We found this guitar shop online, as a "fun things to do in Albuquerque" listing... it was a…read moretotally unexpected delight! Rick was so accommodating with his time, showing us around the shop and speaking with a passion that is embodied in every instrument in the place. You don't have to be a guitarist or musician to enjoy and appreciate the Pimentel story... it's craftsmanship at its peak! Breathtaking!!

They did excellent work on the fretboard, neck, and bridge of my octave mandolin, all at a fair…read moreprice. They listened to my concerns. The instrument sounds great now.

Was the best!!! Was so sad when he left town for NY State. John singlehandedly brought my 1914…read moreFairbanks-Vega open-back banjo back to vibrant life, with care and impeccable craftsmanship, and I might add, wonderfully personable customer service. Just a great guy.

I've always considered myself to be rather lucky in life! But, finding John has been a blessing and…read morethanks to the higher power for having guided my search for a real honest and capable luthier! I took a chance on an electric guitar on eBay made in Germany in the 60s from Canada and found it to be rather intriguing. The neck had been broken and glued back terribly literally making it look terrible and unplayable! I took it to Kauppila and although John took forever to not only contact me but months went on and on! And finally one day I went back to his shop and I left a note threatening John with court! He responded soon after and made arrangements for me to come after all he still needed to do some work on it! And he explained to be that unfortunately his business had been broken into causing him a tremendous loss! John calls and tells me to come for the guitar I'd left with him for almost 7-8 months. Fixed it and I couldn't be more blessed! Unfortunately, John is leaving the New Mexico he truly loves to a new adventure in New York! Gods speed and blessings John you will definitely succeed in whatever your future endeavors are! Again, Thank you for your service and most of all your honesty!

This is a GREAT guitar store! Very friendly and helpful guys named Scott and Paul…read more The selection in this little shop is HUGE. Guitars, basses, amps, pedals. LOTS of stuff to fit any budget. They do a set up on the instruments when they get them in. Want to look at something they tune it up first. Everything is CLEAN. This is a hidden treasure. I'd say it's the best guitar shop in Albuquerque.

Was in town for a few days and decided to hit the local guitar shop circuit. I didn't end up…read morepurchasing anything, but the staff/ownership were super helpful and friendly. There's nothing worse than the "too cool for school" attitudes you can get from other shops so I definitely appreciated the experience at Backroads. Along with the pleasant vibe were a plethora of fantastic guitars! Highly recommend a visit!

Mark Guttierez is a very patient, kind, and intelligent piano instructor and a really brilliant…read moremusician in his own right. Was wonderful with my niece who was in a super-difficult phase of her childhood and I credit him with her continuing appreciation for really cool music. If I were to take piano lessons again as an adult, I'd definitely go to Mark because he has such a deep love and understanding of music, I think he'd know how to adapt his teaching methods to any level of ability and maturity, and he's just so smart.

I have been taking piano lessons from Mark for several years. He is a really great teacher.What do…read moreyou want to play, to learn? He will try to help me learn what I want to learn. He does not sugar coat. It takes practice and discipline. I am one of probably a dozen or more students over the age of 50. He has an incredible knowledge of music history , theory etc. He makes lessons interesting.He pushes his students to strive for excellence. He gives 110% in his lessons.If you have an interest in learning the piano or have not played for years. This man is a real good teacher. He makes piano playing fun.

Yes! The first review of a piano tuner on Yelp Albuquerque. I win…read more Surprising as it may seem, judging by his last name alone, Tim is neither Native American nor New Age hippie, but rather a sprightly, well-connected piano whisperer who drives yesteryear luxury vehicles. Apparently he has street cred, at least from the classically-trained lot, because he regularly performs handjobs for both small and large pianists. I'm really sorry about that. I just had to. I do apologize. Tim is a pro, it was obvious the moment he walked into our home at the scheduled time. After spending a moment remarking on the pristine condition of our 1960's era Yamaha, he got to work, and the performance was one to behold. Piano tuners- good ones, anyway- enjoy careers that largely no longer exist in our society. If only for an hour or two, they have the unique pleasure of getting acquainted with these extraordinary instruments in delightful fashion; Tim spends half of the time playing with the keys, often pounding out little ditties, and he's really talented. Slowly, while he works, you can actually hear the piano getting its voice back. It's a gorgeous ritual, and he gets to do this every single day. He's good. Very friendly and sweet. Need a tuneup? Call him.

Tim is the best. Very knowledgeable and loves what he does! He will listen to you and understand…read morewhat you care most about and he does an amazing job. So glad I found him!!

Stopped in while strolling through Old Town... where I always like to stop at the little chapel…read moretucked down a lane. I was drawn to the guitar shop and had a lovely visit with it's owner, Brad Andersen. He builds custom guitars with amazing woods and finishes. He had just completed a custom guitar with a cross cut out that was amazing. Another guitar that was in process has inlaid turquoise that was really beautiful. He also carries ukuleles and some non-custom guitars. HIghly recommend - not just for the amazing guitars, but also for the ambiance and friendliness. This is Old Town and New Mexico's finest.

The team of Anthony and Neal over at Pianowerkes in Albuquerque were nothing less than amazing,…read morecompassionate, supportive; and we felt no pressure whatsoever in purchasing a once in a lifetime NEW PIANO. I called in, spoke to them twice, then made an appointment to go up from Santa Fe to see some pianos. It was not only exciting, but quite lovely having the entire store to myself to explore what piano would work for me; especially since I was a tad nervous since I had not played in quite sometime. Neal could not have been more sensitive to my needs and vulnerability. He played like a virtuoso so I could get the full range of the sound; I played to feel the sound and the piano itself. I had the best of both worlds. Going in I wanted a used piano; but after playing a new Yamaha all bets were off. I have played used all my life, so having a new piano all of my own really was not only heartfelt, but personally intimate. The new one I played on the floor was butter; brand new, on the floor only a few weeks; but what 'made the butter melt' was when I asked Neal if he had the same one that was still in the box that no one had played, and he was more than accommodating. Who does that? You will not find the kind of service we experienced anywhere when it comes to buying a piano; and I can tell you Anthony and Neal went 'full monty' on taking care of us and our situation. You guys at Pianowerkes made my New Year! But it does take a team to make a village, so I wanted to also give a big thanks to Adam - 'piano mover extraordinaire' and his two men team who got me my piano in record time before Christmas. THEY worked so hard to make sure that customers were able to get their piano's before Christmas, moving pianos not only in the cold, but across state lines. Now you tell me... if you were to purchase a piano, wouldn't you want to experience the stellar customer service we had? Or take your chances somewhere else....

Anthony and Neil are great guys. Beautiful showroom. Wonderful selection of pianos. Go check out…read morethe Schimmel brand.

I took my yamaha dgx 670 in dropped it off because it had a dead key. The man checked it out and…read morecleaned out a bunch of cat hair and other debris. Now it works great. He was courteous, fast and very professional. I will definetly be back.​

Dynamite service. Fixed my bricked Quilter amp. These guys do fair, fast, and excellent work!read more