We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Luis Clemente. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Luis below.
Alright, Luis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve been in the music industry since I was 21, and now at 37, I can look back at a journey that’s been shaped by both my love for music and my entrepreneurial drive. Growing up, I was always looking for ways to make extra money. Whether it was landscaping on weekends or selling vegetables at the local farmers’ market, I was always finding a hustle. But it wasn’t until I picked up a guitar at 14 that everything truly clicked. Music became my passion, and soon I was playing love songs for my friends and family, making a little money on the side.
What started as a fun way to make some cash quickly turned into something more serious. I began taking private lessons to hone my skills, and soon I was playing weddings, parties, and at my local church. Music wasn’t just a hobby anymore; it was a way to make a living.
At the same time, I developed an eye for instruments. Musicians are always hunting for their next piece of gear, and I was no different. I started buying instruments that caught my eye, using them for a while, and then reselling them to get my money back. Over time, I learned how to buy, repair, and sell them for a profit. What started as a side hustle turned into a business, and I was hooked.
At 21, I started working at a local music store, and that’s where things really took off for me. Not only did I learn the ins and outs of instrument repair, but I also gained invaluable experience in customer service. This store became my training ground—it was where I solidified my skills in fixing gear and where I developed a real passion for interacting with customers. I learned how to communicate with people, understand their needs, and help them solve problems, whether they were looking for a new instrument or needed a repair.
As my knowledge of instruments grew, I began to scale my buying and selling from lower-end items to higher-end gear. I went from dealing with $100 instruments to working with guitars and equipment worth $5,000 or more. The more experience I gained, the more confident I became in my ability to buy, fix, and sell high-quality gear. But, of course, there were challenges. The stakes were higher, and I’ve definitely had my fair share of moments where I only broke even—or lost money. But that’s part of the process. Every misstep was a lesson that made me better at what I do.
Eventually, I realized I wanted to bring all these experiences together and open my own shop. So, I opened a music store in Oceanside, CA, focused on instrument service, repair, and sales. It’s been a journey of growth and learning, but the reward is knowing I’m providing musicians with the gear they need to succeed and helping them keep their instruments in top shape. It’s incredibly fulfilling to fix something that’s broken, but it’s just as rewarding to know that I’m helping others do what they love.
Running this business is the culmination of all the things I’m passionate about—music, customer service, and the art of restoring and selling instruments. I’m still learning every day, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This isn’t just about making a living for me; it’s about creating a space where musicians feel heard and supported, whether they’re buying their first instrument or getting their beloved gear repaired.
Luis, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
At The Music Hub, we aim to provide more than just quality instruments and repairs. We’re here to create a space where musicians feel at home—a place that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re picking up your first guitar or restoring a vintage instrument, we’re committed to offering top-notch service and gear that suits every level of musician.
Our focus is on two key areas: instrument service and repair, as well as instrument sales. From quick setups to more extensive restorations, we make sure every instrument that leaves our shop is playing at its best. And when it comes to sales, we offer a carefully curated selection of both new and used instruments, ensuring that every piece in our store has been vetted for quality.
But what really sets us apart is the environment we’ve worked hard to create. The Music Hub isn’t just a place to buy and repair instruments—it’s a welcoming, inspiring space where musicians can gather, collaborate, and share ideas. We’re passionate about building relationships with our customers and making sure they have not only the best gear but also a space that encourages their growth as artists.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, our shop is more than a store—it’s a community. We believe in the power of music to connect people, and we’re proud to be a part of that journey for musicians in Oceanside and beyond. When you walk through our doors, we want you to feel like you’re not just getting a service, but joining a family of like-minded creatives.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
After quitting my last job and before opening the doors to my music store, there was a three-month period of limbo. The building I’d secured wasn’t ready for move-in, and I had no choice but to wait. But waiting wasn’t in my DNA—I knew I couldn’t sit around. I had to keep the momentum going, even without a storefront. So, I got creative and turned my garage into a full-scale workshop and retail center.
It became the spot where I met with my existing clients and welcomed new ones. I’ll be honest, my wife wasn’t thrilled, and my neighbors definitely weren’t fans of the constant flow of cars and deliveries. But there was no stopping me. The hustle had to continue, with or without a physical store. I spent those months making sure I stayed connected to my clients and continued to buy and sell gear. On the days I wasn’t meeting customers at home, I’d drive all over Southern California, hitting every pawn shop and thrift store I could find. If I had the money, I’d buy whatever instruments I could get my hands on, bring them back to my garage, and get straight to work fixing and restoring them.
I remember feeling like I was always “on,” always working, and never truly resting. But there was something that kept me pushing forward—something my wife would often say that resonates with me to this day: “If you really want to, you will.” It’s a simple phrase, but it perfectly encapsulates that drive I had during those months. It didn’t matter how inconvenient or difficult it was; I knew I wanted this more than anything, so I was going to make it happen no matter what.
Those three months, spent in the trenches of my garage, were pivotal in setting the foundation for the store. It taught me that no matter the circumstances, with enough determination and creativity, you can always find a way forward.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a reputation in this business wasn’t easy, but it came down to a few core principles that I’ve stuck to from the beginning: consistency, trust, and real connections with people.
First and foremost, quality has always been at the heart of everything I do. Whether it’s repairing an instrument or selling a piece of gear, I’ve always made sure to do the job right, no shortcuts. If something isn’t perfect, I don’t send it out the door. Musicians rely on their instruments, and I take that responsibility seriously. When people know they can trust you to treat their gear with the same care as they would, word spreads fast.
Another big part of it is customer relationships. From the moment I started working at the music store at 21, I realized how important it was to build real relationships with customers. It’s not just about fixing an instrument—it’s about getting to know the musician, understanding their needs, and providing solutions that help them get the most out of their gear. I don’t see it as a transaction, I see it as a partnership. This has helped me create a loyal customer base that keeps coming back, and who recommend me to others. When your clients feel heard, respected, and cared for, that’s when your reputation really starts to grow.
Finally, hustle and visibility played a huge role in building my reputation. During those early days, when the store wasn’t ready, I didn’t sit around waiting for the perfect circumstances. I used that time to get out into the community, meet clients in person, and really build my presence. Whether it was driving all over Southern California to hunt for gear or meeting clients at my house, I made sure I was always available and accessible. People appreciate that level of dedication.
What also helped was the consistency of my work. Even before I had a storefront, I was known for being reliable—if I said I’d get an instrument fixed by a certain time, I did. If someone came to me with a question, I took the time to answer it thoroughly. Over time, that consistency built trust, and trust builds a reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.musichubsd.com
- Instagram: musichubsd