I took a banjo here forever ago for a setup and the luthier there really massacred it. The neck was set to the body weird, in such a way that it almost looked warped. I was told this was the best he could do. I took it to Mandolin Brothers a little while later and the luthier there, who had more experience with folk instrument just stared at it, shook his head sadly, and said he'd fix it. Two weeks later it came back perfect. I avoided Metropolis for setups for years after that. I had an old 80s Ibanez bass that got set up well at Guitar Bar years ago, but it was about time for it to get set up again. I thought, okay, a banjo is a weird instrument, maybe a bass will be easy. I was wrong. I was told it would take about a week, and that was fine. I wasn't in a rush. When I dropped it off, I was told it was an old, cheap bass and that there was only so much he could do. Okay, fine. I didn't necessarily believe that, as I had gotten this bass setup once and it was great. Week goes by, got no call, nothing. Life got busy, but three weeks later I called about it. They said another week. Fine, okay. They never called, and I figured, forget about it, and went to go pick it up, to maybe give a try setting it up myself again. When I stopped in this week, the luthier there told me it was already done. The bass came back just as hard to play as it was before. Action was really high above the fifth fret, and there was buzzing on the 19th fret. I was told that other than getting a new truss rod or a refret, there was nothing else that could be done. Okay, fine. Who plays the 19th fret on a bass anyway? Then I got it home and tuned it up. The bass wasn't even intonated properly. At the 12th fret, the E string was like 17 cents sharp. The G string needed some attention too. Did the luthier even put it on the bench? Did he try to tune it? Intonating is not a special order type thing. I didn't explicitly tell him to intonate it, but when you get a setup, that should always be included. Did it take me long to intonate it myself? No, less than fifteen minutes with a screwdriver and a tuner. Which is what makes it even more frustrating that it wasn't done. This is probably a nice place to get lessons. But don't get an instrument set up here. I try not to be hard on local business people, and this place is surely doing something right, as it's been here for over 20 years. But setups aren't one of those things. Buy strings here. Take lessons here. Grab the odd wire or cable or music stand. But get your instruments set up at NJ Guitar and Bass Center or Guitar Bar. read more

It was not a good day to see they have left. The owner having worked at Manny's in Manhattan has a sharp knowledge and was a great asset to the area. They took excellent care of buying and selling instruments with me and I can only wish them the best. Metropolis Music was a great feature of Downtown Jersey City not easily replaced. To their best. They certainly have the skills and talent. read more

The neighborhood music store is a dying breed. Pretty scary given that music and instruments in particular benefit from a careful curation and knowledgable expertise. Look no further. You aren't going to be attacked by a sales team. You may hear good music playing overhead. You may see signed memorabilia. You may actually see violins and bows in the wild! They also have lessons and a nice display of instruments, equipment and books. I love Amazon. But when it comes to music and instruments and instrument repair especially, you need knowledge. This humble spot has it. read more

Metropolis Music is just a short walk down Newark Ave. from the Grove Street PATH. You'll find they specialize in guitar sales, guitar repairs, and a range of lessons for every skill level. Metropolis has a very knowledgeable staff with knowledge about recording, amplifying, tuning, and repair. I noticed they have a moderate amount of practice sheet music as well. Bring your kids here when they start getting the itch to play and you'll find something small for them to start on, plus a game plan for learning the ropes! Need a tune up? As a master luthier, you can trust the owner of Metropolis with your pride and joy, but don't expect him to have the bandwidth to also repair your amps and gear. We've gotten really good recommendations from the staff whenever we need to go somewhere else for more help. Trustworthy used equipment at reasonalbe prices, and a fair return policy, rounds out the experience, giving Metropolis a top score in my book. read more

Metropolis Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Jersey City, New Jersey

I've been meaning to write a review for metropolis music for quite some time. Being a student here on and off for the last two years, with a stellar attendance rate, it's the least I could do. First off, how cool is the name metropolis? If you're not immediately thinking guitar super hero, then read no further for we will not get along. So like I said, I've been taking lessons here for a short while now and despite having a very hectic work schedule and being too old for parents to force me to practice consistently, and a husband who now probably hates guitar music because it really wasn't music for a long time, I kept coming back. The store owner Mark is super cool, he has all sorts of different interests and I could spend hours just chatting with him about vintage cameras or when I will finally buy my first real guitar. (Walden, anyone?) I've taken lessons with eddie, art, alex, and now finally with dan. I think you just have to find the right teacher for your style, but they were all rock gods in their own way. Very intimidating to jam with them and especially embarrassing when you didn't practice. But they are all awesome and even as an adult, I highly recommend checking out the store if you want to take lessons, buy an instrument, or just learn something new! Can't recommend this place enough! read more

