Thank you, Dr. Eric Swanson, Bass Guitar Luthier, M.D…read more Your work speaks for itself and has surpassed all others. Thank you, Eric, for providing 100% customer satisfaction with each bass guitar you Improve for me (11 repairs and counting)! - Ernie Leblanc, ''Into the Bass!''

I purchased a ukulele from them and there was an issue with the electronics. They were very…read moreresponsive and worked with Kala to get the problem fixed. I would buy from them again.

Know your niche and give great service. That's the answer to why this store has been in business…read morefor as long as I can remember. I've lived in the area since 1988. I've been coming to Barnstorm Music, even before it moved to its current location in Medway. I've bought two guitars, drums, a violin, a bass guitar, bass amp, microphones, and two guitar amps from Ted, the owner. None of these were top-end instruments, all were affordable. And the advice is always, "Try this out, see if it works. If it doesn't, come back and we'll work something out." No, this place is not flashy. Far from it. It's also not loud, so when you go in to play an instrument you can actually hear yourself play. While I'm not a fan of the DO NOT TOUCH signs, either, just ask, and you can play. The prices are also reasonable. He tries to make sure that everyone gets a good deal and sells affordable instruments. As he says, "Anyone can get a great instrument by paying a fortune. The trick is to get a decent instrument without paying a lot." I had only one problem with an instrument (a bass guitar that developed a short in the 1/4" jack about 6 months after I purchased it), and he swapped it out for another, different guitar, no hassles. Ted will also trade, sell on consignment, or purchase used instruments. I've watched numerous swaps and trade-ups over the years. The owner is a working musician and he's good to the local musicians as well as the students. He'll refer you somewhere else, when it's not in his niche - affordable, serviceable instruments. As to the NOT FOR SALE instruments that were mentioned by another reviewer, I view that as a free Modern Art museum. There's a local guy that makes some amazing looking electric guitars, for his own therapy, I think. As Ted explains it, the guy says, "If I start selling them, then it will become a business, and I don't want the hassles of a business." So just go in and enjoy the designs of the guitars that Ted graciously displays.

support local businesses Before arriving at Barnstorm I…read morespoke with Ted, the owner, and he was very friendly and knew exactly what I was looking for. I came in and Ted immediately recognized my voice and my need. He pointed me to one of the cheapest guitars and when I heard the tune of it (compared to my old one) I knew I had to have it! I was so eager to take it home I almost forgot to grab a case to move it with. I checked out the soft cases and wasn't really vibing with them and then I turn around and Ted pops out with this feaux alligator skin wrapped hard case, guitar already in it and ready to go. He threw me some picks for free too which I definitely appreciate. I'll be returning for any musical needs of mine & definitely recommend speaking with Ted if you need clarification or help with anything :) thanks so much

When you call, or walk in the door, you're a customer. It doesn't matter if you're gonna spend a…read morecent or brought your black diamond credit card, they care about you and they care about music. How do I know? I had the pleasure of a thorough and empathetic call with either the owner or somebody I'd trust to run the place. ~~~ T took time out of his day to discuss my need as a customer for a very niche need, and I'm sure he takes care of people like me all day with the same aplomb and kindness. I asked about harp pins, and after talking enough, he knew I meant friction pegs but for harps. (No, I didn't know this would also explain it!) While I'm not sure of how practical it is to get teensy harp pins (3 mm size?) or use friction pegs (too large?), T invited me to visit so we could look together. ~~~ He was willing to look through catalogs and online searches with me to find the piece I'd need. How can you beat this kind of interest? The people here are like when you have a home project and need to know *how* to do it and *what* tools you need. Do you want a big name store where nobody knows anything and you're on your own? Of course you don't. You want a place where the employees live and breathe their work. Look at other reviews--Union Music proves it. ~~~ I'm definitely stopping in to see T, even if it's a month or two from now. Thank you for treating me so kindly, T, and Union Music.

