They don’t make people like this anymore!! Guido is a solid person who is always fair to me. Excellent selection of vintage and modern gear. Support local shops. Musicians need stores and people like Guido’s Music Shop.
Nice guitar shop good service very nice people…thanks for being here in Hot Springs.
Definitely the best guitar store in the state! Great collection! Guido is very nice and he knows a lot about vintage instruments. He is always willing to help you out and make you a good deal!
Great service and reasonable prices.
I have lived in Hot Springs for a year and a half now and I pass this this guitar shop almost every day on my way home. As a guitar player and music enthusiast I have been interested in visiting this store but never found time to do so. I finally was able to go inside the music store recently and I have NEVER in my life been treated so poorly. I went with a friend of mine in early January. I was browsing the guitars, and even picked one up and stood at the register waiting to ask about a price on the guitar, since there was no price tag. The clerk was too busy talking to his buddy to even acknowledge my presence. After several minutes I returned the guitar to the shelf. Finally the clerk was done talking and I inquired about two guitars. I received very short answers that seemed ridiculous amount-wise. I honestly believe the prices I was quoted were made up on the spot. My friend had found a guitar strap that he thought I would like and brought it over to show me, then he returned it to the shelf after I told him that I rarely use a guitar strap. I continued browsing, and when I rounded the corner and came close to the register, the clerk said to me “what did you do with that guitar strap?” I replied that I had never touched a guitar strap. It doesn’t take a genius to realize this man was accusing me of shoplifting. A few minutes later the same clerk approached my friend and me and very rudely told us to leave the %&#@ing store and not to ever come back. He said we were suspicious because we hadn’t been to the store before and that we were wearing coats! May I remind you, it was JANUARY! Yes, we had never been to the store because my friend was from out of town and this was my first time to visit the store. I’m not going to lie and claim to be rich, but I enjoy buying new guitars and other instruments. I tried to talk to the clerk as an adult, even though his demeanor was that of someone on steroids trying to pick a fight. I guess this store doesn’t want new customers, and heaven help us if its cold outside and you’re wearing a jacket. I feel very disappointed at the customer relations of this store. My friend and I were potential customers and were treated as shoplifters simply because we were new and had jackets on. This is absolutely absurd and I can’t for the life of me understand why this guy attacked us. I have never had an experience this insane at a music store, and I’ve been to many guitar shops all over the country. If this clerk was not the owner of the store, then the actual owner should relieve him of his job because he is hurting the stores income by bullying customers for wearing a jacket in January. I can’t believe I was treated this way.There aren’t words to express how badly we were treated and how upset I am about this experience. I will make it a point to tell everyone I know and meet about the way they run their business there and recommend that they find a different store, one that treats its customers with dignity and respect. By the way, this store didn’t have a very good selection of anything and ridiculous prices, I have no idea how they are still in business. If they treat all new customers this way their future is bleak. Thanks, Hot Springs music–Guido especially, for being the rudest, most disrespectful, and worst customer service store ever! You’d get 1/4 of a star if I could mark it that way. You should be ashamed of yourself for acting like a child. Disgusting.
This is easily the worst guitar shop I have ever been in. His prices are outrageous for the cheap faulty equipment he sells. The 15$ guitar amp cord I bought from him recently broke within a week. WITHIN A WEEK , for 15$ I could have gotten quality cord. He treats customers as poorly as he let’s his shop look. If you want to buy shoddy guitars , faulty equipment, and be treated like garbage that has sat on the curb for a month then go ahead and buy from this crook. I DO NOT RECOMMEND BUYING HERE , if you need a guitar for someone who’s never played and you don’t what you need look elsewhere . Buyer be warned.
I drove from Benton to look at a guitar I called about for my son. This has been several months ago but it left such a bad taste in my mouth I found myself thinking about how bad it was and decided I should warn others so they won’t be disappointed by a similar experience.
