I use The Fretted Frog at 1200 N. Alvarado. Los Angeles, CA. I've been to McCabe's but the guys at Fretted Frog seemed much nicer!!
Haven't been there but it's on my list of places to check out if I ever find myself east of the 405 (which is rare).
FWIW, I've been going to McCabe's for years and nobody there has ever *not* been nice to me. But I have heard this complaint from others as well! Some of the employees tend to be a bit on the introverted side, which I suspect comes off as unfriendly at times.
Then again, part of the equation may be that I'm not a slender female
Funny thing, the only person who is ever not friendly to me there is another woman of about the same age as myself.
There's Eric's Guitar shop in Van Nuys. Nice folks and fun shop to visit. George Kaye recommends em. http://www.ericsguitarshop.com/
Hmmm ... perhaps she feels threatened?