Simply the best Luthier in Southern California!!!
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December 2023 by Jason M.
If you're looking to have someone build you an instrument, go elsewhere. In 2016 I gave Thomas a list of specific dimensions and traits for a tenor ukulele, along with $1k cash to get it started. I was told it'd be nine months, not over a year. Well, a year went by. Then a few more months. Then it was 2018. I went to get my ukulele. It was awful! He made the neck 2mm wider at the nut, had a wooden bridge saddle and nut (I'd requested bone for both), a ninth fret marker (ukuleles have a tenth fret marker), had those fake impression peg tuners that I had said NOT to use, and to top off the depth of incomprehension, was strung low to high D G B E with the standard tenor ukulele strings I had left that were clearly labeled. And the action AND the intonation sucked. It's like he couldn't read or even knew what the heck a tenor ukulele was! I wasn't in the mood to wait another two years for another build (which was, in all fairness, offered when I expressed my profound dissatisfaction). So the instrument had the tuners changed, nut and bridge replaced, and restrung. But it still played poorly. I wound up accepting it in the hopes that some aging would help it play better as has been the case with some fine string instruments. While the wood did eventually dry and open up a bit, it is still not a very well made instrument. The neck isn't even in the center of the body. The action is crude and unfriendly, and it is not particularly well intonated near the body making it rather useless for my purposes. I have since spoken to other guitarists who were also very dissatisfied with their instruments built at this shop. Under the previous generation it seems that some very nice instruments were produced, but apparently that is no longer the case. So if you are a serious musician looking for a competent luthier in Los Angeles, I would direct you instead to German Vasquez Rubio. I played some of his instruments and they were quite nice. I waited five years to write this review so I could see how the instrument settled in over time. Other than the expected opening up of the drier wood, the instrument still just feels rather crude and clunky, with poor action and intonation. Due to the thickness of the bridge itself it is not possible to shave the saddle down any further. In fact, every piece of wood on the whole thing is too thick. Top, sides, back, neck, all of it is quite crude and clumsy, and has the feel of a poorly made student level instrument, not the precise and well balanced feel of a professional instrument. Avoid this shop at all costs, they seem to be incapable of the delicate work that is necessary to create a fine professional quality instrument. And the secretary is a moron. When I called and asked if Thomas was there so I could pick up my revised instrument I was told yes. When I arrived I was informed that he had left at lunchtime. It was 5pm. So even with the little things, it's terrible service and terrible work at Candelas. Avoid at all costs. There's nothing good here.
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August 2023 by Donna O.
I love this place. I brought an electric guitar in for repair and left with my first acoustic guitar. They also teach here and I'm taking lesson. The shop is full of rich guitar history its family run and has been one of the cornerstones of Boyle Heights. They have provided many celebrities and classical guitarists their instruments. I totally recommend anyone to come in and enjoy the history and pick up an instrument it's been life changing. Everyone is friendly and encouraging. Shout out to my teacher Kenneth!!!
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July 2023 by William Stults
A piece of LA history that every guitar lover should experience. And if you play classical it's a must. T he guitars are incredible and Tomas JR is the 4th generation of the shop and incredibly knowledgable and passionate about the guitars and the music.
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June 2023 by bell star cosans
I want to go there, we are distant relitives, i am Frank de Carro and Delores Rea's grand daughter, i knew 9f tio Candelas we (i must have been 5-6) went to visit mi tio and mi tia at their beutiful house that had a back porch the over looked a beutiful cliffside. We stayed a week, that is when i lernt that mi tio had made "micky mouse's first guitar" . Someday i told myself i shuld stop by and say hello. Nice for the great , informational articales on your site ,cant wait to meet my family, someday
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April 2023 by Joy Scott
The guitar instructor Kenneth is very helpful and friendly, and he is also knowledgeable about a variety of guitar techniques. His teaching style can fit the need for adult/recreational learners.
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November 2022 by m mairead
This place is amazing. I explained the circumstances why I needed my father's 40 yr old guitar fixed. They were very empathic and kind. I'm so grateful for this. Excellent service and workmanship. Best not only in the country likely in the world.
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October 2022 by Gabriel M.
Great historical landmark in the heart of Boyle Heights!!! Tomas Delgado and his family welcome all levels of inspired guitar students willing to learn. I encourage young students to visit and learn the history behind the art of Candelas amazing instruments, they'll leave inspired, enlightened and energized!!!
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June 2022 by John Robles
Great place for instrument repairs. Had my father's vihuela fixed in no time.
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January 2022 by Fred Rodriguez
went to purchase some guitar acoustic guitar strings and asked about the guitar services restring my guitar. I would recommend this place.
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November 2021 by Denise Michel
Candelas Guitars is a flavorful badass conduit for life-skills in the form of guitar lessons. Generations of experience and craftsmanship has coaxed the depth of my cultural roots to the surface. Kenneth's teaching is on point, well-rounded, and individualized. His passion for guitar music is palpable and inspiring. Highly recommend!
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October 2021 by Alanna L.
Loretta, thank you so much for helping me today! Folks, if you need help with your instrument from good, knowledgable, and kind peeps. . .come here. I had one of those small annoying issues that requires clear thinking and patience to figure out. Loretta steadily and systematically took the time to determine exactly what was wrong and saved me from continued bafflement and misery. "Is it the pick-up? Is it the cable? Is it the battery? Is it the amp?" --one of those kind of scenarios. I couldn't believe the woman's patience! In the end, the store made a BIG sale with me: $4.33 for a replacement battery. Loretta from heaven thank you and bless you!!
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June 2021 by Julio Toruño
A magical shop ! Was looking for nylon strings and found a treasure !Lucky neighborhood Boyle Heights !
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May 2021 by Cecilia Gonzalez
Came in to Candelas to get new guitar strings. I was really happy with the service and that my strings were changed right away. My kids and I are now taking classical guitar lessons here, we have learned so much from Teacher Kenneth and grateful to Candelas for their amazing service and knowledge in music.
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May 2021 by Ean Shockley
Awesome place to visit and buy