I have 2 guitars a J-200 and ES337. While there are guitars much more expensive these two are…read morepriceless to me.So when the time came for setup/maintenance on these two Gibsons, he's the only one I'd trust to leave them with. Very experienced and knowledgeable, quick turnaround and friendly service. 5 star all the way.

Ian is an absolute gem, and the only one I trust with my gear. I've been going to him since 2009…read morefor everything from simple set-ups to a full truss rod replacement on a neck-thru bass. He's friendly, personable, and (most important of all) highly qualified in his work. He'll always address the root cause of a problem you come to him with, and always within a reasonable time frame that you could expect from just one guy in a shop.

We found this guitar shop online, as a "fun things to do in Albuquerque" listing... it was a…read moretotally unexpected delight! Rick was so accommodating with his time, showing us around the shop and speaking with a passion that is embodied in every instrument in the place. You don't have to be a guitarist or musician to enjoy and appreciate the Pimentel story... it's craftsmanship at its peak! Breathtaking!!

They did excellent work on the fretboard, neck, and bridge of my octave mandolin, all at a fair…read moreprice. They listened to my concerns. The instrument sounds great now.

Great shop (really a house of neatly displayed guitar rooms). Very knowledgeable guys.read more

I can't kvell enough about this business! Stan Burgh is an amazing human being and has the best…read moreguitars in Albuquerque especially since other businesses had closed down. If you don't want to give your hard earned money to the corporate owned Guitar Center, go see Stan. Ian, who closed down his repair shop, is back to do repairs and Eli, Stan's son is also amazing! If you want to learn how to play a guitar or improve your skills, GV has the finest guitar musicians who teach there. They're all personable! We can use a bit of that in the world.

Was the best!!! Was so sad when he left town for NY State. John singlehandedly brought my 1914…read moreFairbanks-Vega open-back banjo back to vibrant life, with care and impeccable craftsmanship, and I might add, wonderfully personable customer service. Just a great guy.

I've always considered myself to be rather lucky in life! But, finding John has been a blessing and…read morethanks to the higher power for having guided my search for a real honest and capable luthier! I took a chance on an electric guitar on eBay made in Germany in the 60s from Canada and found it to be rather intriguing. The neck had been broken and glued back terribly literally making it look terrible and unplayable! I took it to Kauppila and although John took forever to not only contact me but months went on and on! And finally one day I went back to his shop and I left a note threatening John with court! He responded soon after and made arrangements for me to come after all he still needed to do some work on it! And he explained to be that unfortunately his business had been broken into causing him a tremendous loss! John calls and tells me to come for the guitar I'd left with him for almost 7-8 months. Fixed it and I couldn't be more blessed! Unfortunately, John is leaving the New Mexico he truly loves to a new adventure in New York! Gods speed and blessings John you will definitely succeed in whatever your future endeavors are! Again, Thank you for your service and most of all your honesty!

Mark Guttierez is a very patient, kind, and intelligent piano instructor and a really brilliant…read moremusician in his own right. Was wonderful with my niece who was in a super-difficult phase of her childhood and I credit him with her continuing appreciation for really cool music. If I were to take piano lessons again as an adult, I'd definitely go to Mark because he has such a deep love and understanding of music, I think he'd know how to adapt his teaching methods to any level of ability and maturity, and he's just so smart.

I have been taking piano lessons from Mark for several years. He is a really great teacher.What do…read moreyou want to play, to learn? He will try to help me learn what I want to learn. He does not sugar coat. It takes practice and discipline. I am one of probably a dozen or more students over the age of 50. He has an incredible knowledge of music history , theory etc. He makes lessons interesting.He pushes his students to strive for excellence. He gives 110% in his lessons.If you have an interest in learning the piano or have not played for years. This man is a real good teacher. He makes piano playing fun.

This is a GREAT guitar store! Very friendly and helpful guys named Scott and Paul…read more The selection in this little shop is HUGE. Guitars, basses, amps, pedals. LOTS of stuff to fit any budget. They do a set up on the instruments when they get them in. Want to look at something they tune it up first. Everything is CLEAN. This is a hidden treasure. I'd say it's the best guitar shop in Albuquerque.

Was in town for a few days and decided to hit the local guitar shop circuit. I didn't end up…read morepurchasing anything, but the staff/ownership were super helpful and friendly. There's nothing worse than the "too cool for school" attitudes you can get from other shops so I definitely appreciated the experience at Backroads. Along with the pleasant vibe were a plethora of fantastic guitars! Highly recommend a visit!

I've heard they offer reasonable prices for selling and are also very professional! I was…read morerecommended this business from a close family friend who is a fantastic piano player for the church I attend and am also employed by!

A wonderfully detailed display of Grand pianos, there were a couple of exquisite chandeliers. The…read morepersonnel was delightful.

Yes! The first review of a piano tuner on Yelp Albuquerque. I win…read more Surprising as it may seem, judging by his last name alone, Tim is neither Native American nor New Age hippie, but rather a sprightly, well-connected piano whisperer who drives yesteryear luxury vehicles. Apparently he has street cred, at least from the classically-trained lot, because he regularly performs handjobs for both small and large pianists. I'm really sorry about that. I just had to. I do apologize. Tim is a pro, it was obvious the moment he walked into our home at the scheduled time. After spending a moment remarking on the pristine condition of our 1960's era Yamaha, he got to work, and the performance was one to behold. Piano tuners- good ones, anyway- enjoy careers that largely no longer exist in our society. If only for an hour or two, they have the unique pleasure of getting acquainted with these extraordinary instruments in delightful fashion; Tim spends half of the time playing with the keys, often pounding out little ditties, and he's really talented. Slowly, while he works, you can actually hear the piano getting its voice back. It's a gorgeous ritual, and he gets to do this every single day. He's good. Very friendly and sweet. Need a tuneup? Call him.

Tim is the best. Very knowledgeable and loves what he does! He will listen to you and understand…read morewhat you care most about and he does an amazing job. So glad I found him!!