Rivington Street Guitars

Really upset to leave a poor review but this store has lost a customer of 8+ years. Had a friendly fellow help me with an amp and helped me choose it. Got it home and realized the speaker wire was janky - no possible way of knowing this in the store. I informed them the same day of the issued and brought it back as soon as I can. Absolutely refused to give me a refund or accommodate me because it's "vintage" - what a crock. Worst return policy in the city!

I have been here multiple times to purchase an instrument and left not buying the guitar, because the staff was not only dismissive but actively rude and unhelpful. Other friends have bought 'all original' guitars from them, only to discover many modifications had been made, when they went back with this info, they offered to buy it back for half. Buyer beware. You can get some nice equipment here, but Do your due diligence and research beforehand, and best not to expect any customer service.

Bought a 1969 Jordan guitar amp from Rivington (Feb 2022) that I have been searching forever! Had the same exact amp when I was in high school back in the 1970s and very hard to find one let alone in good condition! Then I was looking online one day and found the same exact Jordan amp I had in the 70s and I drove to NY as I was only 1.5 hours away.

Found the staff friendly and knowledgeable! Tested the amp and it played great and surprisingly was in mint condition, just like it came off the factory line! SOLD! Thanks Rivington for making my year!

I truly do not understand how Rivington Guitars manages to stay in business. The shop is physically set up to prevent you from going anywhere near a guitar-as a customer you are surrounded by glass desks that constrain what is already a pretty small store into the size of a small bathroom. You are not allowed to play anything without appointment-not that you would find what you're looking for for a fair price anyway.

From the moment you step in, the employee (at least the one I encountered) seems to try to ignore you as much as possible (I actually prefer inattentive employees at guitar stores, I like browsing around myself, but when you can't even get close to the guitars it's quite the opposite effect). I asked a couple of questions and he did take the guitars out of the racks and into his hands-at which point I had the slim hope of touching one-only to put it back and simply tell me its price (invariably above the market price) which is the one and only thing I can infer with my eyes, and for which he isn't needed. Even if they somehow manage to sell their overpriced guitars a couple of times a month, I don't see them remaining open for a long while.

Worst experience I've ever had in a guitar shop. Kid with long bushy hair working there, said I could only try a guitar if I committed to buying it that night, without even playing it first! How a guitar shop is supposed to work this way I don't know? Gives New York a bad name, rude and unprofessional.

It's not worth going to the physical location. It's a really uncomfortable in-store experience. You walk in, you're roped into about 4 sq. ft. I asked if I could look at the guitars, not even play, and the disinterested guitar dude behind the counter, "No. let me know if you have any questions." Well, it's hard to have any questions if I can't get within 20 feet of the inventory.

It made me feel like a teenager again, being eyed like you're about to steal something. I don't understand why this isn't a by-appointment location like Retrofret. Or if online sales is your thing, cool! Be clear about that. But I feel like I've wasted my time coming into the city to have a closer look at some of the nice pieces I saw online. I really hate to be down on an independent guitar shop, but there are better places to spend your money.

This is sad. I dont like giving business around me a 1 star. I live 1 block away but I always work. I broke 1 of my ibanez prestige guitar string. for a new guitar. Played ten mins. Somehow either my sibling was convinced by the shopkeeper to change all strings. I told my sibling, change one string. the other strings are new. I just didnt like the new locking mechanism from the ibanez prestige. Had too many drinks around east village and broke one string.

The shopkeeper decided to change all 5 strings which brings the budget to 65 dollars. Its so sad, because I tried to call back but no one was picking up. I really love the ibanez prestige new strings only for it to be replaced completely for twice the price. There are way too many ripping off of customers. I just go here for the string. I really wish I stop sending my sibling here to change strings who knows nothing about guitars. just sending the 1 strings here and all 5 to guitar center.

But they decide to look at the new guitar and change all strings. this happened 3 times with me by sending someone and they charge all strings instead of 1. Im super upset about this. especially because the strings play so nice. you hear me? if I need all 5 strings changed I would go to guitar center not to you. you charge double. including for setup. geez. and ill probably be seeing you again too. i shouldnt even come anymore. anytime youi want 1 string changed you come out with all 5 strings changed. Shopkeeper is nice but really trying to sell.

Really overpriced stuff, much better places to buy things than this shitty place. If anything get a pedal which are the only things that aren't priced in a fantasy world as another reviewer put it.

