Greatest guitar store in the state! They have an inventory that will blow your mind! Bring your credit card! It's all worth it!

Excellent service; quality instruments. It was a great experience from start to finish! Bought a beautiful Taylor there and will be back for a set up. I'll be rockin' the shirt on the regular as I wander around famous Grunge history locations around Seattle. Thank you, Emerald City! I'll be back! read more

I'll have to say it did indeed live up to the hype! The staff could not have been cooler, I got to play a dreamy '59 335 thru an amplified nation amp at pretty good volume, definitely an experience I won't forget. read more

More than the amazing purchase itself, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and they made the whole experience feel special. My young musician couldn't be happier, and it's an experience we will cherish for a lifetime. read more

Emerald City Guitars - Guitar Stores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Amazing crew, that went above and beyond!! The team was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Great work on guitar set-ups. Highly recommend read more

This is a fine place with a great selection of guitars and some of the nicest people you'll ever meet in a music store. They have a lot of different instruments including reasonably priced ones as well as stuff that's out of almost anyone's range. You have to be into classic guitars. read more

Great shop with a great selection. The employees are very friendly and give a welcoming vibe. read more

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I have been visiting and shopping at Seattle guitar shops since the early 1990's and can say without a doubt my favorite store is Emerald City Guitars. It doesn't matter if I pop in and browse, buy a $10 cord, or some strings; I am always treated with respect and someone always reaches out and makes sure to answer any questions - polite, without any pressure or anyone following me around. They have very nice vintage guitars, both electric and acoustic and I've never seen a "please ask to play" tag, which I appreciate. The higher value stock (+ $25k) remains in a glass case, which is understandable with price tags rivaling a new BMW. But I always feel free to wander and pluck the guitar of my choice. I had owned a Strat clone for a while, a cheap off-brand copy and had always wondered about getting an American made Fender Strat or even a deluxe Custom Shop model. I was drawn recently to their nice Pioneer location because I noticed on their web site that they featured 2 Dan Smith era Fender Strats made in the early 1980's. I was able to play both of them, and while I was at it, I played a couple of used John Cruz Masterbuilt Strats and another model from their early Custom Shop, a 1996 Fender Cunetto '57 Stratocaster relic. Amazing to be able to compare several guitars in various price ranges from different Fender eras. I brought my own guitar with me and was able to noodle back and forth between the guitars and spent over an hour comparing the tone and feel of the assorted models. I kept gravitating back to the Cunetto and the feel of the neck and the unmistakable clean Stratocaster tone. Then I'd play my clone and before long it became a ridiculous comparison and I was hooked on the Cunetto. (Sometimes there's one that whispers in your ear...) I went home and thought about it and tried to play my clone. I retuned the next day with my clone and played the clone and the Cunetto back and forth and also enlisted Nick, one of the employees to play both guitars while I listened. He answered all my questions without pressure and some of my questions were dumb rookie inquiries. To make a long story shorter, I am now the proud owner of an amazing Cunetto Custom Shop Strat, and my clone will soon be available for sale on their web site. Thanks and kudos to Nick, Liz, and owner Jay for operating an amazing guitar store- certainly the best in Seattle. If you've never been there, check out their inventory online, but an in-store visit cannot be topped. This is my first and possibly only Yelp review. I just couldn't keep my pleasure a secret! Thank you Emerald City Guitars. read more

Emerald City Guitars - Guitar Stores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

You can't do any better than these folks. Whether purchasing or looking for exceptional set-up/repair, I would recommend Emerald City Guitars across the board. read more

