Great acoustic instrument shop. Got a guitar for my daughter. It's where all my musician friends go. Excellent expert service and wide selection. read more

Love this place. I've had them help with some of the more random things and they're always very helpful and chill. Banjo selection has got to be the best in the state, and they still have a good selection of other instruments as well. If you ask nicely, they'll let you test drive some absolute beauts! Also very helpful with set ups, accessories, and just generally talking to you about what you're looking for without judginess. (Which bears mentioning because some music stores can feel very cliquey and/or gate keepy.) We're honestly pretty lucky to still have a place like this. Go support it so we keep it! read more

Over the years I have done substantial business with the Folklore Center. Their service has always been top notch. I have purchased a couple instruments here and sold by consignment two others. They also have serviced my instruments. Their pricing is very fair, maybe even a bit below others I have experienced. I recently worked with Ian to purchase an instrument and service another. He is personable and very knowledgeable. I'm not an experienced musician so I need someone to take the time to explain the differences in various models of instruments. Ian did that. When I picked up the instrument I had serviced he explained to me an issue that needed attention that I would never have noticed. Highly recommend this business. read more

These dudes know their musical instruments! I will keep going back !! The variety of instruments and the quality of selection makes this " my kind of place ". read more

What a great place. Friendly as can be... Helpful.. lots of guitars... Martins! Taylor's! Gibson! This is the acoustic guitar center of Denver. Very friendly and helpful. New ownership. You will like it. read more

Amazing store - Amazing Help by real musicians that are not condescendin, but humble and incredibly helpful - Amazing selection of banjos - if a serious acoustic musician, you should never be forced into the Guitar Center again thank you, Lord! Bought a handmade Bolder, CO Banjo - Still in love a month later read more

Denver Folklore Center - My baby - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Denver, Colorado

so many positive reviews so I was eager to stop by after work to select snd purchase a guitar to start as an adult learner. I guess all the great employees were off because the woman and man there were condescending and rude. They could not or would not answer questions about a guitar for an adult beginner and made me feel like an intruder, unworthy of their time. They wouldn't let me hold a guitar to try! If there were any other customers I could understand not wanting to be bothered with a question or a newbie, but the store was empty when I entered and left. read more

The people working here were awesome. They were super knowledgeable and friendly and got me set up with a great guitar. the guitar is set up nice, and I am very pleased with the purchase! If I'm ever wanting another acoustic guitar and I'm near Denver this is where I'm certainly going. read more

If you're in the market for rude customer service, look no further. When I asked to play the more expensive guitars behind the counter, I was told "only if I was going to buy one". I was taken aback by this response, I was so bothered by this, I called to talk with the manager (Ian). His response, "they only want serious buyers to play these guitars". I've never purchased a guitar without playing it first! Did they need a credit card upfront? Okay, what the heck, fair enough. Do you as a customer really need this kind of attitude to enjoy spending your hard earned cash? Instead, check out Victor Guitar, Pickin' Parlor or Monkton Guitars instead. Pass on the attitude and hand me that guitar please. Peace! read more

Needed new strings for a guitar my dad gave me. I am the John Snow of guitars, and the folks here were incredible and friendly. They restrung my guitar and cleaned it up. I had to leave it and come back the next day but that wasn't a problem. Price wasn't bad either, and they sold me a beginners book so I can learn guitar. Very happy with the business and I will be back in the future. You can't find people more friendly and informative! read more

Denver Folklore Center - Taylor electric guitar they have for sale. Very pretty. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Every time I go in to the Denver Folklore Center, it's such a let down. I'm a decades long musician. Went in today to find a particular plectrum. When I asked for a certain thickness, the dude scoffed and said nope they don't ever have any other thickness than the one he'd initially showed me. Now, if they indeed don't carry a strong variety, that's one thing. But lack of knowledge shouldn't be covered up with a scoff and a fib ;) read more

I needed some work done on my Martin d35. A customer service representative said I needed to bring it in and I told her I would. I drove 20 miles and when I got there the 2 guys knew nothing of my conversation with "Pam" plus the repair guy "John" wasn't even there. A waste of time and drive. In my opinion they need better customer service and communication. read more

