Rude and unwelcoming they were yelling way too much and we couldn't hear anything so we had to leave the store

Really cool used music shop. This is the type of place that you want to rummage though foe hours (you'll likely find a gem!) There are layers and layers of used music equipment laying around.....really difficult (or impossible) to absorb everything they have. There were tons of gems from the late-80s & 90's era when I was in here. This is a great place for gear enthusiast that know what they might be looking at.....otherwise, one might overlook some great things. This place is seriously wall/wall gear. Stacked everywhere.....and I mean everywhere. Difficult navigating through the store it is so packed....it's not for the casual enthusiast. That being said, really cool to be able to browse this shop. When I walked in, I was greeted by the owner asking what I might be in the market for. I got the impression that is his general approach.....but, I wanted to rummage myself to see what awesomeness I would find. In the end I walked out without purchasing anything....but, I'll likely come visit again if I'm back in town. read more

Weirdest experience I've ever had at a guitar store, and I didn't even go inside. Sign on door says store is open at 11:00 on weekdays. Went there on a Friday at 11:15. Door was locked. Went next door for a coffee. Went back to store 10 minutes later. Still closed. Looked through the window and saw what appeared to be hundreds of guitars hanging on the wall. Next thing I know an aging hipster goblin opens the door. Asks me if he could help me. I ask if they are open. He tells me they are not open for browsing, because it's dangerous. He asks me if I knew what I wanted. I tell him that I'd know if I saw it. He repeats that they are not open for browsing and have not been for years. So many questions: 1) Why do they maintain a retail space, and display guitars, if they are not open for browsing? I'd imagine a warehouse would be a little more affordable. 2) How on earth do they stay in business with this business model? Unless they just sell guitars, at extremely inflated prices, to rock stars that make appointments. 3) Why operate a business like this in an area they consider to be dangerous? Perhaps just too lazy and jaded to move hundreds of guitars to a safer location? read more

I was in here a couple years ago and I will never go back. Here is why: I went into this place with a pretty straightforward question -- do you have any spare 500k volume pots that I could buy? I need to replace one on my guitar. The über-hipster behind the counter then gave me the 10th degree about my guitar, in what seemed like a very weird attempt to demonstrate that he knew more about guitars than me. It was very condescending. After his convoluted inquisition, HE decided that yes, I do in fact need a 500k volume pot. (Thanks!!!?) He then told me he would sell me one, but I have to buy something else. I reluctantly did (I have no idea why...). The whole experience was negative. His attitude, his customer service, and his forcing my hand to buy something if I wanted to get what I went in there for. I refuse to go in to Encore, and I have actively recommended that others stay away. I don't know the owner at all, but I suggest he drop the assholes behind the counter for somebody that won't cost him (more) business. read more

Don't get me wrong, going to guitar shops and playing around with great guitars that you can't afford to buy is pretty fun, but after awhile it gets depressing. Encore music embodies that depression. Every time I go in there is something new that amazes me. A '65 Fender P Bass or a early 70's Gibson guitar is not uncommon there but most of the time they are well into $3000. Now maybe by "collectors" value that's accurate but come on, how many so called "collectors" in Uptown Minneapolis can afford that? Not many because those guitars hang on the wall for pretty long before they get sold. Probably to some rich guy from the suburbs. There isn't much middle ground either. All you'll find is that high end stuff hanging there or some pretty low end stuff that they'll sell to beginners and intermediate players. All that aside I will say that the repair jobs they do are very well done and affordable. All the staff there that I've met have been very friendly and helpful. It's a great shop with lots of cool gear to go play around with and look at, unfortunately, unless your Donald-freaking-Trump, look is all you'll ever be able to do there. read more

I was in the area recently and had to stop by based on a friend's description. Here's the lowdown: some cool gear, some of it priced competitively, and weird/bad service. Let me expand on that. First, the place really does feel like a combination swap meet and bad used book store. The product is everywhere, some of it inaccesible because of guitars or amps stacked on top of other guitars and amps. I greeted the clerk (I think the owner?) on entering and told him I was stopping by to take a look after hearing about his shop. He was nice enough initially, but after looking around I asked if I could check out a few cases. I read on Google that the owner was touchy, so I thought I knew what to expect, but was still surprised. It seemed like he was trying to be both helpful and a dick at the same time. Looking back, I think he probably just didn't like the idea of moving his stacks to access stuff. Would I go back? Maybe. They actually had some vintage gear that was well priced. But I can't imagine that if I had a problem with something they sold me that they'd stand behind any of their goods. There are actually plenty of other guitar shops (including vintage) in town with good service to really tolerate bad service (especially when he doesn't have an edge in terms of either product or price). So.... read more

