This review is long overdue. I brought my neglected Larrivee (2000) acoustic guitar into the shop at the end of December right before the new year and they were so kind and so so helpful they restored i my Larrivee back to life. They fixed the binding and just made it sound incredible, so I just want to say thank you to them. I highly recommend this shop. read more

Nice shop. Great selection of guitars. Knowledgeable staff. Good location right next to the Ventura theater.

I've been in the shop for multiple repairs, maintenance or general work on my guitars and the prices are always fair and turn around is quick. Best shop I've found in a long time! read more

These guys are great. Super nice and helpful. They set up my daughter's guitar for a reasonable price.

Rob, Justice, and crew are great knowledgeable people. I have sold several instrument through Guitar 48, and they have always been very fair. They have a very large selection of guitars and amps, from standard brands to the exotic and unusual. read more

Love this place. Owner is so cool and helpful. Still need to buy something and will someday!!!

Pricing is competitive and service was great, dropped my acoustic guitar off for a set-up and pickup installation and could not be happier with the finished result. Shout out to Justice, he is the man and an excellent guitar tech. read more

I have purchased several guitars at Guitar 48. The advantage for the buyer is that every guitar on display has been set up, so each is absolutely playable right off the wall. I have also brought guitars in for repair or adjustment, and have enjoyed expert results at this great shop. Prices are fair, trade-in deals are better here than at thr " big box" guitar store, and the folks here are always friendly, knowledgeable and helpful!​ read more

Cool guitar store in Ventura. While visiting downtown, I came across this shop and saw a nice RevStar hanging on the wall. Gave it a play, the price was right, went back the next day and bought it. The people working there were pretty chill and cool too. Rock on read more

Great place to visit but be careful! You may buy something cuz their guitars are nicely and fairly priced! Also their techs like Justin are awesome! Ive brought a couple guitars i couldn't fix and he did! read more

So yesterday was my birthday, and I set out to buy myself a present... More than a present, I set out to get both physical and psychological therapy... I've got a lot of issues. I had spent actually several days looking for an acoustic guitar to take the place of my several acoustic guitars That all together fit specific niches in my guitar needs but what I really needed was my "go to" acoustic. I wasn't having much luck, I hit up the corporate guitar stores in this part of the world and beyond, I certainly found guitars that would fit the bill, but found nobody that I could come to terms with, couldn't say they were really helpful, and in fact they had fine guitars but not really my guitar. Guitar 48 is just down the street from me so at the end of the day I wandered down there to see what I could see... I was invited in by the young man Eli and sat down on a stool. as I explained what I was after he began pulling guitars and handing them over... First a very nice older Martin, and then a beautiful sounding lawsuit era Takamine (had incredible tone) several others that didn't quite fit the bill and then he pulled out a Guild, kind of an ugly one, gosh it felt good even though the tone was a little too bright for me... it was rather close to closing and Eli said oh wait here is another D140ce Guild he pulled it out and handed it to me... I think it was fate... I was more interested in a Martin or perhaps a Taylor, hadn't really considered guild in the first place but Eli handed me my go to acoustic. Not only did I find my one go to acoustic, the price was actually excellent... More guitar than I could otherwise afford. Rarely do go go on gushing in my reviews about a business but I found what I desperately needed at a price I could afford, and had the pleasure of dealing with excellent young man that was in charge last night. read more

Guitar48 - My now "Go to" acoustic. - Guitar Stores Near Me - Ventura, California

They've worked on many of my guitars and they always do great service and really know what they're doing. I'm impressed every time I have work done because it's always better than expected, done on time and always less money than I expect to pay. Seriously a huge fan of the store. Great guitar selection too! read more

Guitar48 - Guitar Stores Near Me - Ventura, California

For my #thankyouthursday I want to thank the staff at Guitar48 for introducing me to my very first guitar! I dropped in here to browse, having no experience with guitar, and walked out with a beautiful acoustic guitar that I pick up everyday to play. The gentleman who helped me was over the moon to hear I was interested in picking up guitar and he immediately took me behind the counter and gave me a guitar lesson! He explained all the different types of guitars and the pros and cons of each. He taught me how to tune them and even taught me a few chords. He was incredibly knowledgeable. I didn't once feel like I was being pressured or pitched to. If it weren't for the welcoming environment at Guitar48 I don't think I would be enjoying playing my new instrument as much as I am. Thank you! read more

Guitar48 - Behind the counter testing guitars - Guitar Stores Near Me - Ventura, California

They did excellent repair work on an acoustic guitar that arrived damaged due to shipping. The repair cost only about 1/3rd of what every other repair estimate I got for it was. The owner and employees were very friendly. What more could you ask for? read more

Rob and the crew are great people! They have a large variety of guitars, new and used, at great prices. Very cool and easy going vibe. I always enjoy going in there. Highly recommended!!!! read more

These guys are always so kind and reasonably priced. The work is literally above and beyond each time. I payed him to do a set up and a glue job and he did so much more front to back on both of my guitars. They always message you and call you on what it needs and what you would like to do ect. This guy doesn't try to get you're money, he really offers you a great service and has so much respect for the instrument. This is the only place I'll take my instrument's to. I absolutely trust them. read more

Great service and a friendly atmosphere. It's the place to go to get your next Guitar.

