I'll start off by saying that I know little about guitars or really anything music related. Usually that makes me the customer to be avoided. Especially since I wasn't in the market to buy anything expensive. But at this place I felt no negativity towards my lack. I was greeted by the owner who shared with me some of the stores history and gave me a mini personal tour. Along the journey he answered all of my random questions. Including ones about guitar repair, which they personally do there. I also saw some kids and an adult coming in for various private lessons which they had private, sound secluded rooms for in the shop. They had a large selection of guitars and ukuleles. Pretty cool actually, some of them were quite unique. The store was clean and gave a vibe that felt like it encouraged you to hang around for a while (classic mom and pop type feel). I often feel nervous to pretend to strum a guitar in music shops, as if I'm being judged or something. But here was again quite comfortable. I ended up buying a book on drumming which was fun. I'd certainly shop this place when considering purchasing. read more

Bentley Guitar Studios - Guitar Stores Near Me - Parkville, Missouri

Changed my strings on my guitar so as a novice made it easier for me. I purchased the guitar from them and they are always supportive read more

Jace helped me out when I had an issue with my J45 -- and he did an excellent job. It now plays better than ever. My go-to shop when one of my guitars needs attention. read more

Bentley's is a wonderful guitar shop that has a ton of great options guitar wise and even offers luthier work and lessons! Special shout out to Jace, the luthier for fixing up my acoustic efficiently and quickly when I ran into an emergency issue before a string of performances! Located on Main St Parkville too, which is a historic and unique area here in KC - Highly recommend! read more

5 stars doesn't seem enough. They answered all my questions quickly and helped me get an epic surprise anniversary guitar gift to my husband. Thank you Bentley Guitar Studio! You ROCK :) read more

Horrible online buying experience. Did not receive the instrument that was pictured in ad. The instrument in the shops ad showed an instrument with beautifully figured tiger maple on the back. I received a different instrument not nearly as figured, with what I considered a blemish in the wood. I got the instrument for a discount. Now I see why. Granted the ad did not claim it was the instrument, but it was the only one available, that was photographed in their store. Owner told me it was my responsibility to ask whether instrument pictured was the one I'd receive. Also, that big box stores practice using a photo provided by the manufacturer, and it's generally not the instrument you will receive. The shop is not a big box store. That's the reason I chose them! Hoping to get a more personal experience. Apparently, I was wrong. No real customer service in trying to make things right. Option was, don't like it, return it. Lame! I asked them to find me another instrument. Shop said they could look into it, but no guarantee I would like whatever I received any better. I didn't hear back from the shop owner as to whether he even looked into a different instrument. Ultimately, I decided since I threw away the box it was not worth the effort to send back. Very disappointing experience. Would not recommend doing business with this shop. Mark Bentley Guitar Studio "where the customer isn't a priority, and Mark's always right!" read more

Good prices good selection good prices. Hard to beat that. I bought a guitar here and will again in the future.

When it comes to acoustic guitars of any range (low to high end grade) this is by far the best connection you could possibly have in the city. Mark Bentley not only stocks the best guitars but offers some of the best helpful advice that goes beyond the norm. The prices are competitive with whats out on the market. I ventured into the nylon guitar world granted 15+ years ago, without much knowledge of the field, and thanks to Mark Bentley, I was able to be suited up with a quality instrument that would stand the test of time. I still have that guitar. Since my first purchase, I have gone back on several occasions and again, lucked in on another great guitar from him. I know Bentley's gives lessons - as well as selling guitars of acoustic -nylon, acoustic- steel string, and electrics. From what I can tell, his knack is within the acoustic market. As an overview of all guitar stores in the area, Bentley's is above all others. read more

Nice selection of vintage instruments, casual laid back atmosphere, with guitar technician available for adjustments or repairs. Competitive prices and open to trade-ins for upgrades. read more

Just got my guitar back after a set up by Jace. Great job! I highly recommend! I even had a couple frets that were high that he hammered down as part of the set up. Good value! Thanks! read more

