Just had 2 seriously neglected instruments repaired at Ritchie's. The den of thieves at my local guitar store said my Martin Sigma acoustic with a hairline crack was totaled...I might as well buy an equivalent new model. Instead, went to Ritchie's. They braced it up and did fantastic work all over the instrument to make it playable again. It totally shines now. Carlos and his Tech John took hold of my Gibson Les Paul and made it like new...a master restoration. Best news was the many hundreds of bucks I saved and can now invest in a new instrument there. Superior customer service. Ritchie's wins my business every time...HIGHLY recommended!!! read more

I've been a customer of Ritchie's music for a long time and have seen a lot of changes over the years. Yesterday, I decided to stop in to see what they had as I needed as replacement bass and wanted to give my business to a local retailer as opposed to the big box/ online stores. Everyone was friendly and very helpful. The selection of instruments was impressive and having the ability to play them makes a huge difference from the online option of just seeing it on a web page. I did purchase a new bass and will be returning if I need anything else . It was refreshing to deal with knowledgeable professionals. Very happy with the purchase and experience. read more

I went for the first time a couple of weeks ago interested in a small practice amp and I left with one I'm really happy with in 10 minutes. Ritchie's is a nice, local music shop. It wasn't racks upon racks of the same overpriced, mass produced, mid-grade instruments and equipment that pack the corporate chain stores. The store is well organized and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. It's worth a visit. read more

I knew George from the Route 46 locations so I was excited to see they were till around. I drove out to this new location and not only was George not there, but the drum shop had barely much of an assortment. At any rate I inquired about a Pearl Hi Hat Seat model that was for my stand from several years back and they said they could acquire it and would phone me. Almost 2 years have gone by, I have never heard from them. Wrote this store off and it's a shame because I spend roughly $1k a year on equipment and maintenance of that equipment. read more

You can keep your big chain musical instrument stores because we have Ritchie's Music Center in Rockaway. With a huge selection of Drums, Guitars, amplifiers, microphones, stands and all things related to Jammin' out. The sales staff here is extremely knowledgeable and friendly totally great. They also offer instrument lessons for all levels and experience. I've been shopping at Ritchie's for over 20 years and I can tell you that they always have whatever I need to ROCK. Prices here are extremely reasonable and they sell a variety of equipment for any level musician. They also do most instrument repairs in house. You will not find a better music store Anywhere on the Planet and thats a fact. I Highly Recommend Ritchie's Music Center. read more

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I drop my guitar off to have the nut replaced and restring it. I was told two days and it took a week. Normal cost to do this work should be about $50 or $60. They charged me $98. They do take a lot of care and pride in the work they do. Sometimes it's nice when a company does what the tell you. So for now I am only giving them 4 stars. In reply to the owner. You where not very clean on the setup or the cost but I also didn't ask. So that's my bad. I wasn't complaining about the price or the service. I'm actually very happy. If I wasn't happy with the service I wouldn't have given 4 stars. Sorry if I wasn't clear in my review. I will definitely be back in the future! read more

The place is fine if you are picking up a basic set of instruments for your budding musician. This was my experience with getting a guitar set-up which was not good. I went into get my guitar set-up and the sales person said, "oh the guitar is in good shape." It took a week for me to get the guitar back and when I did, the guitar was buzzing across all of the frets. Mind you I told them that I put a new neck on the guitar and that there was a gap in the neck pocket which indicated it would need a shim the week before Totally ignored and in essence didn't do what they would say they would do and set-up the guitar. The counter person immediately dismissed my guitar saying it was a cheap Squier guitar. Despite that it was a special factory run and by the serial number was actually made in the same factory as Classic Vibes and "Fender" branded modern player guitars. So they took it back and sanded down the frets. I get it back and it's still buzzy. I ended up having to shim the guitar myself and readjust all of the saddle heights. The buzzing immediately went away. The only credit I give them is for not charging me the second time when they took it back and sanded down some of the upper frets. If they did their job in the first place and noticed the gap in the neck pocket, shimmed the neck, none of this would have happened in the first place. The techs at Sam Ash Springfield would never have let this happen. I don't care if they are a big box store I'm just going to go back to them for repairs if needed. read more

clerks are chill and helpful. Online shopping robs you of the awesome experience that is walking into a store to see, touch, play and hear the right instrument, amp and pedal you want to acquire. No BS, Ritchtie's over Guitar Center any day, no quack distancing and social sterilization. read more

