This is a very cool shop in a world where large chains have taken over. There are great, vintage, unique instruments here and we're lucky to have places like this still around, whether you stop in to browse or intend on purchasing. The guitar service technician department, however, is not recommended. If you want a large chain type of non-personalized guitar setup with no individualized attention, then it is adequate. But if you're looking for the special care that your instrument deserves, it is not going to happen here, despite what you may read on the website. The owner may have the aptitude and experience, but he is not the one performing the routine work, and there is a disconnect with his oversight as well. Good for shopping, not for service. read more

One of the Oldest most well-established Vintage Musical Instrument stores, well known worldwide as a Benchmark for Vintage Guitars. The Founder is a well-respected authority and a great person. I have been a customer for about 20 years and have consistently found the best instruments at Buzz's shop. An Amazing place to say the least! read more

Owner is very knowledgable and helpful. Repaired an old cracked guitar and gave it a whole new life.

I guess I'm a rock star, because that's how Buzz treats me when I visit. Always friendly, patient and lets me play anything and everything. I find the prices to generally be spot on - items are priced realistically and you can negotiate. Lastly, my autistic son often comes with me to the store and he is always treated with kindness and respect. A great little guitar shop! read more

I recently bought a Gibson Flying V from Lark Street Music, and couldn't be happier with the transaction and the guitar. They even give you a day after delivery to decide if you want to keep the guitar. Buzzy, the owner, has been in the instrument sales business for a long time, and I got a better deal than if I had bought off Reverb from someone less experienced. read more

I wouldn't buy from these guys online if you paid me. They gave me a price and when I called them back to buy the guitar and reminded the sales guy of the price , he says ... " Well now the mood has changed, I don't feel like giving you that price anymore ". Shady ! Then he has the nerve to say he will take my number and if he feels like giving me the original agreed on price he will .. call me back. I told him where he can stick it, and that I don't deal with people who don't Honor prices or take care of customers. Just imagine if you had an issue with a purchased guitar ! These guys would leave you strung out to dry. Best $4100 I didn't spend . Shady Shady Shady ! read more

Sad people, sad store. Gruff and unhelpful staff seem to resent your intrusion into their reverie. Guitars are hung with bent wire which chips the headstock of their overpriced stock. read more

I have been going to this store since the late 90's. I have only made minor purchases- I think I bought a pedal in the aughts and I bought an amp last year. Everything about the reviews is generally true - the owner is interested in making money (obviously) and if you have an expensive item to buy or sell, you will get better customer service. It is not GC. That being said, I have had worse experiences in other mid size guitar shops (30th and Rivington). The merchandise varies wildly, but I like the fact that I can get MIJ/MIK items, newer American-made (fenders, Gibsons, ect), and a bunch of shit that I cannot afford (vintage gibsons/ Epis). There are also good deals on the off-brand items and stuff from the 80's. Overall this store has solid inventory and less solid service, but you are not going there to be treated like you're at Per Se, so get over it. read more

No one can dispute that Lark Street Music is in rarefied territory with regard to the quality and quantity of holy-grail vintage instruments they sell. But they are a terrible store unless you are a recognized guitar player with known performing cred. Snotty, unhelpful staff who will ignore you more than not. Prices are scaled like a third-world economy-ridiculously high for anything other than bottom-shelf stuff, which at Lark Street is usually priced above its value. A vanity business more than a music store. read more

It's the consummate guitar collector's store in North Jersey, if not all of New Jersey. I've been visiting for years, admiring their beautiful collection from 1940 Martins and Gibsons, amazing Santa Cruz, gorgeous hollow body electric, vintage amps, etc. They also have lower priced guitars. But know it's basically nirvana for guitar heads. I've always found the staff to knowledgeable and kind. It feels like home, except, I don't have all those amazing instruments. They have expertly serviced my guitars. So, if you like guitars--need them repaired, want to buy, or just jonze--this is your place. read more

I want to love this store but I have to give it only three stars. Why? Well, the prices aren't low and frankly, the help leaves a bit to be desired. I've been in to Lark Street several times and I do buy guitars at various price points. They have some very unique vintage instruments that other stores in the NY area will typically pass on. Having said that, their prices can be a bit on the high side for the vintage stuff and there are still quite a few mediocre, mass market instruments strewn through the good stuff. Also, the staff can be "whacky", meaning the owner may talk to you if he feels like you'll buy something and the guys there tend to vary from aloof to just plain ignoring you. I was there when a 60 something year old guy rambled on about selling all his Gibson's for almost 35 minutes and the staff didn't acknowledge me. I left. This is a small store with a great selection of instruments. If you are willing to try and catch the staffs attention you may get a hit. Also, if you do need guitar supplies, they do have an excellent selection. Lark Street Guitar is a small business and clearly the owner loves great instruments and great music so I would give this place a shot. If he can sharpen up his customer focus I think he could easily be a five star place. He should consider having a section of new guitars/beginner guitars and keeping the rest of the place cool and vintage. Focus on approaching and acknowledging customers and have the prices a little more visible so maybe the customers don't have to bug you for an initial price. I'd still rather buy a guitar here versus Guitar Center or any big chain. Again, sharpen up the service and the prices won't be as much of an issue. read more

The prices on guitar mods/guitar work here are more reasonably priced than GC (and a number of Mom and Pops and independents) and the work done is better. I relied on Lark Street during the days of the 2 Steve's and now with Tom: honest, reliable and knowledgeable. Buzzie has no need of my defense or even praise...he's been there for years for a reason. read more