Great store with a great selection of really awesome pieces. HOWEVER, it would be nice to play some of them. My experience with the staff was pretty horrible. The staff member working there would not let me even try a guitar I was not planning on purchasing that day and created a really awkward and Uncomfortable environment so we just left. If you're an avid guitarist/collector like me looking to stop by and browse a nice collection of vintage guitars that you might otherwise not have the opportunity to play. This is NOT the place for that.

Really cool shop to check out with tons of vintage guitars covering the walls. However unless there is a specific vintage guitar that you plan on buying from them then just stick to the pedals. Everything "vintage" there is going to be a rip off. its NYC the way the stay in business is overpriced repairs and up selling old guitars as vintage. They also don't accept returns or exchanges so be 100 percent sure first before buying something expensive. Nice staff though so they might work with you. except for the pedals those they sell at regular retail. so check it out and grab some strings or a pedal.

I'm born and raised here in Manhattan and decided it was time to visit Rivington guitars. I wanted to remind what a great privately owned store could be but have to say that the experience was a pure Meh! While the young guy behind the counter was polite and answered questions the owner clearly makes enough money to not really seem have to sell to a walk in.

As others have mentioned they have a nice selection of guitars but unlike much more friendly stores like 30th street guitars where you can actual play a guitar I asked about a guitar that interested me and the salesperson took it off the wall looked at it and didn't even ask me if I wanted to try it. Anyway, they don't need my business or care and that's cool but if you're selling guitars, at least make people feel like you want them to buy one.

Nothing bad here, no rudeness or any of that and I would stop in if I needed some guitar stuff in a pinch but I guess that's sales nowadays. Nice selection of guitars, really (from a distance but there). No complaints there.

Not a very welcoming vibe in here. Guy would barely look at me while I was asking him questions. I'm looking to buy a guitar in the 3k+ range and would appreciate a little more friendliness for such a big purchase. Not asking much.

Needing some advice about vintage Gretsch guitars I was told by a musician/music teacher to go to Rivington Guitars on the LES. Having read on Yelp a number of bad reviews I was cautious upon going but decided to see for myself. My experience was anything but. The man behind the counter greeted me immediately and asked if he could be of any help. I told him I was thinking about purchasing a Gretsch from a private seller and wanted to ask him some questions.

He was very forthcoming about a number of things and also upfront about issues he was not familiar with. He also showed me a number of vintage Gretsch guitars and handed me one to strum. My experience there was top shelf and look forward to returning when I'm ready to pull the trigger. John B

TLDR; Rivington Guitars should consider changing their policy to by appointment only. EMPLOYEE 1 (Carrying in gear in from the street): "Can I help you?" ME (Looking at instruments on the wall, only customer in the shop): "May I play a few of your instruments?" EMPLOYEE 1 (Walking toward me with gear): "Well." ME: "If it is not cool, I understand and I'll just go." EMPLOYEE 1 (Walks past me and through door to the back of the shop without answering) ME: (Waits a beat to see if he is just setting things down, then heads for the door.) EMPLOYEE 2 (Walking in from the street with more gear): "Hey, how are you?' ME: "I'm doing well.

I hope you have a great day!" EMPLOYEE 2: "Did you want.? EMPLOYEE 1 (Re-entering the store from the back room): "What we like to, huh.?" ME: (Heading east on 4th Street away from the shop) I'm willing to admit that I was thin skinned because I was intimidated by the quality of the instruments on display. I also understand why they don't want walk-ins playing these instruments without a conversation first.

If you have 3K+ to spend (or you are willing to say you have that kind of budget even if you don't, ) have no insecurities about your playing, and you are in the neighborhood, this would be a cool spot to check out some guitars. Of course, given those qualifications I would also recommend, Dan's Chelsea Guitars 223 W 23rd Street, Rudy's Music 461 Broome Street, and 30th Street Guitars 234 W 27th Street.

For context, I travel for work and visit guitar shops when I have free time. I usually browse for about 20 minutes, play one or two instruments at low volume for 10 minutes, and then buy a t-shirt or something else that hopefully has a high margin as a way of saying thank you. In the last four years I've visited about 20 shops (not including big box stores) in the United States and Canada.

First time in the place.been in the music biz for 40+ years and have been in guitar shops all over the country. Worked on 48th st at its peak.thought I'd stop in to check out their shop. Worst. Most rude sales guy behind the counter I've seen in a long time. Didn't have what I was looking for.ya get one time to make a first impression. This was a bad one.

When ever my guitars need a setup, I'll only take them to Rivington guitars. They do a great job, and they work quickly. I live about an hour away, and there are plenty on guitar shops along the way. I only trust these guys with my guitars. These cats know their stuff.