Local music institution. If you're there for service, be careful with who works on your stuff…read more Brian lied to my face about doing service work that he didn't do. Christian fixed my mandolin a did it for as little money as possible. It sounds fantastic now.

by far the best guitar shop. the custom guitars are absolutely stunning and built perfectly. the…read morecustomer service is exceptional. the axe palace team are professional and very knowledgeable. their set ups are on point. i recently purchased an ml and its at another level. the solid color mls are perfect. no other shop sells these amazing guitars.

Recently traded in some gear and got some new gear. Since Covid, I've bought 3 amps, pedals,…read more neural DsP and about 8 or so guitars. Best store around. Staff always super friendly and helpful. Whoever sets up guitars there is great! Ask for Victor...super knowledgeable and always very helpful. Love this store.

had them fix 2 tube amplifiers and two guitars price was very affordable highly recommend. A true…read moremom and pop outfit

AJ is amazing. He did a great job fixing the headstock on my Gibson. I highly recommend!read more

I had 4 vintage guitars from my long ago playing days and I wanted to secure a future for them as…read morethey were in decent shape had sentimental value. The staff at Empire Guitars was friendly and professional and provided me with an honest assessment of their condition and value. Thanks to everyone! Mark H.

I brought in my guitar, I've been playing for about a week or two so I obviously don't know much,…read morethey took a look at my guitar and helped me fix it and are just super informative and helpful I also bought some strings and a tuner while I was there and their employees are so amazing and super friendly and it was an amazing experience in general! They also have an amazing selection of guitars, pedals, etc. I definitely will be coming back next time I need something.

Came in with a simple mission: buy a nice little $200 Fender acoustic. A friend had bought one…read morehere, and I loved the sound and feel for such a bargain instrument. The woman set me up with one, and lined up a few similar instruments for comparison. I was left as alone as I liked, but not abandoned. I indeed changed my selection to a very similar model to that I'd thought I was intent on. The store has some real depth in a few brands, and tends toward higher end electrics and more modest acoustics. A fair number of small amps, tending to be low-end, but including some nice busking amps is on hand. They'll be happy to let you try whatever you'd like, I'm sure, but..... No Stairway.

A friend told me about Guitar Stop so I brought in my acoustic which had a bad case of fret buzz. I…read morethought it needed an entire setup (I'm still very much a beginner player). However, Jeanne made a minor adjustment to the truss rod and fixed my lousy stringing error and the buzz was gone. This cost me $5. I returned to the store the next day and Annette was extremely helpful and very patient with all my questions about a new electric guitar. I ended up purchasing my first electric with a great amp. They even include a free gig bag and six picks! Very cool. Overall, I'm very pleased with this family-owned store and will visit them again for my guitar needs. Thanks for reading and rock on!

I walked into Mike's, because I was in the market for an electric and live in the neighborhood…read more This was my first electric, but I knew I wanted something decent with good tone. I told the store owner what I was looking for, and he showed me what was in my price range. He also very kindly told me that I was welcome to try any of the guitars--even though I very clearly could not afford them! I thought that was cool! He left me alone to play the guitars. I was able to take my time--as I didn't really know what I was looking for. I was so happy with one of them, that I went ahead and bought it! I've had it for about 2 or 3 years now, and I still love it!

I just wanted to thank you SO SO much for fixing my Gibson Les Paul. You did SUCH a good job that…read moreit sounds like it did when it was brand new nearly 20 years ago, NO ONE has done such a great job as you have. A thousand thank yous, I got completely lost in the moment playing it and it's been years since I experience that unless I was onstage in the zone. I'm thrilled my step father found you, your going to be my forever go to for anything regarding fixing my guitars. Price was VERY reasonable- in a world where everything is to much, you certainly are priced fair. Thank you.