I have mixed feelings about Encore Music, so let's break it down a little. Pros: - Chad (the owner) is a cool guy who really knows his stuff about guitars and loves to talk with his customers. He's a bit like the mildly surly neighbour who becomes your best friend when you say something to him like, "Damn kids wreckin' lawns, eh?" He's happy to share his knowledge about guitars, and that's helpful. - He does guitar setups for the best price in the area...$10-20 less than other places. - His shop has a pretty wide variety of guitars, and in varying degrees of (dis)repair and cleanliness. So if you want some obscure old Teisco from the 60s, this is the place to go. Cons: - I've never seen a more cluttered shop ever. Guitar cases and broken guitars all over the place. Seriously reminded me of my garage when I used to have a house. There's a very narrow path that winds down to the far bass guitar wall and back, and if you stray from the path...well...you CAN'T stray from the path, because you'd be walking on more guitar cases. - Piggybacking on the variety of guitars comment above, a lot of the guitars look like they were taken straight from under someone's bed and put up on the wall. They're dirty, the strings look like they'll snap if you look at them funny, and they're not really inviting to play. Not saying they have to set up the guitar and make it look brand new, but maybe if the strings are actually rusty, swap them out with a new pair (and yes I know strings cost money, so I don't need a lecture on how that would be dipping into his inventory). - It's only open until 5pm during the week. So for those of us who have regular day jobs will have to either leave work early or go in on Saturday. The bottom line is that this is a good guitar shop that could become great. I've bought and sold gear there, and Chad is very fair in his dealings. I'm glad it's only a mile away from my apartment. But if Chad were able to hire someone to work evenings, and maybe they were able to clean up the shop a little more, I think the overall impression would be much stronger and better. read more

NO Shop has a better selection of Vintage Guitars in the Twin Cities area, no one. the owner is a straight shooter & is one of the most knowledgeable Guitar Sellers in the area, period ... if you are out looking for Vintage Used Guitars, you will end up here .... The End. Zerr0 read more

Couldn't even look around, Chad talked to me so much. Quite a condescending attitude and kept saying things leading me to believe he didn't want to be working the shop anymore. Left me with a sour taste in my mouth. Yes it has some great gear, but it's covered in dust. I'm actually curious how the guy maintains business with his attitude. Maybe no one else cares because he's been there for 30 years and maybe I saw him on a bad day. I don't know, but it was shitty enough of an interaction that I am writing a review. Here's the irony, he complained to me (for so long) about how the online stores have destroyed so much of his business, and I get it, that sucks and we should support our local businesses, but with an attitude like that you are only driving your customer base away and towards reverb.com and the likes. Go see a therapist and stop using your potential customers as your sounding board. Have some professionalism for crying out loud. Gonna buy a Pro One from someone who doesn't make the process like pulling teeth. read more

They get amazing stuff in. So if you don't see what you want ask the owner about it. I used to live in the neighborhood for many years. I'd been going in to check things out for at A LONG Time.They get very busy on Saturdays so that's not an ideal time to shop. I was always kind of intimidated because well it's greater Uptown and it's Hipster Central. If you're expecting a suburban Guitar Center store this is not the store for you. This has a very urban vibe. Being a girl in a used guitar shop feels like walking into a car garage with men working on engines. I went back on a weekday afternoon and told the owner (Chad?) that I was ready to buy, this is what I was looking for and this is the cash I had to pay for everything. You don't just "buy an electric guitar and learn how to play." You need a case or gig bag, a small amp, a cable and a stand. They really helped me and I got just what I wanted and a lot of good advice and felt terrific when I left. A long time ago I told the guy I really liked his 1960s little girl with a guitar picture on the wall and he gave it to me. So woman up. They sell to women and you belong there like any guy does even if you're not Kathleen Hanna or Chrissie Hynde. Don't go in looking for a Vintage Les Paul Stratocaster and expect to pay $400. If you're going to play with the big boys and the big girls act like one. read more