Need a small repair on my strat and went there since they were listed as an authorized Fender repair shop. The repair was twice as expensive as I was "quoted". .not a lot of money but double is double...a quick phone call or email would have been cool. Finally, then trying to pay my bill and the 2 people behind the counter continue to have a personal conversation (arguing about the Spotify station playing), no words spoken to me while I am standing there with my credit card out. More waiting...excuse me? Takes credit card, continues the conversation...changes the price on the repair, no explanation until I asked why.."someone did the math wrong.." nothing else.. hands credit card back...continues conversation. Call me traditional. A simple hello when you walk up to the counter and a thank you after paying for my repair would have been cool....they are both free and appreciated....rr Bummer because I don't like the big box music stores, you would figure a store like this would be different. i will take the hour-long ride to another shop next time.. read more

Absolutely awesome group of guys working at Ritchie's Music Center in Rockaway. Very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. I highly recommend this establishment to everyone. Great prices and great service. That's really hard to find in the NY/NJ area. read more

We had purchased a guitar from elsewhere and had a problem with the instrument. Thinking we needed to send it back to the manufacturer for a warranty issue, we brought out to Ritchie's. Matt was excellent! He took a look at it, identified the problem and was able to fix it! Very knowledgeable. Friendly staff. I highly recommend them. In fact, next time we will buy the instrument directly from them instead of on line!! Nothing like the personal service! read more

George and AJ at Ritchie's Music are the go to source for anything drums and percussion in New Jersey. They carry every major brand and have an immense set of knowledge on all things percussion. The guitar/bass department has everything your need for your performance and recording needs. This is a hidden gem, small family run store with a long history of great service to their customers. read more

This place has a good selection of products. The staff is super friendly & lessons aren't too expensive. I was given a lefty starfire & it was buzzing a lot & missing a string. They restrung it and adjusted the neck for about 15 bucks. Now it plays so much better, if you're a musician I'd check this place out read more

Ritchie's Music Center - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Rockaway, New Jersey

I went to Ritchies several times in the past buying violin supplies and having my violin restrung....Recently a string broke and I went to have it restrung and couldn't be happier with the results...They even tuned it for me, and fixed the tuners (my violin is very old and sometimes they would come loose - when I asked them to also take a look at that, they fixed it, no charge!) With supply chain issues, the wait wasn't too long and the violin sounds better than ever!....The staff was very accommodating and helped me out tremendously. Thanks Ritchies Music Center!! read more

A great place! I saw a Ritchie's rep, Bill welcome and mother & daughter couple come in with a "toy" guitar they were looking to improve with new strings and a setup. He took his time and care to this guitar like it was a Stradivarius violin. Another reason I've been a customer since 1984. Great job! Well, done, Bill. read more

Unlike most music stores these guys definitely know their stuff! And the teaching staff can actually play. Woul d absolutely reccomend stopping in. read more

This is a great local music store. I recently stopped in after more than a decade when I used to take drum lessons here. The store has grown from what I remembered. When you first enter, the lower level is filled with percussion instruments with the walls covered from top to bottom. They have a pretty wide range. The "upper level" (only a couple steps above) is filled with guitars, keyboards and a few ukeleles. If there is something you don't see at the store, they can order it for you by catalog. I purchased a ukelele there that was set at a great price (no more than what it would be on amazon). I also brought in my guitar to get a new fingerboard and strings replaced (only $15). The staff is super friendly and really chill. I highly recommend this place. read more

