I had 4 vintage guitars from my long ago playing days and I wanted to secure a future for them as they were in decent shape had sentimental value. The staff at Empire Guitars was friendly and professional and provided me with an honest assessment of their condition and value. Thanks to everyone! Mark H. read more

I brought in my guitar, I've been playing for about a week or two so I obviously don't know much, they took a look at my guitar and helped me fix it and are just super informative and helpful I also bought some strings and a tuner while I was there and their employees are so amazing and super friendly and it was an amazing experience in general! They also have an amazing selection of guitars, pedals, etc. I definitely will be coming back next time I need something. read more

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Nice guys, terrific selection of vintage and new instruments, and a friendly safe place to try them out...prices are reasonable, and being a pro studio player, I would NEVER purchase a musical instrument online or without seeing it and playing it...these guys are the real deal. read more

Empire Guitars - Guitar Stores Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Customer service. Can they rent a personality somewhere? Rude. Lack of enthusiasm. Nice new shop but it ain't no Music Emporium in Lexington. They lost a sale. I'd rather go to Attleboro or Warwick to the guitar center. read more

EXCEPTIONAL shop - and I've been around While my daughter's softball team went to the outlets I decided to 'find a guitar shop'. Stumbled into EG based on online reviews and thrilled to have found it! Every type of pedal you can imagine from basic to boutique one offs, and super friendly and chill staff. As customers came and went they even knew a few by name. I ran out of time so I made a kind of 'impilse purchase' debating between two pedals and later realized I should have picked the other. With zero issue they swapped it out for me a week later, and all things considered I bought another pedal and a bass while there second trip... If you're a pedal junkie - and like great service with great staff, Empire is a great stop read more

This is the place!!! All the cool gear and an amazing staff of friendly and knowledgeable folks. I had an extremely positive experience doing business with them and look forward to many more. read more

Check out this place, rather than a typical chain store, and you'll find a broad and cool selection of guitars, with character, and quite a few vintage ones, too. Customer service is solid, and they're nice guys, knowledgeable, and helpful. Highly recommend. read more

I placed an order for an amplifier through their eBay store. Within an hour it was cancelled with the reason "out of stock or damaged." I contacted the seller and he said it was in stock, but that they do not ship amps (the item was listed as free shipping). I pointed out that they have multiple other amps listed for sale on eBay with free shipping. His reply was that they've "experienced damage & loss in the past when shipping amplifiers." Sounds to me like they just don't know how to properly pack an amp. I'm not a business...just a person...and I've successfully packaged and shipped amplifiers without issue. Unfortunately, zero stars isn't an option. read more

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Hundreds of guitars- all beauties. the store itself is extremely clean and well maintained. The three gentlemen who helped me today were infinitely knowledgeable, courteous and helpful. This should be anyone's first stop if looking to buy a guitar. read more

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The stock here is a combination of dozens of carefully set up recent and vintage instruments and amps, select low end used pieces, and a few new brands (eg Reverend, Quilter). The staff are friendly, helpful and well-informed. The prices are moderate--they're not giving anything away and they know what they've got, but they will dicker. They are upfront about the deficiencies of used equipment, trade-in allowances, and terms for consignments. The store is well-stocked with acoustic guitars at the moment but sometimes there are only a handful of them. The turnover is high because the guitars are good and priced to sell-- it is a good idea to stop in regularly to see what's new. read more

As I walked into Empire Guitars I got an excellent vibe and was met by a very personable and knowledgeable staff. Everything from Vintage to brand new. I will go back again and again! read more

Just wanted to provide a quick update on my previous review. Went in today expecting to make a fairly expensive pedal purchase. I struck up a conversation with Patrick (I think/hope I'm remembering that correctly) and he listened to what I was looking for. He actually recommended a pedal that was a third of the price of the one I was looking for, set me up to try both, and just sort of let me be to play. Just a great experience. All these guys are very knowledgeable, but also willing to listen to what people want and need. I ended up leaving with the more expensive pedal, and had to cut myself off as I would have bought much more. Such an awesome place. Can't recommend enough. read more

I bought a Gibson Advanced Jumbo Deluxe (Custom Shop) guitar from Empire Guitars web site. Buying on-line can be a bit of a gamble. The guitar was shipped to me in 2 days and was actually in better condition than described. Communication with Empire was excellent as well. Thank you. read more

