My only expedience with SSG has been through emails and phone conversations. They are polite and quite responsive. I've been contemplating buying a vintage guitar from them. They were helpful and not pushy. I will eventually buy the guitar, if it's still there, when I get the money.i know buying an expensive instrument without actually playing it can be a bit apprehensive, but this place sets reasonable prices and is responsive. read more

Went to this guitar shop to sell my Les Paul R9 custom and they were friendly the minute I came in and offered me a good price for what it was. I had done research on what should have been offered on such a guitar and they matched it. Courteous and friendly from beginning to end and they let me try their guitars without being snobby, they even let me pick them off the wall myself and they set me up on whatever amp I wanted. Great store and great people. read more

Had a really bizarre experience here last week. Went to pick up my guitar from being set up. When the employee opened the case (which I also got from Southside Guitars, new, less than a year ago), one of the hinges popped off. Fair enough, no problem, but it should get fixed right? He tried to fix it and couldn't, and was about to just leave it, which I couldn't believe. I said, "Sorry, but I don't want to leave here with a broken case." He got really grouchy with me after that, and called someone else over, who had the same reaction and even told me "Well, all the other hinges work". I insisted he fix the case, which he did, though the hinge is janky now. I let 2 employees know in the moment that I was unsatisfied receiving a case with a broken hinge. They both acted rudely and suggested that what I was asking was unreasonable ("well, all the other hinges work"). If they had acted as anyone normally does when they make a mistake, there wouldn't be an issue. Then I still ended up paying $140 for a set-up. Unbelievable behavior. To make matters worse, after I left a negative google review, an employee reached out and lied about the hinge, saying it was broken before I brought it in, and then passive aggressively asked me to next time express my dissatisfaction in the moment rather than leaving a negative review, completely ignoring the fact that I did express my dissatisfaction in the moment and was met with rudeness and disrespect - the whole reason for the review in the first place. Definitely avoid this place and go to any number of other guitar shops where you'll get treated with dignity. read more

Very uncomfortable experience in looking at acoustic guitars. The two technicians in the back are very unfriendly and unwelcoming, angry for no apparent reason, perhaps they are just annoyed and suspicious of their customers? No way will I buy from this place! read more

My one and only experience here: I was meeting a friend here that was buying a black beauty so I brought 5K cash and a beautiful vintage Guild F512NT to trade in that plays flawlessly. These 512's sell around 5K+ all day but was offered 1500-2k. Yikes! I get it, it's retail but that's way below the knees. He didn't seem happy I was there & told me it wasn't really worth anything cause it had electronics (...?) and had a small 1" repaired crack in the top (repaired in the 70's and perfectly fine). This is confusing because it was moot, typical wear for a 70 year old instrument. He said the guitar was "too much of a project" for him, which was baffling to say the least. I also brought in a freshly restored 1921 Gibson A2 but he said it was "oversprayed" and not done properly so wasn't worth anything. This is also confusing because Lark St Guitars had done a perfect job on this 101 year old beauty just 6 months ago and it's probably the nicest A2 on the planet. These are clearly tactics to lowball suckers into losing their shirts to widen the stores profit margins. Not really an ethical approach imho but to each their own I guess. This kind of used car salesman rhetoric was enough to cross this store off my list for good. I don't work well with this type of vibe, personally. My friend saw all of this, put down the Black Beauty he was about to buy and we promptly drove to Rivington where he dropped $9k on a black beauty and I traded in for double what I was offered here. I used the funds towards a vintage J-45 and an old Champ. Together we did almost 20K a few hours after walking out of Southside. After 30 years of buying guitars at Rivington and Lark I think that's just the right place for me, personally. Howie and Buzz are always happy to see me, welcoming and very fair. Southside gets an extra star for having fair prices on their well kept web site, which is a plus. I wish them all the best but this place ain't for me or my friends. A simple smile and genuine good vibe will sell and close walk-ins. This should be obvious to anyone in sales, especially to a declining brick and mortar retail model. read more