This Seattle gem is truly Guitar Heaven. Why would someone choose a preowned instrument over a brand-new guitar that is shiny, has the latest technology and costs less money? I will tell you why, the history, warm, powerful, soft, lush sound feel and unique play wear that make each vintage guitar a one-of-a-kind weapon, that is looking for new life and fresh hands to play them. There is no better place to pick up your next guitar or service your instrument than the family owned and operated, Seattle institution Emerald City Guitars. To say that everyone that works there is a pro is an understatement. Each employee is a vintage guitar expert, music historian and player. Joey helped me select the perfect guitar to add to my collection. I had a specific budget and model. They had several options for me to choose from. With each choice presented, there was a story/history attached. I selected a 1974 Fender Mustang. It plays amazing and sounds wonderful. Since that purchase I have had several of my vintage guitars set up and serviced by Emeralds experienced luthiers. There prices are fair, and their work is superior to all others in the Seattle area. Not to mention the turnaround was fast. I have to also add that not all of the guitars for sale cost thousands of dollars. There was a nice selection of guitars sub $1k read more

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Emerald City is the dictionary definition of an iconic guitar store and a must-visit for anyone who plays and can spare a few minutes to check it out. Not only do they have an incredible (this word doesn't do them justice) selection of high end guitars), the staff is incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and cool. I will go here any time I'm in Seattle. P.S. ALWAYS pay for parking on the street. You WILL get a ticket if you don't. (I was giving this heads up by a local). read more

Amazing service and great people really helpful and good and at communication overall great team

What a terrific store! So much good stuff, and the staff were friendly and genuine. I came in during COVID-19 restriction, while store was appt only. I brought in an old Marshall 100W half-stack for consignment; I had hoped it would be worth more, but owner Jay showed me live comps, and gave me a fair offer (they take 25% consignment fee). I had been trying to sell locally on my own, but hadnt had any bites for months. Owner Jay put it up on their 'Pick of the Day' videos, they have powerful marketing and can ship anywhere; soon enough, we had a buyer, and Jay sent me a check right away! Great service, fair pricing, terrific stock, super-cool location and vibe, if I lived close i'd be here alot! Thanks Jay B and staff! btw, My Emerald City Guitar t-shirt is on heavy rotation, love the color and artwork. :) read more

Awesome Guitar selection! The team was helpful, polite and welcoming. They knew their business. Top shelf! read more

Place is like a museum! Amazing guitars on display and for sale. Staff very knowledgeable and friendly.

I bought a brand new Gibson Flying V from Sweetwater and it was an excellent purchase and experience. The guitar, right out of the box, purred like a kitten. And though I love the V that I bought, the stock burstbuckers were too quiet for my style of music. So I took the guitar and a set of Gibson 496R / 500T pickups to Emerald City Guitars, and they swapped out the stock pups for the custom set. I don't need to tell you how raw that guitar sounds now. It's like a completely different instrument. It friggin' roars! I walked into Emerald City Guitars with a kitten and left with a friggin' tiger! read more

Incredible shop and the owner, Trevor is an amazing person to deal with. We did a large transaction and he was incredible every step of the way--honest, fair, and kind the whole way through. I couldn't recommend them higher, I would give 6 stars if I could. read more

I love this store. It is underground in Pioneer Square, and it has an interesting collection of acoustic and electric guitars. Unlike some boutique shops, which are rather intimidating for some of us, the folks here are very down to earth and zero-pressure. You can spend all the time you need to pick out a guitar, and if in the end you don't want to buy, no worries. I went in to look at an expensive Goodall guitar, but I ended up walking out with a Harptone, a totally obscure American brand, at about 1/4 the price. Sounds great! They do have some ultra-vintage items such as pre-war Martins, but they have other guitars all the way down to about $300. read more

When in Seattle...went not knowing we needed an appointment and were greeted and invited in most kindly. Great collection and special place for guitar and music lovers. read more

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Run by smug kids who couldn't set up a guitar to save their shop - even if Daddy walk 'em through it a second time. Seriously bad service. Just because they have expensive old equipment doesn't make its good or it speaks for their business. Brought two guitars in to be set-up. To these kids, a set up is restinging and tune. Didn't even wipe the guitars down. Not capable of more. Pathetic. Buyer beware. Not shop it was in the 1990s. read more

Emerald City Guitars - They didn't even clean the guitars. Never go back or recommend their shop to anyone. - Guitar Stores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Fantastic shop with great employees!! I will definitely purchase from you guys again eventhough I am all the way across the country!! Trust would be the reason I feel comfortable with purchasing from you online. Thanks so much for your honesty and impeccable customer service!! Five Star Shop!! read more

