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Old Town Music
55 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States
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Old Town Music
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Ky
Review №1

Very cool store with a great vibe. I hate walking into Guitar Center and everything seems so sterile. This shop has soul. The people behind the counter were helpful but not pushy. My new favorite music shop. Will be popping in any time Im in Portland.

Ai
Review №2

WARNING: This store has an extremely harsh return policy. After 24 hours, you can only get store credit and after 7 days your money is gone. They will sell you defective used gear or heavily used floor models and refuse returns. Nowhere else has a return policy like this. If you purchased something from Guitar Center or an online retailer like Sweetwater or Amazon, youll generally have a 30-day money-back return policy and often times a warranty. Their return policy is harsh because theyre a desperate business. I once bought a guitar from guitar center, didnt like it and took it back weeks later, and in seconds I had cash in hand even though I used a card. And the guitar was fine. Here I bought an used pedal that ended up being defective, and couldnt even return it for in store credit. We all prefer these stores to big corporate ones, but if youre going to shop local you need to find one that has a good return policy.

Pa
Review №3

What a lovely selection of instruments! And such helpful, knowledgeable staff!

Jo
Review №4

I spent $900 here the other day, however I left my iPhone that was charging behind the counter. I came back the next day to get my iPhone and return one of the instruments I’d purchased the day before. I was stunned to be greeted by the manager all up in my face telling me cryptic things that I was supposed to understand apparently. Eventually I was told they believed that I stole a pedal from them... other than explain to them that I did not steal a peddle from them as it was not the pedal I wanted and in fact did buy a Portland made fuzz they had in stock inside instead. They did not allow me to return one of the instruments I’d purchased the day before despite my being there within the 24 hour return policy. And they refused to return my brand new iPhone until I returned the pedal that I didn’t have of course. I felt it was a very unique & Interesting way to treat a customer who’s spent roughly 5k over the last year in this store... but every store owner has their own philosophy on how to treat customers and build a positive reputation for their store, I just simply don’t understand this guys particular philosophy. Perhaps those things I’ve described that transpired last week make you want to shop here, and in that case I stand corrected! If you could try to grab my iPhone I’ll pay a reward LOL

ch
Review №5

Super nice staff. Very fair prices. Solid selection! Definitely my go to shop.

Ry
Review №6

Buy locally made pedals here! good prices on used gear. fantastic selection

Ke
Review №7

Great used selection and knowledgeable staff

Je
Review №8

Really outstanding styles and colours.. Lots of room to look at things hanging. Knowledge staff.

Wa
Review №9

Love this place! Lots of history in there! The staff was knowledgeable and friendly!

Si
Review №10

I was met with unreasonable spite by a large middle aged man that refused a return on a brand new $25 guitar strap because I didnt bring the plastic hook that it hangs on ! I was very frustrated as I had to rush over there in order to meet the demand of a 24 hr return or no money back at all and given store credit. He obviously abused the privilege of black and white policy just to be decidedly unhelpful. Customer lost from that nasty naysayer. Future customers beware of a bad seed!🕵️

Er
Review №11

Good selection of gear used and new. Chill atmosphere with a staff that doesn’t harass you excessively.

Ma
Review №12

What’s up with these negative reviews? What do y’all want a guitar center? The staff is super chill from the couple of times Ive been in. Theyre not exactly jumping down your throat to see if they can help you with anything but thats my kind of customer service; this is not a big box store with corporate oversight and I love it. I came in to get a setup but was informed that they dont do setups, and redirected to The 12th Fret. It was so chill I proceeded to hang out for a solid half hour and just noodle around on various basses I hadnt tried out before, one of which felt so right that I had to take it home.About half of the basses are Fenders, and all the Fenders are just Js or Ps, nothing too spicy. The other ones were kind of interesting but there were only maybe 12-15 total in the place last time I was there, compared to dozens and dozens of guitars. Even with guitars the used inventory was a little disappointing for a space this size.That being said the deals are real. I got a near-perfect-condition fretless 2014 MIM Fender J bass for a very reasonable price. I think it still has the original strings on it, which is kind of gross but I like the thumpy dead tone for the time being.

Wi
Review №13

Ive been going here periodically for years. Amazing selection of used instruments from banjos to synths. I took my guitar in for a tune-up (having bought the guitar from here years ago,) and they made this uncomfortable little parlour-sized thing a DREAM to play. Plus, everyone Ive interacted with there has been super friendly and helpful. Cant recommend it enough.