Worst customer service. We went into this store and the employees acted like we were disturbing them for just shopping. We asked them about guitars we were interested in and they did not know the answers. read more

I ring the door bell. Young fella slowly getting at the door. "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" is his friendly greeting. "I was looking for XX" "We don't have that" "What about XXY" Finally lets me in the shop, with bad attitude and giving the impression I was disturbing him with my presence. I made my purchase only because it was an urgent necessity. I strongly recommend a customer service training for the employees of this place. read more

Helpful staff. Good selection of vintage basses. Prices are reasonable for NYC. They made me a fair offer on my trade in.

great service. they went out of their way to make sure i got the guitar i wanted here... no problems. good folk. cheers and remember they are being forced to do this by appointment per the fake ass covid BS so don't give them a hard time about it... will buy again if i see something i want. no problem. cheers...- read more

See all

Outstanding selection of vintage and used guitars and basses. This is not a place for new instruments. The staff was awesome. Earnest and Gigi were no pressure but totally knowledgeable musicians. I asked to try out a very new limited edition pedal. They had it ready for me to try out in seconds through a choice amp. They also had a killer selection of new and used pedals. Just awesome. A no miss stop for the serious or budding musician who wants to try a zero pressure 60s or 70s or 80s classic guitar or bass. read more

See all

great selection of gear but- DO NOT TRUST WITH REPAIRS i brought a guitar in to have a nut made for it, a pretty standard repair job. when i got the guitar back it was clear to me that the slot for the b string had been dug a little too deep, and there was a blatantly obvious buzzing on the string. this is not the way i'd expect to get a guitar back that was supposed to be properly set up with a new nut. i brought it back a few days later to talk to the tech and ask him about the issue, he said he'd fix it on the spot, brought it to the back of the shop and adjusted the truss rod so the buzzing would cease, sacrificing the low action of the guitar. they took me for a sucker who wouldn't notice and tried to cover up a botched repair job rather than truly fixing it. i will be taking my repairs elsewhere, the technicians obviously don't respect and care about their customers. on the other hand the selection of vintage gear they have is fantastic. a little overpriced but very nice stuff in there. just stay away from the repair shop. read more

These guys are awesome, especially if you're a beginner like me and have lots of dumb questions. I had gone in a few times and picked up a small Orange travel amplifier, then later a 20 watt orange proper practice amp. Today I went in just to see what they had and fell in love with a 2008 Gibson Classic Antique 1960 they had around. They were super accomodating and even lowered the action for me to try like that. I had to have it and the were fair with the price, and then worked with me right then to get it set up with new strings and adjusted action. They talked me through how to re-string a guitar! They couldn't be nicer and their prices are the same as used gear on eBay, except you know they have serviced their instruments. Awesome! read more

Southside Guitars - Got my first Gibson here! - Guitar Stores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

UPDATE: My partner went to pick up the guitar, the technician again complained bitterly about the work he'd have to do (removing super glue from a prior repair attempt, which is frankly a fairly easy thing to do according to Google). My partner told him, "I guess we thought you guys did repairs for paying customers. Guess we were wrong..." I advise you to try somewhere else, or you'll be wasting your own time. these are some lazy dudes, and a business that doesn't respect paying customers is definitely not going to last. and femmes beware - no proof, but my spidey sense says there could be some toxic masculinity at work in this joint. ORIGINAL POST: The technician literally refused to fix my guitar...I guess he thought it was too hard to repair because he kept complaining about the work he'd have to do. Then when I said, "Okay, but please go ahead and do the work, I'll pay whatever" he seemed miffed for some reason and said that the guitar wasn't "worth fixing." I'm always anxious talking to music store dudes as a woman because they tend to be extremely condescending, and this was no exception. Srsly one of the more bewildering experiences I've had ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Oh and it took about two weeks of waiting for the guy to get back to me to get my business turned down....I wouldn't waste your time. read more