Emerald City Guitars is just a great guitar store. It's has to be more than a period of a decade that I've taken my guitars in for repair, bought a couple of guitars and amps, consigned a guitar for sale... but mostly just stopping by and enjoying all the cool things they have down there. The staff is amazing and keeps you coming back. Sure they have super high end guitars but they do have something for everyone in all price ranges, including vintage guitars. I'm definitely not a high roller! My most recent experience was taking a dream guitar that I bought that turned out to be a bit of a basket case. Tyler, the repair wizard down at ECG did a phenomenal job getting it back into shape and running again. Best place in Seattle for guitar repair or set-up! If you're a guitar fan in Seattle... you got to check this place out. read more

Absolutely the Coolest Guitar Shop around Seattle. Since 1996, Jay and his workers have been vintage guitar dealers and are always friendly and helpful. As a True Novice, it is amazing to me to check out all the Guitars in this place. You can sit down and dabble yourself or watch some of the more experienced customers. Amazing to look at the Higher priced items, A true Collector's place to investigate. I always try and stop buy this shop whenever I can, you just never know who might be in the store just stopping by to say "Hi" to Jay ! Thanks Emerald City Guitars for just doin what you do........ A++ ! read more

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Just came in and bought a 65' RI Super Reverb. Staff was very very welcoming and were very happy to help me out. GREAT selection of vintage amps and guitars, perfect for any guitar connoisseur read more

THIS PLACE IS AWESOME. Best guitar shop in Seattle with the nicest folks! Trevor helped us out, and was knowledgeable, charming and kind. Liz was cheerful and welcoming. We really enjoyed our time there. read more

Emerald City Guitars - Guitar Stores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I don't know much, but my son has been playing since he was 5. He had a dream to plan a trip across the country to visit Emerald City Guitars, and we finally made it happen. From the moment we walked in, we felt completely welcomed. I was impressed by how much these guys know about the history and unique qualities of every guitar they shared with us, and they even let him play. A lot. They were so patient and enthusiastic. It was quite an honor to witness how everyone there connected with my son, even though he was young and could have been overlooked or brushed aside. We left with his dream guitar. I hadn't really planned on that, but the service and kindness they showed earned our business. First trip won't be our last. Thanks for this amazing experience. read more

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Amazing staff and selection, all very friendly and helpful, 10/10, would come back to Seattle just for this.

I had an awesome experience here!! Jay the owner took personal care of me, arranging for a trade-in and getting me a guitar amp and cord for my husband for Christmas. The look of the store is super cool, and it is full of customers that look like real guitar fans. They have an expert on staff who cleans and restores guitars. Everyone was super helpful and considerate, and the woman who ran the front desk even helped me carry everything to my car. You can tell this is a legitimate guitar haven, where novices and experts alike can get what they need. I'm so impressed with Emerald City Guitars. Highly recommend to everyone!!! read more

I have been visiting this shop since they opened. The staff is friendly and knows their stuff. A great collection of vintage guitars and amps. Beautiful vintage Martin guitars. And they now carry Nechville banjos! This is THE music shop to visit in Seattle. read more

Best guitar place in Seattle. Great staff, super friendly. and a huge selection of guitars, amps, and pedals- new and vintage. Got a pickup installed into my acoustic guitar and every other store would've taken 2+ weeks, but it they finished the installation in just 1 day! This store would be my first recommendation to anyone in Seattle! read more

Terrible guitar shop. They will treat you like garbage and make you feel unwelcome. Stay away. Over priced

I tried 3 other shops and no one helped me !!! Then I called Emerald City! I was told they were the best!!!! They are all magicians ! Liz is fantastic and the two guys that turned on my mesaboogie !! It sounds great!!! I appreciate you ! Keep being wonderful!! read more