Been in here twice, will not return, not even if I'm in the market for a Les Paul Custom. Both times the employees acted put out that I'd even walked into the place, and kept giving me a 'This is all MY stash, don't eff with it' look. One of the two times I'd apparently caught them eating lunch on what little counter space they had. I don't completely blame the venue for this, but parking to get inside this place does suck. Prepare to walk at least half a city block on a good day during operating hours. I'm guessing that if you're not in there to drop $3K or more on one of their 70s era vintage instruments, then they don't have time for you. And if you don't have money, they don't want you looking, which is what put the bad taste in my mouth. Snobbery all around in this place. After 25 years of professional guitar playing, I've been in friendlier venues if you just want picks and strings, or just to look around. These guys send off a really bad vibe the second you walk in. I don't recommend it for the casual browser. read more

Hmm, Travis you can find plenty for less than $1000. Less than $500 if you really look. Chad the owner is awesome. Only reason they don't get five is that sometimes when Chad is not there, there has been some hipster wanna be with attitude behind the counter. He behaves (not as well as the dog, who is great) when Chad is there, but still likes to side-cop the pseudo attitude. I bet that most real hipsters make fun of him. They can probably play guitar better too and handle themselves with more grace after their second Zombie at the Red Dragon. But hey what do I know anyway? I am not talking about the shorter guy with with all the tats who more often than not can be found smoking next door or maybe at the CC, or the a little bit larger guy with the pony-tail. No. Both these guys are great. Anyone who has bothered to read this far knows who I mean. Still Encore kicks ass and I would highly recommend it above any other place like it in the twin cities that I have been to. read more

Great shop. Love me some Chad. Always a really cool guitar, amp, pedal, or vintage Tonka toy laying around in the beautiful mess of well-loved instruments that is Encore Music Shop. read more

This shop is cool. I kinda dig the vibe here. Maybe a little tense but that's cool man. This stuff costs money man. He's gotta make a profit man. I grabbed an old G&L from him. I don't even play guitar, but I was looking for Garnet and Traynor amps. He had a Traynor. But the guitar had to go back to California with me. He had a Naylor amp too. Great to look, better to buy. Lots of cool stuff. Don't be a chump. read more

Extremely disappointing experience. I went in primarily to learn, and wanted someone knowledgeable who would be happy to talk with me, even if they didn't have what I needed right then or I didn't have a large budget. This guy was knowledgeable, but he was also not listening to me at all and was clearly annoyed to have to talk to me. His responses to my questions were snide and dismissive. He explained things poorly, and then when I asked clarifying questions he would just repeat the same ineffective explanation in a more irritated voice as though I was an idiot for not understanding him. Did not listen, did not want to talk, made huge and *incorrect* assumptions about what I wanted and needed because he wasn't listening. I work in sales - this guy did everything wrong. He seemed far more interested in getting back to the counter to talk with his buddy than to work with me. Instead of getting a lifelong customer, I'll go elsewhere. read more

I have been doing window shopping and actual business with this place for years. I think since shortly after they opened. It is a real old-school used guitar shop. If you want a real old or real used players grade guitar or amp, you will find it here. A top dollar vintage instrument is a maybe, but a vintage instrument that has something changed or altered, yes. To me that is cool as I find more high end shops dealing in refins and fakes so a genuine player/beater is cool by me. Shiny and new with warranty is not happening here, but gig ready stuff is here. Also, funky projects abound, and if you are serious you can haggle a deal here and there. Not for fans of roomy, clean, comfortable. Plus with Twin Town moving away from older cheaper used players and pushing their Fender franchise, you can find more of that here. The chaotic nature of the place can be a something you aren't in the mood for, but if you are cool with stepping around things, have fun here. read more

There's the full spectrum of guitars and amps to be found here; for collectors, players, and beginners. This shop is simply a must stop on your search of the twin cities metro area. I've always found Chad the owner to be knowledgeable and easy to deal with. read more

A one man operation that is downright burgeoning with really sweet gear. If you're passing through town this is part of the trifecta of guitar shops that you have to check out (Twin Town and Willie's being the other two) if you like basking in vintage gear. Marshall and Fender amps are abound there, Strats and Les Pauls too. And it's kind of to the point where it's freaking insane to navigate it all. If you're looking for something ask for it. The owner (unlike Guitar Center oompa loompas) doesn't really get off selling you something you don't want or need, so he asks what may seem like condescending questions to get to the heart of your query. More than likely he probably has what you're looking for and if the price tag is too much make an offer. I've done it and he either says yes or let's try to work something else out. It ain't ebay. It's a real shop with a real human who knows a lot more than you do about gear. It may not be for the weak of heart to interact with a non-internet entity but I'll gladly snap up all the cool stuff some of you wussies pass up. read more