Denver Folklore Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Denver, Colorado

It is really a shame to have to give such a poor review but it needs to be stated. I'm generally a positive and forgiving person so I hate to stew on about bad experiences but here goes. I've bought learning materials, strings and picks from this shop for years but I've never bought an instrument. I also don't have an "insider" relationship with any of the employees and have asked to play an instrument a couple times while being in there to which they happily obliged. However, on this particular day I was rudely treated by one of the co-owners who will remain unnamed. I literally was told that if I was not buying something that I needed to leave in order to make way for another customer (only certain amount of visitors allowed in the store at a time per local government ordinance due to COVID.) There is no excuse for treating a person who drove from Broomfield to Denver to visit their shop. How could they possibly know what my intentions were? I never had a bad experience from anyone in that shop before and it was quite jarring and disappointing. And so I dug up what information I could find. I discover (based on a picture) who the co-owner is and do a little sleuthing. Yep, that was the guy. I'm also the member of a large global forum with over a 1/4 million members and have have heard complaints about DFC (and this coming from a forum is heavily monitored; defamation is not tolerated and so you have to be very careful how you say something). The fact that I've seen even one complaint so similar to mine prompts me to write this review. Take a course in customer service and get a clue DFC. You never treat customers this way. My advice to all reading this, stay away from this business. You'll get better service at Guitar Center so that should tell you something. read more

Have bought two Martins guitars and this is where I go for all my acoustic instrument needs. What stands out is the level of service. Before deciding on my second Martin, I probably played 15 guitars across two days and never did I feel rushed by them. They understand that buying a new guitar/instrument is a huge decision and this is the perfect place to find the right acoustic instrument for your playing style/needs. I've brought back both Martins for tune-ups (included in the 1-year warranty) and also a ukulele I bought in Hawaii and John Rumley, their in-house luthier, has done an incredible job setting up all my instruments to my specs. We're so lucky to have a local shop like this in Denver. read more

This is one of my favorite shops in Denver. Harry Tuft, the owner is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet and he and his store are local legends. The Denver Folklore center has been in existence since the 60's. He has acoustic instruments in price ranges from beginners to professional and a nice selection of accessories as well and as a former large chain music store employee, I know how reasonable his prices are. I'm surprised there aren't hundreds of reviews for the DFC here but maybe that's why he was on this list of Denver's unsung heroes http://www.rockymountainnews.com/pages/news/special-reports/denver-150-capsules/#tuft support the little guys! read more

Denver Folklore Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I shopped here for a very nice ukulele in my price range (under $300)-- the staff were kind and friendly and let me take my time to find just the right one (they have a very large selection). It developed a crack after about 6weeks of playing, and the owner proposed a fix that unfortunately didn't work. The folks there sent it back to the manufacturer and I had a replacement in about 10 days. I'm impressed that the Folklore Center stand by their products so well when I could very easily simply have been blamed for the crack and not helped further. I appreciate their business and service and am now a loyal customer. read more

A true gem. Great selection, great prices, and great staff. You can tell this place is pretty magical by just setting foot in it. Was in from out of town and picked up an Eastman mandolin that I fell in love with. The staff was super helpful and awesome to chat with. Highly recommen read more

Denver Folklore Center - Tweed Golden Gate hardcase - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I live in the neighborhood and took my Grandmother's mandolin that was made in either the 1930's or 1940's in for a new nut, tuning pegs, bridge repair, and re-string. John worked on the mandolin. The nut was custom made. The staff worked hard to find tuning pegs that fit. They even cleaned it all up for me once it was put back together. It sounds great and I couldn't be happier. My Grandmother passed away when I was 3 so I don't have many memories of her but I feel very connected to her when I play her/my mandolin. Everyone in the store was very personable and helpful. Absolutely no pressure or snobbery you often find in music shops. 10/10. Would recommend. Support local!!! read more