I found this place on yelp, and there are other negative reviews here but I decided they might only be one-offs. I rarely, if ever, leave reviews and if I do they are almost always positive. So hear me when I say this, don't go here if you can avoid it. I went in with a very old ukulele in early May asking to have strings attached, and a few cracks fixed with the intention of giving this as a father's day gift. I was told 1-2 weeks. After two weeks no one got in touch with me, so I called. 1-2 more weeks. This cycle continued and I've just picked up the instrument on July 29th. Nearly 3 months it took for this to be completed. No one ever called me, every time I called it took ages for them to even find it within the shop, and no apologies for the massive delay or offers of discounts. When I inquired about it both on the phone and in the store, I was told to talk to someone else who's rarely in the shop, which at that point I just wanted to be done with the whole thing. Also when I got home and took a look, the work seemed fine, but it was severely out of tune for new strings. Go to any other music store around if you can help it. read more

Nice place. Variety of instruments. Used and new equipment. Extremely knowledgeable and approachable staff guy. Big big range of music books. Flashback to Recorder 101. I almost bought that one. Fur Elise anyone? One of the many random music stores sprinkled throughout this city. read more

I was gifted drum lessons at Metropolis with Eric (once with Kayvon!) and both instructors were great. Instruction is tailored individually and I've learned a lot! The store has a neighborhood feel and the staff is always welcoming and friendly. read more

Place is a rip off. Charged me $30 for the same music stand I could get from music and arts for $11. An almost 3x mark up is ridiculous.

I went in here and asked if I could by some wire to re wire a bass, NO we do t sell wire, they did have some interesting books, the bass selection was poor 2 secondhand instruments, looked like a place to buy children there first guitar, the guy in front of me took a guitar up and asked for a better price the answer was NO same as I got so NO I won't go back here read more

That place looks good and is probably good but they sold me a cheap Luna guitars for $200 when it's posted on the actual company for $79, they're selling some cheap stuff read more

Do you wanna ROCK? Then get on down to Metropolis Music! I wanted to learn how to play guitar and I was surprised at how easy it was to get started. Lessons are 30 mins long and $30, which I think is reasonable, and its even cheaper if you buy a couple lessons at one time. There are several instructors, and I believe they offer lessons for a variety of instruments. I learn something every time I have a lesson and I'm so glad another Yelper turned me on to this place! read more

Great setups that are reasonably priced. Cool shop and knowledgeable staff plus they offer lessons with excellent instructors at a hard to beat deal. Super cool local spot read more

Been living in JC ten years, playing music for 30+ and have occasionally found the need to get something at the last minute. I know I'm not going to get exactly what I want at Metropolis due to their small selection, but for little things they'll do (drum sticks, picks, cables, etc). That said, I went to Metropolis to pick up a few patch cords after I forgot to pick them up in the city (BH Photo, the cheapest and best cables in Manhattan!)- I KNEW they'd be more but I'm cool with throwing cash to a local place every once in a while. The cables were mixed up and the ones I was looking happened to not be priced. I went to find some and meanwhile this guy behind the counter, which turns out to be the owner, was just sitting there. He was terse, smug, and questioned whether or not I knew the difference between a guitar and a mic cable. Really dude? When I asked for pricing clarification he responded with, "the price is on them." and went on doing nothing. He rang me up, was short, and it was so clear he couldn't have cared at all if I was there buying stuff or not. This is a perfect example of why small 'ma and pa' stores don't make it. Bitter employees (or owner, in this case), and cables (in this instance) 30-50% more than anywhere else. I bought them, because, well, I felt sorry for the guy. And that my friends will be the last time I go to Metropolis. read more