The guitar was beat up pretty bad but straight otherwise. The owner (the tall heavy set gentlemanwith longish gray hair) was asking $125 for the guitar and was the only person working. The guitar is $145 new (Ibanez Mikro) and was on sale new for $125 @ guitar center. I offered him $100 (way more than I should have). He didn’t bother to look up and said no. I asked would he budge. Again he answered no while hardly acknowledging me. I showed him that it was in sale for the same price new. He told me I should by the new one because he wasn’t budging on his price. I took his advice and that’s what I did. It seemed as if he didn’t care if he sold anything or not. I’ll never shop there again. I previously bought a MIM strat and nice amp from one of the other sales men. I mentioned to him that I was a repeat customer, he just didn’t care. Very disappointed. I wish I were writing g a glowing review about the great deal and excellent service I received. Unfortunately it was a bad experience from the time I stepped in and hardly acknowledged to the time I left. I notice that someone has an excuse for every negative review. I’m anxious to see what the excuse is for my experience considering I was hardly spoken to. I think you have to be friends with the owner for him to care you are even there.
– The person who replied to this made my pint for me. If the guitar came with a case why wasn’t that mentioned to my wife and I. We questioned why a guitar with dings and scratches was priced the same as new one. Wouldn’t that have been a great time to explain that it came with a $75 hard case. It should be no mystery why you can’t make a deal with everyone with these sales tactics. Take some responsibility for you actions and stop blaming your customers. You have accused them of stealing, damaging your equipment confusing you with a pawn shop. Lol!! I would bet every excuse you’ve replied with is a lie to excuse your actions and blame your customer. There are tons of guitars for sale on craigslist, in pawnshops, online I suggest anyone thinking of shopping with you use one of these other options. Have a nice day.
3. Remix Music
Address: 3855 Elm Springs Rd, Springdale, AR 72762 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
I had absolutely no knowledge of guitars; however the store associates we plenty knowledgeable. I felt very at home at this store and even gave me a 15% discount for my Yamaha PAC112VM. I highly recommend them over the bentonville store as the other store felt very buisness oriented and felt like I couldn’t touch anything, but here is just like home. 5/5 highly recommend!
Great people
We bought a guitar here for our son a couple weeks back. One guy was way too salesy and talked too much but I like supporting local so we bought one.
Firstly, this shop provides great service on guitars, setups and string changes. But beware of purchasing a guitar that is not currently hanging on their shelf. For example, the Fender American Professional II Strat, comes in 9 different colors. If you want a color that isn’t hanging on their wall, they will offer to get it for you, but it will be considered a “special order” and not eligible to be returned. This is an odd policy since they are an authorized Fender dealer. If you order the guitar direct from Fender, or Sweetwater, or any other online retailer, the guitar is eligible for return no questions asked. So essentially, trying to support a small shop will eliminate any guarantees offered by the manufacturer. Understand, I realize a small shop has limitations and must do what’s best for their bottom line. However, it was never communicated to me “hey if I order this guitar for you, it’s unreturnable.” The thought never crossed my mind to ask, since the item I ordered was a stock offering from Fender, nothing special or custom about it. It’s extremely surprising that a Fender dealer is not able to provide the same customer satisfaction policies that are in place by Fender themselves. Most of the guitars hanging on the walls are mid-tier or entry level guitars, so if you want something better, and you want the peace of mind to return it if you’re not happy with it, then I suggest looking elsewhere. If you need a great setup on your guitar, ReMix can do it.
Friendly’s staff knows equipment.
The old guy was nice and got a good deal on my Boss PS 6 but the 2 employees or malinngerers.
Didn’t like the guy’s attitude or the prices. I probably won’t be back.
Love this place but couldn’t find what I was looking for.
4. Saied Music Co
Address: 2880 Point Cir, Fayetteville, AR 72704 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
Everyone is easy to talk to and friendly. They carry a wide assortment of musical equipment. Typically geared for the student musician.
The repair guys are always fantastic!
Pretty great selection of instruments, however I felt extremely awkward with the staff and felt like my questions were intrusions. You could chalk this up to me just being anxious, but I would have much more appreciated an employee who could recommend stuff to me, and willing to help me find what I’m looking for. I’ll be going to A different shop to get what I need
When I got there I was excited to be buying a ukulele something I’ve been wanting since I was little and when I asked how much taxes were because $82 up from the $54 seemed outrageous the man said idk and didn’t even check it just took an extra $21 and when I was asking questions about other instruments he had. No information literally making me. Still waiting on the money to be back in my account had to go to bed hungry tonight
Do not let them store your debit card on file. I have an unauthorized charge on my account. ONLY PAY THEM THROUGH THE WEBSITE, NOT OVER THE PHONE.