My experience is that Emerald City Guitars is a first rate guitar shop. When I called about a Heritage guitar from Texas, Jay provided excellent advice and service at a fair price. He was patient in answering all of my questions and concerns and knew exactly what he was talking about. He also, upon request, provided more great pictures. They shipped the guitar quickly and provided tracking info immediately. Their packing job was second to none and the guitar arrived in perfect condition via UPS. I am thrilled with my (new) vintage guitar and highly recommend Emerald City Guitars. Many thanks to Jay and the team for making a dream guitar purchase as smooth as silk. read more

I am a beginner with guitar and I brought in an inexpensive but great sounding guitar for a set up. I was amazed by the guitar tech and her ability to do such an awesome set up on a guitar that needed a fair amount of work. Plays like butter now! Thank you! read more

One of a handful of truly great vintage guitar stores across the nation. The staff are thoroughly versed in guitar, friendly, and all of the ones I've dealt with, musicians. The selection is amazing as well as divers and interesting. To tip it off, Jay, the owner is extremely friendly and generous with his time and knowledge. must stop in Seattle. read more

One of the best retail experiences in 2019. I knew nothing about anything related to guitars. The super friendly, knowledgeable staff was patient with me. They took the time to explain and answer all of my questions from electric guitars to bass to amps. Loved coming in and will be back! A staple visit for any musician young, old, novice or expert! A classic Seattle destination! read more

World class guitar shop with a small town feel. Loved visiting here. Kindest staff ever and the coolest gear ever. Some of these shops loose their touch when they get big. Not these guys. read more

Some of the best service I've ever experienced. Friendly, timely, and professional. My mother is recovering from chemo and expressed an interest to pick up the guitar again. They brought her 12 string back to life for an extremely reasonable price. They even made it personal with a special note and extra care. Also, lots of beautiful vintage equipment to drool over. Thank you so much! read more

Emerald City Guitars - Guitar Stores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I've been going to Emerald City for decades. Over the years it has grown into one of the world's most recognized vintage guitar dealers. You want a legit 1954 Les Paul Custom, all original, with case candy? You can just walk in and buy one! Will it be cheap? Probably not - but you can literally just walk in and buy one. For the guy that wants THAT guitar - it's worth every penny. One of the best moves ECG ever made was hiring Liz Herrin! Liz has to be the most knowledgable guitar techs in the business. I've been taking my collection of guitars to Liz since her days at American Music. Her knowledge of obscure vintage guitar facts rivals that of George Gruhn, and she can get the action on a tele so low it literally makes Joe Bonamassa weep tears of NOS 50's Fender guitar polish from Freddy Tavares' private stash. GO THERE! read more

Whenever I visit a different city I like to see what they have in the way of guitar shops. Guitar Center will do if there's absolutely no alternative, but I'll avoid it if I can. So on a recent trip to Seattle I saw this place was first in Google, and a couple of trusted friends recommended it. So I checked it out, and man...what a great place. I walked in and checked out the acoustic guitar room. There I met Jay, the owner. He greeted me warmly and shook my hand, and welcomed me to his store. He's a great salesman, and asked enough questions for me to know that he cares about his customers, but not so many that it annoyed me. About 10 minutes later I met Dan, one of the sales associates. We spoke for a few minutes about the differences between Seattle and the cities where we grew up, and when I mentioned my desire to move out to Seattle, he said, "Oh, that's awesome. Let me give you my card before you leave today, and let's keep in touch. I'd love to help you in any way when you do get out here." And boom. I had a new friend. So on to the wares. There's a great collection of guitars there, but it's definitely a matter of quality over quantity. It's not like GC (thank God) or even Willie's American Guitars or Gruhn Guitars, with axes and amps lining every wall. But there are quite a few really nice guitars there for you to try out, including some new off-brand guitars that are quite nice. Most of the guitars are what you'd expect to find in a place like this...lots of Fenders and Gibsons, some Gretsch, some Martin acoustics, some less-popular brands like G&L, and amps by all different makers. And of course the innocuous things like strings, picks, slides, capos, t-shirts...the usual. I'm sure I'll have more to say once I move out there and become a regular at the ECG scene. But for now, let's just say they're my favourite guitar shop west of Minneapolis. read more