Came here to get my guitar repaired. I've only been playing for a few months, so I wasn't sure exactly what work needed to be done. They did a great job explaining to me how they would fix it, and didn't act condescending or try to take advantage of me as a newbie. The guitar came back in a timely manner and it works great! All the employees I talked to were super nice and helpful. Will definitely be back for any future guitar needs. read more

I am a newbie banjo player and have purchased four (!!) used banjos in the past two months. My first banjo, a Recording King RK-R20 bluegrass banjo, was in need of a set-up with new strings. John (the resident master Luthier) got it all sweet for me. My second banjo, a vintage Epiphone bluegrass banjo, didn't quite meet my expectations so I sold it "as is". My third banjo is a used Deering Goodtime open back, which I brought in to John for a set-up with new strings. Sweet again - thanks, John! My fourth (and last banjo) is a used Deering Goodtime 2 bluegrass banjo with a closed-back & resonator, which I brought in to John for a set-up with new strings, plus a re-install of the resonator & back. I just picked it up and am THRILLED to have a like-new Deering bluegrass banjo! John is a master magician with instruments and is able to transform my "bargain banjos" into quality-looking and -sounding first-class instruments! And he manages to do it all in a very reasonable time frame and at a very reasonable price! I highly recommend DFC for its quality service and craftsmanship! I know that I will enjoy my daily practice with these great "like new" banjos! A big SHOUT-OUT to John - thanks so much!! read more

Denver Folklore Center - Deering Goodtime, Recording King RK-R20, and Deering Goodtime 2 (all like-new thanks to John at the Denver Folklore Center!! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Great place, for advanced guitar players and people with lots of money to spend. The service e was friendly and they have beautiful guitars. My only negative comment is they don't have any guitars for the beginner or even intermediate that can't spend thousands of dollars. read more

My son called from Florida and had Denver Folklore Center ship a Martin D-18 to us in New Mexico. Long distance my son and I both got great customer care throughout the process. The owner even called the morning it was to arrive to remind us to wait 24 hours before opening the box and guitar, and to ask if we had any questions and provided us with the name of a local shop to take care of us in New Mexico. It's rare to get that level of knowledge and customer service these days. The guitar arrived in perfect condition; it was expertly packed and shipped. We highly recommend Denver Folklore Center. read more

I took a friend here, a relative beginner and he spent $1400 on a guitar plus capo, strings, tuner, etc.. and I bought a slide and capo. Ian was very helpful. I started playing a guitar and was told I could not play the guitars as I was not a "buyer". The owner told the sales guys I was not allowed to play. Very odd sales technique. I can tell you that if I fall in love playing a particular guitar I will buy it. I am retired and now have time and money. I had my eye on a very old dobro, I have bought two Nationals in the past three years for over $3,000 each and have been collecting them. I will not be back to DFC although I did like the guitar inventory. Kit at The Pickin' Parlor in Arvada will let you play anything and chat with you as the friendly guy he is. Go there instead and support him. read more

Recently visited the store with my brother shopping for a banjo. Everyone in the store was extremely helpful. We were able to play all the banjos we wanted. The staff also gave demonstrations on the equipment we were interested in. The service provided was great. I'm happy with my new banjo. read more

This place is such a great gem of our community. We are lucky to have it and look forward to patronizing for years to come. I walked in with my almost 3 year old and his most prized possessions, a kids plastic ukulele and a very beat up kids violin. Nothing like the gorgeous instruments they are used to working on, however they took a lot of time helping us restring and tune our instrument and encouraging a small boys love of music. read more

