Great service from across the country. They were very helpful with my purchase of an autoharp and…read moreshipping it out to California. They answered all my questions and were very friendly. I just wish I could be there in person to browse what else they have in stock!

Lovely people, lovely instruments. The best place for folk/traditional instruments and musicians in…read moreDC. If you go in, just talk to the guys. They know so much, and love to talk. I guarantee you'll learn something. Also a great place to run into other musicians. They're fair and honest consigners.

Though I loved the old Guitar Shop on Connecticut, this new location is just as convenient for me…read more I have owned a bass for five years.... FINALLY started taking lessons a few months ago with John, and I'm loving it! It's so much fun, and John is an excellent teacher. He teaches to my learning style, he's patient and thorough, and consistent with his reminders of how I should be playing (finger placement, posture, and all). Though his style may seem scattered at first, he really does a great job of building off of what we learned from the previous week while keeping it interesting. If you're like me and thinking that you'll eventually get around to taking lessons, DO IT NOW! (Before they realize that they're not charging enough!)

From the owner: Lessons offered on guitar (blues/jazz/rock/classical), bass (electric or string bass,) banjo and…read moremandolin to all levels of students from beginner to advanced, using a patient approach designed for relaxed, comprehensive, fun lessons tailored to each student. Formally at The Guitar Shop in DC for 6+ years, teaching theory, improvisation and repertoire building, supplying aspiring musicians with the necessary tools and materials to be successful. We specialize in showing students how to learn from and play their favorite recordings.

A coworker recommended going, I was reluctant since I live on the VA (other side) of the city. But…read moreOMG. The inventory was amazing. I was actually overwhelmed by the number of guitars and amps in stock. Literally thousands. What I thought would be a 10 min max, look around, buy a pack of strings (I always try and buy something at non chain music stores) turned into a 2 hour adventure. Rows and rows of guitars. I was at first intimidated and it took a bit to get my bearings as how the instruments were organized. LPs over here, Fenders over there. Did I mention there were "like 2 thousand guitars. Then I was shocked at how reasonable the prices were. After 45 minutes I had decided I was definitely getting a new guitar that day, then what to choose? Narrowed down between 2 that I wanted and matched what I could afford that day. The guy who rang me up, saw it was my first purchase there and knocked a few bucks off and threw in a new set of slinky strings. Look if you are looking for a posh music boutique store with fancy displays, this is not the place for you. But if you are a musician looking for quality gear that is priced right and huge inventory, this is the place. I am already planning my next visit with a bigger budget.

Fantastic store!!! Came looking for a orange micro dark, they had like 6 of them and let me try…read moreeach one till I found one I liked and on top of that they gave me a 20$ discount because it was my birthday!!! Highly recommend!!!

Not often that you come across a real music store these days but this is one! Love this place.read more

By far my favorite place to buy guitar gear! Love all the people who work there, they're all super…read morekind and fun to know! All my guitars (Fenders, PRS, Seagull, Jasmine) have been purchased there, and they always make the payment plan process super easy. They also have amazing guitar instructors who will help you play very proficiently. It's a fun place to just hang out and try new stuff too. Absolutely recommend if you're local or in town visiting! Roger, Adam, Dylan, Cole, et al. are amazing folks who will help you get what you need.

This is purely for customer service since I'm still looking for my unicorn viola bow. I want to…read moregive a shout out to Yan who helped me test several bows. He was super friendly, knowledgeable, and most importantly patient as he took the time to help me try out bows in several price ranges. I now have a better sense of what I'm looking for as my search continues. I'll definitely be checking in with them periodically to see if and when they get new inventory. Thank you, Yan!

