Music is something that speaks to all people-- no matter where they live or what they do for a living. Residents of Cincinnati are no different, and they enjoy all kinds of music--everything from rock, rap, classical, Kpop, salsa, and EDM-- if it exists, there are fans of it in the Queen City! But where do you go when you need to tune up your instrument, pick up sheet music, or even add to your growing vinyl collection? You check out one of Cincinnati’s music stores, of course! These are the top stores we’ve found in the area that cater to musicians of all styles.
Do you know a musician or someone who just loves to get their hands on all the music that they can? Then a GiftYa gift card is the perfect gift for them. Because it’s sent digitally and attached to their debit card, they’ll never have to worry about forgetting it at home again!
Herzog
Cincinnati’s favorite music store!
Whether you need a new guitar or need to learn how to jam, Herzog can help you. Image courtesy of Herzog.
811 Race St.
Downtown
If you’re into anything related to music, Herzog is your go-to store! It is located in the historic place where Cincinnati’s first R&B record was recorded. Many musicians have passed through it since then, and are always impressed with the amount of musical knowledge and engagement with the community the store has.
It offers an extensive selection of gently used albums, some of which you might not be available to find in vinyl elsewhere! They also have new and used guitars for sale, and the knowledgeable and friendly staff can help you pick out the instrument perfect for you-- no matter if you’re a beginner or a pro. If you do happen to be a beginner, not a problem, they offer music instruction on a variety of instruments!
If you need a repair, they also offer their expertise in that area as well.
“Place is awesome and the repair manager in the back, Clint; is a Wizard at fixing all sorts of sound equipment. If he cannot fix it, it ain't getting fixed.” -Yelp Review
Mike’s Music
Stop in for the largest selection of vintage and used guitars
Check out the extensive collection of guitars and get all your questions answered. Image courtesy of Mike’s Music.
2615 Vine St.
Corryville
Whether you have a very specific guitar question or are just looking into picking up your next favorite guitar, you can do both at Mike’s Music! The owner Mike Reeder is a well-known vintage guitar analyst and collector who has consulted with many of the big names in music-- including Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, U2, Ozzy Osborne, and ZZ Top. He even offers his own consultation services to the public as well!
At Mike’s Music you can also browse a wide variety of vintage amps, pedals, and keyboards in addition to guitars. Should you also need a repair, that’s no problem either as the experts at this music shop are prepared to get your guitar or accessory back into working order.
“Excellent shop and I love talking to the guy at the front counter. He's very informed and such a nice dude. Highly recommend this place.” -Yelp Review
Buddy Roger’s Music Showroom
Ask the helpful staff at this music store when looking for your next instrument!
You’ll be impressed with the variety of instruments offered at Buddy’s. Image courtesy of Buddy Roger’s Music Showroom.
1939 Galbraith Rd.
North College Hill
No matter what family your instrument belongs to--wind, brass, strings, or percussion--you can expect to find a wide variety of options for upgrades, repairs, and other services at Buddy Roger’s. Not only does this store sell instruments, but they also have them available for rental too--which really helps kids starting out in band!
Since instruments can be expensive, they also conveniently offer a finance program as well--which helps even more people experience the joy of playing a musical instrument. Stop into this place for helpful service as well as experienced technicians who can make any repairs your instrument requires.
“I've been going to this Buddy Rogers store for many, many years now, and I've never been treated with anything but the utmost of respect.” -Yelp Review
DHR Guitar Experience
No matter what your experience level, this store has a guitar for you!
Whether in store or online, DHR is an easy choice when you’re ready to buy a guitar. Image courtesy of DHR Guitar Experience.
577 Delta Ave.
Sometimes left handed guitarists feel like they’ve gotten the short end of the stick--a great deal of guitar stores cater to mostly right handed guitar players. But not DHR Guitar Experience who prides itself on an amazing selection of guitars designed for left handed players! But that’s not all, because you can also pick up strings, straps, cases, and amps as well, for incredibly reasonable prices.