5. Arkansas Musicworks
Address: 2400 SE J St, Bentonville, AR 72712 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
There’s no better place to get music gear in all of NWA. Don’t ever go to Guitar Center. Even if they have to order something they’ll treat you right and get you a good price. They have a great selection of drum stuff. If you need a random hi hat cymbal arm adapter, they got it.
I’ve also know a lot of the teacher there and they are some of the best musicians I’ve met, not to mention good and patience teachers.
Best music store in NWA hands down!
The folks here are great, they get all my money! I try to make it in a few times a month just to see what they have in stock. The Gretch’s looked great this year!!!
Friendly staff.
Knowledgeable staff. Personable not like most stores. Some prices are decent but could be better
Mixed bag. Some employees are great, others rude and condescending. Rude enough I’d rather go to a pawn shop than do further business here, which is a pity.
They werent interested in helping enless you were buying brand new.
I had a very unpleasant experince with this place. My daughter’s saxophone needed to be fixed, so I took it to this store. Well almost 7 weeks passed and they never called me. When I called them to see if it was ready, they said it was ready. I went to pick it up just to learn that it was not fixed. They were very unpolite the whole time. They said it was fixed when I knew it wasn’t and there was no receipt/details of the work they “did” to it. So they game me a number to call. So I called the number, which is the place who they work with to fix the instruments in Fayatteville. They said they had no record of our instrument. So basically they never sent my daughters saxophone to them and they never called me to let me know what was going on. I understand sometimes things happen, but they basically never accepted they made a mistake. I was very polite with them, eventhough I was not happy about this whole situation. I will not be going to this place again, or reccomend it to anybody. And by the way, one of the owners, who has blonde/reddish hair, is one of the most inpolite person I ever met. We’ve been going to this place for years and if he is there, we know it’s not going to be good. He is rude and has poor customer service skills.
Case And bow is falling apart. I wouldn’t recommend musicworks to anybody. Complete rip off. I got a 15 inch viola and within a year I had to get rid of it, because it was poorly made.
6. Guitar Center
Address: 160 E Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
The customer service is always great and they always are ready to help you on your musical path
Nice staff nice gear
Great customer service, very nice guys and very helpful! Honored the same price discount online. We’ll definitely be back!
Great selection and friendly and helpful staff
Good place, friendly people. They could use some extra help this time of the year.
Excellent customer service.
Got into it with the customer service manager. Every time I come in there he harasses me.Very sad angry experience with this place.Do not recommend!!
I had the money to buy the guitar I wanted but they asked me to finance. Declined me. Will never do business with them. I will go to Blue Moon. Wow
I drove over an hour to GC with cash in pocket fully prepared to purchase an electric drum kit. Sadly, GC was so understaffed that nobody had time to assist me or answer a few simple questions…… You guys missed a good sale…… Thats a bummer for both of us.
7. Meteor Guitar Gallery
Address: 128 W Central Ave, Bentonville, AR 72712 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
Had a blast at an event here. Big open space in the back.
I am glad that this venue is open to see local bands & specialty events. It isn’t fancy but it does bring much needed space for entertainment to the area. Been the several times now and never disappointed.
Canceled concert and never got refund
Worst experience with a music store ever! Lack of knowledge. Limited amount of guitar strings. Just terrible experience first and last time there!
8. Big Event Music
Address: 149 E Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
Brent was great. My dream man cave!!! High-end recording studio and a very knowledgeable owner and staff.
Awesome experience. The top music store in central Arkansas for professional musicians. Sales and repair on site. Brent knows more about the music industry than ten peoples combined knowledge. Robert is the onsite repair wizard. If he can’t fix it, it can’t be repaired. Period!
Really took care of my guitar when getting new strings on it, very friendly salesman.
Very Helpful! Thank you for your service to our community.
Nice music shop.
My one stop shop for all my musical needs. You can also record tracks. Awesome place.
I bought everything from guitar cases to a JBL top of line PA from them before I found out they are totally BOGUS! Sold me used merchandise as new, then got an attitude when I called them on it! Cuss me out when you’re a thiefing liar? I don’t think so! I wouldn’t buy a guitar pick from these people!!!
