If you need a musical instrument repaired, Bryan is the only one in central Arkansas to see. He has years of experience and so does the company he keeps. Anyone who is familiar with the music scene in Arkansas has heard of Bob Boyd who I have seen working there quite often. They are fair and can help non-musician’s make good decisions on purchases and repairs. He made my guitar play so much better than my ability! Thanks Bryan!
Good guitar store. Repairs are good.
Nice, friendly environment. This guys is experienced in his craft and genuine in the way he conducts business. A rare find these days.
Great spot, super amount of knowledge and experience with repairs among other services. Same problem everybody else has with out of stock items here and there.
Dishonest and lazy. He has earned that distinction with me after implying that I attempt to make and sell a counterfeit guitar on the market. His boundaries are not clear. He should have refused the work order instead of hemming and hawing trying to teach me a lesson in trademark infringement. I also hired him to put Seymour Duncans in a Squire. When I called him for progress report he said he was “working on it now”. I go back 2 weeks later and the Seymour Duncans hadn’t even arrived yet. I have no trust in dishonest and lazy people. Oh, and Bryon, please dont call me about this post. If you’re a good luthier, I suggest you keep your nose in the workshop out of site from the customers.
After many attempts trying to visit this place because it has been closed. I finally went into the store today and found the guy Dave not to be very friendly or welcoming. So I only stayed a few minutes. I won’t ever be back!
I took my 2001 Les Paul to Bryon and Dave in February 2019 for a basic set up. I bought it new and always stored it in the case and very rarely had it out. Very careful with it. The guitar only had one very small blemish on the front. When I got it back it had several deep dents on top edge close to the back and a couple dents in the back itself. They swear they did not damage it but I know for a fact it wasn’t damaged when I dropped it off. I had just polished it before I took it there. Bryon had promised it would be ready Saturday the 23RD and it was not. He then told me it would be ready the following Monday which it was. I’m not sure if they just got in a hurry or what exactly happened but they pointed to the paperwork stating they were not responsible for any damage…. Not a good way to run a business. I should have inspected it and made note of any defect with them before dropping it off. Lesson learned!!!
My son bought his first guitar here. He loves the staff.They are very helpful and polite. He even takes guitar lessons there. Worth the drive from anywhere.
Guy who owns/runs it is really friendly and cool. a better place to buy than Guitar Center
This is the best store ever !!! Everyone is so nice and helpful, I LOVE this store!!!!!! My daughter bought me a Fender Guitar here and a Peavey Amp and they went out of their way to help me!!! I will be a lifelong customer!!!
Nice enough folks. The store seens really bare compared to what it was like 2 years ago..
just went by there to by my sons xmas. There phone was disconnected and they werent open ehen we got there.
6. Guido’s Hot Springs Music
Address: National Park, 812 Higdon Ferry Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913 , Ghioroc , Arkansas , United States
I have been dealing with Guido, since 2007, when he first opened the shop. He sold me a Blueridge BR-160, with HSC at a KILLER price!! He is absolutely top-notch, and just an all-around great Guy… I have bought several guitars, and amplifiers over the years from him. There is no one in central Arkansas whom I would rather deal with. Ever! His shop has an amazing array of vintage instruments, effects and amplifiers. You will not find this is at Gestapo Center! Do yourself a favor if you are a Music enthusiast….. Stop by his shop and say hello. You may just find something with you cannot live without! It is truly a diamond in the rough…. You’ll thank me later!
Excellent customer service wonderful staff and great equipment!
Fantastic place in every way. Amazing selection of instruments with the best pricing I’ve seen, great service, Guido and staff are wonderful folks to deal with. Two of my favorite guitars in my collection I have Guido to thank for. Highly recommended!!!!!!
Great service and reasonable prices.
Only doing one star because no stars is not an option.
I’ve dealt with this store a few times and each time it’s literally been worse.
Bought a guitar and the binding broke off immediately – they blamed me.
$200 fix and I had to take it to another music shop I trust.
Asked for help on another matter and they told me it was “too much trouble.”
They literally don’t care about you just wanting your money.
If you do business with them beware.
