Pretty cool guitar shop, stopped by before a show at the Bowery Ballroom while on tour to pick up some needs and wants. Small but cool selection. I got everything I was looking for but would've appreciated a bit warmer service/conversation. I'm grateful they were open on a Sunday! read more

Last Day in NYC, really wanted to go to a music store, stood outside past opening time for half an hour, no sign of anyone, never opened. Tried calling too with nothing. read more

Appreciate Howie and the Rivington team for taking care of me. Straight shooters with a very eclectic collection of vintage guitars. They always seem to find interesting gear, lots of quirky and rare stuff which I appreciate. I've sold three guitars and bought one in the last 2-3 years with these guys. My LG-2 has been an inspiration. read more

Howie and Char worked with me on a recent deal for a vintage strat - they were great to work with, and took excellent care with packing and fast shipping! Look forward to doing future deals with them. read more

After reading another review about dishonesty in their sales, I've decided to tell my story. I lived on Rivington St. when they opened their original location - and even rented a rehearsal space in their facility for years (though I know that was another business entity). In 2000, I stupidly busted the neck on my '92 American strat during a gig. While I easily bought and installed a replacement neck, I decided that, as I was exclusively a strat player at the time, I should have a backup. I went over to Rivington and played through a few instruments. One was billed as an all original 1972 strat. It played beautifully and sounded so pure, so I traded in what I later discovered was a 1965 Mustang, for far less money than I should have gotten, for this original 1972 strat plus an extra $1,000. As I started integrating the new strat into recording and live, I discovered that it really didn't like high gain. After reading more about the issues I was having, it turned out the pickups had gone microphonic. No big deal - as a DIY'er I read up on how to repot pickups and successfully carried it out on the guitar. It became my main recording and performance guitar for years. From the 2010's on, I started to drift away from strats and had grown my collection to include 12 guitars. Prior to moving overseas in 2018, I decided I needed to prune my collection. In the meantime, that original '92 strat I had modified to be exactly what I wanted out of a strat and didn't feel I needed the 1972 'original' anymore. I figured I'd get a bunch of money out of it anyways and could reinvest in pedals and such. I took it to my guitar tech - the famous Ricthie's in the east village for a final tune up before I sold it. I got a phone call the next day. 'This isn't an original '72'. It was a '72 neck and tuners, but the body wasn't even a fender body, two of the pickups were from the mid 70's and the other was from the '80's. And the bridge was completely modded. With that knowledge, I tried to sell it for a fair price, but everyone was rightly suspect. So I ended up taking the two 70's pickups and putting them in another strat, sold the body for a pittance to a friend and still have the '72 neck sitting in my studio waiting to figure out what to do with it. Hey, I got a lot of good use out of that guitar as a working musician. But, I was lied to - when I didn't have the knowledge yet to know I was being lied to (and I was lied to about the 1965 Mustang I traded in to get it). I'm not going to name names, but the owner of this store knows guitars. And he lies to sell guitars that aren't what he claims, to people without enough knowledge about the vintage guitar market to know better. read more

Friendly place with some off-the-wall unbranded guitars. I didn't see anything that interested me but I imagine their inventorychanges often. Worth a visit read more

The guy was obviously racist. I went in and I was decided to buy a guitar pedal so I asked to try them and he told me "we dont really try pedals" which is obviously not true because every guitar store lets you try them to see how it sounds, he just thought I was gonna steal them probably because I look latin, but after I insisted he let me try a couple of the new Electro Harmonic synth emulation pedals and I ended up buying one just because I really liked it but the customer service is shit. read more

Nice staff and great inventory. I bought a Fender bass here a few years ago and I love it.

Sick selection, decent prices, but they don't want you going and looking at things. They want you to look online and come in with specific questions. Felt sort of like a nuisance to the business by being there. Do with that information what you will! read more

Bought a 1969 Jordan guitar amp from Rivington (Feb 2022) that I have been searching forever! Had the same exact amp when I was in high school back in the 1970s and very hard to find one let alone in good condition! Then I was looking online one day and found the same exact Jordan amp I had in the 70s and I drove to NY as I was only 1.5 hours away. Found the staff friendly and knowledgeable! Tested the amp and it played great and surprisingly was in mint condition, just like it came off the factory line!! SOLD! Thanks Rivington for making my year!! read more

Needed new string, guitarist friend said should cost less than $30. Sam hooked it up, one string was only $2 and didn't charge for install. Thank you Sam for the wonderful service! read more

RIP OFF ARTISTS. Keep your guitars/cash away from here - they have *great* photo editing skills but they're advantageous and immoral, offering potential sellers fractions of what others will. Take vintage guitars to Southside or Umanov before you step into this joint. read more