WOW. This place absolutely blew my mind. I've been working on building a guitar for a year now and it is finally come to the last stages. I didn't trust myself to drill holes and properly wire this beauty, so I shopped around for the most trustworthy, (and most importantly) respectful guitar shop. The plan was to interview many different luthiers and choose based on their attitude, attention, and willingness to carry out my orders to the letter. Yesterday, I found that shop. I was nervous going in but was smiling ear to ear when I left without my guitar. I'll update this review when I finally do get the guitar back with the work done but I'm honestly pretty sure that I picked the right shop sight unseen. This review will be WAY longer when I get the guitar back. read more

The best. I mean, is there anyone who thinks differently? Friendly, knowledgeable staff, great selection of new and used pedals. You don't want to go to some big corporate chain music store, and you also don't want to go to some rip off small business. That's why you go to Empire guitars, because they are fair, friendly, never pushy, and people leave there feeling happy. read more

Great store! They have everything from sun $500 guitars to vintage 50s and 60s guitars selling for much more. A good mix of new and used instruments, amps, and effects. 5 stars, highly recommended! read more

Tucked away above Empire Loan (on Main St. & 10th) is one of the best guitar stores I've been to in the area. Unassuming and a hidden gem, you'll find great guitars, supplies and (something you don't always get at the big chains) knowledgeable staff. They've got a good selection and some really good prices as well. read more

I've been looking for a very specific pedal for the boyfriend, but it's been flying off the shelves and pretty hard to get my hands on. My local pedal dealers (Stompbox Sonic! They're awesome, check them out) recommended I check with Mike from Empire. I left them an Instagram message to see if they had any in stock, and then later called as well. I was told the pedal was sold out, and was given another option to check with Reverb. I took a look at Reverb but didn't like not being able to support a local business near me. The owner (?), Mike, got back to me on Instagram a few days later though and told me he was sold out of the pedal but planned on having more come in. He told me he could ship priority for me if I was willing to wait a week. About a week later, I was in a meeting thinking about how I should touch base with Empire since time's a-tickin' for Christmas presents, and lo and behold, Mike had already gotten back to me via Instagram Messages to let me know that the new shipment came in and that he set it aside for me. He gave me a few different payment options and even said that if I was no longer interested, it was no big deal. I called to let him know that I still wanted it and thanked him for setting it aside. He said that since it was a little later in the day, he wasn't sure if he would be able to get it out with the mail. This was Tuesday, 12.12 at 11AM. THE PEDAL CAME IN AT 8AM THE NEXT FREAKING MORNING AND I WAS BLOWN AWAY. I know this is an extremely long-winded review but HOLY SMOKES. Mike is amazing and I am SO SO SO happy with the level of customer service. As someone that has worked in retail and restaurants and all sorts of places where guest experience is everything, this COMPLETELY embodies great service. I am so thrilled that Stompbox Sonic recommended me here and will 1000000% buy from these guys again. Thanks again, Mike. You're fantastic. read more

I've been coming here for years buying accessories for my Fender acoustic. Great deals on everything, and some real gems in the store! The staff has always been top notch, Keith in particular. I'll keep coming! read more

Traded in some gear I had laying around the house. Received a fair amount in store credit and was helped to find some other things I was looking for staff was super helpful and knowledgeable. All in all a great experience. read more

I'm a grandmother who plays my guitars for my grandchildren - so I need all the help I can get and the guys at Empire Guitar never let me down. They are friendly, funny and most importantly, super helpful. Whether you are buying new, used, are looking for repairs or simply want your guitar re-strung, this is the place to go. read more

This shop continues to deliver awesome vintage, boutique, and even budget used stuff in the most awesome of manners. Their selection of effects is excellent and the sales guys are super knowledgeable and helpful. Empire Guitar is awesome! 2/22/2020 Update: Empire Guitars continues to deliver the best in gear and customer service in the northeast! Thank you, Empire Guitar! You're awesome! Went in today and bough a couple of pedals you can't find just anywhere at awesome prices, too. read more

I love this place. Easy to get to. Consummate professionals. Knowledgable staff. They will really bend over backwards for you. They do everything they can to save you money. They are honest, blunt, straight forward. They don't try and pull one over on you. They do most work on site. The Tech Crew is second to... Almost none;-) They buy used gear at great prices. They sell their gear at great prices. They are masters of their craft. Thanks guys. See u soon. read more

Love this place. No attitude, really helpful staff, selection from the top $$ to the bottom, and they had just what I was looking for in my price range. Couldn't have been easier to find what I want and get honest advice. I didn't have to deal with Mega-Guitar-Mall store, and I didn't have to chase Craigslist "deals" all day. When I need (and we always need) more guitars, I will check here first. Unfortunately for my wallet, it's easy to find and easy to park. Don't let the 4-guitar display at the front entrance scare you off. The guitars are upstairs in the back. read more

