While exploring downtown Roanoke I stumbled upon Fret Mill Music. The display windows of guitars drew me in. Even though I don't play guitar I appreciate the instrument and did once play an instrument. The owner was strumming a guitar and asked if I needed help. The store is packed full of guitars floor to ceiling, They also have two rooms for lessons or demonstrations. They also have wall displays of guitars. The store had brisk business on a Saturday which I was delighted to see. A very, very cool store and my guess is the best in the area. read more

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I'm from out of town and popped in to check the place out Talked guitars with Mickey. Very informative and knowledgeable. They have a great selection of Acoustic guitars (my primary interest) but some nice electrics as well. I have plans to add another Martin or Taylor to my collection and will absolutely buy from this shop as opposed to the big box. read more

Those folks down at Fret Mill Music Company in downtown Roanoke are fabulous. I had a new guitar from Sweetwater that was delivered needing a repair. I was so upset. I didn't know if it was junk and needed to be returned or could be properly setup. Alex down at Fret Mill Music was very kind and jumped right on the repair. He worked on it and got the Sweetwater mess straightened out. I will never buy another guitar from anyone but Fret Mill Music again. It isn't worth shopping anywhere else. Thank you Fret Mill Music Co.! read more

Fret Mill Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

They typically have a really great inventory of new and used guitars, including several higher-end Martins, Taylors, etc. New and used instruments. Also, a variety of mandos, fiddles, and other stringed instruments. We have bought several instruments from them over the past 20 years. They also install pickups and fix pickup problems. read more

I always enjoy going to Fret Mill, being a player of various stringed instruments. I have found a lot of accessories here when I needed them. I enjoy seeing the instrument selection every time. I've even seen some very cool hammered dulcimers! The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and has helped me on more than one occasion explaining to me details of guitar maintenance. Thank you! read more

I have a long history with these folk. I was just there looking at a guitar. Ken has retired. I saw Aaron and Mickey (and Alex), and it was just like old times. Thank God this incredible icon is going to continue on. I wish the new owner great success. I love that store. I have the receipts to prove it. read more

I've been going to Fret Mill Music Co since I was a kid. I bought my first guitar there, a 30th Anniversary Taylor, and then returned for my latest, Bedell Coffee House Parlor. They have maintained the same superior level of service for the 20 years I've been going to the shop. Whether I'm stopping by to play a few, buy a guitar or just a pack of strings, I've always been treated like a valued customer. They have an extenisve selection of products from great luthiers and constantly get new products in. I am a customer for life and would recommend them to anyone looking for their next stringed instrument! read more

If you are into acoustic guitars, this is the place to go in Roanoke. Taylor and Martin, Blue Ridge, etc,. they've got excellent acoustic guitars to suit any price range and ability to play. They sell used acoustics, too, plus new/used amps and electric guitars. Electric is definitely not their core focus, though. The staff is always friendly and helpful, which is something I can't always say about some of the smaller shops I've been in over the past 35+ years. Check this place out if you are in the market for a nice acoustic or even an electric, you won't be disappointed, even if you don't find the guitar that screams "take me home with you!" hanging on the wall.... read more

Took my dad's banjo in... they made it like new.. Now to learn to play it someday... :)