I bought a lot of things from Brent when the store sold instruments and amps and was always happy with them. Unfortunately, things have changed. I brought a guitar in that needed a rewire job. I was aware they were busy with festivals but they kept my guitar for 2 months and finally called and told me they didn’t have time to fix it. Needless to say, I wont be back.
Not enough inventory
9. Clarinda’s Crafts & Music
Address: 3 Trina Loop, Greenbrier, AR 72058 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
Bought an excellent sounding, sweet mandolin from Clarinda at a very reasonable price.
Not only am I very pleased with my choice of a handmade Mia A7 mandolin, but also, my instructor just told me that we are both getting better; my playing AND my mandolin! Every time we met for first few of the seven weeks I have had it, he congratulated me on my purchase.
You won’t go wrong choosing a Clarinda-built instrument or one from the lines she carries.
How can you not have fun at a place like this.
10. Palmer Music Company
Address: 1131 Front St, Conway, AR 72032 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
Palmer Studios is great. Great service, great quality products.
My daughter takes voice lessons there and LOVES it. Very family-friendly environment and the instructors do a lot to build self-esteem. There’s also a nice lobby for parents to hang out in.
I loved it! I love the vibe and they have great customer service, will definitely be back again
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!
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….
Usually busy because they’re good at what they do!
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.
11. Shuffield Music Company
Address: 610 Main St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
I love guitar centers everywhere. Big fan. Awesome.
7 year old taking piano lessons. Enjoying classes!
Very positive, those guys r great. Been going for 5 years now. Always a wonderful exp. Their there for u.
Nice, clean, and friendly. Very pricey compared to other guitar centers I’ve been to.
It’s a pretty good music store used to have way more selections prepandemic but they usually have what u need!
Always love spending time at guitar center. Hours seem like minutes..
Called to make sure they had a lap Steel Guitar. That was on sale for 99 bucks in their online site. They had a hard time figuring out what a lap steel guitar is. They told me they don’t stock them but they would have to order it. I then could drive the 90 miles to pick it up. I always try to buy local but most of the time I’m told to go somewhere else to buy or they will order it . I already knew I could buy it for a little less through
(Musician’s Friend ) online without taxes and free shipping. I ordered it and will get it in a couple days for less. So much for local it’s a sad thing when they don’t care .
I guess you need to be a musician to be worthy of help at Guitar Center. I called them earlier today because I wanted to purchase a banjo and lessons. I am not a musician and have never really played an instrument, but I have always wanted to learn to play Bluegrass on the banjo. The friendly gentlemen I spoke to on the phone (no need to mention names online) told me to come in and ask for him.
I went by there this afternoon and he said he had to leave for a lunch break, but he could show me where the banjos were located. So he pointed me to a wall of banjos and then left for his lunch break. I understand needing to take a lunch break…no worries at all…but I asked if someone else could help and supposedly someone was going to come help me.
So after standing there picking up random banjos for 20 minutes, and feeling like a total idiot, I went up to the front desk and asked for help and asked a couple of questions.
I was told he would check on my question. I walked around the store for about 10-15 minutes, always within sight of the front desk, and saw multiple people arrive and get help. I sat on a stool for a while and finally a different gentleman came up to answer my question and I said I came in to get a banjo and sign up for lessons and that I needed someone to show me the banjos and answer questions. I was interested in a nicer used one (more expensive) versus the lower-end new models. He asked me to wait a moment and he went to the desk to answer a returns questions for another sales rep. That was no problem, they are busy, but he then moved on and helped other people. I stood around for another 10 minutes or so thinking he would return. I again watched as they helped other people that not only came in after me, but even ones as they arrived through the door. And at different points in time the gentleman behind the desk was helping no one at all and even looked over at me a couple of times.
They were clearly very busy, and I do understand that. But I was ignored consistently and felt foolish. I had cash in hand and was ready to make the purchase. I was really disappointed and felt silly…like I really didn’t belong there.
I am not big on writing negative reviews, but this really bothered me so I thought I would share my experience so other people new to the music scene will at least be aware of my experience. Perhaps this was an anomaly…I just don’t know.
The help was rude.
14. Music Center
Address: 2809 W 28th Ave, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
Joel did an incredible job fixing my daughter’s flute. His expertise was obvious, and it made me feel at ease. Everyone at Palen was delightful, and I will definitely return.
Very friendly and helpful.
