My son decided he wanted to learn guitar, so I got him a Squire Telecaster as a starter guitar. Two…read moremonths later, the jack came loose. I decided to give Grumpy's a try. Kevin greeted us at the door. (He keeps the door locked during business hours due to some issues he had.) He took a look at the problem and fixed it on the spot, no charge. After we left, my son and I both had the same reaction: He's not grumpy at all. A few months later, the neck pickup on the same guitar wasn't working. We left it overnight at Grumpy's and Kevin replaced the selector switch with a higher quality one than what was originally in there. I'll soon be taking into Grumpy's a Les Paul of mine that has an issue with the bone nut that needs addressing. I have no reservations in recommending Grumpy's for guitar repair.

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

Another cool music equipment store. They also buy & sell used equipment so if you can't afford…read morebrand new, there are other affordable options.

The sales staff, is not very engaged with the customer. They tend to be more pre-occupied with…read moreprepping the used instrument that come in also when you enquire about an item they say they don't know or you get ignored. Some but not all the staff have this rudeness to them. Not a very welcoming environment, because this is Albuquerque New Mexico your options in music instrument stores is very limited you only have two that have any inventory at all thats music go round and guitar center. I rather not spend my hard earned dollars there but sometimes you have no choice

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!

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!

Excellent rental instruments and exceptional customer service. We've rented violins, violas and a…read morecello for our kids and have been pleased with all.

Marco rehabbed and rehaired a fine antique bow for me that needed a sliver of wood added to the…read morestick because it was dented from many years of orchestral performance. Marco discussed with me how he would do this, and I showed him all the issues I would like to have corrected. He completed the work within the time frame he quoted and shipped the bow to my home in Durango CO. I am highly impressed with his craftmanship. The bow is now in like new condition and is a joy to play on each of my fine violins. I feel lucky to have entrusted my bow to Marco and highly recommend Robertson and Sons for any services a serious string player requires. David Adolphson, Sep 15, 2025

I was visiting family in Albuquerque and stumbled on to Andy's Ukes online first, then with a phone…read morecall, Andy met me at his home shop. It is amazing and has such a great variety. He got me thinking about and playing different Ukes so I could see the differences. I've only been playing for a couple of years, and he was super friendly, encouraging, and I never felt any pressure to buy something there and now. He truly wants you to find what may be best for you. Meanwhile he did some great service on the one I brought, put some new strings on, adjusted the fret heights, and got it sounding a lot better. Thank you so much Andy and hopefully will be back soon.

Do not take your instrument to this guy. He does not know what he is doing. Damaged my pristine…read moreacoustic. Did not do the work I wanted him to do and did things I did not tell him to do. I had to have his shoddy work repaired by a real luthier who said he would have gladly spent a few days in jail for assaulting this guy if he had done to his guitar what he did to mine. I am having to send my guitar back to the factory to have the damaged he did repaired. Avoid this guy at all costs.

went in there with 2 fret jobs total refret also I had some extra work taken care of that he spot…read moreout with no charge i payed it anyway , nice guy no ego plus he has some really nice guitars that he builds im sold so today I brought in some more work good price ,good time frame also he gave me parts at his cost . I will always go there now