I bought a 1950 Gibson LG-1 from thede folks through reverb. Excellent communication and price. I'm not sure about the negative reviews but in my opinion these folks are top notch. Quick shipping to Canada and the best packed guitar I have ever received. She's a beauty. read more

Last week I called Southside Guitars....looking for information on an expensive guitar I wanted to buy from their website ($12,000). Some girl answered the phone, and I requested to speak with their guitar tech, not a woman. She then HUNG UP on me. I called back thinking that I got cut-off....and some guy answers the phone. He says NEVER to call his store again...and he also hangs up on me. These people are extremely RUDE...and they do not care if they SELL any guitars or not. I don't know how they even stay in business. They also have a 5% RESTOCKING FEE if you don't like the guitar...and want to send it back. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THESE PEOPLE. read more

This is a new one. I'm a serious buyer, walked up to the door and saw "appointment only", so I called and respectfully mentioned I was outside and if I could come in to look at the inventory. The guy told me browsing was not allowed, so I explained what types of instruments I was specifically looking for. He told me I needed to specify exactly which item I was looking for and then that I should email asking for an appointment. Sales prevention at its finest. I won't be back. read more

I told the staff what I wanted (a starter guitar), how much I wanted to pay for it (sub $200) and how much I know about guitars (zero), and they immediately pointed out all the options that fit the bill. They never spoke condescendingly about the beginner guitar I bought or made me feel dumb in the moments when my ignorance was most apparent (atypical, in my experience, for people who know a lot about instruments). I was able to make a quick choice and walk out extremely happy with my purchase. It was an ideal shopping experience. read more

Went here for the first time yesterday after hearing so many people recommend it. Amazing selection of new & vintage guitars. Walked around with my mouth on the floor for the first 15 minutes alone, just reveling in their collection. I went there with the intention of finding a small practice amp, and indeed I did. The salesman there was friendly and didn't mind the fact that I continually interrupted his lunch break to ask questions. I ended up leaving with an early 60's Silvertone tube amp, which now looks & sounds amazing in my apartment. I will definitely be a repeat shopper! read more

hey I wanted to add some levity to the neg reviews here: I really dig this spot and have been a customer since the day they opened over on Driggs. They make an effort to stock a wide spectrum of gear, from the very high end stuff (some of which it has to be said seems extremely expensive, but is priced no differently than say 30th st. Guitars in Manhattan...this they could rethink a bit, I've seen the same super expensive stuff hanging on the wall for ages)....but their true strength really lies in the funkier "lower end" stuff, these guys consistently have really cool vintage stuff that's very obscure/ one of a kind, especially basses. You could easily walk out of there with a rad, unique piece from the 60s or '70s for under $800; this is not so common in this part of the country. As well as having bought stuff here over the years, I've sold them gear and found them to be meticulous and fair with what I was given in return. Contrary to an earlier review I would consider these guys extremely knowledgeable; and if there's something they're not sure about they hop online and research it. Having said that (and speaking to the comment about being "treated like a girl", dunno what that means but it sounds bad) I think that over the years these guys have of course experimented with different staff, and in that process may have had had some less than stellar people in there, like any business. It's always best to be dealing with the owners, Sam and his (twin?) brother if possible. Anyway I'm a fan and will remain a loyal customer. I have lots of guests coming in from Europe and elsewhere, and this shop is always on my top 5 list for those who are looking for vintage gear in the New York area...they've got really fancy stuff and really funky stuff and that's a rare thing around these parts. read more

This is my favorite guitar store in the greater NYC area. Not sure why the older reviews aren't as stellar, but this place has some of the highest quality instruments out there. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and aware of the gear in their store. This isn't a store for amateurs. The gear is vintage and extremely high end. This isn't a walk in and jam on every guitar place, its a cultivated, curated, high end guitar store for the true player/collector! read more

