A couple of weeks ago I found an acoustical guitar on line that I have been searching for some time. Challenge was, it was damaged. There was a significant split on the lower bout that ran from the waist and then made a slight turn to the left and headed to the soundboard near the neck. The split was bad enough that you could see the light in the photo come thru the crack when you looked at it thru the sound hole. It was kind of scary. Neither the top or bottom appeared damaged but it had to be a heck of a drop or bump to have it split the way it did. The price was attractive and being a risk taker, I bought it and brought into Grumpy's for an assessment... Back story: I returned to NM from TX about a year and a half ago. In TX I was a long time customer of Guitar Tex and once I found them, the staff there were the only ones I trusted with my guitars. Once I bought the damaged guitar, I looked long and hard for a luthier here in Alburquerque and finally settled on Grumpy's. I took my prize in hand and spent a bit of time getting a detailed assessment from Mr, KB: I was convinced, I left the guitar in his hands. In the end, Mr. B did an excellent job: the repair was clean, stable and he walked me thru every step, and handed me my prize and it sounded really, really good. Great work and pricing. The completed repair was exactly what I was looking for... I know the repair was a challenge, but the guitar was returned to me looking very good, felt great and sounding wonderful. Nothing like a small shop, with an experienced and thoughtful luthier! A great deal all around. Thank you, Kevin! I'll be back as needed and I recommend this shop without reservation. read more

I love this store and prefer to shop at small business over the big corps Kevin is extremely knowledgeable and goes the extra mile for his customers. Thank you! read more

Grumpy's Guitars and Stuff - Grumpy's - Guitar Stores Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

I'm an experienced guitarist. When I need a repair or a setup done right, Kevin has never let me down. He is honest and nobody's fool. If you've got a guitar problem, don't waste your time get it done right at Grumpy's read more

Grumpy's Guitars and Stuff - Guitar Stores Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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"Kevin" acted like I was bothering him. He keeps the door LOCKED (that's GREAT for business I'll bet!). Refused to answer questions. Pointedly ignored me. I would have walked out but the door was locked. You have to ASK to leave the store. The whole experience SUCKED. Don't waste your time. Don't waste your money. There are better places. I wish I could pick NO stars. I won't be back. I had money BURNING a hole in my pocket. Won't spend it there. It's a shame, really. As a rule I support local business over the big chains. This guy practically had the ball HANDED to him. He just wouldn't take it. I gotta hand it to him though, he really lives up the to name. read more

I brought an old, Ibanez bass, '97, with a tough electrical problem. The active circuit was bleeding electric. He worked on it and thought we had it done, but like a lot of complex issues the battery draining started again. Without hesitation or question, Kevin took it back and scoured the circuitry. I picked I up several days later and it is working like a new guitar. Got a problem, he's seen it all. Fair, honest, intelligen, you can't ask for more. We're lucky to have him. read more

Grumpy's Guitars and Stuff - 1997 Ibanez Prestige SR5500 - Guitar Stores Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

If I could give this place zero stars, I would. Right from the beginning, the door was locked and when Kevin came to unlock the door, he made us feel like we were disturbing him by coming to shop. While in the store, he made my sons and I feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. When we asked if we could pick up a guitar, he made sure to tell us not to be reckless with it. Then when my son picked up a ukulele, he strummed it once, and Kevin freaked out and yelled at him. At that point, we put it back and walked out!!! My son has been in the market for a new guitar and we thought shopping small was the way to go, well, we are heading to Guitar Center! read more

We bought a guitar from a thrift shop for someone that was going through a tough time. The guitar had a missing string so we stopped by the nearest guitar spot which happened to be Grumpys Guitar. I'm not much of a guitar connoisseur but this place has the vibe of being the spot for all things guitar. The customer service was superb and our guitar got strung upon arrival. After hearing our guitar mission, we were not charged anything for this charitable cause. I'm happy to report that this made a huge difference in the life of an individual during a very challenging time and partly because this business contributed with their expertise. If you're into guitars or have an interest, please stop by and check out Grumpys Guitars. They are experts in this field and have a heart of gold. read more