I was here to spend around 6 grand on a particular Gibson model for my fiance--guy at the front door was so staggeringly rude, hit me with a disdainful "this isn't really a place for BROWSING" before I could even open my mouth to say what we wanted. I left and bought the guitar online elsewhere on my walk home lol. Thanks guys!

I can understand where some novice players might feel a little rushed, but this is a great shop with a unique inventory of instruments. I've seen that most specialized, pro stores do not suffer fools lightly. Yeah, you could have super friendly, coddling, customer service, but that's for the newcomer buying their first instrument at Guitar Center (nothing wrong with that!) But any weary guitar store owner/employee doesn't want to hear you noodle on a 4k guitar for an hour then leave. I've found that when you meet your guitar store friend halfway and come to a mutual understanding, that's when the good vibes happen. I'll admit the atmosphere was a little frantic on arrival, but once everyone settles in, it's a good time.

They carry a lot of funky, vibey stuff that would give an enthusiastic player a good bang for their buck. You need to have done your homework as to what you are looking for, and it's a good idea to check their inventory online before making a visit, especially during covid-times. I had a good experience buying an acoustic guitar. Again, if you don't know much but want to be treated like royalty, go to a big box shop. If you don't wanna f*ck around and find an instrument you'll be in love with, then this is a good place. Rock On.

Can we leave zero stars? I went yesterday with $20,000 in cash to shop for a vintage guitar; I'm a serious collector and have over thirty rare guitars. I arrived and there was a post-it note saying back in five minutes.thirty minutes waiting and nobody showed up. Returned two hours later and the the door was locked and the guy looked at me and took his time opening the door a crack, asked me if I knew what I wanted because they don't allow browsing.

In my sixty-four years on this planet, I have never seen anything like it. Went to another guitar shop and purchased a nice piece for my collection. How do these people stay in business?

In the past I always had good experiences. This time I brought in a nice vintage fender for a new nut, set up, and to have some corroded saddles replaced. It was sort of pricy but I was okay with that because I wanted it done well. When I got the guitar back the nut buzzed badly like they never strummed it once after stringing it. I brought it back and they said they would fix it.

I just got it back and the guitar plays well but now the nut has a chip in it (show in pic) and there is a gouge taken out of the neck. It looks like they were trying to trim the excess nut while it was glued in and just cracked some of the bone and took some wood with it. Sloppy. Im never going to go back here for repairs. Nice toight people with good communication and courtesy but the repair job was sloppy and I am very unhappy with it. Do yourself a favor and bring your nice instruments somewhere else!

I hate writing negative reviews, but these guys really don't deserve to still be in business. Last time I was in, I saw multiple used guitars that are still current models marked up above the new price. I see their fantasy pricing all over Reverb as well. Because of this thing called the internet, there are far fewer suckers to take advantage of, so I'm not sure how their doors are still open. I look forward to the going out of business sale, though. Maybe things will get down to market value then. But probably not.

I'm so excited! I was able to find one of my favorite guitars of all time at Rivington Guitars! I was super anxious about shipping what is - for me - a very large purchase from a store that I trusted would take care of me. Howie and his team made this a great experience for me and my new guitar arrived without any issues. I LOVE Rivington Guitars and will exclusively shop with them from now on. I couldn't be happier!

Staff seemed super irritated by my presence. They did not want to answer any questions about the guitars. I asked: "this isn't the original bridge on this 50's Gibson is it?" the dudes response "I wouldn't know". Seriously dude- isn't it literally your job to know? Lame.

RIP OFF ARTISTS. Keep your guitars/cash away from here - they have *great* photo editing skills but they're advantageous and immoral, offering potential sellers fractions of what others will. Take vintage guitars to Southside or Umanov before you step into this joint.

Great shop, fantastic gear, laid back knowledgeable staff, very cool vibe.

Wish I'd read the reviews before I went. Visiting from Texas with a son who is crazy about guitars. We've been to music stores all over the country, and these guys showed, by far, the rudest, worst service we've ever received. Total jerks. "You ready to buy that or what?" We might have bought a guitar, or even just a pedal, but they were such complete A-holes we left empty-handed.

Bought a vintage music man amp, came essentially non functioning and cost over $400 to fix it up. Owners refused to help at all on repair, not a single penny. Do not buy vintage gear from this shop, you've been warned.

I busted my ass to get there after work and got there 20 minutes before they closed. 2 employees and zero customers in the store except for me. I Asked to try out 2 pedals and and got some lame excuse that it was too close to closing to help me out. They need to add a sign to the front door. Open until 8 but don't expect us to get off our asses after 7:30.