Worst experience I've had in a musical instrument store in 40 years! Like a previous reviewer stated, I'd recommend Guitar Center over this place now with the current owner, and that is really saying something. It is with a heavy heart that I feel compelled to write this negative review of the Denver Folklore Center. I was visiting another local music shop in the area with a friend of mine this past weekend when he proposed that we stop by and check out the DFC and since I needed a set of acoustic strings for a student of mine anyway I figured it would be perfect. I hadn't been there in a few months and always enjoyed the selection of acoustic instruments. Upon entering my friend was talking with the guy behind the counter about dropping off one of his Cordoba GK Pro Negras to have it checked out for a "buzz" that has recently arisen in the electronics. I had noticed a Kremona that had a unique sound hole and looked really nice so I picked it up and was looking it over when the guy behind the counter said "you are welcome to play anything in the shop, we just ask that you sit down when playing". I agreed and complied. My friend saw another Kremona that he wanted to check out so he played that one for a minute or two, then moved on to the one I had been looking at. He then noticed a resonator and sat down with that instrument for a few minutes, all the while strumming gently and with full respect of the instrument. What was unknown to me at the time was that he was falling in love with the Resonator and had made the decision to sell his Taylor214CE that he rarely plays and come back to purchase the Resonator. We checked out a couple of other instruments, remarking on the ziricote wood used on one of the ukuleles as that is the same exotic wood that I have on the back and sides of my Cordoba 55FCE, which I actually bought from him last year. At this point I was ready to grab the strings I needed and head out. On the way towards the counter I noticed a Taylor small scale acoustic bass. I pointed it out to my friend as he had an Ibanez acoustic bass and neither of us had ever seen a Taylor acoustic bass. He decided to pick that instrument up and sat down to play a few notes on it when Saul, the co-owner of the shop, comes out and says quite rudely "If you are not actively looking for an instrument we ask that you don't play our instruments". I said "Even if he (my friend) has purchased a $2,000.00 Cordoba from this very store?" His response was that he "just had to protect the instruments". He then stood there, arms crossed, glaring at my friend and I making the situation extremely uncomfortable. I was already in the process of purchasing the strings, so I completed the purchase and we left. After leaving I told my friend that I wasn't comfortable with supporting the store with the purchase and thought I should return the strings. He just wanted to avoid more confrontation with Saul and said "we'll just never support them in the future". I agreed and we parted ways for the day. But I couldn't stand the thought of actually giving this place my support as the co-owner was actively treating my friend so poorly. So after my friend left I went back in to return the strings. I informed Saul that I thought he a[had been extremely rude to my friend. His response was something along the lines of I'm sorry you feel that way, but your friend was playing "every line" in the store. I replied that was because he's a multi-instrumentalist and actually plays every one of those instruments and in fact has one version or another of each of those in his home studio. He said "well that's just our policy". To which I pointed out that that "policy" wasn't posted anywhere in the store and that the employee behind the counter had invited us to play any instrument in the store as long as we sat down while playing. The employee was now evidently on break and Saul refused to ask him if this was true or not. I told Saul that it's obvious that my friend was playing each instrument gingerly and with respect, not even as much as using a pick on any of the instruments and that neither of us had belt buckles on that would cause any kind of "buckle rash" on the back of an instrument. I also mentioned that I have over two dozen students a week and that I actively refer students to his store for any acoustic instrument needs and that I would never do that again. That between my friend and myself we've spent upwards of $3,000 to $4,000 in that store. Won't step a foot in this store again, nor refer students their way. read more

Sad when a great old business changes hands and completely loses its long-earned history. Steer clear. The new owner has no experience in the retail business and it really shows; seems to be afraid and unhappy with having to deal with the public. He has the interpersonal skill of his fellow new yorker D. Trump. They sold a guitar that is, literally, sold at Walmart. The old DFC is gone. Accept it and move on. read more

Great customer service. But $10.12 for Martin M550 strings that go for $4.99 everywhere else is excessive markup. I don't mind paying a couple extra bucks to the local store, but really guys?? read more

After many transactions and repairs here, I must report that this is a solid and trustworthy business. I first became aware of DFC when I was looking for a place to repair my ailing Martin a few years ago. Their repair staff did an incredible job in diagnosing and correcting a long-running and elusive buzz. Just prior to (and then during) the pandemic shutdown I returned to their repair department when my semi-hollow body electrics needed the pickups switched out. They made arrangements with me to drop off and pick up my instruments safely and easily. The shop has a very nice selection of acoustic instruments and a full range of accessories. These guys are the only guitar store in town that have consistently carried my preferred picks and guitar strings for the past several years now. A friendly and very knowledgable staff makes you feel at home when you walk in the door. Highly recommended. read more

