In-store shopping
Yes
Classical Guitar Store in Philadelphia
Categories
Location on the map
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, US
Service options
Delivery
No
Offerings
Repair services
Yes
Service guarantee
Yes
Planning
Quick visit
Yes
Phone: +1 215-567-2972
Site: http://www.classicalguitarstore....
Site: http://www.classicalguitarstore....
Opening hours
- Monday:12–6PM
- Tuesday:12–6PM
- Wednesday:12–6PM
- Thursday:12–6PM
- Friday:12–6PM
- Saturday:12–4PM
- Sunday:Closed
Comments (38)
A must stop for anyone interested in classical guitar. I found this little shop whilst searching for a store with a good selection and knowledgeable staff. It was a two hour drive from where I live, but was well worth the time.I was looking to semi-retire an old family heirloom, and my parents had offered to purchase me a new student guitar as a birthday gift. Our host, Jeff, spent 2+ hours helping me find the perfect instrument, and was extremely patient. We ended up settling on a beautiful spruce topped Hanika which just sounds and plays like a dream. Will gladly make the effort to come out here again if I’m searching for another instrument. A+ guys!
This is a wonderful store. Bill and the staff are experts and very attentive and dedicated. I am always happy to visit. Great selection of music and amazing instruments. I also took a flamenco lesson which was excellent. I can’t recommend this shop highly enough.
Do not trust these people. They will take advantage of you. Shipped me an 11-year-old guitar, and I had been led to believe I was getting a current model. Theres more to it, but thats the bottom line.Edit: A week after I posted my one-star review, I received an apology from the owner and a check to show his good faith. He also offered to allow me to return the guitar if Im dissatisfied with it in any way. I intend to keep the guitar, but I can point to several reasons why it never sold in all in 11 years (poor neck inclination, 7mm string height, dings, sharp edges on the frets, and so on), even though it sounds great. The money he sent will go toward fixing most of that and making the guitar way easier to play.I considered changing my star rating because I believe the owner really is sincere, but this should not have happened in the first place. Case closed.
This place is a little treasure. They have a modest, but complete selection of classical guitars and they definitely know what they are talking about. Their prices seem fair and they have a nice selection of sheet music, strings and other accessories. If you want a classical guitar, check these guys out.
I was traditionally a steel string player, but wanted to do some study in classical guitar. I needed an instrument. I was very intent on a flamenco guitar because that is a style that most interests me played on nylon stringed guitars. The folks at The Classical Guitar Store after understanding my situation strongly recommended going with a classical guitar over a flamenco guitar. After understanding their reasoning, I agreed.I had a particular budget in my mind, but said that I would go over or under that budget for the right instrument. They recommended a guitar in my price range and I played it. It was quite nice. I went back to the store for 3 more visits, each time playing different guitars in different price ranges. We discussed the subtleties of sound amongst the varying instruments, materials, and construction styles. They wrote down the instruments that I played each time so that I would remember what I had seen and played. The people I spoke with were all very knowledgeable and I never felt any pressure as part of the sales process. I just felt like I had experts helping me find the instrument that was right for me.In the end, I actually ended up getting the first guitar they recommended. I had played more expensive and less expensive guitars. I had played guitars of varying materials and construction styles from different luthiers. But I ultimately found the perfect classical guitar for me. I couldnt be happier. It is a beautiful instrument with exceptional tonal quality. It was a great experience.
Bill, its all about trust, getting comfortable with a decision and never being pressure sold. Thank you for all of the aforementioned. I cant thank you enough for all of your patience, guidance, no pressure sale tactics and most importantly, matching the right guitar with me (starting to sound like a Harry Potter movie re: wand selection). I absolutely love my Picado Model 60 and I havent even gotten it home yet. It sounds so beautiful and although I dont like admitting this, you had me tearing up listening to you play on my newly purchased guitar. Appreciated everything you did for me re: pricing and no question, you have a loyal customer FOR LIFE! Thanks for truly, a wonderful experience and sharing the love and passion for classical guitar. Coming from a reference point of classic rock and blues guitar playing, you can only imagine how out of sorts Im feeling in trying to wrap my head (and fingers) around playing classical guitar, but you have been a tremendous inspiration and enabler.Look forward to stopping in the shop again ...Best,Warren
I rarely write reviews good or bad, but after reading a few of the harsh reviewers comments about this gem of a store, I felt compelled to chime in. I recently purchased a Hanika 50pc from the store (it is my third classical guitar purchase from CLS in the last 10 years). The service I received was first rate, and I am thrilled with the instrument. Compared to the Picado I was also interested in, the Hanika was more powerful, and MUCH easier to play. Thanks to everyone who helped me find exactly what I was looking for in a guitar. Paul W.
Needed strings and some repair on an old, not-expensive guitar and this shop was perfect! restring while I waited, price was fair and service great!! an old-fashioned, knowledgeable music (well guitars) store
Rare example of a genuine establishment, with highly competent and caring staff, and obviously a very satisfying assortment of beautiful guitars from all over the world. Its even more than just a store, more like the hub for classical guitar students and professionals (i believe they offer lessons in the same building).
Bill was extremely helpful! He walked me through several guitar choices and by the time I left, I felt confident in my choice. Very friendly shop!
The owner was kind knowledgeable professional helpful and patient...we left the store with a dream guitar...youll be lucky if you purchase a guitar from this gem of a philly business!!!