After some negative experiences renting and maintaining instruments through an online store and a…read morestore local to us, we were recommended to Potter Violins in 2018. Simply put, I cannot see ever purchasing a violin for my daughter from another shop. In our first visit to rent a 1/4 size, the associate played two classes of violin and the less expensive sounded so much better that he packed the more expensive one up because it was not the better sound. We then returned two years later to trade up the rental and purchased a rental outfit instead. For the last two visits, for the 3/4 and fill size, they allowed us plenty of time, changed out chin and shoulder rests, everything we needed for a positive experience. Jan was incredible and treated my daughter like his most important client (even though as we left the next client was looking at bows that cost more than my daughter's violin). We left with a "beautiful sound" 2023 Hiroshi Kono violin that sounds as good as it looks. The only drawback to this wonderful store is the three hour drive to get there, and that's certainly not their fault. They have great service to ship what you need that we have also used. But to go in person to try violins and experience the first class service is worth the drive. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Ever since my first review over 14 years ago this shop keeps getting better and better! I'm used…read moreto other chain guitar shops that only chat with the guy who's with me but action music treats everyone the same! Hilarious (dis)respect! Jk. They are amazing and make everyone feel welcome! I stop by time to time to browse and purchase items or get service done. I would highly recommend as I was expecting a restring of an acoustic and a small electric guitar repair to take a few weeks but I was in and out in under 30 minutes. I really have to thank Mr. Matt and the rest of the incredible staff. It makes me want to continue my music journey and come back very often. A big plus is their location now. Parking is ample and signage is clear!

I want to thank Mr.Mike for helping me figure out if my parts were genuine. Awesome dude. Always…read morehelpful when it comes to gear! His Knowledge is very extensive and amazing! Love that guy! And also want to thank John and Matt for the Mods to my guitar. Its always love when i come here, i drive an hour in traffic just because i know these guys are human and know their stuff! Always good Vibes and Beautiful instruments here! If you want a Rare and Unique guitar or amp, simply walk in and see what speaks to your soul! Im beyond happy with my last visit. Legendary Guys and Legendary Shop. Thanks Guys

Randy did a fantastic job removing some significant dents from a vintage Conn 8D Horn I had…read morerecently purchased. The instrument was, annoyingly, damaged during shipping from the seller. Randy's work was marvelous; one must look carefully to see any trace of the previous damage. Additionally, his prices were very, very reasonable given the quality of the work. I will be bringing him instruments in the future for normal maintenance as well as any emergencies. Highly recommended.

Could not be happier dealing with Randy. My hometown instrument tech (in the Norfolk area) retired,…read moreleaving me (and a stable of saxes) bereft. I heard great things about Randy on the noteworthy Sax on the Web board, and tried him out with my near-junker alto. He spotted a couple pad leaks, regulated some wonky keys and generally made it sound better than I had ever heard it sound. Then he took on the acid test: An overhaul of my 60-year-old Keilwerth stencil bari, an absolute screamer pro horn. Full repad, tone-hole leveling, general tightening of the mechanicals. But what really blew me away was his attention to detail: "Yeah, this one rod was a little worn after all those years ... so I took it off, moved it a couple millimeters and re-soldered it." Oh, and he was apologetic that he delivered it a day or two late ... because Navy and Marine band players came in with emergency repairs. When the pros-of-pros are coming to your tech, you know you're found a good tech. My horns certainly agree.

The thing I love about Ms Ann is how much she loves each and every one of her students. Rather than…read moretrain music by intimidation and threats, Ms Ann tries to fill each and every one of her students with the love and joy of making music. You can see this during the recitals, where students play knowing they have a coach who is cheering them on. My son learned to read music in just a couple of months, and before we knew it he was playing with more confidence and competence than we thought possible. Ms Ann is a great teacher for anyone who wants to learn music in a loving, supportive, and relaxed atmosphere.

From the owner: Good vibes music studio offers lessons in piano, guitar and violin.read more

I needed to get my cello tuned (tried doing it myself but my C-string was being finicky and I was…read moreweary of dealing with the pegs), so I called to confirm they had someone that could tune my cello and they said yes. Staff was so nice, and I ending up buying a tuner for my cello as I needed one and wanted to support the shop. Location is great: pretty neighborhood and right by a cafe. Street parking was easy the day I went. They do music lessons and sell instruments, sheet music, tuners, and more!

Very nice staff. Bought an acoustic pretty quick. It's a small selection but everything they have…read moreis very good for a mid range situation.