I went to Music World today to get a broken string replaced. Not only was my string replaced as I…read morewaited, but it was replaced for free. While my string was being replaced, I got good advice about my banjo's tuning pegs. The person who helped me was very helpful and friendly. I've been here before for various banjo related help and my experience has always been incredibly positive. I'll definitely go back.

Very friendly and over the top helpful staff. Tyler noticed a backwards stringing on my repaired…read moreguitar and offered to re string for free. He even offered helpful hints while he was restringing. I've been coming here for years and will continue to come for years more!

Super helpful,friendly and knowledgeable staff. They'll answer any questions you have about your…read moreinstrument and never felt rushed, I'll always choose this store over the others in the area.

Long story short: began playing guitar when I was pretty young and stopped in my 20s when my oldest…read morewas born. I've been looking to get back into playing but wasn't certain I wanted to plunk down a lot of money at one of the major retailers. Thankfully River City Music is one of the few smaller music shops within reasonable driving distance. I went in to check the place out, not necessarily intending on leaving with an instrument, but bought a solid Epiphone acoustic for a good price. Then I went back and bought an ESP LTD I'd had my eye on otherwise, because I'd very much prefer to buy from local and smaller businesses. Bonus: a younger guy came in about the same time as I did looking to get his bass gussied up and fine tuned. The fella behind the counter did it while I tried out the LTD, offered the guy some advice and charged him a ridiculously fair price. Reminded me of old doctors making house calls and accepting odd payments just in the spirit of helping. Variety of instruments might surprise you too, check em out.

Came in to get some help for the fret buzz on my new beginner bass from amazon. Help was offered as…read moresoon as I walked in the door and the employee immediately got to work after quickly diagnosing the issue. He told me it wouldn't be perfect since it is a very affordable bass and that I could purchase a full set up, but that it'd probably be a better investment to put that cost toward an instrument upgrade down the line instead. After a few minutes of adjustments, I was offered a cable to hook up to one of the in store amps to try it out. SO much of an improvement! I wasn't even charged for the service. I wanted to look at gig bags afterward but noticed they seemed to all be in an employee only area. A staff member almost immediately noticed me and showed me their options. When I said I'd do some more shopping around and would keep theirs in mind, there was absolutely 0 pressure to try to make a sale. The customer service was fantastic and felt very genuine--no pushing to make a sale or upsell something I didn't really need. Especially as a beginner who wouldn't necessarily know better, it's so valuable to feel like the person helping you actually cares about your best interest as opposed to just making a sale. Super happy with my experience and I'll definitely be back in the future for any of my musical needs!

This place is great! They have a huge selection of different types of musical instruments. They…read morealso have a diverse range of priced instruments, it's not just the really expensive ones. They also do music lessons. I have interacted with three different teachers and all have been fantastic. The service is top notch and they also have a little café in the middle to get coffee. Highly recommended if you are in the market for an instrument, lessons or just want to go and look.

All 4 kids attend now! They have been going for years! Very skilled teachers and kind staff…read moreoverall. Love that they have the opportunity to do recitals.

We have been so blessed to have found Vancouver Music Academy! They offer lessons at all skill…read morelevels and ages. We have been especially impressed with Nate who teaches my daughters piano and Ashley who teaches violin. The time, patience and fun they put into their lessons helps support their love for music. Thank you VMA for your incredible program!

I had a really great and professional experience Advanced Guitar repair…read more Rick knowledgeably walked me through my issues, the options to repair and improve, and the costs associated with it. The end product was amazing with craftsmanship that is increasingly rare to find.

Just got my vintage lap-style acoustic guitar back from Advanced Guitar Repair…read more My guitar sounds great and functions properly. Up graded tuners, intonated the guitar. (this guitar was previously really bad) It was even polished and looked new! Extremely attentive to detail. Rick listens and is respectful of your needs. Enjoyable to work with, clearly explained the issues and then solutions to repair your instrument correctly. Highly recommended. Dennis

I ordered a bass from a different GC location shipped to my house and unfortunately it sustained…read moresome significant damage in shipping. Brought it to my local GC for the return and they were very apologetic and processed the refund without any hassle. They also asked which location it has shipped from and how it had been packaged, presumably in hopes of avoiding the issue for someone else in the future. Huge bummer that a gorgeous bass was damaged, but very appreciative of the great customer service.

I went and bought a 2 Chanel mixer here. I was helped by the young guy with medium length cool…read morehair. He was really helpful and understanding. I purchased a clearance item, and I was a little concerned hearing that it would be final sale, but once we both noticed that the box had been opened at some point he said that if there was anything critically wrong with it , that would affect its use; He would find a way to make it right. I I understand he probably could not promise a return, at that time, but he did make me feel at ease and I went ahead with the purchase. everything turned out fine of course, so I really really appreciate it.

I've had a half dozen guitars rewired and set up by Sam and Roy at Portland Fret Works - Teles,…read more335s, Martins. I'll be bringing in a Taylor this week. There are no better guitar techs in Portland. I'll be a customer for life. - Mike Rodrigues, Portland

I brought in a couple of guitars, one for a setup and pickup swap and one for a SS refret. Very…read morehappy with how both turned out! My 80's Charvel plays better than I could've hoped for. I can't recommend PFW enough, I definitely got my moneys worth

So excited that there is a little music lesson business in town!…read more Just signed up my son for guitar lessons. And they were so nice when I walked in, took care of me right then and there. The place is very small with several small rooms where various lessons are happening, drums, guitar, ukulele, and more. They have 7 week lesson spirits for the students. And the prices were actually very reasonable. I was worried at first.... Because this can get expensive. Dropping off my son for his lessons and the owner was there, super nice man, very welcoming. Meet the instructor, as well, very nice. My son loved the lesson. He is excited to go again. He got homework to practice. We have a musician in the family

Rob and staff are the best. From beginner to expert they have instructors for everyone. Rob's…read moreencouraging style instills a love of music that will last a lifetime.

Looking for guitar specialists? Thunder Road is your place. They have a selection ranging from…read morerelatively inexpensive to "to die for" models. The best part is their service--these guys love guitars. They own them, play them, know them, and they will expertly guide you to the instrument best suited to your level of playing, size, and budget. Will, the owner, recently helped me with an issue I had with a Martin acoustic, and I walked away completely satisfied. It was a "win-win" solution. Great place for guitar aficionados as well as beginners who need guidance on finding the guitar of their dreams

Had a great experience with Thunder Road Guitars of Portland ! This is the 3rd guitar I've…read morepurchased from them now, they were helpful, patient, informative and went above and beyond to ensure satisfaction with my purchases Highly recommended, 5 stars Go check them out and the huge selection of Guitars, and equipment ! You won't be disappointed