Great place for classical guitarists...has french instruments rare to find elsewhere. I also echo what others have said----very good, balanced, no pressure advice for someone looking for an instrument.
Never responded to my email requesting information on availability of a type of classical guitar.
I went there during their business hours, about 2:00 on a Monday. There was no note on the door or anything, but the door was locked. I could see somebody inside so I rang the doorbell. Were not really open today, Im just in here doing paperwork says the guy. So theres somebody working there, its during business hours, but theyre turning away customers essentially because theyre lazy. What fools. I just cannot think of a more stupid thing for a business to do.
Wonderful staff and guitars. the store is also very cozy. will definitely go back.
Gave me a free replacement screw for my guitar. Really nice staff
It was closed for business open for lessons. Dont go unless you call first.... pretty disappointing but sometimes small businesses have to compromise.
This store is a gem. Very professional staff who truly love their craft.
Small store with a range of instruments, music and also offering lessons
Great selection and very helpful staff.
Very helpful in every way. Impressive knowledge of the instruments.
The staff is not interested in talking to you unless you are a world-class musician
Was closed when theyre supposed to be open. Waste of my time
The best
Good selection of sheet music.
Professional, knowledgeable, pleasant. Thank you!
Nice store
Pretentious
Total reviews rating 4.5
38 Reviews for Classical Guitar Store 2023:
Review №1
2022-05-28Just bought a beautiful Esteve guitar and couldn’t be happier. I tried many guitars and Bill was very helpful and patient. He was happy to share his knowledge but did not try to pressure or persuade me in any way.The shop is small and intimate with a great selection of guitars that are very difficult to find in the US. It really is the perfect environment to play these beautiful guitars. If you are interested in buying a classical guitar, this shop is hard to beat and well worth the trip even if you aren’t local to Philly.
Review №2
2022-07-28Bill helped me choose a guitar within my budget, and was very helpful and kind. Im a novice guitar player, so I was a bit intimidated to come in and try the guitars, but the atmosphere was very relaxed and welcoming. Bill was very helpful guiding me through a decent selection of instruments and figuring out which one would be best suited for me.Friendly, relaxed atmosphere, cool shop, it was a great experience. Be sure to call ahead and arrange an appointment.
Review №3
2021-12-23I bought a beautiful Hanika guitar from Bill in October. Since these German guitars are difficult to find in the USA, it was great to talk with someone knowledgeable about their design and construction. He offered great advice on the selection of the best model for me. Since visiting the store was not possible, I really appreciate the extra time and effort taken to make me feel comfortable with the choice. I strongly recommend the Classical Guitar Store!
Review №4
2020-07-23William sincerely helped to guide me to an amazing guitar within my budget. Being able to physically sit down in his store and try out several different models was quite an experience, and I would recommend his store to any classical player.
Review №5
2016-08-13This store was recommended to me by a classical guitar who bought his instrument from here. I was pretty impressed by the authentic and no-pressure sale. The lady who helped me is actually working on making her second guitar. Impressive.The biggest help to me was the honest feedback I received while I was trying the various guitars. Because she didnt push me above my price range we were free to focus on the exact sound that I liked the best rather than her getting the biggest commission possible. In fact she was looking for ways to save me money. If I had any complaints I wouldnt be afraid of dropping a star or two. However my overall experience was so good I have to give it five.I hope none of the poor reviews above will keep any classical guitarists from shopping at one of the finest classical guitar stores on the east coast.
Review №6
2016-08-17A gem of a shop. Bill spent time with me, helping me to find a guitar best suited for my needs. No pressure to buy. He filed the saddle down to make my selected guitar more comfortable to play. Well worth the drive from Detroit to Philly to buy from him. My looking/buying experience was very pleasant , unlike some other stores I have encountered. I highly recommend The Classical Guitar Store.
Review №7
2014-09-11I cant say enough good things about this store. It is small, but cozy. I went in to purchase my very first classical guitar - my very first real guitar really. I knew I was interested in fingerstyle, either classical or flamenco. I told the gentleman (Bill) there that I really didnt know much about guitars, and he spent about an hour and a half playing guitar after guitar until I found the one I thought sounded the most lovely. He also took his time to talk about myths/facts I had heard, taking time to demonstrate what people were talking about (things like the sound of spruce vs maple soundboards). Their prices beat the pants off of amazon and guitar center too. Even if they didnt, the service would have made it worth patronizing their store. Really fantastic experience. Not a day has gone by that I havent played my guitar since buying it there. It just sounds too beautiful to walk buy and not play a few arpeggios. Thank you so much for a fantastic experience!
Review №8
2018-02-27The Classical Guitar Shop has a wonderful selection of student level and professional level classical guitars. The staff is professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. They provided great guidance on what guitars could best suit my needs, and walked me through the differences in each of the guitars. I left with a wonderful guitar and could not be happier!
Review №9
2022-07-14Very helpful fixed my guitar at no cost
Review №10
2018-04-19These guys are awesome. I came by a few times because I had to look at guitars in my price range as a student. I ended up trying out a few different guitars within my budget and the one I ended up with was amazing for the price. They were nice enough to play the same piece on every guitar I tried out in front of me so I could hear how it would sound from that perspective. They also gave me a nice hard case and a set of strings with the guitar. Go check them out