A friend and I went to Parkville today, while there I noticed Bentley Guitar Studios on Main. I was excited, as a guitar player and collector the inventory looked great and the layout of the store looks nice and comfortable....so why the crappy review. As we entered the store a young guy barely looked up, mumbled "can I help you", the lamest cliche retail greeting. I told him we were visiting Parkville and had heard of the store but never been in.....the kid didn't say another word the whole time we were there. I saw some good looking mandolins, and some nice solid bodies. This kid actually seemed to work at ignoring us. I felt so uncomfortable we left fairly quickly. So Bentley....here's some advice from an old player. You might have great inventory and facilities but small businesses need people who give a crap and engage their customers. read more

I love this place! I grew up in Kansas City and this place is by far the best guitar store in Kansas City. The owner, Mark, is incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate and their selection is very large. It's definitely a local mom and pop type of shop that brings such good quality instruments and service to KC. They also sometimes play music outside during local events. I couldn't recommend this place more! read more

The above person should have their Yelp license revoked. I've been doing business with Mak and the gang for a decade. I looked up the Yelp to get the phone number so I could call about having my Martin adjusted and fully expected to see 2 pages of GLOWING 5-star reviews and saw this persons novice take on Bentley. Sad. OK, here is the real scoop: This place is one of the only places in the area you can find a healthy stock of FINE QUALITY VINTAGE GUITAR EQUIPMENT. I've purchased severalfrom Bentley, let's just make a short but amazing list shall we? 1) 1969 Ampeg Dan Armstrong 6-string, clear acrylic body. The greatest solid body electric guitar I ever owned. STILL the only one I've ever laid eyes on in the non-cyber world. They had it in the glass case. I traded an 80s LP Deluxe a USA Stat plus and some other gear for it. They worked with me. 2)1981 Rickenbacker 4001 bass. Still have it, got it there 10 years ago and had them do a complete re-fret before I brought it home. Still amazing. 3) 1997 USA Telecaster Plus. I had found a 1969 Gibson low end acoustic at a pawn shop for a steal and these cool guys let me trade it for the tele. A deal that was great for both of us. Some of the staff members through the years have been an acquired taste, but it all comes out in the wash if you know what you are looking at. Ask for Mark and if he isn't teaching someone to be an amazing classical guitarist he'll be GLAD to help you in any way. They have great playing cheaper low end stuff all the way up to the most collectible pieces in the world. They have top quality instructors and experts available to chat. They specialize in acoustic, classical, and bluegrass equipment and have a stage in house for performances. Bentley is a MUST VISIT PLACE!! read more

this is by far the best guitar shop in the area. no question. the people are friendly and know what they are doing. the instruments are available for you to try and.....maybe best of all.....the owner and manager are fair and trustworthy. that means a lot when you are possibly paying for an expensive guitar (or uke....or mandolin). but no matter whether you are interested in a top of the line or a budget priced instrument, or wanting to trade something in....the folks at bentley's will give you the time you need and the best price available. the repairs and set-ups are great, too. read more

My experience with their staff mirrored the review Gary M left. I couldn't get anyonE interested in talking to me about a couple of guitars because they were too busy impressing each other with their vast knowledge of guitars and bullshitting. I have a collection of over 25 guitars and have been playing 50 years...when I did finally get some attention it was very condescending....like I was bothering them. Never again. This old man will take his business elsewhere. Avoid. read more

We love Bentley Guitar Studios! My family has been taking lessons there for almost 4 years now. We take piano lessons from Theresa, guitar from Mark and voice lessons from Yvonne. My boys love going there and look forward to lessons each week. I don't have to fight with them to practice, too much, because they really don't want to disappoint their instructors. They are genuinely interested in our boys and are extremely flexible in working around their many other activities. They are truly part of our family. read more

I am new to playing guitar and went in to find a left handed acoustic guitar. They didn't have one, but Matt, the manager, said they could order one and they would have it in 7-10 days. I gave them my information and waited patiently. 12 days later I called them to get a status update and spoke with Matt again. He said it definitely wasn't in yet, but he would talk to Mark and call me back to let me know. That was two weeks ago and I still have never gotten a call from anyone at the shop regarding the status. I have since order and received, in less than 5 days, the exact same guitar they were supposed to order for me. It is my assumption that since I wasn't spending $1K on a vintage guitar that they really just didn't care. Matt was very impersonal in the shop and borderline rude on the phone. He acted as if I was putting him out by asking him to follow-up on his obligation. I would never recommend this shop to anyone and I really hope Mark reconsiders who he has running the face of his business. read more

