Richard's Music

Have to admit 5 Star Rating simply because of an Epiphone Coronet solid body guitar same as what my Mom got for me to learn on about 1964, from Mike Barrett at North Platte, NE. Was special ordered and cost about $150 I suppose. Was beautiful and I don't recall what happened eventually to it, but I didn't have music within myself and stopped playing. I think Mike sold it for us. This Epiphone is from 1963, beautiful and priced $2500 and apparently still a desired player. Still fun to look at this level however. Nice store here with special instruments old and new both.

I don't go into guitar shops to be sold things. I go in there to buy what I know I need, and maybe discover something I didn't know I wanted. I want to let the magic happen of seeing that unique amp, that gem of an instrument, or that interesting accessory that I can make my own. For musicians, it's all about your collection of gear. You can be the greatest guitarist in the world, but really, other gearheads just wanna hear about your gear...When I moved back to Lawrence from Seattle, I started going into Richard's location because it was next to my coffee-joint. I'd get a cup, and walk into Richard's and peruse. The guys in there were nice enough, and I started to talk shop with a couple of them over a few visits, and never felt like anyone was "selling" to me. Nor did I feel like they were looking for any reason to one-up me, as in; "Yeah, that's a good amp, but what you REALLY need is (insert crazy obscure boutique-amp name here)". I don't need that shit. Luckily, these guys aren't like that.And that's not to say I don't have dumb questions. Even at my age, I may make a mistake on a type of cord or a certain piece of gear, but the LAST thing I need is some early-twenties snot-bag huffing about me MAKING that mistake. You don't get that kind of grief at Richard's, and that's why it's great to go in there and ASK questions. My best experience was when I decided one day I was going to find a guitar that was more "me" than the instruments I'd brought with me from my past in Seattle. I was able to trade two really nice guitars (albeit very unique models) in for the Gretsch Baritone I play now, and the guys there (particularly, Austin) really worked with me encouraging the best trade for both of us. I didn't walk in there expecting the best deal, because that's just how these things work, but they worked with me to create something I felt fair about, and that was good enough.They may not be the biggest shop in town, and of the three in town, may not actually have everything I need at times, but they're the first place I'll try, regardless, even if to go in and see if there's anything I might spot out of the corner of my eye, pick up, and fall in love with.

Just got a great deal on an acoustic guitar with bag, strap, and tuner! This shop only sells quality instruments with great knowledgeable service to go along. I will shop here exclusively.

I wanted to post a quick update. It's been over a year and we've become regulars at Richards. We've gotten a few guitars, new and used (they carry a good selection of Seagull acoustic guitars which are very nice) and we've also sold on consignment a few. The staff is great and it seems that they are also (all of them, even the owner) great musicians. This has everything to do with why this is such a great place to visit and shop. They really know what they are talking about and offer good advice. Sometimes I stop in with the kids just to see what's new, say hello and the kids will noodle on a guitar. One of the best things for me is that they have a competent staff to work on my guitars. If the kids Bass is buzzing or I managed to screw up the action on my daughters Strat after trying to put new strings on (I never restrung a guitar with a tremolo before, it's harder than it looks) I can drop it off w/o worry that they will set it right.I also want to put a quick plug in for the "Rock Camp" that is sponsored by Richards. The upstairs has a place for music lessons and in the summer the teachers put on a Rock Camp, more of a real life School of Rock. My daughter did it last year and loved it. She's doing it again this year and so is my son. Check out their website for details.

I love this shop. All the guys that work here play in bands and have a vast knowledge of instruments and music. Very friendly and their prices are reasonable.

DON'T try to trade or buy used from these guysI recently inquired about trading an amp that was purchased in the store towards a better one. My amp was perfect, they acknowledged it was pristine and seemed interested in moving the inventory on hand. However, after "discussing" with the owner an "offer" that was 40% of the real market (not retail) value was proposed...really?! I had cash in hand to upgrade, really a win-win opportunity for all. Every local/small business needs to make a profit, however Richard's is clearly interested in gouging whenever possible.I used to recommend this shop to anyone in the music community for everything: set-ups, equipment, service-everything!Because of their shortsightedness, they have lost my future business and I refuse to send anyone in...unless it's to buy guitar picks.

This place is ok for buying strings or a guitar but frankly poor for service. The first time I brought a guitar in for service I asked to have a pickup switch replaced.with one I provided and to set up the guitar. They only cleaned the old switch and threw away the OEM tuning ferrules and replaced them stainless steel, after I specifically mentioned I did not want the ferrules changed. But hey, stuff happens, right? To err is human. But then I went in again after having bought a few set of strings, picks, etc. on occasion, and asked if they had machine head parts because I was looking for something very specific. The guy told me they do have parts, but it would be too hard to find (basically like finding the right size of screw in a bucket) so that, no, they wouldn't help me. So I head straight to Mass music service dept, explain my situation, dude says "sure, go for it." and slides me a box of parts. I find it in five minutes, buy, it and I'm out the door. They aren't rude, they just don't really seem the understand the concept of good customer service. I would gladly amend this review and continue patronizing them if I received some sort of positive feedback from the owner. I'm not really mad about it, per se, but annoyed that they could have very easily serviced me but declined.