I'm 23 now and til this day this story really bothers me now that I think about it, the guy basically discriminated against me I was only a young kid at the time and since it was my older half brother that looks white he assumed we weren't together even though we walked in together as a group, he didn't even ask us if we are we together, he just assumed that we were some random kids that weren't related and it's a shame that if something like this was to happen now in 2022 his shop would have been cancelled which it sorta is thanks to yelp and I really appreciate that, judging by the other reviews I'm going to assume that he judges people by the on their appearance which is a bad thing. I strongly believe that owner is a coward who talks like that to a little kid but wouldn't dare do that to someone his size. read more

TLDR; Rivington Guitars should consider changing their policy to by appointment only. EMPLOYEE 1 (Carrying in gear in from the street): "Can I help you?" ME (Looking at instruments on the wall, only customer in the shop): "May I play a few of your instruments?" EMPLOYEE 1 (Walking toward me with gear): "Well.." ME: "If it is not cool, I understand and I'll just go." EMPLOYEE 1 (Walks past me and through door to the back of the shop without answering) ME: (Waits a beat to see if he is just setting things down, then heads for the door.) EMPLOYEE 2 (Walking in from the street with more gear): "Hey, how are you?' ME: "I'm doing well. I hope you have a great day!" EMPLOYEE 2: "Did you want...? EMPLOYEE 1 (Re-entering the store from the back room): "What we like to, huh...?" ME: (Heading east on 4th Street away from the shop) I'm willing to admit that I was thin skinned because I was intimidated by the quality of the instruments on display. I also understand why they don't want walk-ins playing these instruments without a conversation first. If you have 3K+ to spend (or you are willing to say you have that kind of budget even if you don't,) have no insecurities about your playing, and you are in the neighborhood, this would be a cool spot to check out some guitars. Of course, given those qualifications I would also recommend, Dan's Chelsea Guitars 223 W 23rd Street, Rudy's Music 461 Broome Street, and 30th Street Guitars 234 W 27th Street. For context, I travel for work and visit guitar shops when I have free time. I usually browse for about 20 minutes, play one or two instruments at low volume for 10 minutes, and then buy a t-shirt or something else that hopefully has a high margin as a way of saying thank you. In the last four years I've visited about 20 shops (not including big box stores) in the United States and Canada. read more

I busted my ass to get there after work and got there 20 minutes before they closed. 2 employees and zero customers in the store except for me. I Asked to try out 2 pedals and and got some lame excuse that it was too close to closing to help me out. They need to add a sign to the front door. Open until 8 but don't expect us to get off our asses after 7:30. read more

Bought a vintage music man amp, came essentially non functioning and cost over $400 to fix it up. Owners refused to help at all on repair, not a single penny. Do not buy vintage gear from this shop, you've been warned. read more

When ever my guitars need a setup, I'll only take them to Rivington guitars. They do a great job, and they work quickly. I live about an hour away, and there are plenty on guitar shops along the way. I only trust these guys with my guitars. These cats know their stuff. read more

I can understand where some novice players might feel a little rushed, but this is a great shop with a unique inventory of instruments. I've seen that most specialized, pro stores do not suffer fools lightly. Yeah, you could have super friendly, coddling, customer service, but that's for the newcomer buying their first instrument at Guitar Center (nothing wrong with that!) But any weary guitar store owner/employee doesn't want to hear you noodle on a 4k guitar for an hour then leave. I've found that when you meet your guitar store friend halfway and come to a mutual understanding, that's when the good vibes happen. I'll admit the atmosphere was a little frantic on arrival, but once everyone settles in, it's a good time. They carry a lot of funky, vibey stuff that would give an enthusiastic player a good bang for their buck. You need to have done your homework as to what you are looking for, and it's a good idea to check their inventory online before making a visit, especially during covid-times. I had a good experience buying an acoustic guitar. Again, if you don't know much but want to be treated like royalty, go to a big box shop. If you don't wanna f*ck around and find an instrument you'll be in love with, then this is a good place. Rock On. read more

I'm so excited! I was able to find one of my favorite guitars of all time at Rivington Guitars! I was super anxious about shipping what is - for me - a very large purchase from a store that I trusted would take care of me. Howie and his team made this a great experience for me and my new guitar arrived without any issues. I LOVE Rivington Guitars and will exclusively shop with them from now on. I couldn't be happier!!! read more