These guys, especially Justice and Rob, made my day! They found just what I needed, and at great prices. I'm looking forward to shopping there again! Patrick Musone read more

This is easily the best guitar store in the tri-counties (Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties). I travel a lot for work, and I'm always on the lookout for places where the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the prices are reasonable (or better, as they often are here), and where there's a good selection of gear at every price point. I recently went in to buy my son, who's just beginning, his first guitar. the staff brought out several choices in my price range, demonstrated them for me, let me noodle with them (I'm no great musician, but I have fun), and the staff recommended the same axe that I was silent leaning towards. it was far from the most expensive choice, but it was the best choice for my son, who's loving learning how to play. when it's time for him to level up, I look forward to bringing him to Guitar 48 so he can experience this level of service and make the choice for himself! in the meantime, I may pick up an instrument or two for myself. if I walk in those doors, that will likely happen; it's like walking into a candy store! read more

I love going in to Guitar 48 -- they are friendly, knowledgeable and low key. A great place

I like this shop over all the shops. The gentlemen here understand my needs. They are adaptive with people who have Aspergers, and mute. read more

Tourist from Monterey, Ca. Walked in and, Excellent appearance and display. Very warm welcome and I must emphasize, a great and very knowledgeable staff. I highly recommend this business. read more

I went in with a cable for a microphone that I had just purchased. I had no idea how to connect to the guitar amp I had? The microphone I purchased, had a connection that required a cable which they did not have separately. The next thing you know they pulled a cord that fit my mic, out of a box for a brand new mic and cord set. Sold me that cord, tested it with my mic on there amp. It worked and I was an extremely satisfied customer. These music loving men deserve the best!! read more

What a wonderful experience. I was traveling from northern California to the Ventura area. Finding a luthier in my home town was just not working and I contacted Rob at Guitar48. Rob was able to work me into his schedule and installed. K&K Pure 12 pick up and re-strung my guitar. great workmanship and overall experience. read more

As an out of town working musician currently traveling up the coast of California I thought it might be a nice idea to stop in at Rob's guitar shop in beautiful downtown Ventura California I had seen the shop on previous visits I walked up to the door since the shop was open I understand currently it's by appointment only due to restrictions with covid but when I explained to Rob I'm from out of town and passing through and there are only 2 other people in the store, I told Rob I would come back in an hour to spend ready cash money to make purchases and he cheerfully handed me his card and sent me on my way He explained that he has many clients from Los Angeles and that I could see him another day I guess Rob doesn't need my time or my money Thank you for the heads up! Never again I'll keep doing business with Norman's rare guitars.... TB read more

I am thrilled. I discovered the shop by chance a few weeks ago and had an amazingly great experience when I returned today to have my guitar set up. The shop is small but the repair area is center stage - not hidden in some back room. Between that and a conversation with John, it seemed to me they take pride in the work they do. So today I brought in my guitar. It is not the most expensive Martin but I love its sound and feel. The action was high and needed adjustment. I brought it in midday, John took a quick look, confirmed the action height, and made a quick adjustment to the truss rod to get started. I was prepared to leave it and return another day but "if you are hanging out in town for a little while, I can have it set up in about an hour," he offered. The guitar was ready when I returned; new strings and perfectly set up. Wow. What a difference. Strumming is smooth, chords sound great, and finger picking is crisp and articulate. Tonight, I played in Open G and practically hypnotized myself gently picking. The guitar has never sounded better (and I was pretty happy with its sound before). Pricing with strings was incredibly fair. I had a feeling this would be the right place and it sure is. Thank you!! read more

Rob is the absolute best at what he does. My daughter picked up guitar as a hobby to get her through the rough Covid times. Now she's got two guitars and a life long hobby. Rob treats her with all the respect as an adult, budgets and guides her wisely so she's over the moon proud when we leave. read more

Really great experience. Came in with my teenage son to buy a hollowbody jazz guitar. They were attentive, respectful, and really tried to help him find the right instrument at the right price. He got a beautiful guitar and he was ecstatic when he left. read more