We came to Ritchie's to get our daughter an acoustic guitar & amp for her birthday. Everyone (especially Matt) was amazing to work with. Very helpful and pleasant! read more

I'm an amateur musician. I play guitar and harmonica. Ritchie's Music has been my source for harmonicas, guitars, guitar repair and accessories since I found them more than 15 years ago. The staff is very knowledgeable and will help with any question you can come up with. Ritchie's is my music store. read more

Ritchie's is awesome. I came here a couple years ago on the recommendation of my drum teacher and I was not disappointed at all. The cymbal room has a jaw-dropping selection of dishes to choose from with plenty of used ones coming in and out all the time. I'm heading straight there tomorrow for Black Friday! read more

Excellent selection of drums an drum supplies. However, customer service is very below par. I bought an 18" Zildjian crash cymbal there that cracked in a couple months of playing it. The warranty is two years. I returned the cymbal two months ago and haven't heard a word since. Every time I call, I get excuses. Not happy. read more

Fender sent me here to get my bass guitar and amp looked at here because I was able to play for maybe 10 minutes and my bass would stop making noise. They were really good with communication and were very assuring. Were great people and I would go back to them if I needed help. But I didn't have the heart to tell them they didn't solve my problem.... They got me a new amp before my warranty expired and I'm so grateful for that! But I still cant get any sound out of my bass, the same thing keeps happening. So although they replaced my amp, they weren't able to find the problem. I still have the same problem, after 10 minutes the sound trembles and it wont put out any sound after that. I also hooked my bass up to my computer via the Rocksmith cable and played in Audacity and I still only get static / no noise. So although they kept thinking it was the amp, and they replaced my amp, and I'm grateful for that, I really am, I can't say they fixed my problem... I just didn't have the heart to go back and cause more trouble. So now I have a new amp and a bass sitting behind me that still doesn't work. I guess when I get more money I'll go back and try again... UPDATE: All it needed was some glue for the thing that holds the battery. My partner's brother is a mucisian and it was the first thing he checked. read more

I am not a musician and needed help getting a sax for my son. Very helpful and educated us without upselling.

I bought two cymbals today. Spike was very helpful and took extra time to show me the cost comparison between new and used cymbals. He also was able to assist me with the 10% yelp coupon which saved me more $$. Ritchie's has always been helpful since I brought my 1st drum set. Thanks again guys, read more

A great music store. Knowledgeble personalized service you can't get from Guitar Center or Sam Ash and in many case you can get better prices here. Also has the best drum shop in NJ believe it or not...Not many stores like this left, definitely worth your business. read more

Jim and crew at Ritchie's deserve this rating. Why? The people and the service. Aside from being knowledgeable in all aspects of music, they are interested in getting you the right guitar and equipment. I bought several of my guitars there and have NEVER been disappointed. Prices are fair. Service is also first class. They are musicians, so they know/care. read more

This is a great local music shop that I've been coming to since I was a kid! Help keep independent shops open and visit places like this instead of Guitar Center. They offer lessons too! read more

love Ritchies Music - Been going here for two decades. Great people, knowledgable, easy to work with, and a solid selection of equipment. Just an all around good experience from a local business. Will always support the team at Ritchies, for they are good! read more

Matt at Ritchie's was fantastic! His follow through and service were excellent. His persistence in finding the right cases for my stringed instruments is much appreciated and I would highly recommend Ritchie's. Thank you, Matt! read more

Thank you for your help with the wedding. The rental worked out great and I would recommend you to anyone that is in need of dj equipment at a resonable price. read more

If you buy used, do the most thorough inspection possible. If something goes wrong or if you notice things after the fact...It is next to impossible to get your money back. Guitar center or musicians friends will give you 45 days to return new or used items...I would seriously consider those options. Buying here is as safe as buying from Craigslist. If you read through his negative google reviews...He absolutely denies everything. Its habitual. People that don't take returns...know they can't resell it. Be very quick if you don't like something. very quick. you will still have a hard time. If you order online and spot things wrong right away...he still wants you to pay for shipping. I know he is going to respond as a completely innocent child...this is his tactic...read his negative google reviews and ebay reviews. read more