BR
Review №14

They had what we needed got us in their got us out and had it done quickly and efficiently

Al
Review №15

GREAT customer service. Weve taken a few guitars there for a fix up and always felt like they were in good hands. And we were right! They really seem to go above and beyond to do what needs to be done.

Jo
Review №16

Ive bought three instruments at OTM. This place, wait for the pun, ROCKS. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff... excellent products and more than a surprise or two with their already reasonable prices. You wont shop anywhere else.

Eu
Review №17

This place has one of the best selections of guitar pedals Ive ever seen. They easily have 30 times or more pedals than Guitar Center both new and used. Also, their prices on used pedals are really good. Today I was able to snag a used Boss GE-7 in great condition for only $65. I also picked up a new Walrus Audio Deep Six Compressor and a Boss TU-3 Tuner for the same price they sell for on Sweetwater.Edit: Today I went to Old Town Music again and I was able to buy a used Walrus Audio Monument pedal in near perfect condition for only $135. Thats an absurdly good price compared to what youll find on Reverb. If you are looking to buy a used pedal and Old Town Music has one, it will most likely be the best deal around. Im still in shock I was able to get Walrus Audio Monument in great condition for such a low price. Ive been looking to get one of these pedals used on Reverb for a while and have never seen a price even close to this good as what I paid for it today. Old Town Music will always be my go to store for pedals, both new and used. If you are ever looking to buy a used pedal on Reverb or elsewhere always call Old Town Music and ask if they have one first.

Br
Review №18

This is the best place in the Portland region for effects pedals.

Ty
Review №19

I love how you can just jam here and find what you need with no pressure. Ive found so many amazing instruments, pedals, and amps here for great prices. Plus they have just about every pedal ever made. I always end up spending too much money here lol. Its just impossible to pass so many good deals up. The staff also makes great recomendations.

DO
Review №20

Do not give this place any of your $The amplifier they sell you will explode a week later and when you ask to take it back for store credit, or at the very least a repair, the owner will tell you “Well it was working in the store!” and he will be completely unwilling to help you whatsoever and you will have wasted a substantial amount of time and money.

Je
Review №21

In nearly four years I have had nothing but good experiences here. Amp, guitar, accessories, good people.

Ja
Review №22

Pat is awesome . I prefer this place over Portland music co

Be
Review №23

My few experiences here have been very positive. Last year I bought a uke and thus year I bought a bass guitar and amp. Each time they had exactly what I wanted, for a good price and were very helpful in finding me stuff I would need (tuner, chords, straps, etc). I was buying entry level stuff, but I didnt feel like I was treated any differently. I will go back there for my next instrument needs.

Ke
Review №24

Old Town Music is my go to guitar shop! They have a super friendly staff, and a great selection of pedals, guitars, amps and accessories. The staff is very knowledgeable about the gear they sell, and helpful in hooking you up with what you need or looking for. If I’m looking for a particular item they usually have it. Great prices on their gear. Highly recommended!

ke
Review №25

Best selection of Effects Pedals in Portland. Wonderful staff that enables you to chase your tone in their demo rooms.Whether you are manipulating sounds, strumming or recording, they have gear to make your vision come alive.

Vi
Review №26

Not too many Acoustic options, but I was still able to find an awesome guitar

Ro
Review №27

A well-stocked guitar shop with a great selection of effects pedals. The staff was friendly and helpful. Definitely has a local vibe -- and I mean that in the most positive sense.

An
Review №28

Greatt service and prices.

Me
Review №29

Best specialist musical-instrument store in Portland after Rhythm TradersYou get good, honest advice about stuff here, whether its amps, effects, or guitars. They also have some rare finds at good prices. All the staff really know their s**t.

Jo
Review №30

Fantastic experience trading in a bass towards a different bass. Also had a pick up replaced on my baritone acoustic electric along with a set up on that guitar. Very fair prices on everything and every staff member I interacted with was very helpful and pleasant.Happy with the work and will definitely be back.

Ky
Review №31

Best pedal store and some real gems on consignment. The pedal selection is EPIC!

Jo
Review №32

This is in my opinion the best musician-related store in Portland, especially if youre a guitarist. They have a huge selection of effect pedals, tons of great instruments from entry level to covetted vintage gear. Their customer service is amazing. The people working there are very knowledgeable, as well as willing to help you find exactly what you might need along your tone journey.

Er
Review №33

Absolute best shop in Portland for effects pedals. Very nice crew, always helpful. Been treated very well as a repeat customer.