Never had a good experience here. Claimed I accused him of “stealing my friends guitar a few years ago”. I was 16 at the time he accused me of this. “a few years ago” I would’ve been in middle school. Because of this, he refused to buy a piece of used equipment from me. Truth be told, I just don’t think he had they money to buy it and made up a story to get me out of his shop. He asked me to never come back, and I certainly never did. I was also testing out a Line 6 amplifier and he would continuously come over to the amp and turn off the distortion. I was playing it at a very reasonable level, but he apparently doesn’t like metal, so he would just turn off the distortion and walk away. What the heck? I bought the amp – but I bought it from another shop. Take your business to Big Event Music. Its a much better shop.
Does anyone know if $5 is a fair price for two plastic bridge pins we bought here? We also bought a string which was extra, so the total was well over $5 according to the receipt, which I kept. Seems like you can find six bridge pins for $5.99 online with free shipping. Wondering what the price for a full set of six bridge pins is at this store? I’m guessing $15? Just asking… (update Jan 10, 2019: Big Event on Grand sells bridge pins for 75 cents each, as opposed to $2.50 each at Guido’s.)
7. Palmer Music Company
Address: 1131 Front St, Conway, AR 72032 , Ghioroc , Arkansas , United States
Excellent store. Visited from out of state and was happy to have landed there. Staff was esceptionally friendly and not super stuck up and uppity like a lot of places. I was in and out 3 days in a row before I made a purchase and they didn’t mind at all. Maybe I’m just that bored.. But maybe their store is just that nice. YOU be the judge!
Very prompt and professional experience.
Will return soon!
My guitar was in for repairs for about 4 months. Almost no communication was provided about status of the repair work. It’s understandable with Covid making it difficult to have parts shipped, but the lack of adequate communication was uncomfortably disappointing. I don’t blame the young individual who was working on my guitar, but rather leadership who should have provided direction on appropriate and timely customer service communication. It doesn’t matter to me that it would have taken considerable time for repairs. But the lack of communication stating that due to a backlog in parts, and it was just a waiting game, would have been enough. A 30 second phone call every couple of weeks or so to advise a customer that no progress has been made is better than nothing…it would have been enough to have left my guitar there for months longer. The ironic thing about all this is that I really like the store and the people at Palmer Music, so I will most likely continue to purchase my music supplies from them and I hope my experience there was a one-off….
Talked to Joey in the store today. He took some time to help me plan for an upcoming purchase for our church. They have a large selection of all kinds of musical instruments and they do lessons, as well. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. Highly recommended! Thanks, Joey!
I was looking at electric guitars and they didn’t offer to let me plug any of them in. How are you truly going to know if you like one or not if you can’t hear the sound.
Go to GUITAR CENTER instead (you can actually have FUN there).
Went in expecting to buy a new guitar on 01/26/2023. The man behind the counter was very unfriendly & unhelpful.
I found one I wanted to buy but I just didn’t really want to give my money to a person who didn’t know how to smile.
Another employee walked by and was even more emotionless than the other guy. I left feeling very unwelcome.
I will not be back.
8. Valley Piano Co
Address: 3515 W Main St, Russellville, AR 72801 , Ghioroc , Arkansas , United States
Great people, a very old store
I went into to buy a guitar. Very small selection
Lots of sheet music and DVDs but it is all on the computer today. Wonderful people. I wish them well!
My visit was to test the integrity of an electric guitar I had. Spoke to the guy behind the counter. (The one with the gray streaked goatee). Told him I was preparing to sell it via Facebook, and all I want to do is see if it sounds as it should. He said it was ok I was like great thanks. The buyer was from outta town and was shopping for guitar supplies. She had just bought amp still needed a cord possibly more. Asked her to meet up there since she was just down the road. She wanted to go in do to the rain. Instantly he started ranting that he’s a business man a professional and I was shady for what I had done. I was very polite. My reply ( I’m sorry I brought you a customer sure she meet up with me to buy a guitar for cheap but she still may need something) she was there for his childish act. ( she replied I do need a cord) He didn’t even bother to respond to her. He looks at me says someone smells bad like cigarettes… Wow 0 stars for your sir. Where’s your public relations at. Your welcome for that sell.
9. Shuffield Music Company
Address: 610 Main St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923 , Ghioroc , Arkansas , United States
Staff goes above and beyond . Well educated and a true music store where the owners have a passion for music
Paul is awesome! He is friendly and very knowledgeable about musical instruments!
