This small, unassuming building houses one of the nicest collections of guitars and gear I have ever seen. I will admit I havent purchased anything beyond a set of acoustic strings, but I asked for their advice on the strings, went with it, and the result couldnt have been better. The exact brightness/gauge combo I was looking for. As far as the guitars, basses and gear goes, they have everything from solid beginner models to top-shelf megabucks models. Their prices are fair across the board. And they know their stuff. Theyre not just clerks hacking out part time jobs. Theyre experts and theyre easy to talk to. No offense, but I see absolutely no need to go to Guitar Center or Sam Ashe when a place like this exists. Theres no comparison. Youll be happier going here AND youll be supporting small business. No brainer dude.

So much better than bug music stores like Guitar Center. They have a large catalog of guitars, pedals, and even some synths. The workers also create a vibe accepting to new guitarists and experienced ones alike. After going there just once, the next time I went in, the guy who had helped me the last time was there and even remembered my name! Best guitar store I’ve been to, hands down.

A somewhat small shop, filled with an excellent stock of used guitars, bass guitars, amps and accessories, at a range of prices. Its above a pawn shop: enter, head to the door towards the rear, walk upstairs; voila--good stuff awaits!

Our first time in! Had a couple of friends who wanted to see what was up! One bought a guitar and the other one is thinking about a guitar and an amp.

Its every guitar players dream come true, both beginner and pro. The selection is astounding, the staff is exceedingly friendly and helpful and patient, the layout is easy to navigate and not cluttered, and the prices are very reasonable. Dont miss the B.B. King guitar.

The best gear youll find under one roof. Great guys to work with. My favorite guitar shop in the northeast.

Fantastic store! Really cool selection of guitars, basses, and everything you need. Highly recommend

Good prices,Great service and an amazing array of Vintage Guitars and amps....I never want to leave!!!!

Ryan was extremely helpful. There’s an excellent selection of all kinds of guitars. They were very accommodating

I recently purchased a used Fender Stratocaster electric guitar with a slightly warped pick guard.At 10:15am, I called Empire to enquire about replacing it. I dropped my guitar off at noon, and shortly after 1:00pm Ryan called me to pick it up.Ryan completed the job in record time. More to the point, he did so without compromising quality (see photo). Now my guitar gets more compliments without being played then when I play it--because it looks fantastic, and because I cant play a chord.If youre in the market for a used guitar or repairs, Empire should be your first choice.EMPIRE GUITARBest prices+ Vast selection+ A-One Service+ Knowledgeable staff+ Great warranty---------------------= 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Vintage guitars, rare, unique guitars and best pedals on the east coast!

Helpful and friendly - pro-social approach to curbside pick-ups and transparent!

Friendly staff and wide selection of vintage gear from player to collector grade instruments. From PRE-CBS Strats to more modern Eastwood and Reverend guitars, there is always something new.

Best place to bring instruments to fix. Ive never payed a ridiculous amount of money for fixing. Good prices for all that good stuff. Nice, down to earth people working here too.

Good guys. Very knowledgeable

Bought a beautiful Gibson Hummingbird here, only one of a wonderful collection of guitars they have in stock. The staff is super friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and were a pleasure to work with. Their email communication was timely, pleasant and spot-on. They worked with me on getting a fair price. Summarily, this was a 5-star shopping experience with a fabulous shop. Check out the good folks at Empire Guitars. Theyll help you find what you need. Thanks!

This is THE place to shop if youre buying or selling a vintage guitar, amp, or accessories in the Providence area. Awesome selection and friendly, expert staff. I sold my Gibson ES-300 to Empire. I felt good about the process, they made a reasonable offer. I will definitely shop there first for my next purchase or trade/sale.

Lots of cool stuff and a helpful staff. Great for guitars, basses, amps and, fx pedals. Theres not much of a parking lot at all but, you can find space on the street.

This is my FAVORITE music store of all time. This is the complete opposite of Guitar Center. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, courteous, respectful, professional and extremely customer service oriented. Mike took the time to have out a huge 100 watt plexi and demo it for me while I tweaked the EQ. It was a surreal experience. I love this store.

I was setting up to perform at a big outdoor event, discovered the cable bag was missing Keith from Empire drove over to me to deliver my phoned in order of cables just in time. Show went on just barely on time. Thanks for going way beyond great service!!!

There aren’t many opportunities to dream while youre awake but you can at Empire.Yes there’s lots you can’t afford but there’s also plenty to choose from for those who understand that value means more than low price.If you’re looking to spend $250 to find out if your kid wants to learn guitar well, that’s why God madeGC.If your kid (or anyone) wants to be a guitar PLAYER, take ‘me to Empire.Dreams do come true.

REVIEWED DURING PHASE II OF REOPENING (DURING CORONA):After scheduling an appointment, I went to Empire Guitars with a keen interest in a semi-hollow body electric guitar. After testing a few models, I browsed the vast assortment of other used guitars that Empire offered. A black Fender Stratocaster FSR (David Gilmour style) caught my eye.The Strat was $50 less than what Guitar Center was charging for the same model. More important, it was in better shape AND included a hard case.Friends wrongfully guessed that I paid $200 more for the Strat than I actually did. I later researched the guitar and discovered that it had a litiny of 5-star reviews.The staff at Empire was both welcoming and knowledgeable. More to the point, they were professional. Concerned about the virus, the staff at Empire sanitized each guitar after being handled. Based on my experience, Empire will be my first choice in used guitar and accessories.Great Price+ Super service+ Top notch quality+ Easy access+ Vast Selection--------------------= 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟Thanks Empire.

The employees were very nice and knowledgeable. If you want classic guitars, this is your place, they have a great selection of rare and vintage guitars, and a decent selection of affordable stuff too, if youre in Providence and play guitar, this is your sanctuary.

I had a great first experience at empire guitars. i found the staff very friendly and hands on. the staff was also very polite and informative. they readjusted my acoustic guitar and made a quick fix in no time. the guitars that they have at this store are amazing! i had to leave shortly after the fix to my acoustic, but i definitely will make an effort to come by again!

If your looking for a guitar, look no further than Empire. They have a great selection of new and used instruments, amps and loads of other gear, and they also buy used instruments at a fair price. Skip Guitar Center and go here.

Guy was rude, and had no selections of strings, even lied about what he had. Got home, and the strings buzzed and broke. Waste of money.Just go to a real shop.

Bought my first new guitar today. This place came highly recommended and for good reason. The environment was inviting, no loud, annoying players like at Guitar Center. The prices on acoustic guitars ranged from $150-1k and the acoustic room was neat and inviting. The salesman was patient with me and showed me a few guitars since Im a new player. Im definitely comfortable with my selection and I like the return policy which lets me know they stand by their products. If I ever need another this will be my first choice.

The best shoppe ever

They treat you like gold honest to God

My new favorite music Shoppe. Awesome inventory. Very cool effects assortment.

We are so lucky to have Empire Guitars in Rhode Island. Just go there and drool over the vintage strats and les pauls. And not everything is expensive. They have all price ranges. They have every guitar and bass pedal, some I never heard of. This is a world class store! Go there.

Great place to shop for guitars. Some really amazing vintage guitars. Really nice people who are very helpful. Love this place.

Super helpful. They really get to know you and offer great advice on gear.

This little store carries the essential stuff most musicians.need and an amazing collection of vintage instruments few can afford, practically a guitar museum

Empire Guitars is the best Vintage Guitar shop I have seen since I was a child in Harvard Square in the early 80s. Not only do they have beautiful Vintage Gibson Guitars and beautiful Vintage Fender Guitars, but the greatest collection of Vintage Tube Amplifiers.When I visited last month, I met Jeff, one of the owners who could not have been nicer. If you are a fan of Vintage Guitars, this is the place for you!

They had very high quality guitar patch cables which I was looking for awesome selection of high-end Boutique year must check it out

This is the place to go for guitars in providence. Prices are better than most shops this size, and the selection and customer service are excellent.

One of the best guitar stores Ive been to in years. Incredibly friendly, helpful staff and a great mix of rare excellent instruments. I will definitely be back here whenever Im in town.

I love this store ! Very cool peoples. Very cool equipment. If it wasnt for them I wouldnt know about strymon pedals & many others ! And they are always giving me the hook up.

Best little guitar store in Providence. Outstanding staff and very cool guitars. Must visit place when visiting Rhode Island.

Awesome service! Thank you!

Great selection of guitars and accesories. Great prices. Helpful staff.

Super cool shop with a friendly staff and tons of interesting gear to check out!

Love this place, great gear at reasonable prices. This isnt a guitar center so dont expect to find a ton of entry level gear. This place has gear for serious players.

Excellent people dedicated to music and the joy it brings people.

They were very helpful and were definitely guitar geeks so they were happy to talk about fine points about the guitars. The shipping was prompt and the guitar was very well packed.

Best place in RI to buy or sell used guitars, amps and accessories.

Give us 55.00 for setup and we will give you 300.00 for a rare guitar

Friendly helpful staff. Have a good range of instruments. Bought an ukulele :)

Great pedals selection - used and new! Friendly knowledgeable staff.

Honest, knowledgeable and helpful with a great selection of instruments and gear.

Empire are famous ( even in Australia ) for fine instruments and service integrity.

Great staff prices are reasonable too!

Great guitar store. Great staff. My favorite guitar store by far.

More like a hellheavin for Ricks. I hate that i cant buy all the things. But great selection of new and used awesome odd stuff. Great and most helpfull staff. No drums.. But Im ok with it :)

Best selection in New England.

Great bass selection, large guitar selection, plenty of pedals and any other gear, great deals great help great store. Would definitely recommend it. However, I wouldnt recommend selling/trading in instruments, I recently got a 5 string bass and traded in my squier stratocaster (which normally goes for $300) for $50. I would recommend to just sell instruments on Craigslist and put the money towards an instrument at empire

Best guitar store in New England! Great staff, great service...and an amazing array of vintage guitars, basses and amps.

Got some great help and bought an awesome Fender bass for my daughter.

Amazing collection of guitars, all are able to be tested with their array of amps and pedals.

Its a nice guitar shop with lots of vintage guitars, but at great deals

The only music store in Rhode Island that I go to. The best!

Good range of vintage guitars and guitar accessories and very friendly helpful staff.

Great place with a great staff. Highly recommended.

Super knowledgeable, professional, personal and fair.

Great staff and amazing vintage guitars

Gents were very helpful and accommodating!

Expert, friendly staff. Great store overall.

Top quality personal service

Needed help fixing a broken string. They were great and only charged me for the strings.

Awesome peoples, gear, sales and place for any guitar upgrades

Cool shop nice guys !

Best guitar shop in the area

Great place, great people, great gear.

I dont do guitars but if your good at it shop here

Great spot, great gear, great service👍

Friendly & clean. Good options!

Very nice people and selection

Guitar strings

They sell drumsticks, too.

Exelent

Bestest

A++

Very friendly

The place is clean and cheap.But they dont sell all the products they offer, they say its lunchtime and they dont sell some things.I think it is a very bad strategy, they cannot impose what and at what time to eat.