Grumpy's Guitars and Stuff - Guitars sample 1 - Guitar Stores Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Well, all I can say is the store definitely lives up to its name. Very cold and unwelcoming. Got scolded for grabbing a pic and then was told not to "scratch the shit out of the guitar with the pic". The guitars are incredibly overpriced and found nothing enjoyable about walking into the store. read more

I'm new to playing, and my gem of an instructor has lent me a guiyar to practice on for several weeks. It was time. I love to support local so googled and came across Grumpys. I thought, I'm grumpy, probably the place for me. Covid safe practices, and masks still enforced here. When the door opened, I was greated I said, "are you Grumpy?" The gentlemen replied,"my name is Kevin." He probably gets that a lot. I explained that I was just learning and what my budget was, and was shown a few options. I checked three different acoustics and Kevin was very knowledgeable about each one and patiently answered all my questions even though I knew almost right away which one was mine. Beautiful shop that's nicely organized. I walked out with a great guitar and left an old steel lap to get worked on. Will go back for maintenance whenever it needs it, this is included with the purchase, and any accessories I find myself needing down the line. read more

Grumpy's Guitars and Stuff - Guitar Stores Near Me - Albuquerque, New Mexico

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They have alot of prejudice. Just make sure you go in there and know exactly what you want from them because otherwise they will do their best to make you feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. They are only good at repairs. read more

Kevin did a great job on my Gibson G45. I ordered the guitar online and had a hard time setting it up. It was then I noticed the neck seemed warped. I had Kevin take a look and he confirmed there wasn't really much I could do other than raise the bridge quite high. And although it solved the problem, the guitar was very hard to play. I ultimately returned the guitar to Gibson and got a refund. Very professional and helpful. read more

I came in here this past Saturday as I was having some trouble with my ukelele. I wasn't sure if it was tuned correctly and also a trusted musician friend thought I should probably get another ukelele. I believe Kevin was at the counter and he immediately helped me with friendly and down to earth attitude. He played around a bit with my uke and in less than 5 minutes, he tuned up my uke and gave me some super helpful tips, at no cost at all. He told me that I need to practice more and the strings will be better tuned once it has been played for awhile. He also told me that Makala (my uke is made by them) and Ohana brands are really reliable companies that make ukes. He even showed me a baby uke he had. And he told me that the public library allows you to check out ukes and plenty of meet up groups to play uke together. Kevin was super helpful, knowledgeable and one of a kind. I will definitely be back here for any of my future uke needs and will def support this mom and pop and you should too! read more

Did an awesome job restringing my classical guitar, which I'd attempted to do myself, and didn't charge me for his time. Thanks again!

I had two guitars set-up with Kevin (one electric and one acoustic). Just have to say they both play like butter as Kevin said. Great service, small business, fabulous work and he makes sure your happy before you leave. Definitely a surprise find! Thanks Kevin! I'll be back! read more

Great job restringing my Martin D-35. Did a great job! Also cleaned and oiled the frets! Great conversation while worked on my guitar while I waited! Will definitely recommend this shop to others! read more

Kevin is GREAT! I am a new guitar player and he has helped me many times and rarely charges for little things; came home with a free polishing cloth this morning. This is customer service the way it was in the past and apparently still exists in rare places like Grumpy's. I am also considering trading in my old acoustic for a 3/4 size and he has offered me a more than fair trade for my old guitar and he has a good stock of both used and new guitars. read more

My son and I have been visiting Grumpy's Guitars for several years. Kevin is a great human and superb technician! he is an outstanding conversationalist and shares his vast knowledge freely. The cost for an acoustic setup is very reasonable. The playability is better than new. Needless to say, we will continue to be repeat customer's and let others know about this Albuquerque gem. Why go anywhere else if you're a local? If you are passing through with a less than optimal guitar, drop in and let Kevin work his magic. You will not be disappointed! See ya soon Kevin! read more

Helped us out with our Fender acoustic. Cleaned up the guitar and replaced some broken parts for us and now she sounds as beautiful as the day we got her. read more

Grumpy is more friendly than you would expect. I was a little intimidated walking into a guitar shop called Grumpy's, but the beautiful display and funny owner made me feel warm. Kevin questioned some of things I learned while researching on the internet and he asserted that you have to pick what sounds right to you. My best friend also gave me this advice after she bought a guitar that she now hates, so I was pleased to hear this advice again. He also admitted to loving shiny guitars, but he carries a variety just in case you disagree. . He has some interesting instruments including a resonator ukulele ( it's very shiny). Definitely check out this shop if you're looking for a local instrument shop. read more

