Cool guitar store - Filipino made by Ramon Jacinto (RJ) . Limited selection of nylon string…read moreguitars though but I really love the game workmanship and beauty of the mahogany wood and appliqués of the steel string guitars that RJ made.

RJ Guitars is the place to go if you are looking for affordable musical instruments. Last year, I…read morechanced upon RJ's birthday sale in Robinson's Galleria with my girlfriend. They had this promo where every hour, from opening until closing, the discount gets bigger. Since we were there near closing, the discount was already at a whopping 40%. She didn't think twice to fall in line and choose among the instruments propped up against the wall. Although the selection was a bit limited because they were almost closing, they still had a few items that were worth lining up for. The line wasn't that bad, by the way, and the salespeople tried their best to help out everyone even if the store was a bit crowded. In the end, we were able to buy a pretty decent ukulele that was imported from Korea for around 3,000 Pesos. For starter musicians, I suggest putting RJ's birthday on your calendar because the sale definitely worth it.

As far as luthiers here in the Philippines go, Max Rufo is among the household names you should…read moredefinitely consider when taking your guitar for repairs, or if you would like him to modify an existing one, or customise you one from scratch. He's very popular in the local music industry and known for his work on electric guitars for several personalities in the music industry. He's also known internationally for creating his own, patented, noiseless pickups for guitars. His shop is quite a challenge to find, as Mang Max doesn't exactly do marketing and he's a bit under the radar. Here's a landmark: it's a small, small shop that's located on the corner of one of the subdivisions on Victoneta Avenue. If you get lost, ask around the area as he's quite known. Being inside his shop was definitely a new experience, as I've never set foot in an actual guitar workshop, seeing deconstructed guitars, jars of paint, work-in-progress guitars, and guitar encyclopedias. You can tell how this place has served him for many, many years. Just tell him what kind of guitar you have in mind, and he will create it for you (at reasonable prices, too). Very nice and accommodating fella.

While looking for a violin to buy, my bestfriend and I chanced upon this store at Cash & Carry…read moremall. I have never seen a shop carry sporting goods and musical instruments in one place before (is it that rare? I'm not sure) but anyway, I can say it was the place to be for my favorite gal, because apart from being a violin enthusiast, she is also a fitness healthtard! Maybe this will be her favorite shop soon enough! They actually sell a treadmill for the price of a cheap laptop! If I had space at home, I would seriously get my dad (and myself) one machine. Oh, and they also offer music classes. They told me that it's only for Saturdays these days because June has come, and students are only available for weekends now (and possibly the teachers too). Maybe one of these days, I'll rekindle the piano-loving high school girl in me with the help of this shop!

The Yellow Room is a school owned by Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise. Originally, this spot was a…read morerehearsals and recording studio which he moved to a house in Ayala Alabang Village around a year or two ago. Today, The Yellow Room is a school for all ages. Anyone who would like to learn an instrument or learn how to sing, this is the place to be. Just give the place a call and fix a schedule and you're all set! And the results are splendid. Last year, they had their first ever recital wherein all the students played a song or two. So to all you frustrated musicians out there, remember that The Yellow Room is the place to be!

According to store staffs, it's a first Gibson guitar store in Philippines. There are famous "Les…read morePaul", "ES335 B.B.King signature model" acoustic guitars, and Epiphone guitars as lower price range products. For guitar freaks it's a paradise! Unfortunately, the retail prices are almost double on Gibson HP catalog prices, and other than that, selected models are all good.

Beautiful mahogany guitars made by Filipino Luther Ramon Jacinto. Love the wood appliqués- reminds…read moreme of Ovation guitars. However, the selection of Classical Nylon string guitars is a little limited.