This is a very nonchalant shop of true vintage and rare guitars & amps. I like the fact that they treat all their gear as just tools for making music and not some holy grail trophy that should never be touched. A Dumble Overdrive Special just collects dust in a corner, a 60's Tele leans next to a old fireplace... Most guitars just hang from a frekin' metal wire! You have to know what you want and what you are looking at. The staff takes it from there. This is not a shop for novices. They do let you browse around and try stuff out in peace. I found their prices very fair. This is compared to how much the same instruments would be in Manhattan or Brooklyn shops... Definitely worth a visit. But still $$-) read more

I've actually never been in their storefront - but I bought a used guitar from a customer of theirs. I've never seen a Fender Stratocaster set up so nicely! With low action, easy to play, and no fret buzzing, it is one of the best setups I've ever played - and I've played for over 50 years professionally. Whoever sets up guitars here is obviously a top-notch pro. read more

This has to be the way coolest guitar hang in the East. Buzz, the owner was laid back, gracious and patient as can be and he even offered to let me play a $200K+ '59 LP sunburst he had in the store at the time (I declined, too far above my pay grade). How I got out of that joint with only a nice Lark Street T-shirt I'll never know, sometimes God watches out for drunks and wayward guitar weenies. But I shall return, I loved it. read more

I've been to Lark Street many times and have made many purchases - Have read other reviews posted, and sometimes the store is a busy place. But I try out what I want, don't behave like an obnoxious wanna' be guitar hero - and ask if I have a question. Buzz is very knowledgeable and likeable - My most treasured guitar purchases have been made at Lark Street - and I have visited a lot of shops. The inventory is like none other - I experience sensory overload every time. read more

This is an excellent store. A very wide selection of vintage instruments and the prices are good. They also carry some new pieces that are priced well. Run by kind people too who don't kind educating you a little. I work in Manhattan and choose to drive out of my way to goto this store instead of doing business in the city. i just dropped a 20 year old guitar off for some luthier work, I'll update this review in a few weeks... read more

This is a very helpful store. They fixed my cheapo banjo up and didn't urge me to buy a better one, which I was leaning toward. Very helpful and friendly. Great place to listen in on orthodox gents playin' the blues. You go guys. Fabulous instrument collection too. read more

Nothing like it any where else . Customer service is spot on . Relaxed environment for checking out instruments . Fair pricing . Trust worthy . Ask for Buzzy read more

I had my first experience with Lark Street recently and I just can not say enough good about these guys. I brought them a Les Paul gold top that needed a finish repair and these guys knocked the cover off the ball. It became evident rather early on that what I requested was remarkably difficult and the amount of time and dedication that Lark Street assigned to this was nothing short of exceptional. The price they originally quoted was very reasonable considering what was involved and when this turned into a much more involved exercise they never talked abut increasing the price. They really did excellent work on an incredibly demanding assignment. The price was exceptional, especially when you consider the tremendous amount of time invested in this job. THANK YOU SO MUCH Buzz and Ian for not giving up. I know this wasn't easy! And to all the whiners who complain that they get ignored in this store... To me there is nothing more refreshing than to be able to walk through a musical candy store like this and not be bothered or hounded as I take it all in. When I needed service I simply went up to the counter, started talking and Buzz politely responded and engaged. Its really that simple. Worked like a charm. read more

Never been a big fan of corporate chains like Guitar Center and my guitar teacher mentioned Lark to me. Completely clueless when it comes to guitars due to fact that I am just beginning to learn how to play. Upon entrance, Steve asked me if I needed some help. Mentioned that my budget was $100 - $500 and he showed me several options. He really took the time necessary to listen to me and let me demo quite a few models. Walked away with a great guitar that was very reasonably priced. Buzz also spent some time chatting about this and that. I'm down in Verona, highly recommend making the drive north, A+ experience! read more

I had two guitars repaired that needed extensive work. One of them needed a new fretboard. The work was second to none. The bridge of my classical guitar popped off. My heart felt like it was going to pop out of my throat. I was reassured and then confirmed by the work that it would be taken care of. My wife and I don't trust anyone see but Buzz and his luthiers to touch any of our guitars. Don't go to those big chains. You may save $25 on a guitar, but you will lose the personal touch given by these folks. Keep the small shops open! read more

I just happened across this store...and, when I saw the name, something rang in my brain. Wasn't there a store in upper New York State with that name? I asked the proprietor about this and he said, yes, they moved from the Albany area about 20 years earlier. The guitars and gear is a joy to see....I think it's closer to a guitar museum than a mere store. Guitars I haven't seen in decades (I've been in and out of music stores since the latter 60s.) I didn't feel any negative vibes as some others stated here. Easygoing, non-pressured....just a joy to walk through the store and experience guitar history. As far as prices, I can't say....and, I know that many, many stores tend to ask high prices for vintage gear like this...most of which at Lark Music, to my eyes, was in superb condition. Maybe THAT'S why they ask the prices some seem to indicate. I've seen many trashed instruments that go cheaper....but, not in this store. These are the guitars that got us to this point, and, it seems, they are mostly in great shape! read more

Had a very nice experience for my first time at Lark Street. Had wanted to check it out ever since it was on Lark street in Albany but i finally got around to it this year. If you like the approach of pick up a guitar and play (vs. the don't touch that, I'll take it off the wall for you) then this is the place for you. I found a beautiful Rainsong concert tobacco-burst offset sound-hole (with abalone shark inlays :) and we were able to come to agreement on price. Love the guitar. And then, the icing on the cake was the demo of the Candela Vibrophase steampunk candle-powered effect. Great selection of guitars and instruments. Will have to go back one day soon. read more

This shop is amazing! It's like a history of 20th century guitars, plus basses, mandolins, resonator guitars, steel guitars, banjos, amplifiers . . . plus new instruments, plus crazy, arcane, old instruments. The staff is also extremely nice and patient. Wonderful! read more

This is a great guitar store and the owner, Buzzy Levine, is the most honest dealer in the business.