I found my dream acoustic here, that I never thought I could afford, for half price. The staff were awesome and I am in love with my taylor 514ce. read more

Really nice guys. Helped me string my guitar bc I'm a noob. One guy (Nate?) was super helpful and taught me how to string while teaching me other things about guitar setup. Will definitely return! read more

I agree with Josh, I love this place too. Mike (the manager) was absolutely fantastic to work with. I put a down payment on a guitar (my first time there) and I'll be picking it up shortly. This is a small business and guitar store that absolutely gets it right. The right balance of new and old, good quality and affordability in both categories and a really cool store that has a great non-threatening retro vibe (see some of my other reviews for "the wrong vibe"). This place is spot on if you even like guitars. And Mike was kind and decent as he listened to an aspiring old guy guitarist blather for a minute or two about the amazing guitars they had there. I'll be there every single time I'm even close to Rhode Island. Excellent place, don't miss it. As an aside, the guitars you see when you walk in the lower door are also outstanding and completely reasonable for solid vintage. read more

Very helpful and knowledgeable staff with beautiful guitars for sale. They educated me on what to look for when buying a guitar, and I walked out with a top notch used acoustic. Love this place. read more

Visited with my brother who is blind and Keith was amazing, helping him get sorted, trying out different guitars, explaining what they look like, the differences, what he should be looking for in a jazz guitar. Thank you, Keith for being so awesome. Great setup and expertise! read more

First class collection of vintage gear, along with some new (and newer) gear and expendables. Walked in to check the place out, walked out with a half-price Martin and a new favorite spot in Providence. I'll definitely be back if I'm through town again. read more

Bought my first new guitar today. This place came highly recommended and for good reason. Te encironment was inviting, no loud, annoying players like at Guitar Center. The prices on acoustic guitars ranged from $150-1k and the acoustic room was neat and inviting. The salesman was patient with me and showed me a few guitars since I'm a new player. I'm definitely comfortable with my selection and I like the return policy which lets me know they stand by their products. If I ever need another this will be my first choice. read more

Moved here from LA where cool guitar places are everywhere, can get whatever you want there. Here, not so much. Stopped into Empire, this place is serious. No BS, no hard sell, they know their crap and hot all the good stuff. If in the market for quality, you can go in and find what you like. Next guitar, getting from them. read more

Great gear, new and used in all price ranges. Nick does great work if you need anything fixed. Highly recommend.

Empire is as of this writing pretty much the only shop in RI worth going to for vintage gear. I used to live in the Bay Area, and was fair spoiled by the wealth (quite literal, actually) of vintage sellers. Coming back east has been by and large a huge slap in the jowls on that front. Mercifully, Empire mollifies. While a small operation, the collection is expertly curated. Always a drool-enducing selection of classic and offbeat guitboxes and amps, an acceptable number of which are within the purchasing reach of the non-jetsetting rocker. Add to this a choice of top brand boutique pedals, skilled techs, and friendly, knowledgeable staff who go out of their way to accommodate and wear their enthusiasm for all things gear-related proudly (like the perfect bar, you feel you could lose a day in here and never wear out your welcome) and you have a h(e)aven for the Chronic GASer that may be smaller in real estate than the Meccas in NY, Chicago, San Fran, et al., but just as big in heart and soul and pure and simple bad-ass rawk. read more

Bought a beautiful Gibson Hummingbird here, only one of a wonderful collection of guitars they have in stock. The staff is super friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and were a pleasure to work with. Their email communication was timely, pleasant and spot-on. They worked with me on getting a fair price. Summarily, this was a 5-star shopping experience with a fabulous shop. Check out the good folks at Empire Guitars. They'll help you find what you need. Thanks! read more

I came here about a month ago in their new space to get my guitar set up based on a friend's recommendation. When I went to pick it up I was extremely satisfied. Their resident guitar repairman did it the same day and did a great job. Best of all, the price was extremely fair. I will definitely be back for my repairs and for their awesome gear. read more

They have a decent selection of guitars and amps that seems to be growing but their prices are a little high for this market, especially on the vintage stuff. They do have the best boutique pedal selection in the area. The staff is mostly friendly and helpful (except for the tall guy with the beard who's pretty much of a dick). Anyway, since there really aren't any other decent guitar stores in RI that sell anything other than the run of the mill crap, this place is worth checking out. read more