New to the music scene, and never one to stand on formality, I had a chance (multiple chances) to visit Grumpy's Guitars and Stuff, and was never anything but treated with respect, courtesy, and professionalism. My purpose for the visits were neither to buy, nor to have repaired, an instrument. It was to have the proprietor take a look at the bass that I had build. To give me his opinion and estimation on how I did. He walked through the process I'd used, for defretting, paint stripping, and then staining and poly sealing. Demonstrated how to adjust the truss rod, and complimented me on the work I'd done. All while setting aside his own work (A gorgeous early era hollow body electric Gibson.) I was charged a grand total of a great conversation for the tutoring and advice... Above and beyond! The selection of instruments was impressive -- and Grumpy's is the ONLY music/stringed instrument store I've entered in Albuquerque with not one, but 3 double basses, including an electric, and 2 classic uprights. Thanks for the great service, and awesome selection! I'll be by to have my '62 Fender Re-Issue pickups ordered through you, and to see about switching to a new brand of flatwound, when I break my next GHS. read more

Being relatively new to the ABQ area, I've been checking out the local music shops and finding myself underwhelmed - that is until I walked into Grumpy's. Kevin is probably the last honest guy in the business. His pricing is more than fair - whether you're looking for repairs, custom builds, or gear - and he's more than willing to dispense advice or talk shop (not to mention his sense of humor). To put it succinctly; he knows his shit and doesn't blow smoke up one's ass! Sure, the shop doesn't have the "selection" that a place like GC might have, but Kevin can probably get anything you need. (Besides, what's more important - knowledgeable, down-to-earth customer service at a locally owned shop, or being ignored by douchebag wankers who came of age playing along to Miley Cyrus?!) Go to Grumpy's! read more

Excellent small shop. Kevin is a great, and honest owner, and repairman. Just fixed a short with my toggle switch on my Gibson SG. It was done in a couple hours, and very reasonable in cost. Thoughtful and varied guitars and amps, for sale. They service tube amps too. Everything you need for guitar basics, like strings, picks, polish. read more

Went in off of Yelp! reviews - very happy I did. Kevin got my acoustic up and running at a very reasonable price. Thanks!!

Went here for the first time yesterday to get the strings replaced on my acoustic guitar. Kevin, the owner, completely encompasses the definition of true customer service. He not only was professional, courteous and friendly but also willing to talk me through the process as he was re-stringing my guitar when I asked if I could watch and learn. I highly encourage coming here, especially for a an excellent and personal experience! I will be back no doubt! read more

This place is my go to for set ups and I would much rather buy a guitar from this store than go to Guitar Center or something. Kevin is a great guy, he works on every guitar that my Band uses and has them sounding and feeling super solid. My wife got her P bass there at a great price, was set up exactly the way she wanted etc. read more

I'm very pleased with the instrument that I bought from Kevin! He helped me find the right thing with zero pressure to buy, but I'm glad that I did! Happy to support local business and to finally have a quality instrument to call my own. Thank you sir! read more

I went into Grumpy's for a guitar for my 10-year old grandson and Kevin was able to help me immediately with a very reasonably priced 3/4 sized acoustic guitar. We were all impressed with the sound, and my grandson says it's the best present he's ever gotten. He thinks it's beautiful. My daughter was especially glad that I did not get a drum set. Kevin did have one request that we bring in the guitar a couple times a year for maintenance which is included in the price of the guitar, no charge to keep it playing well. You betcha!! read more

Great local guitar shop, reasonable, friendly and good selection of accessories

Great prices, helpful staff, fantastic teachers. Super neat-o.

Great guitar technician, knew what to do no questions asked, great prices and great service, I will be back!!