Au
Review №34

Its not Guitar Center so its already good in my book. Good selection of pedals. Has good stock of bass gear. Could have more guitars / better selection. Prices are a little high of center. Decent guitar amp selection. They got the 5 main instruments: drums, guitar, bass, vocals, keys. Its exactly how I rated it 4/5.

re
Review №35

This is a great full-service music shop. Sales, new and used, and repairs, with an amazing vibe an atmosphere full of classic posters of rock shows long gone by...Their in-house luthier is a genius. if you need something fixed, this might be the place to go. Rates are competitive, starting at sixty bucks an hour.

Er
Review №36

Best in town, love everything about this place have been coming here for years, knowledgeable and friendly sales staff. Will be coming for many more.to come.

Et
Review №37

They have everything here! New and used with great selection. Super friendly staff as well

Sn
Review №38

Nothing short of amazing! Its stocked with new and used equipment with decent prices. They have insulated test rooms full of sweet amps and encourage you to try before you buy -its like being in a candy store! The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Its rediculous how awesome this place is.

Br
Review №39

Old Town Music is an outstanding store. I live in Texas but play in Portland regularly. Old Town is my every trip stop and where I get anything I need when I am in town. Whether its strings, cords, instruments or amps, stop here before you buy. You will notice the difference right away.

Da
Review №40

Great selection and nice team.

Mi
Review №41

After feeling like I wasn’t cool enough for Centaur Guitar and like Trade Up doesn’t care whether anyone walks in the door or not, I received a warm welcome at Old Town. The woman who helped me, Michelle, was warm and knowledgeable. Their pedal selection was fantastic. (I bought the Strymon Blue Sky. Wow!) I’ll be going back to Old Town.Update: Bought a second guitar pedal a couple weeks ago. More stellar service from Michelle. I also traded in some gear and felt the trade was very fair.

He
Review №42

Horrible customer service...in the market for a les Paul..I asked for a amp with a overdrive and he didnt or wouldnt accommodate me..I told him his customer service is poor and he told me to go figure it out.. whatever the heck that means..a kind lady employee tried to salvage the deal but the damage was already done..poor product knowledge and very disrespectful...I went to briz in Washington and spent 1800 on A very nice Les Paul....also remember you guys sell more than just pedals since thats all people remember about you.

Em
Review №43

The customer service was awesome the people who work there were helpful patient and knowledgeable this place is one of Portlands wonderful hidden treasures!! Id recommend this place to anyone without hesitation!

St
Review №44

My fave music shop.Friendly helpful staff. Amazing selection of guitars. Ive gotten really good deals. Always a pleasure to stop in.

Th
Review №45

Best local music store. Great pedal selection. Highly recommended.

Sc
Review №46

A long time Portland favorite. Super nice long term staff, low key, low pressure environment. Amazing pedal selection and gear at every price point. Buy local, were lucky to have them!

Ry
Review №47

Very decent variety of pedals. Good prices, too. Definitely recommend

pi
Review №48

You never know what kind of treasure you are gonna find in this portland original. Ive bought countless musical instruments and keep going back for more. Also a good place to spot famous musicians from around the world.

bi
Review №49

My favorite music store in Portland. Great staff and good selection of used gear too!

Br
Review №50

I had just moved to Portland from Santa Barbara and I needed a store where I could buy more gear and tune-up my instruments. In my first week in Portland I visited all the different guitar shops in town. Old Town Music was the best store for everything. Hank and crew were very informative, able to recommend awesome stuff, and the customer service was awesome. I was able to buy new and used gear and trade some of my old stuff for other cool gear. Lot’s of guitars, amps and tons of pedals. Most importantly, Matt is an excellent tech. The best guitar tech that has worked on my gear and he rescued, tuned up, mod, and tricked out 9 of my Fender’s and Gibson’s. I highly recommend this store.

Pe
Review №51

Have found so many audio gear gems here, it’s like Portland’s musical tidepool.

Co
Review №52

Great music store - the friendly staff were really helpful and the store has a sweet vintage Portland vibe.

An
Review №53

Love this magical place! Musicians of all genres, and skill levels come to play & all are made welcome! Really dig this place, will most definitely be back!

Ro
Review №54

This is my favorite music shop ever. Hank and the rest of the staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. They want you to find the right gear for you! their whole mindset is that everyone should be able to afford cool used instruments, they really have something cool for everyone at a low price. They have higher-end gear at reasonable prices too. I bought an airline/stella parlor guitar here for $100 about 6 years ago and beat it around Europe for years busking, such a cool and cheap guitar! I will be coming back again and again.

