Amazing Grace Music in San Anselmo

A Mom-and-Pop Shop with a Legendary Backstory

What inspired you to start your business?

“The business was started by songwriter Steve Young in 1970. Was then bought by David and Judy Crummey. I came to work here as luthier in 1976 and My wife, Judy Kaufman and I bought the business in 1982.”

What’s one thing that makes your business unique or special?

“We are a small, mom and pop place where we know the names of the majority of customers. We have a very comprehensive repair and restoration shop. The majority of our instruments are used with many very fine and historic pieces mixed in with the affordable instruments.”

How long have you been in business, and what’s the journey been like so far?

“The shop has been in business since 1970 and we have owned it since 1983. Our building was bought in 2007 by George Lucas who then remodeled the neighboring building and had us move in there because the original building falling apart and was torn down. We have been at 91 Redhill Ave since 2012. Business has always been up and down but we still come in 6 days a week to keep it going.”

💡 Editor’s Note: The George Lucas connection runs deeper than you might think. As a longtime San Anselmo resident, Lucas stepped in to purchase the property and ensure the store’s future. One of his children once took guitar lessons at Amazing Grace, and over the years, employees from Lucasfilm and ILM have been regulars. A framed Empire Strikes Back poster still hangs behind the counter as a quiet tribute to the filmmaker who helped keep the shop alive.

How has the Marin community supported or shaped your business?

“An enormous number of the professional and amateur musicians have been our loyal customers and we have helped countless people discover the joy of playing music by providing lessons. The majority of our advertising is by word of mouth. Referrals.”

What’s a moment you’re especially proud of as a business owner?

“Just trying to treat everyone equally and fairly and sticking with it when things were difficult. Doing our best to help the community with donations and advice when we could.”

Is there anything else you’d like people in Marin to know about your business, your team, or your mission?

“As a husband and wife team we try to help our customers find exactly the right instrument for their budget, style and aesthetics. Making sure every instrument we sell is set up to play the very best that it can and adjusted to the most playable settings. We try to help people find out that the goal is to have fun while playing, regardless of their level of expertise.”

Visit Amazing Grace Music

Amazing Grace Music is more than a music store. It is part of Marin’s creative heartbeat. With its lovingly restored instruments, its decades of care and connection, and the unexpected help of a local legend who believed in its value, the shop continues to welcome musicians of all kinds. Whether you’re picking up your first guitar or bringing in a family heirloom for repair, John and Judy are there six days a week, helping people make music and memories.

91 Redhill Ave, San Anselmo
415-456-0414
🎸 Instagram | Facebook