I just wanted to thank you SO SO much for fixing my Gibson Les Paul. You did SUCH a good job that it sounds like it did when it was brand new nearly 20 years ago, NO ONE has done such a great job as you have. A thousand thank yous, I got completely lost in the moment playing it and it's been years since I experience that unless I was onstage in the zone. I'm thrilled my step father found you, your going to be my forever go to for anything regarding fixing my guitars. Price was VERY reasonable- in a world where everything is to much, you certainly are priced fair. Thank you. read more

I walked into Mike's, because I was in the market for an electric and live in the neighborhood. This was my first electric, but I knew I wanted something decent with good tone. I told the store owner what I was looking for, and he showed me what was in my price range. He also very kindly told me that I was welcome to try any of the guitars--even though I very clearly could not afford them! I thought that was cool! He left me alone to play the guitars. I was able to take my time--as I didn't really know what I was looking for. I was so happy with one of them, that I went ahead and bought it! I've had it for about 2 or 3 years now, and I still love it! read more

Maybe great for experienced musicians, but cold and snooty to beginners. It is a long narrow shop with the "front desk" at the back of the room. When I went in, the guy behind the counter didn't even look up. I approached the back of the room. He said "Can I help you?", but his face was slack and his tone was unfriendly. I felt uneasy. I said "Um... I'm here to check out some guitars." The guy just said "OK,". Long pause. "Let me know if you need any help getting anything down," he said, already staring at his phone again. There was no music playing, just the buzz of the fluorescent lights. I picked up a guitar and played it a little, but I felt pretty uncomfortable. It was so quiet. I felt like I was sneaking around in someone else's house. Several minutes in, after plucking gingerly at this unplugged electric guitar for a while, he offered me an amp, but I declined as I was not feeling it anymore. I feigned a phone call, and stood up. I might have taken it personally, but before I left, another guy walked in -- and the counter guy totally ignored him, too. Pretty funny. Still, I wondered if I had done something done wrong. All the Yelp reviews for Mike's were so good. Did I smell bad? Then I saw it. Take a second look at the list of 5-star reviews: nearly all of them are from people who already own at least one guitar; they were bringing their own guitar in for service. Nearly all of them say "I brought in--" "my ES-339" "my Martin DM" "my Jazzmaster" "my Fender Classic Players Strat" "my Italia Mondial Deluxe" ... I don't even know what these are. I fully admit I am a newbie, and that when choosing a guitar, I would have needed some explanation and guidance. But despite my inexperience, I am eager to learn -- plus my budget was $500. I care about local business, I wanted to support the little guy, but I felt so unwelcome at Mike's that I left. (Yes, I did go to Guitar Center afterwards. They were great! Helpful, available, not pushy, just a great sales experience all around. I'll write a review for them next. Shoutout to the staff at Fenway GC.) read more

Great shop. Not a huge selection if you're looking for something specific, but if you just want to try out something different, this is the perfect place. Mike is seeping music love from the seams and makes the place feel like you've just walked into his front room to hang out. Love this place. read more

"Monster Guitars, Monster repair work" My Italia Mondial Deluxe was out of commission with a broken tuner head for a while, and Mike's Monster Guitar was the only listed dealer for Italia guitars in my area. I brought it on down for him to check out, and opted to not only get the tuning head replaced, but a full set-up and string gauge size change. "Wow" is all I can say. The turnaround time for the repair job was like 2 days, the set-up and work was immaculate, and the price was reasonable. I can honestly say my Italia hasn't been this enjoyable to play ever. I immediately brought him my Fender Classic Players Strat for a full set-up as well, and plan to have him be my go-to for any repair and set-up work for the future. The guitars in the store are also wicked cool to look at, if only I had the money to adopt them. The only gripe would be parking in the area, which is difficult to find to begin with, but it's accessible via the T. Thanks Mike! read more

I recently had a guitar restrung here. Mike was friendly and did a great job. I dropped off the guitar in the afternoon and he gave me a call when it was ready an hour later. Super convenient and super easy. read more

This is a nice little guitar shop with cheap accessories. I got a nice phaser pedal there.

I just wandered into Mikes shop and was impressed by his friendly customer service and all kinds of great old guitars hanging on the wall. Mike is an awesome guy all I needed were a few tension springs for my guitar and he only had one left, but sold to me for only $1 when he normally charges $2 for it. I am giving Mikes Monster guitars a huge monsterous thumbs way up! read more

I walked in and the guy who works there see me as invisible.. I felt awkward but ok rockstars you treated people by mood or maybe something else hum? read more

Great service! Walked in over a week ago for a guitar setup, Mike said he was slammed with repairs and it might take a couple weeks. I said I was hoping to have my guitar back for a gig on 12/15, and he said he could fit me in anyway. Picked up the guitar on 12/13. Guitar is in great shape, and the turn-around time was super fast. Affordable rate, would definitely recommend seeing Mike for your guitar needs. read more

Great local guitar shop with some really cool vintage guitars and other assorted gear. The owner, Skinny Mike, has done a great job of filling his shop with some unique and unusual items that you won't likely find at the big corporate stores in the area. Mike is always very pleasant to deal with and very knowledgeable about guitars and gear. He took over the old Sandy's Music spot and vastly improved the selection. I have a friend who had Mike set up his guitar for him and he was super pleased with his work. I will be bringing some guitars his way for the same: set up the action, check the intonation, generally make them play in tip top fashion. It looks like Skinny Mike has been collecting these guitars for a long time and he has some real gems, at a reasonable price. Highly recommended for a cool shop with stuff you'll never find at Guitar Center. I would personally rather bring my repair work to a guy that I am sure knows what the hell he is doing than take my chances somewhere else. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL GUITAR SHOP! GO MONSTER GUITAR! read more

Great local business. Mike is very knowledgable and also gives good lessons. Has a nice selection of new and used guitars. Also has the accessories most need, eg, strings, picks, etc. has some harmonicas as well. Worth a visit if you're in Cambridge. read more

Mike restrung my banjo lickety-split. He did a great job and is a nice guy, very generous and patient with my dumb questions. Very fair price for the strings and labor. I'll definitely be back when I need another string job. Thanks, Mike! read more

I brought in my Martin DM that had been sitting idle for a year and was unrecognizable in its playability. Mike restrung and adjusted it to perfection. read more

had mike set up my guitar. friendly affordable, easy to deal with. Sent one of my bandmates down who had some electrical issues and some tremelo trouble down, mike took care of that too. I wouldn't got anywhere else. read more

Dropped off my Jazzmaster here to have new pickups installed. Was quoted a super reasonable price and told my guitar would be ready in a week or two. Two days later, I got the call that it was ready to pick up! Super quality work at a great price plus ultra fast turnaround! I'll definitely go here for any work I need done in the future and recommend it to all my friends. Plus, the shop is always stocked with all kinds of cool, unique stuff you won't find at other guitar shops in the area. Can't say enough nice things about this place. read more