They make the rental process seemless and easy and always helpful if you need it!
Knowledgeable rep who answered all my questions.
Friendly and careful repair. Would give 5 Stars if a more affordable option/tier of instrument was available to increase accessibility. We rent to own and carry insurance, paying about $45 a month for each instrument.
Very easy to rent an instrument for my kiddo. Packages are affordable, website was very user-friendly.
I have never had an instrument fixed properly. I don’t know if their piccolo person is just lazy or they don’t know. I will get my instrument and take it back and extra time or two to get them to actually fix what I asked them to fix the first time. I’ve even had my instrument come back more damaged than when I sent it in. Make sure you take extensive note of the condition given and condition returned. Make sure you give it a very good once over when you get it back too.
Thoroughly disappointed. The lady who greeted me behind the counter seemed displeased I was there from the moment I walked in. She was quick to inform me that they “dont do repairs on guitars” And they had no “Acoustic” Bass Strings. I’m not even sure she took the time to understand what I was looking for. Huge misunderstanding on my end I guess, because their website lead me to believe they repair musical instruments, specifically string instruments. There was no bold or fine print saying “we don’t do repairs on guitars”. Hours later I received a message request via Facebook from a man claiming to have “worked” at Palen music. I am not sure how he found me on there which is very unsettling. He wanted to send me free things provided i give him an address I am sure. This entire experience is very uncomfortable and creepy. Do not recommended leaving a bad review because they will track you down. How unprofessional can you be?
I took my flute to Palen Music in Springdale, AR for a Key and pad adjustment on January 22, 2021. They said the instrument will be kept in quarantine for 3 days, then they will look at it. They took my credit card info, gave me a receipt and Left. Latter part of the next week I called to see if my instrument is ready to pick up. They said the flute is not ready because they wanted to give me an estimate before fixing it. She gave me the estimate on the phone and said we call you when it is ready. I did not hear from anyone the next week and I called back. They said it takes usually two weeks to repair, so we ‘ll have it by Thursday and call you. Thursday, I did not hear from anyone. I called on Friday and asked them if my flute was ready. After a long wait she came back and said the instrument is not ready and it will be next week. At that time, I told them I am picking up my instrument since it has been exactly three weeks to this day. She Also let me know that they already had charged my credit card. When I got there, they had not issued me the credit. After waiting another 20 minutes for that, they told me they can’t get hold of the accountant to issue the credit at this time but they will send it to my email account. I picked up my instrument on 2/12/’21 and left. A bad experience for me.
16. Valley Piano Co
Address: 3515 W Main St, Russellville, AR 72801 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
I love this store! It’s a little crowded with merchandise but you can always find what your looking for!
Old friends I’ve known for over 50 years. Always friendly and good price.
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.
17. Palmer Violin Shop
Address: 1043 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR 72756 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
I have rented, bought, fixed, and traded violins here. Mr Palmer is always so nice and the quickest at getting things done. 100% recommend.
Excellent service, cute dog, and and cool older building
Good communication. Good prices. Good service! Took time to help me get the right size and was easy to work with.
Good rental prices
Billing issues on return violin but was promptly corrected with great costumer service
I only logged on to ask if this music store sells or had violins for sale. Can anyone answer this for me ? This is the closest music store but also an hour away and I don’t want to drive there for no reason. So I’d appreciate if someone could give a response and lmk if they do have violins. If not then anything close to a violin such as a viola. Thank you. (:
18. Dorman Piano Co
Address: 21 Warnock Springs Rd, Magnolia, AR 71753 , Igriés , Arkansas , United States
Quality repair and restoration services for band and orchestra instruments.
I took my 60 year old horn here for cleaning and dent removal. They were fast, and did a great job with a sensitive instrument at a reasonable price.
We bring all of our instruments here, they’ve taken care of us and are very professional.
Very helpful and informative
Did excellent work on my old trombone, very nice people!
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!
Great place. Guy is wonderful and love his prices he’s always has what I need for 4 instruments
I’ve never been in the store,I called looking for someone to do a repair an set up on my violin. They referred me to Bill Carter. The best most giving string instrument repair guy I’ve ever met. So they get 5 stars for that
Order some things for my nephew and they arrived in mint condition. “HAPPY “.
They are great. But they closed the business. They still do instrument repairs from home though.