I highly recommend Guitar 48 to anyone looking to buy a guitar (new or used), have one worked on, or needing information about guitars. Rob brings together a thorough knowledge of guitars, the mind of an engineer (which he was in a previous career), and an understanding of how to treat people. He worked for 45 minutes on two inexpensive guitars that I got from him. I was happy with the deal as is but he insisted on replacing the strings on one of them, along with working on the frets and engineering a new bridge for it. Then, he stained the fretboards on both and then cleaned and polished them.I OFFERED HIM A TIP FOR HIS TIME, BUT HE WOULDN'T TAKE THE MONEY. Anything to do with guitars, save yourself time and just go see Rob. I've been playing 50 years, and that was the best experience I've ever had in a music/guitar store. Mike Wittlin Ventura read more

True lovers of music who will take the time to sit with a customer and help them find just the right guitar. They give more than fair trade in values in cases where you outgrow one guitar and need a new sound. Can not recommend enough read more

Super knowledgeable staff. We have come here twice for purchases and have had a great experience!

I bought a banjo from here today. The owner was very helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. I was noodling with one from the window display and he said he had one that had just come in that was less expensive if I wanted to try it. He also showed me the higher end one as well. Since I have only played guitar, and banjo is new to me, I was very pleased with the amount I paid and options available. Their prices are very reasonable and their selection is great. If you get a chance I'd definitely recommend checking them out even if it's to buy strings or picks just to support a super cool mom and pop store. read more

My husband has wanted an acoustic nylon string guitar for a while (he currently has a steel string guitar but it kills his fingers). He wasn't really sure where to start but remembered seeing this shop a couple of times when we were strolling in the downtown Ventura area. David greeted us and came to the rescue! He had my husband try 7-8 guitars and tuned each and every one to be sure he liked the sound and was comfortable with the purchase. He also helped my husband "hear" the differences in the woods used and which had a more "tinny" sound versus some more "full-bodied" (like a fine wine). LOL We couldn't me more happy with our purchase and David's service. He was incredibly knowledgeable, but most of all PATIENT! Thanks, David and Guitar 48! read more

Best guitar shop in Ventura. The owner is super friendly and knowledgeable. His selection is awesome! His prices are fair and reasonable. I am left handed and love going to this store because he always has a very good selection of guitars for me. I recently had him repair my 25 year old acoustic guitar. He did an amazing job and charged a very fair price. Simply put: I would not trust my guitars with anyone else. read more

Went into guitar 48 to get my strings changed on my Yamaha beginner guitar. The guys were great! They showed me how to change my strings and noticed that my strings were too high. They adjusted my guitar and it plays so much easier now! Thank you for the great service! Love having a local guitar place to come instead of guitar center!! You guys rock!! Tee hee! read more

I was killing time on a Saturday and happened upon Guitar 48. Traffic north was bad and I would rather wander around downtown than stew in a traffic jam. There was a resonator on the wall that caught my eye. I'm a lefty so I can't just pick up any guitar and try it out. I asked Rob if he could convert it for left-handed play, and he said sure, come back Monday and it'll be all set up (he was working on someone else's guitar). Since I live and work in in Santa Barbara, that wasn't gonna happen. After much cajoling, Rob relented and converted it for me right then and there. He did a stellar job and earned my respect and future business. read more

Brought in my old gretch archtop, which needed a setup and overall care job. They carefully went over the guitar, showed me how each thing could be fixed and what I would pay attention to. Several days before promised, I got the call that the guitar was done. And at a very reasonable rate. I'm new in town, this is now my go-to shop. read more

Rob did an absolutely excellent job on the setup of my Larrivee P01 ISS reissue. I bought it on line and it never really felt right, and had an unpleasant buzz up the neck. Rob made it sing beautifully for me. What I like best about this store, besides all the interesting guitars there, is Rob's positive attitude and the friendliness, kindness, and patience he showed while helping me to get the best sound I can get. read more

I was sent here for a setup by the Larrivee folks in Oxnard. I have a P-01 parlor guitar that I have decided to start playing more often in public, but the sound was not so great, with buzzing up the neck and a little hard on the fingers to play. I also needed an endpin fitted. I just picked it up today. What a difference! It sounds terrific, is easier to play, and now I can use a strap with it. (Guitar48 has a good selection of guitar straps to choose from.) Rob took the time to explain the work he did on it, and why he did it that way. His explanation was interesting, detailed, and helped me understand how he was able to get so much better sound and playability. People underestimate the importance of a good setup. It is always money well spent. Thanks, Rob! read more

I needed to repair an old Marauder and brought it in to get an estimate. Rob is my kind of guitar guy. Very low-key, very knowledgeable and very honest. After taking a look, he suggested I could do the repair myself and then walked me though the basics. Then he found the parts I'd need and e-mailed me the URLs. Since it seems like 90% of guitar shop owners/employees are total dicks, this was an unusually pleasant experience. I'll definitely be coming back with an acoustic to either modify or trade. If you hate Guitar Center (and you should), Rob and Guitar48 are the anti-Guitar Center. read more