Br
Review №55

Cool shop with gems of guitars throughout. Biggest plus is that they have a legit guitar repair/builder guy -Nathaniel J. Wood- High probability that he will possess much disdain for your beloved Gibson as he does mine. Dont act like you know more about guitars than he does because I can assure you that you dont unless of course you do. He probably wont like your taste in guitars or music so dont try. Also, he loves to do neck resets. (Not really, but he is absurdly good at them).

Lu
Review №56

Awesome store, weird guitars, tons of pedals. Nice staff! Its great

Ga
Review №57

Great customer service!!!!

Ke
Review №58

Pretty sweet place. They have a huge inventory of all kinds of guitars and the prices are pretty good. The employees are also really nice. Unfortunately, like a lot of guitar stores, the bass selection is lacking.

Ro
Review №59

The best shop in town! Love these guys

Jo
Review №60

If they dont carry it they can point you exactly where you need to go. Nice in all.

Al
Review №61

I have purchased two of my favorite guitars and most of my pedal board here. Trade in rates are far better than other spots in portland. There is one employee who I havent been impressed by but everyone else makes up for it by being extremely helpful and even goin so far as to offer miscellaneous items that are harder to find like certain tremolo arms. While I recommend other spots for repairs as their guy isnt regularly there they are by far the go to shop in portland for pedals and cool guitars and amps you wont find anywhere else. Ever since portland music co moved far out and shrunk these guys have the greatest selection especially in regards to used and vintage equipment. Theyve had instruments I havent seen even in larger cities like chicago. Theres a reason major bands shop here. I am sure I will be making more purchases here and feel guilty everytime I go in without making a major purchase and try to atleast buy strings. Great alternative to big corporations like guitar center and better trade ins than trade up. Ive been shopping here the entire time Ive played guitar since grade 8. Hope this place doesnt begin to die the and more control amazon gains.

Jo
Review №62

This spot is tight. They dont have a massive inventory like guitar center but everything they have is excellent, period. Informative and helpful. Hank is THE dude there. So welcoming

Ja
Review №63

They were kinda ready to get out of there on Christmas Eve. I totally understand.

Jo
Review №64

Great shop for used guitars and amps plus nice boutique pedal selection.

Er
Review №65

Great shop. Good selection, rotates fairly quickly

Je
Review №66

One of my favorite places in Portland. Lots of cool new and used gear, with a great friendly knowledgeable staff. If you havent been to Old Town Music, I highly recommend changing that.

Er
Review №67

Ok, so i called and asked for a c band harmonica. Oh yeah we have that, come on down!.. I show up, hey, Im the one who called. OK, here ya go. He sets the harmonica on the counter and I set my 40 bucks down. I blow ONE note on the harmonica, wait a minute, that doesnt sound right. I look and its not a C its a G! So they wouldnt let me return it even though it wasnt my fault and pretty much swindled out of having to buy two harps for 75 bucks!

Jo
Review №68

Great vibe and even better selection of guitars, amps and everything in between. Helpful staff will check to see if you have any questions but are happy to have you in the store winding through the nooks.

Ma
Review №69

Lots of used,and vintage gear. Best guitar pedal selection in town.

Ed
Review №70

Love stopping in here whenever Im in town. Great selection and prices.

Al
Review №71

Best music store in Portland! Awesome people, great selection of new and used gear, handmade guitar straps, vintage amps and guitars...

Su
Review №72

Helpful staff. Interesting place with history.

B
Review №73

Great selection of new and used gear primarily for guitar and bass players. Standard to boutique. I did not see any percussion or drums. I liked that it wasnt loaded with beginner gear and found most of the guitars to be mid level or better meaning it wasnt 5 Squiers to one 1 Fender and if it was a Squier it was one of the better ones like the 72 Telecaster Deluxe for example. Very cool shop. I look forward to coming back.

Ad
Review №74

My Fender Super 210 amp started cutting out about 2 hours before an important CD release gig. I called Old Town and they said to bring it in right away (they closed in an hour). I rushed it over there, and 30 min later walked out with a working amp, and the gig came off flawlessly!Amazing service by amazing people who genuinely know what theyre doing. And amp tech Chris Benson is an absolute genius at his craft. Thanks for saving the gig, guys!

Le
Review №75

Bit pricy. Guitar Center has better selection and prices for what j was looking for.