Rivington Guitars - 58 JR - Guitar Stores Near Me - New York, New York

A must see for fans of vintage & used guitars basses amps & pedals. My previous review posted here in error was for Ludlow Guitars, an unworthy competitor. Great Mojo can be found here. A great and fluid selection is what they have. I'm not a huge customer but I am a fan. They always have something cool in here & it's part of a cool little guitar district (Rivington Guitars, Guitarman, Ludlow guitars) read more

Rivington Guitars - Rivington Street Guitars - Guitar Stores Near Me - New York, New York

I hate writing negative reviews, but these guys really don't deserve to still be in business. Last time I was in, I saw multiple used guitars that are still current models marked up above the new price. I see their fantasy pricing all over Reverb as well. Because of this thing called the internet, there are far fewer suckers to take advantage of, so I'm not sure how their doors are still open. I look forward to the going out of business sale, though. Maybe things will get down to market value then. But probably not. read more

Walked in there today with one of the best guitarists I've ever heard from Kinshasa and was treated like pesky teenagers at Guitar Center. We had to wait for the long-haired (bitter?) dude to graciously take down a broken Gretch who then didn't even bother to hand us a cable. After we asked for a cable he gave us one and my friend plugged in the rattle-y, horribly set up guitar with missing neck binding. After a few minutes the sales guy says "so you'll take it today"? It was obnoxious. We were just playing in Nashville a few days prior and stopped by Carters Vintage and played the most incredible instruments and received ZERO bad vibes from the staff. Upon hearing my friend they grabbed him a 1950 Fender Broadcaster and encouraged him to play it. The guitar is incredibly rare costing 50k. No problem. At Rivington you see the stupid sign "you break it you buy it". Get over yourself Rivington, most of your guitars are broken and not fit for stage or studio. If you don't like musicians why are you selling instruments? I get it, the bitter NYC musician who doesn't have any gigs who doesn't want to work at a music store. The struggle is real. But we walked in there after playing on the Today show feeling relaxed and excited for a new album cycle to begin and were treated like dirt. There's absolutely no reason to walk in this store, whatever reputation it once had is done. Go where you are welcome and treated with respect, where you can pick up any guitar and it's perfectly set up and in tune, and where the staff want you to be there. I see there are lots of one star reviews here so it wasn't just us. I ask you, how can you fall in love with an instrument if you can't play it? These people hate the business they are in and can't possibly be good musicians with this rot in their soul. There are great music stores in the world, seek them out. This is an embarrassment of bitches. read more

Not a very welcoming vibe in here. Guy would barely look at me while I was asking him questions. I'm looking to buy a guitar in the 3k+ range and would appreciate a little more friendliness for such a big purchase. Not asking much. read more

Staff seemed super irritated by my presence. They did not want to answer any questions about the guitars. I asked: "this isn't the original bridge on this 50's Gibson is it?" the dudes response "I wouldn't know". Seriously dude- isn't it literally your job to know? Lame. read more

Really overpriced stuff, much better places to buy things than this shitty place. If anything get a pedal which are the only things that aren't priced in a fantasy world as another reviewer put it. read more

I was here to spend around 6 grand on a particular Gibson model for my fiancé--guy at the front door was so staggeringly rude, hit me with a disdainful "this isn't really a place for BROWSING" before I could even open my mouth to say what we wanted. I left and bought the guitar online elsewhere on my walk home lol. Thanks guys! read more

In the past I always had good experiences. This time I brought in a nice vintage fender for a new nut, set up, and to have some corroded saddles replaced. It was sort of pricy but I was okay with that because I wanted it done well. When I got the guitar back the nut buzzed badly like they never strummed it once after stringing it. I brought it back and they said they would fix it. I just got it back and the guitar plays well but now the nut has a chip in it (show in pic) and there is a gouge taken out of the neck. It looks like they were trying to trim the excess nut while it was glued in and just cracked some of the bone and took some wood with it. Sloppy. Im never going to go back here for repairs. Nice toight people with good communication and courtesy but the repair job was sloppy and I am very unhappy with it. Do yourself a favor and bring your nice instruments somewhere else! read more

Rivington Guitars - Guitar Stores Near Me - New York, New York

Rude and disinterested. Cool shop and great guitars, but an awful experience each time.

