The buyer of my Guitar took the guitar to Neil and Neil stated to the buyer " I consider this guitar to be not playable". My Buyer return the guitar under this claim with big who ha. i have taken the guitar to another luthier near me, they have service it no problems and clearly do not know why Neil would state this, as it is clearly playable. I have doubts on this music shop ability to identify a simple service. Before you think im making this claim up, i spoke to Neil, be confirming the return. read more

Disappointed to say the least. After entrusting this so called guitar repair shop. To straighten a neck and set up both guitars. 1, Had not started job by the time they said, they were going to finish. 2, I then arranged to pick up my instruments the next day. 3, I went to my guitars back. And the owner or tech, who ever he is had decided to ignore the previous days phone conversation. 4, I get to the shop they'd proceeded to start the work disregarding instructions for pick up only. 5, this was initially was going to take a week, then suddenly they can do it all in a morning ? 6, I returned home feeling robbed only to enjoy fret buzz after this so called set up. 7, Luckily only on one guitar. As I've had to leave the other in another shop. On my way home as I was so pissed of. read more

This is a friendly neighbourhood place for a newbie musician to pick out a guitar and accessories. The staff is extremely helpful and recommended guitars over a range of price points. While most of their stock is guitars, they have a number of other instruments. You feel very good supporting a great local business. It's a small shop and the times we've gone it seems like there are lots of regulars who come back again and again for advice and repairs. read more

This is a Notting Hill institution and long may it continue. Their emphasis is on guitars which are also serviced (best to check first who's on duty as quality may vary ). Portobello Music feels just like a good rock'n'roll music shop should. The owner displays just the right level of indifference and most visitors actually play quite well. Good for networking and nerdy musicians chats. read more

Portobello Music is a little gem tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Portobello Road. It's located next door to the famous People's Sound Record Store, which is the last remaining remnant of All Saints Road's West Indian past, and like it's counterpart, you'll find a real slice of old skool West London when you walk through the doors. Inside, you'll find a great selection of acoustic, classical, electric and bass guitars and the owners can service your instrument on a work table at the back. For any budding musicians out there, Portobello Music is a good place to head to find somewhere to play - the message board by the door is always full of open-mic night offers. read more

Portobello Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - London, XGL

I wanted to buy a guitar for my grandson's 11th birthday as he really loved rock music and wanted to learn how to play it. I had quite a hard time finding this place but I was told it is one of the best guitar shops in town and I don't spare time or expenses when it comes to making my grandson's dream come true. I was a bit worried because I don't really know anything about musical instruments so I had to fully rely on the knowledge of the staff. Luckily for me they were quite polite and took the time to explain the differences between models and their specifications. Without their help I would have never be able to choose one between the hundreds of models. It was definitely worth it as my grandson simply loves his new guitar. Thank you for making him so happy. read more

not a bad little shop,i have never had any problems,i have bought and part x guitars and other music items and i think they are very good.they are honest and you ge a fair deal,in general a great little shop in a very hippy area. cliff bryan read more

This place is quite hard to find if you don't know it's there because it's sort of tucked away behind other places. It's worth looking for though as they have a lot of really good instruments inside, both electric and acoustic guitars and bass's as well as a variety of other things. They do setups there as well, so if you need the action adjusting on your guitar then you can just take it along and either leave it with them, or if they're not too busy they'll sort it out for you on the spot as they're workshop is at the back of the store. They've got a good board for musicians there too with loads of people looking for bands, bands looking for people and info on band jams and open mic nights. read more

First of all, this shop shouldn't advertise its opening hours as they are. The owner comes whenever he likes and dashes off from the shop whenever he wants, leaving a small "coming back at xx:xx" sign in the door. Second, I needed a simple repair to my guitar, which was done to a really bad standard and adding stuff I didn't request. I needed the bridge glued back to the body and I instructed the owner to do just that: I didn't need restringing or anything else as I would do that myself. He said it would be 40 quid, fair enough. I had to chase him for 3 weeks until the guitar was "ready". He never called me to say that the guitar was ready to take. The day I came in to take it, the guy had dashed out from the shop and had to ring his mobile to make him come back from the café. Then I found out that he had done a substandard job at gluing back the bridge, still finding a gap between the bridge and body just full of glue. Furthermore, he had restrung the guitar and put bridge pins on it that I didn't want and I didn't order, asking for 60 quid. What the hell is that? Never coming back to the shop, overpriced, rude or non existent customer service. You're better off at any other guitar shop instead of there. read more

I have had two quite precious guitars mended at Portobello Music and in both cases they were handled with the greatest skill and care, and undoubtedly when they came back they were in prime playing condition. My GIbson J-200 was transformed a couple of weeks ago, and is now playable again, come back to life- they having lowered the action in various very careful and gentle ways and generally done a set-up that made it seem like new again. They love guitars; they're real craftsmen. So glad I discovered them. I'm really impressed with what they've done. James read more