Poor Customer Service I wanted to purchase a Taylor 213 this weekend, it was a great sounding guitar but it came with a gig bag rather than a hard shell case. I do children's worship music at a large Southwest Denver church and a gig bag just won't work for me. I still wanted to buy the guitar with the intention of buying my own hard shell case, however, the salesman was not willing to work with me at all to take anything off of the price, they lost the sale based on their inability to adapt to my needs. I won't be going back to this store because of this experience. read more

We headed over to the FLC today to get a ukulele. I have never played the Uke and wanted to give it a try. Everyone there was friendly and extremely helpful. I was a concerned about the negative reviews that had been left on Yelp. However, I had a Five Star experience and would not hesitate to go back. Thanks!! read more

One of the many pleasures of living in Denver is the Denver Folklore Center. It is the perfect antidote to the "Wallmartization" of the music business. This is a place where real musicians who love all things acoustic come together to share that love and provide us with special instruments that make the world a better place. If you're thinking about purchasing a guitar, Uke, mandolin, banjo , harmonica, accessories or if you're looking for that perfect gift for a musician friend, go and see Saul, Claude and their amazing team who are continuing the legacy of the legendary Colorado Music Hall of Fame inductee, Harry Tuft. You'll be pampered and make new friends while helping our local economy. It's a win-win. (Non-solicited endorsement). read more

Very, very kind group of folks. They always make us feel welcome and appreciated whenever we stop in even if it's for something simple like a few guitar picks. It's easy to see why this bussiness has endured for so many years. Highly recommended. read more

You need picks? They got picks. Thick, thin, large, small, all colors, most brands, thumb and fingers or plectrum style. You need literature? They got lit. Fake books, beginner instruction manuals, TAB transcriptions, artist specific song books, and the like. You need a resonator ukulele? Wait, what?! Yes, they actually had a couple in stock on the wall. They also have a ton of acoustic instruments that fit any budget or style. Plenty of Martins just sitting around waiting to be loved. This is a charming store that should be required browsing for any of you pickers out there. read more

If you play an acoustic type stringed or wind instrument this is your goto place. The people there are very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about everything they sell. The also have student discounts. read more

A wonderful, one-of-a-kind store. Where else in Denver could you walk in and buy accessories for a banjo or a mountain dulcimer? There's always somebody in there making music, and it's a pleasure just to stop by. I can't say enough positive things about the DFC. read more

I went here a week ago to get myself a mandolin. I wish I remembered the guy's name that helped me out but he was helpful and let me get my hands on a bunch of them. That said, it was a great shopping experience and I love the instrument he helped me decide on. I took it home and got a better feel for it. I lowered the action on it and I still feel like this plays almost as well as some 4 figure mandolins. I will come here for all of my guitar and mandolin needs in the future. A total gem of a store. read more

I had a fantastic experience here. They have a great selection of instruments in every price range, and they also have an amazing rental program. You can rent an instrument, and the rental cost goes towards a store credit that you can use to purchase the instrument later on if you decide you like it. It's been a great way for me to try out the dobro before I invest in one. The customer service was fantastic- the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks Saul for a great instrument shopping experience! read more

If you are in search for a Mandolin, Banjo, or a good acoustic guitar then I recommend checking this place out. They have a very knowledgeable staff that is always happy to answer questions. Also, they have a good selection of folk sheet music and cd's. I almost bought a banjo last weekend but decided to save up a little more for a different model. read more

I was very impressed by the entire experience at the Denver Folklore Center. I came, on a recommendation, to get an overview of my options and considerations for moving up to a nice guitar ($600-$1200 range). I worked with Mark, who was incredibly helpful and patient. I let him know upfront that I was just gathering info, not necessarily looking to make a purchase. He was informative without the least bit of condescension, and he did a very thorough job of letting me know what my options were (even if it was something they did not carry). There was no sales pressure, and I left with the exact information and experience I was requiring (In contrast to my trip to the "Big Box" Music Store). Denver Folklore will certainly be on my radar moving forward both as a destination for a good selection of guitars, but also as a true information asset to the industry. read more