My “go to” place for any band gear, lights and sound. Paul knows his stuff and is always ready to help. I love dealing with an Owner Operated family business.
Not to bad
Great local music store. We have shopped here for years.
Rude
Good place to buy guitars, don’t ask them to fix anything you own uness you want it damaged.
10. Guitar Center
Address: 12315 Chenal Pkwy A, Little Rock, AR 72211 , Ghioroc , Arkansas , United States
I love this place! And everyone is always friendly and helpful
Going to get the missing string on my sons me guitar replaced. I still have the utmost love for these folks, Joey, in particular. He went way above and beyond to help me give my very sick son the electric guitar and amp of his dreams for his 18th birthday that we have been told too many times he would never see. I just want to say thanks again!!!
Today I bought a Fender Deluxe Telecaster from this store and it plays like a dream. I have bought 7 of my guitars from this store and every single time we go the service is amazing. They are always willing to help you if you are a new musician or a profession. I would definitely recommend this store for their AMAZING customer service and genuine love for musicians just like me. Props y’all
Very helpful and knowledgeable.
Not a lot of selection, and things advertised as being in store were not, in fact, at the store.
The only place to go if you’re a musician on a budget or need a part quick.
never saw a guitar shop where they didn’t have a room where you could turn stuff up a bit to try it out. I may as well order off Sweetwater or other internet shop if i can’t try out the equipment before I buy it.
They have fake deals in the online store. I found a good deal for an amp. I bough it and received the purchase confirmation email. Five days later they sent me an email cancelling the purchase with no explanations. Called customer service and sent emails complaining but got zero responses. Fake deals and no customer service. Very disappointing
You still cant browse. I go into the guitar room, guy comes in asks if he can help. I say I am browsing for my Father’s Day gift. He says there is limited browsing and someone has to help with guitars before you can play it. He, leaves, I see a couple I may be interested in, walk out, hes gone. So I just had to leave empty handed….Dont bother yet unless you know what you want before you go.I gave it two stars because the guy in the electric piano room was awesome with my son.
11. Clarinda’s Crafts & Music
Address: 3 Trina Loop, Greenbrier, AR 72058 , Ghioroc , Arkansas , United States
Bought an excellent sounding, sweet mandolin from Clarinda at a very reasonable price.
How can you not have fun at a place like this.
Well now Clarinda is the gal to do business with and maybe learn a thing or two about that special instrument you’ve been looking for. Even if you’re not player. Yet.
Inspiration is where it all starts. You’ll need a quality instrument that is comfortable to you ear and to wear. Because after all, that instrument you’re wearing is a part of you. Linked right to your heart. That’s it. Music.
Clarinda has good taste. Her selection of instruments are about the best values you’ll find. Value. Clarinda’s knowledge of selection. An instrument you’ll look forward to playing. Her personal attention to detail makes all the difference.
I bought 1 Loar LM-700-VS mandolin from Clarinda. I wanted a pick up installed. No problem. Done. I also bought an original version stock Loar LM-700-VS. Plugged in or not these mandolins are top notch! Will knock down your doors and the dogs will come runnin’ in! So to speak… couldn’t be happier. – Steve Kletzel – In Portland Oregon
12. Independent Music Services Inc
Address: 9851 Brockington Rd #6, Sherwood, AR 72120 , Ghioroc , Arkansas , United States
Great place for horn repair. Fast and friendly service
Quick fix and mine was free
Very nice place
Did excellent work on my old trombone, very nice people!
Very helpful and informative
I came in with a horn to have repairs done to it. I needed to have my saxophone’s neck recorked. I needed additional repairs, but above all needed the recorking. The repairman came up, looked at the instrument brand and said he could do nothing for me because if he broke something, he would have to make a part. I thanked him and walked out. I thought by the ratings that this would be a location with skilled craftsmen, but instead feel like it’s people prone to mistakes so they can only work on standard brands and not all instruments. I’d consider calling before coming. They are the only place around for quite a distance and driving over 60 miles to be treated like this felt very awful!
13. Music Center
Address: 2809 W 28th Ave, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 , Ghioroc , Arkansas , United States