First time in the place...been in the music biz for 40+ years and have been in guitar shops all over the country. Worked on 48th st at its peak......thought I'd stop in to check out their shop. Worst. Most rude sales guy behind the counter I've seen in a long time. Didn't have what I was looking for....ya get one time to make a first impression. This was a bad one. read more

Wish I'd read the reviews before I went. Visiting from Texas with a son who is crazy about guitars. We've been to music stores all over the country, and these guys showed, by far, the rudest, worst service we've ever received. Total jerks. "You ready to buy that or what?" We might have bought a guitar, or even just a pedal, but they were such complete A-holes we left empty-handed. read more

A great experience in store and online. I live in upstate NY way upstate, Fingerlakes) from Brooklyn originalLu. I purchased from Rivington online. Order Shipped the very next day and received 2 days later. excellent service. The guitar was exactly as stated and played very well after new strings. I visit the city every year and love going and browsing there. Staff is always willing and knowledgeable. if you haven't been, do so. I've to many music stores in NY & NYC. this one I like very much. it's a good vibe. treat them well, give them a go and check it out. read more

I have to say my experience mirrored the other bad reviewers'. This store is basically a microcosm of everything wrong with guitar stores (and NYC in general). I have been playing guitar since I was a kid. I've been to guitar stores in Nashville, LA, San Francisco, and Tokyo (to name a few). I have never been treated like I was treated here. The salesman was arrogant and scoffed at me when I asked if I could try a moderately priced guitar (around a grand). Instead he took it down and played (or tried to play because he couldn't play worth sh-t) it for me. Thanks a-hole! This place is for Wall St. D-bags who want a vintage guitar to hang up on their wall. It's not for people who actually intend to play the instrument they have purchased. read more

Has potential to be a good shop, as it had a smattering of interesting vintage gear. But nobody seemed very interested in selling anything to me. And due, I assume, to the pandemic, everything was cordoned off and inaccessible. I've already spent over $8K on guitars and related gear this year, but I doubt if I'll waste any time on the MTA to visit this spot again. :- ( read more

Needing some advice about vintage Gretsch guitars I was told by a musician/music teacher to go to Rivington Guitars on the LES. Having read on Yelp a number of bad reviews I was cautious upon going but decided to see for myself. My experience was anything but. The man behind the counter greeted me immediately and asked if he could be of any help. I told him I was thinking about purchasing a Gretsch from a private seller and wanted to ask him some questions.He was very forthcoming about a number of things and also upfront about issues he was not familiar with. He also showed me a number of vintage Gretsch guitars and handed me one to strum. My experience there was top shelf and look forward to returning when I'm ready to pull the trigger...John B read more

Great shop, fantastic gear, laid back knowledgeable staff, very cool vibe.

I take no pleasure in writing bad reviews but I work my Butt off and if I go take time out of my day to see guitars a great joy in my life then I want it to be a positive experience. This was a thing but. Rude, arrogant, EXtReMely pushy and ignorant is how I'd describe the staff here. They had some nice guitars but they literally plugged me into 5 pieces of equipment that weren't working. The Guitar the strings would slip off the bridge... the amps speaker would distort because it was punctured No tuner offered... Obnoxious comments "you know that Guitar is 5000$ right?" This was While I was wearing a suit no less I can only imagine how I'd be treated in a tee shirt. After the 5th "you likin that? You ready to buy" comment... I packed up and left. Pissed. These guys are not knowledgeable. I miss the days of Ludlow and 30th street guitars!!! Guitar center has gotten better though. But still why do Guitar stores have to have the most rude obnoxious staff!!!! Headed to TF Granston to spend my Time and money. (I was willing to buy!!! He literally drove me off.) read more

I went to Rivington Guitars to get some repairs done on a vintage 1950's Gibson acoustic guitar that has been my family for over 40 years. They quickly diagnosed the main problems (including a missing pick guard, some cracking, unstable bridge, action too high, exposed glue, etc) and I deposited $50 for a full inspection. The total repairs came to $272, with $50 applied from the inspection. A week later I went to pick up the guitar and they had done an amazing job. The guitar looks great and plays better than ever. I even purchased a hard case and a humidifier for the guitar. Our treasured family heirloom is now restored to it's rightful condition! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read more

I went to Rivington guitars and was pleased that the young gentleman who worked there that day helped me in every way possible , trying each guitar of interest so i could evaluate which one sounded better he had a great style that made me want to come back and buy one! read more

Geoff is nice and willing to help me search through the many beautifully unique acoustic and electric vintage guitars. It's a boutique music shop that adds huge character to the neighborhood. HUGE array of guitars for such a small shop. Prices were not a problem. I bought a looping pedal for the exact same price I would have out of a big ugly gCenter or online. I plan to buy my next guitar from these guys. read more

Rivington Guitars - I'm most happy at Rivington. You all made my day awesome helping me pull out and play all those beautiful guitars. - Guitar Stores Near Me - New York, New York

Ask for Geff. Good service, great selections. Best guitarist in the world frequent this location. Small but has plenty of vintage greats. They have lessons which is pretty sweet if you want to learn from real players. read more