Dealing with George and Jim forever! Super great guys that know there poop! George ordered my a killer Tommy lee DW kit in 97 and a green sparkle ludwig bonham kit with an extra bass drum,I added t-rods and a rail mount .i still have both kits in mint condition!he also ordered me a bonham vistalite kit,but I sold it. Shit George I bought 3 large kits off of you!!!!! Think you can throw in a car next set I buy!!!!! Randy read more

Worst guitar service ever! I brought my vintage acoustic 12-string here for a simple restring, as I needed it for a gig and was too busy that week to do it myself. The employee taking it in, Andy (I believe) was half-attentive at best. Now, when you ask for a restring, it's easy enough to put the same gauge strings on and be done with it. I always had 10s on it, tuned to standard, always played beautiful with low action. He was too "busy" to ask what strings when I dropped it off, but how hard can it be to measure the gauge of what's on there. Anyway, I come back the day of my gig to pick it up. I play it, and the strings are flopping and buzzing everywhere. They put 9 gauge on it, threw all the tension off. Obviously, I couldn't use it for my gig now. They said they would change it back to 10s and call me the next day. Well, I didn't hear back for a week, which means those 9s were on it for a week. Enough time to screw up the whole neck. When I came back and I played it, it was buzzing from the 5th fret up and playing dead at 12. I asked them to take it back and set it up to play the way it used to. So another week goes by. Did they fix it? No, they didn't. But this time, I take it home to try it at a gig. Big disappointment. Then I take it back one more time, and I haven't gotten pissed yet, until... The owner, Jimmy, tells me they never put 9s on it. They don't even carry 9 gauge 12-strings... What?!? Are you calling me a liar? Then, he goes on to blame the weather. Um, no, it was your incompetent employee, and your subpar guitar tech that did this. He said he would take a look, but will have to raise the action. I told him absolutely not. I gave you a chance to fix your screw up, and you call me a liar and then give me an unacceptable solution to the problem you created. No thank you. I will not be coming back, ever again. If you value your guitar, don't ever bring it here. Because even a simple restring can ruin your beautiful guitar. I'm done with these local hacks. Taking it to a pro, 30 miles away. Hopefully it won't cost me too much to fix what these idiotic fools have done. read more

Jim Riccio, owner and wise man, has spent his whole life helping musicians step up and be their best, from beginner to pro. This is a serious center for musicians to get the gear, lessons, rental and repair that will bring them to the next level. I have been buying and renting gear from these folks for 36 years! It's a little musical oasis outside of NYC. read more

Good people, Good service, If they don't have what your looking for they can order it. I recommend this store if your in the Northern New Jersey or Southern New York area. read more

Indiana Jones has nothing on George at Ritchie's. I play a very old '80's era Ludwig snare drum that has extended snares. AJ recently brought it back to life with a must needed adjustment to the snare strainer. Back in the day, I had a big, pro level road case that used to carry this very snare drum, pedals and various other items to and from gigs. Many years later, I still cart that drum around to my gigs but now I carry a lot less gear. One thing I no longer carry is that massive road case. I wanted a snare drum case that was durable, would protect my snare and is easy to carry. George scoured his vendors to find a case or bag that would be a snug fit but, alas, none were a viable solution. I was getting frustrated at Ludwig or another vendor not manufacturing a case that would offer protection for this expensive piece of equipment. And then it happened. George didn't give up and found one manufactured by Humes & Berg that was a perfect fit. The case is lined with a soft padding, has a handle for carrying and more importantly fits tight...like a drum! I hope George didn't encounter any snakes or Hovitos in getting this case for me but I am eternally grateful. Run, don't walk to Ritchie's Music Center for all your musical equipment needs. I know I will continue to do so. read more