Paul, who works on guitars in back, is a true artisan. I recently brought my Gibson J-150 in for a tune up, and when I went to pick it up - as I later found out is his custom - he made sure to have a conversation with me about the work he had done and things he had noticed about my guitar. Without being pushy in the slightest, and speaking earnestly as a craftsman, he informed me that my neck was beginning to bow, showed me, and then gave me some pretty objective, professional advice to weigh as I decided whether to spend the additional money to have it corrected. This is no Sam Ash, Guitar Center experience. I picked her up today and could not have been happier with the work he did on the neck of my guitar. Through our frequent communications - Paul consistently kept me in the loop (on the day I was to pick up my guitar he even called me to tell me he had to leave early, but would hang around a bit later until I showed up so he could talk to me and show me the work he had done) - and in store-conversations, Paul showed himself to be a straightforward, responsive, and eminently capable guitar technician. I could not recommend him with more enthusiasm. read more

Super friendly place. As an adult I want to learn how to play guitar and step one is buying one. I like to support local business and walking into this place was totally overwhelming, but the staff was awesome, helped me pick out a budget, used axe and I was on my way and a happy customer in no time flat. They took what could have been an intimidating and stressful process and made it simple. If I can figure out how to play this damn thing they will definitely have my future business. read more

This is a repair shop review for guitars. Great spot for set ups and guitar repair. I'm super picky and always get annoyed at some minor thing but let it go. Justin, the luthier working here is amazing. Always quotes me an accurate price, sometimes comes under budget, and gives honest turn around times. Friendly staff, fair prices, and a stellar job every time. If you need a set up or repair this is the best shop in the neighborhood and surrounding area. I've tried them all, this guy is the best!!!! read more

Southside Guitars: Amazing shop, amazing professionals! Always attentive to a musician's needs.

These guys are so rude. Totally rude. Went in here for 5 mins the other day and was made to feel like it was an issue for me being in there. Asked the man behind the counter (some older crusty white guy) who basically blew me off and didn't get off his lazy butt to help me find what I was looking for, just pointed me in a broad direction. to mention how incredibly OVER PRICED their gear is. Not at all surprised their store was completely empty on a Saturday afternoon. A failed business in the making due to horrid customer service. Would not recommend read more

I recently visited Southside Guitars, and I was impressed by the friendly and knowledgeable sales person and the quality selection of vintage instruments. The luthier/tech wasn't friendly and seemed to have an attitude, so I decided to bring my guitar somewhere else. Maybe I just caught him on a bad day, I don't know. I would buy here, but I probably won't go to them for setups or repairs. read more

this place is a shame. it really is a shining example of failed potential. no matter what gear they may have, and they do have some really great pieces, it is not worth your time, energy, or money to interact, acknowledge, or support the continued gainful employment of the people working here. even if you do gain their attention, you'll regret having done so a couple of minutes into your conversation. they may not know it, but they come off as uncaring almost to the point of antagonistic, and that's without being provoked. that's just their natural state. hell if i know what's wrong with them, but do your best to avoid the guaranteed future hardship you'd suffer from walking in. read more

Incredible selection of vintage gear. Super helpful staff who will make sure you're taken care of. my personal Favorite guitar shop in New york. read more

Went in to buy a guitar tuner and was impressed with the selection of used gear . I am a bass player and there were a boat load of vintage basses . Luigi was easy to deal with and was very impressive with his knowledge of the instruments and I tried a lot of them. I am currently selling one of my basses and then will be in the market for a 70s Jazz Southside will be on my list of places to visit during that process. If you are looking for vintage instruments this is a good place to check out . read more

Definitely recommend this place to experienced musicians looking for a reliable new guitar or bass. Unparalleled selection. Attentive staff. The first time I walked in it was like all the guitars I couldn't find at other shops had been here the entire time. They carry high end collectible guitars and some affordable entry level instruments if you're a beginner, but the bulk of their stock hits the sweet spot in terms of vintage quality and reasonable pricing. I've purchased a guitar and a bass here--both were real finds. read more