This review only applies to the guitar set up service Metropolis offers (as this was my experience with them). I brought my acoustic guitar in to have it set up. I was told by the owner - who was working the register - that they were backed up and it would take a week. Fine, I said. A week later, I come in. The owner is in the same spot behind the register. "Hi, I'm here to pick up my guitar" I say, passing him my receipt. He replies, "Okay, let me see... Ah! Yeah I haven't gotten to it yet. But I could have it ready for you in an hour or two if you'd like to come back before we close." Translation: "I've got better things to do then the work you are paying me for. Your satisfaction as a customer is nothing more than an afterthought to me." A week, 2 hours, and $50 later, I got my newly "set up" guitar. It's been restrung and the fretboard has been lightly cleaned. When I get home, I check for any noticeable changes to the neck relief, saddle height, nut slots, bridge pins, intonation and overall stability. Nothing. Not the slightest change from when I brought it in. These features- crucial to a proper guitar set up - have not been so much as touched. Surely the new strings have at least been stretched? Nope. The tuning slips constantly as I play. Sure enough, this guy has done the absolute bare minimum with my guitar. Bottom line: Something here was definitely set up and it most definitely was not my guitar. To anyone thinking of having their guitar set up here - don't. Buy strings, a wire cutter, and a string winder on the web (Amazon) for a 1/3rd of the price that Metropolis will charge you. Youtube how to restring a guitar if you're new. This dude either took me for a complete novice or is just plain lazy. Final thoughts: Metropolis is the only guitar store in Jersey City so they have little completion. The result is that they have little incentive to provide anything less than minimal service. The worst part is - and I can only speak for the store owner I encountered - it's done with a smug face. Lots of luck buddy, I have zero sympathy for your shoddy business. read more

My son has been taking guitar lessons at Metropolis for the past several years. I find the teachers and staff to be friendly and knowledgeable. The cost of lessons is reasonable. I especially like the flexibility of scheduling that accommodates my son's ever changing sports schedule. Thank you, Metropolis! read more

I've been taking lessons for several years here. I've also bought dozens of strings, straps, cases, picks, ukuleles etc. Mark is knowledgeable and friendly, and definitely knows guitars! The instructors I worked with are awesome (Nobuki and Dan Ergdahl) and really care about students making progress. I moved to "classical guitar" a few years ago with Dan, and I've learnt more in 2 years than I have learnt in previous 20. I'm glad Metropolis is part of our community, and it is stores like this that make the Grove Street/Hamilton park area a great place to live in. read more

After moving to the downtown area, a friend suggested I stop by and check this place out. As a songwriter/guitarist, a music store within several blocks of my apartment sounded like a godsend. Upon walking in the sales Reps/Managers gave me a weird vibe. An initial acknowledgement and no follow-up even after 15 minutes of standing around, checking stuff out. A "hey, can I help you with something?" would be nice especially since I was interested in the acoustic guitars they had in stock. Speaking of which, who sets these things up? Or do they at all? I checked out three Walden guitars, a brand I never heard of, and encountered all sorts of buzzing, dead frets, etc. Not cool. Once again, if someone came by and explained things that would've made up for it but no one did. The same friend mentioned they give great lessons. I'm sure they probably do but I didn't stick around to find out and ask. Seems like a good place if you need accessories like strings, picks, straps (nice strap selection!), or a practice amp. Parking on Newark Ave. is a pain and a trap. Pay your meters! read more

This is my first Yelp posting. I went here today Sunday, around 3pm on August 30th, with my 17 year old daughter. She spoke to me yesterday about her desire to learn a musical instrument, more specifically, she wants to learn how to play the guitar. As a supportive father, i told her fine, we will pick up a guitar and maybe look for an instructor. I told her that I know of a small musical instrument store in downtown JC that I've passed by before, and I promised her that we would go on Sunday. I also told her that it's important to support small mom and pop type of retail establishments since they help out the local economy. We went to this store and as soon as we walk in, we see a guy in a small booth fixing a guitar, gives us a look, and goes back to what he was doing. We walk over to a small show room where we see lots of nice guitars new and used with decent prices. There's a guy in the corner playing a guitar who also gives us a look and then goes back to his strumming. We are there maybe 10 minutes in the show room looking at the guitars, and still no one to help us. We go back to the front where the guy is fixing the guitar, still no eye contact from this guy. After a couple of minutes just standing there and waiting for some help, I start walking towards the door and told my daughter that we should go. Maybe I should have spoken and asked for help? But it was a hot and humid day and I didn't have the patience, so we left. As we were leaving I told my daughter "you don't give your business to someone who doesn't acknowledge you when you walk in their store." The owner of this business will probably not like this posting. I am pretty sure by all of the other reviews here on Yelp that it is a great store, but today I've decided to give my business to Walmart - delivery by Tuesday of this week, not bad. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Silvertone-SD3000-Acoustic-Guitar-Package-Black/12330365 read more