Kevin IMO is the best guitar tech in New Mexico. The magic he has done with my guitars is amazing. His set ups make my guitars play and feel like they were made especially for me. I cant say enough good things about the work Kevin does read more

Read on Yelp! about owner Kevin's great service, and it's absolutely true. As a newbie guitarist, Kevin took the time to explain about the different guitars he had, what kind of sound they produced, and what would be best for me. Even though I'd planned to check out a couple of other stores, I bought one of his guitars on the spot. He tuned it for me, put on the strap, taught me how to user the tuner I bought, and was just generally wonderful. If all stores were this friendly & comfortable, retail wouldn't be dying. Definitely will be a repeat customer! read more

This is my review of my experience with the shop, copied from the review I posted on Google Maps. Let me start of by saying that Kevin, the owner, has the knowledge and service that compels me to write this review (though I never do this). Definitely support him, and tell your friends about him. He earned a long-time customer in me, and I will come to him for advice on anything guitar or music related in the future. About a month ago, I decided I wanted to get into acoustic guitar again, so I went around different shops looking for one in my budget that I liked. But I didn't just want to like it, I wanted to know it was the one to get. I went to a few different shops until I found Grumpy's by searching online for guitar shops. I walked in, asked if I could try a few out. I didn't want to try any that were out of my budget, scared that I would get attached haha. But that wasn't a problem because when I picked up the guitar that was exactly the price I wanted to spend, and felt how it played and sounded, I knew I was going home with it. This guitar was a Ventura cutaway, with a deep OM body. I never heard of the brand, but I'm glad I let my ears guide me to this one. It plays, feels and sounds comparable to my $1200 Martin I sold a while ago, at only $300. I told Kevin I was taking this one home. It was labeled to come with a hardshell case, but since he didn't have one in stock, he knocked off the price and threw in a soft case with backpack straps and tons of pockets (which I prefer). He told me Ventura dealers like him offer service to Ventura guitars for life, which I'm just starting to realize the benefit of. I went in a few weeks later because I was playing it every day and the neck needed to be slightly adjusted because of a few buzzing notes, which he got rid of in a minute. And yesterday I went in to have a K&K Pure Mini pickup with a volume control installed. He installed it on the spot while I got to play other guitars there. I highly recommend Grumpy's guitars. Kevin will actually treat you like a human, which feels different in comparison with a lot of the big stores out there. Thanks Kevin, you rock! read more

Cool shop with a range of gear up to some pro quality amps and instruments. Kevin was really helpful trying to sort out wiring in my guitar. read more

Great service, this is a place where you want to go. Hands down best guitar store in town now. Kevin is awesome and take time to talk and listen to you needs! I've already told my guitar buddies about Grumpy's guitars and would recommend stopping in and you will see for yourself. read more

I bought an effects pedal off eBay a couple of weeks ago that was defective. Anyone acquainted with eBay's horrendous customer service knows that it's far less hassle to just eat the cost of repairs rather than try to get a guy in India to understand and help with the problem. Enter Kevin at Grumpy's Guitars. He immediately opened up the pedal and fixed it while I hung out with him and played a beautiful old Juzek half-size bass and browsed through his small but comfortable, remarkably cool store. Half an hour later, I'm holding my repaired pedal, which, I might add, he also did some extensive preventative maintenance on, and he asks me for $10! Most places charge a $60 bench fee just to open the sucker up! I insisted on tipping him another $20, not only because he deserved it, but also because I still got out with my problem solved at less than half what most places would charge. It's nice to see someone running a business according to good old-fashioned ethical principles. Thanks, Kevin. read more

Took my guitar in for fret work. He did a great job on the frets and did a total look over on the guitar including minor cosmetic stuff at no charge. Great guy. Knows what he is doing and truly cares about musical instruments. Highly recommended. read more

The owner is super knowledgeable and interested in giving customers exactly what they need. They have great equipment and as a very beginner, he helped me get on the right path to play jazz guitar. Thanks! read more

I was drawn by the name, and I liked kevin. But when my wife knocked by vintage Guild guitar out of the stand and cracked the head, I called him. He said $65 -- a reasonable price -- and he delivered it back good as new. This is a good man, who delivers good service, for reasonable prices. What more could you ask for? read more

After my mid 70's Guild acoustic guitar fell to the ground and an ugly crack appeared, I thought it was a goner. But Kevin at Grumpy's Guitars fixed the crack, leveled the fingerboard to get out the gouges, dressed the frets and restrung for what I consider to be a bargain. I have my old guitar back again! Great and friendly service, I will return to Grumpy's! read more