The building is cool and they seemed to have a wide selection of guitars but I never could get any assistance from the sales staff. I was in there twice in one week. The first time they were busy so I hung around for about thirty minutes before giving up and leaving. The second time there were two employees in the store along with one customer. Based on the conversation I heard, the customer appeared to be a friend of the employees and was their to visit. I on the other hand was wanting to buy a guitar. I spent ten minutes standing there looking at the guitars thinking someone might at least ask if I needed assistance or if I had any questions. I'll admit that I am new to the guitar world and know that I could have asked for help, but I kept thinking if I can't get good customer service when i am trying to give them $500 what type of service will I get once the purchase has been made. I wish them well but I think I will look elsewhere. New note: The day after this review I received an email from Jace, who is the repair manager at Bentley's, and he apologized for the lack of service. I appreciate and wanted to note that they did reach out to me. read more

Well, the first experience I had with Bentley Guitars was pretty good. I went in looking for a banjo. Mark sat down with me and discussed what I should be looking for in a banjo. They had a banjo I wanted. I left without buying the banjo. Of course, someone walked in immediately after me and bought it. Shit! So, long story short, it is now April...we've asked to have a banjo ordered twice with no apparently follow through or follow up. All I can really say is... Look, I'm willing to hand over my money to buy a banjo....and I guess you're just not interested. So, I will go elsewhere. And I already have. I'm not sure what the problem is here....an utter lack of customer service? Just not giving a shit? Possibly poor communication among stafff? Honestly, I'm not sure how you run a business this way. It is unfortunate since from my knowledge there are very few guitar stores around. If everyone in the store seemed to have as much passion for selling instruments as much as Mark seems to have for playing them, they'd be golden. If you are more persistent and pesky than I am, this is probably the place for you. However, if you expect a little more follow through from a specialty store, I'd save yourself the frustration and look elsewhere. read more

We have been into Bentley several times over the years, but we recently took an acoustic in to have a bridge crack repaired and had a horrible experience. When we took it in, we were told that the guitars needing repair are picked up once a week and that this particular repair would likely take 2 weeks. The employee took down our information and wrote down the wrong make of the guitar. He wrote "big baby taylor", even after my daughter corrected him and told him it was a Taylor 110. Three weeks later, we had not heard anything from them, so I stopped by. I was told that if we hadn't heard anything, then it wasn't done yet and that the gentleman doing the repair was probably busy and had others before us. I mentioned that I hadn't even gotten a call with an estimate (which we never got). The employee at Bentley grudgingly called the man, who was to do the repair, and left a message. The employee told me that he would call back the next day. He didn't. We called again at 4 and 5 weeks- talking to different people who assured us they would check on it. We never received a phone call back. At the end of week 5, my husband talked to someone different who (after suggesting that it might be lost and telling us that the repair person has had some issues lately...) gave us the phone number for the gentleman doing the repair. We called and left a message for him. We also asked for a call from the manager/ owner. The owner (Mark) did call us the next day- to our amazement. He said that he would call Keith (the gentleman doing the repair) and that he would get the guitar back for us within the next week. He also suggested that there was something going on with Keith, and explained that was why it was probably taking so long. He also said that there was some confusion in finding information about the guitar because on the order, it was described as a big baby Taylor, instead of a Taylor 110. (We corrected this in the beginning...) A day or two later, Keith called to say that he received the guitar 3 days prior, but it wouldn't be a difficult repair, and it would be done within the week. This means that our guitar was in the STORE for 5 weeks!!!! The staff either didn't know it was still there, or they were out and out lying to us to cover up the fact that it hadn't been sent when they said it would be. Also, if I were Keith, I would be super annoyed that they were putting the blame on me. Of course, he probably doesn't know that. Anyway, we voiced our concerns- several times- to several employees and to the owner and NO ONE EVEN APOLOGIZED for the poor customer service or for their disorganization. The long and short of it is- we received the guitar back today and we are very happy with the repair., but we will never even darken the door of Bentley to buy strings in the future. read more