LB
Review №76

I was visiting Portland from out of town and really wanted to check this place out. I show up 5 minutes before close (sorry about that) but they stuck with me and made sure I got the great service I needed. I walked away with the bass guitar of my dreams, great pickups, and a smile on my face. Thank you, Old Town Music, for being such a cool place.

Jo
Review №77

Lots of music stuff, not a lot of wasted space. Good deals on used gear, recording devices, amps ect. Drum selection fluctuates. Lots of electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins and other string instruments.

Jo
Review №78

Bought a guitar easy. Easy process and everyone was helpful

Jo
Review №79

Good guys. Seem to really care about music, musicians and equipment. Lots of new and used gear at reasonable prices. They have the best amp tech in the world (Eric, formerly of Wire Audio). Best music store in Portland.

Je
Review №80

Best guitar shop in Portland... hands down. I dig the folks working there, the products and the knowledge they have. Its my fave.

Wi
Review №81

One of my most favorite guitar stores of all time. the venerable Old Town Music is a Portland institution. I picked up a cool Hofner Cavern Beatle Bass from Old Town today. Got a great deal as always. Thanks, guys!

Da
Review №82

Have done business w/Old Town Music for years (15+yrs). Have purchased three guitars, plus strings, effects pedals, mics, cables and useful info on gear. Always reputable, fair prices, and great service.....Thank you, Thank you......

de
Review №83

A fine store for what you need as a performing musician. Or if you are just learning.

Mi
Review №84

Friendly local used guitar store. You never know what youll find. Reasonable staff and decent parking.

Sa
Review №85

Unparalleled selection. Staff that leaves you alone, but present when needed. An amazing store for any musician.

Ja
Review №86

One of my favorite shops in Portland. Nice knowledgeable people and an interesting selection of items.

Dh
Review №87

Awesome and i saw instruments there i hadnt seen before.

Jo
Review №88

It was a fun time being there. Never new this music store was here. Found some CDs I been looking for, for quite awhile. Looking forward to going back soon ...

Da
Review №89

Great place to try out different Guitars. We bought a Ukulele. Its a Martin. Well built.

Ne
Review №90

Hank was a pleasure to work with! Great shop with a long history of great service to the community. Ill be back :)

Be
Review №91

Always and interesting selection of used guitars and priced reasonably. Also, a very large offering of effects pedals. One of my favorite guitar stores in PDX.

Jo
Review №92

I almost lost my Dat-gum mind in this place! More pedals than you can shake a stick at, often at a deep discount if theyre pre-owned. I also picked up a 4x10 cabinet and 1200 wat head that sound like BUTTER for less than a g. ABSOLUTELY RECOMEND.

Do
Review №93

This place rules. Ive purchased many maps, cabinets, and basses from this establishment. Never have I had any issue with something inpurchased from them.

Sh
Review №94

Ask for Hank! Been going to this store for 17years now.You never know what you are going to find but you for sure will find it for a good price and they sometimes can meet you at the price that you can afford.If you are going to sell your equipment ask for Hank.Hands down this guy will give you the best price for your used gear.

Al
Review №95

Cole is a really knowledgeable and nice salesman. Great customer service and nice selection of quality used guitars.

Sk
Review №96

Great store with a a large selection of boutique effects pedals. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. They let me take my time exploring, experimenting, and playing with a bunch of reverb pedals.

Ro
Review №97

Nice music shop. Make sure you check out the mezzanine level for some beautiful synths and stage pianos. Hell yeah

Ki
Review №98

Friendly, unassuming staff and a wide selection of brands and accessories make Old Town an essential stop for music gear.

An
Review №99

Bad employee. he was very rude. i still go there for strings and etc.

Re
Review №100

Very cool people. Nice selection of instruments. Could use more types of guitar strings.

Information
57 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:55 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States
  • Site:http://oldtownmusicportland.com/
  • Phone:+1 503-295-6808
Categories
  • Musical instrument store
  • Guitar store
  • Musical instrument repair shop
  • Used musical instrument store
Working hours
  • Monday:11AM–5PM
  • Tuesday:11AM–5PM
  • Wednesday:11AM–5PM
  • Thursday:11AM–5PM
  • Friday:11AM–5PM
  • Saturday:11AM–5PM
  • Sunday:11AM–5PM
Service options
  • In-store pickup:Yes
  • In-store shopping:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Assembly service:Yes
  • Repair services:Yes
  • Service guarantee:Yes
Planning
  • Quick visit:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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