Since this is Cincinnati’s guitar headquarters, DHR also offers a full range of guitar effects that can bring a new and creative sound to your instrument including buffers, delays, distortions, and noise generators. They also ship their guitars as well, so if you’re from out of town, make sure to check out their online inventory!
“Incredible selection of hard-to-find lefty instruments. Fantastic service and instruments. Can't recommend DHR highly enough.” -Facebook Review
Shake It Records
Buy, sell, or just come to browse through some amazing music!
You’ll get lost in the stacks of their amazing vinyl collection. Image courtesy of Shake It Records.
4156 Hamilton Ave.
Northside
Shake It Records originally started as a record label to sell underground Cincinnati music, but for the last 20 years it has grown into a place where locals come to shop for new music, search for vintage records, or find something completely different. Their store is full of all kinds of rock, R&B, punk, and soul--but you can also find more obscure music styles such as 60s garage, vintage ska, avant garde jazz, and creative electronic.
While you’re there perusing the titles, make sure you also check out their extensive collections of DVDs, books, magazines, and even a healthy dose of vinyl figures! No matter what you’re looking for, the helpful staff can point you in the right direction and make sure you leave satisfied.
“I love this place!! I love going in and checking out what's new and finding music that I now love! What really makes this place stand out is the customer service.” -Yelp Review
Sam Ash Music Stores
Your one stop shop for musical sales, service, and repairs in Cincinnati!
Whether buying or selling, Sam Ash is Cincinnati’s go to place for music. Image courtesy of Sam Ash Music Store.
11805 Commons Dr.
Springdale
It can be difficult for a music store to have an amazing selection of guitars, keyboards, DJ, and percussion equipment and provide extensive consultations and customer service as well. That’s never a problem at Sam Ash Music Store, who’s helpful employees can always help you find exactly what you’re looking for. They offer a huge selection of brands that you can try in store, or if you’re not near Cincinnati, they can ship to you instead!
If you happen to have some unwanted musical gear or instruments let them know as well and they might buy them from you for store credit or cash! It’s an easy way to get yourself a new upgrade or some extra cash in your pocket.
“The salesman was very helpful and knowledgeable. I would recommend shopping at Sam ash if you are looking for anything to do with music.” -Yelp Review
Third Rock Music Center
A local music store to help you along your musical journey
Get your old instrument repaired or pick up a quality new one at this music store. Image courtesy of Third Rock Music Center.
1232 8 Mile Rd.
Hamilton
No matter what instrument you play, chances are you’re either going to eventually want an upgrade or decide to learn a new one altogether! The folks at Third Rock Music Center want to be there to help you along your way--from choosing an instrument, picking up accessories, getting lessons to help you learn, and offering repairs to keep your instrument at peak performance.
Third Rock Music Center goes above and beyond to ensure that you have the support you need no matter if you’re playing in the school band, want to start your band, or are an accomplished musician. All music lovers are welcome here!
“Nice selection of great instruments. Friendly staff. lessons. Everything you could ask for in a local music shop. Check 'em out.” -Facebook Review
MetaModern Music
Grow your vinyl collection at this popular Cincinnati music store
Watch your vinyl collection grow when you shop ar MetaModern. Image courtesy of MetaModern Music.
4011 Allston St.
Oakley
If you’re into music, you know that everything sounds better on vinyl--it’s just a fact. With that in mind, if you’re looking to start or grow your vinyl collection, there is no better place to do it then at MetaModern Music. This store is always collecting new and used vinyl records from all kinds of your favorite music genres--including some that might be your new favorites!
If you have some vinyl that you feel you don’t listen to anymore, why not sell it MetaModern Music? They offer cash or store credit for your albums, so you can’t go wrong! In addition to records, they also have a fantastic selection of music turntables, posters, and even band t-shirts as well.
“Highly recommend this store to any and all music lovers in the area. I hope it sticks around for a long time..can't wait to go back!” -Yelp Review
Cincinnati has some pretty amazing music stores, no matter if you’re looking to get an instrument, lessons, repairs, or just pick up some new vinyl. What is your favorite place for all things music? Let us know in the comments!
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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