Metropolis is a gem! Everyone I've run into who works here has been super-friendly, and they really know their stuff. I've been taking voice with Alex Brumel here for over a year, and I can't recommend him enough. They have classes for all ages, and very affordable guitars! Hurray for Metropolis. :) read more

Great job fixing my trumpet. Extensive schedule for lessons and a very knowledgeable staff.

the owner, mark, is a really nice guy. i don't know anything about their teachers because i haven't ever studied with any of them, but as far as basic supplies and sheet music this place is great. i've ordered music from them and it has arrived in as timely a fashion as if i had ordered it from somewhere online. they also have this system where they can print out sheet music for pop, rock and jazz tunes (maybe classical too, but i've never done that) for a few bucks and the music is accurate. good place to have in jersey city. read more

Great little guitar shop. Very accommodating staff; they will take good care of you. Small but decent selection of guitars and basses, although too many of their basses have too many strings (as in, they have a lot of 5-string basses and not many 4-string). Not much in the way of heads or cabs. Will definitely be back. read more

What can I say about Metropolis Music? Great place to shop for all things having to do with musical instruments and accessories, to Music lessons and Great service. Everyone from the owner Mark, to the guitar teachers are easy to talk to and are very knowledgeable on all things music. read more

This is a nice little music store and very convenient if you live in Jersey City. The staff are all very nice people and I enjoy just hanging around there sometimes. Not a high-end store but they do carry a wide selection of misc. gear. The prices are low for instrument repair but you're not paying for luthier grade work. They also host a lot of good instructors. read more

My daughter took a few months of piano lessons here. In a few months they shuffled us around to three different teachers. Three times in a row they also canceled our lesson within 2 hours of our class. THEN, their staff messed up and apparently a child was bumped off the schedule (nothing to do with our lesson/time slot). They asked me several weeks in a row if I would mind switching my lesson so that they could move the schedule around and accommodate said child. Nothing to do with us and not even our lesson time...but I did them a favor and changed our day, time and instructor as a favor. (no 'thank you', by the way...but you're welcome!) THEN I needed to cancel ONE lesson. ONE. And they wouldn't even extend to me the courtesy of allowing me to miss it without charging me for it! No decency. No courtesy for the favor I did them ...or for the three times they cancelled on me with very short notice. Wow. Just wow.. read more

Absolutely fantastic neighborhood music store. Great prices and a solid selection of equipment. I went in to buy some strings for an old guitar I had lying around, ended up buying a used Samick guitar and old Fender Bullet amp. I couldn't be happier with the purchase; I've been playing it non-stop ever since. The staff is incredibly friendly, down-to-earth, and unpretentious, which I think is a huge plus in any music store, especially for someone with no prior musical training. They give honest recommendations and really help you to find the kind of sound you want. The price and selection alone have me highly consider going back each time I need something, but the staff is what makes Metropolis music the only place I go to for my musical needs. read more

The high point of music education in Jersey City. Friendly and family friendly staff that reach out to further your education. A music store with good products and a well priced service for repair is nothing without excellent staff and teachers, which fortunately is not the case here. At the front you'll find a store manager at all times ready to help you with any product and lesson service as well as offer an experience hard to come by these days. Hector provided an incredibly personal yet professional level of service making sure all frequenting customers and passer-byers were attended to in a swift and accurate manner. Mark's skill at handling instrumental repairs are myths in other small towns that residents can only dream of. Overall, this is a must stop if you are in town and love music, whether you play and instrument, or not. It's not a typical store. read more

This is a great neighborhood shop with friendly and knowledgeable staff. I've purchased guitars, sold gear and had several set-ups and guitars fixed there. Mark (the owner) knows his stuff and is honest. Fair prices on guitar set-ups. Thanks guys! read more

I went to the store to buy a gift for my husband. When I walked in there was a lady purchasing some stuff for her son. I waited for at least 12 minutes and the guy at the register continued to talk to the lady even after the purchase was complete. The lady was walking out the door and again they are still shouting about a cruise recomendation. Not to mention another staff member was just standing against the wall. The staff did not acknowledge me at all. I asked for help, since I know nothing about guitars, and was told that the guitar stuff was at the other end. I asked for recommendations, and again they showed no interest. I ended up purchasing a book and polish for my husband's guitar. As I was leaving, a white couple walked and thy were greeted and attended immediately. I asked myself, Is this for real??? The staff was not approachable at all, bad help, and not much variety. I do NOT recommend this place. You are better off going to Guitar Center. read more