I have had nothing less than a great experience. The owner Joe sold me a guitar at a reasonable…read moreprice. I am a beginner so seeing the reviews that their are no guitars for beginners is just not true. What is true is they do not sell $250 guitars that will break any beginners groove in about a week. I got a Martin guitar for less than $750 bucks, Joe also gave me a discount code without me asking for it. A couple of weeks after the sale one of the strings broke, I called, Joe told me to come on in. I got a coffee at the shop next to his, by the time I got my coffee my guitar was fixed at no charge. Really great place. I do not write allot of reviews but when deserved, its my privilege. PJM

My guitar duet partner and I purchased 5 acoustics from these guys throughout the 90s. We also both…read moreplayed classical guitar guitars and are serious players. We went in there the last time to check out classical guitar and we're treated so rudely we never went back. I was astonished And I should say every time that I bought a guitar there I felt uncomfortable. but at the time they were really the only game in town for Taylor guitars. I don't know if it's changed, but I heard that the guy that used to work at the front is part of ownership so I'm not sure anything's changed. The individual was not particularly friendly. I felt sorry for him in a way - kind of a dour dude. I hope for new folks going there it has warmed up a bit. i'm a southern boy and not originally from Massachusetts but it get kind of cold up here if you know what I mean.

Review of Martin D35 Guitar, Sweetwater, and Dan's Music Center:…read moreI was a bit apprehensive when I decided to buy my first Martin D35 acoustic guitar online. After reading the posted reviews of the various online guitar stores, I settled on Sweetwater (Fort Wayne, IN). When I called, I got Jesse Duquette. Jesse had previously owned 50 guitars and it was comfortable speaking with him. He answered my questions and opened my eyes to other facts and styles I needed to consider with the guitar. Most important is that Jesse indicated that there is a 2-year warranty on the guitar, and that he and members of the Sweetwater team will be there anytime should I have a concern. When the guitar arrived, I had to wait 24 hours for the package to become acclimated to the temperature and humidity before taking out the guitar. When I finally opened the box, pulled out and tuned the guitar, I was absolutely delighted with the mellifluous sound of the Martin D35. The action was low, which I desired, but I had a vibration when I played the 5th (A) string. Jesse suggested I take the guitar to a luthier who could adjust the truss rod and that Sweetwater would reimburse me for the cost. I took my Martin D35 to Dan's Music Center (Warwick, RI) where I was greeted by Dan Ryder the owner and luthier. Dan was about to have a bite to eat but stopped, so he could assist me. Dan took the time to adjust the truss rod which cleared up the buzzing. Dan charged me nothing to fix the issue for I could tell he understood and respected the quality sound that comes with the Martin D35 guitar. In summary, although I had initial trepidation with the online purchase of my guitar, I was extremely happy with the service I received at Sweetwater (Fort Wayne, IN) and at Dan's Music Center (Warwick, RI) - and would recommend both companies without reservation. I also would highly recommend Jesse Duquette (of Sweetwater) and Dan Ryder - the owner and luthier of Dan's Music Center (Warwick, RI). Finally, thanks to Martin & Co for making my beautiful sounding Martin D35 guitar. Len in RI

This place is the "real deal." Dan is a superlative guitar player in his own right, and does…read morefirst-rate repairs and setups. His prices are excellent and he keeps a stock in the store that combines the expected high-volume (!) items with some lesser known gems. There is a nicely-curated selected of used guitar amps there with some superb treasures for those with a good eye. Dan does a great job listening to what you are looking for, guiding you to the "best fit," even if it is something he doesn't stock or sell -- he has the best interest of the customer in mind. I brought Dan a vintage Fender Jazzmaster (late 1960s) that has great sentimental value for me. One of the pickups had stopped working -- it turned out to be a break in the wire deep in the windings. Instead of doing the quick fix (swapping the pickup out for a new one), he arranged to have Lindy Fralin replace just the windings, keeping it as close to the original "vintage" as possible. Not as profitable for Dan as selling me a new pickup, but it was the right thing to do for the guitar. Like I said, this place is the "real deal"!