In general they are nice and knowledgeable of gear and guitars. It is a bit overpriced but I didn't care as I pay for the convenience of getting strings and gadgets close to home. About 14 months ago I took one of my electric guitars a Stratocaster to get a Seymour Duncan Black Out bridge installed. I did proper research and brought the diagram to the younger tech guy that essentially dismiss it. Anyways I went for it and order the install that including basic set up for $175 plus tax. I got a call few days later with news that the guitar was ready and yes it was. The guitar and pick up seemed alright however for the price charged a simple wipe would be expected. It had fingers all over the place and the guitar was dirtier than when I dropped it off. Honestly in 23 years and various countries of getting my guitars serviced never got such a poor attention to detail and arrogance from a guitar technician. The guitar developed few buzzes after few weeks and decided not to come back to SG instead I went to a different technician in the city. Few weeks ago I noticed that the battery of the Black Out was out and took the guitar to set up for the winter. To my surprise or not...the installation of the pick up was held with masking tape instead of a clipped battery holder that goes for 50 cents at any hardware store. Of course the battery was loose within the compartment, same quality job as picking up the guitar all dirty with the technician's hands. So I paid $175 + tax for a lousy job. If you want someone serious with their craft Southside Guitars is not the right place. read more

Southside Guitars - Not a very crafty guitar tech. - Guitar Stores Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Someone mentioned being treated "like a girl" when they went in, and I second that opinion. I go to other places now.

Took in my friend's guitar to get set-up. Turn around was one day, and the guitar tech really made it a champ to play. AND the cost of the set-up was $20 less than a lot of other places. They have a plethora of vintage guitars and amps that is actually quite overwhelming. Total kid in a candy store syndrome in this cool lil' shop. read more

I purchased a gig bag from them a couple of months back. It was about $30 and wasn't great quality. The zipper wasn't working and there was no padding. Anyhow, I was walking by recently and on a whim asked the guy if I could do anything about it. He told me to bring it back and gave me a better one that was sturdier and had padding, at no charge! I will definitely go back for any guitar supplies or accessories. I haven't had any work done on guitar with them (I use Tom at Main Drag), but as far as customer service, these guys rule. read more

I haven't bought a guitar or amp here but I've had tons of stuff fixed by their tech Eugene. He's amazingly fast and thorough and I won't take my gear anywhere else. read more

Went in to have strings changed. Super cheap. Friendly straightforward service. Gave me the best advice and weren't trying to just make me spend money. read more

The staff here really doesn't know anything about the products they sell. And they can't even do basic research to find out the things they don't know. I wouldn't recommend going here unless you know what you're doing, and even then, their ignorance may screw you over. read more

Been in here a few times to check it out, and there's a lot of cool gear (not for the drummer). More rare selection of guitars than box stores and seems like they have a pretty decent amp selection too. Got my guitar set up this week. Had it set up, and they replaced my volume pot for around $90 total w/ parts/strings. They did a great job of cleaning it up too! It's a cheap washburn I've had for 13 years and covered in stickers. Probably a $300 guitar NEW, but my favorite. I'm glad they gave it so much attention, and was not expecting that. Called in the morning, they said it would be done tomorrow, got a call later in the day that they had it ready! Friendly staff! Don't seem like crazy gear heads, but maybe that's a good thing sometimes? read more

I went in on 01/03/2013. The attitude of the counter guy was less than pleasant. I asked about their selection of guitar cables and he was completely unhelpful. He could have been having a bad day. 8.17 for set of D'addrrio Phosphur Bronze Light strings is a rip off. The shop itself is cool though. read more

They did a great job setting up my old acoustic guitar. I was hesitant to try this place out because of past reviews saying there were guys with sexist attitudes working there. But in my experience that was not the case at all. Everyone I encountered was friendly and didn't try to upsell me on anything, which I appreciate. Will be back the next time I need repairs! read more