In-store pick-up
Yes
South Austin Music in Austin
Categories
Location on the map
Austin, Travis County, Texas, US
Service options
In-store shopping
Yes
Delivery
No
Health and safety
Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits
Yes
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Yes
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Offerings
Assembly service
Yes
Repair services
Yes
Service guarantee
Yes
Planning
Quick visit
Yes
Payments
NFC mobile payments
Yes
Phone: +1 512-448-4992
Site: http://www.southaustinmusic.com/
Site: http://www.southaustinmusic.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:11AM–6PM
- Tuesday:11AM–6PM
- Wednesday:11AM–6PM
- Thursday:11AM–6PM
- Friday:11AM–6PM
- Saturday:11AM–6PM
- Sunday:1–5PM
Comments (107)
I cannot say enough good things here. On a recommendation, I took an old guitar in that had been on my wall for a long time. It belonged to a friend of mine who tragically lost his life when we were teenagers. Ive carried it around for decades and it means a lot to me, but it needed some work. What work, I had no idea. I explained the situation (that it had been in disrepair for some time) and these guys went above and beyond. Although I only play a little, when I got it back, my sons guitar teacher played it and was really blown away by how good it sounds and how well it stays in tune. Now, he and my son play together with it and my boys Telecaster. And, Ive even picked it back up. Im beyond happy about all of this on multiple levels. I doubt very seriously these guys know how much joy their dedication to craft has brought to my house. Well be doing all of our music business here from now on.
The staff was extremely friendly! Sean came up to me right away and introduced himself, we spent some time chatting about guitars.No pushy salesmen and theyll let you play anything you want. These are just dudes who like guitars.
Had a renewed interest in playing guitar, so went here to look for a new one and learn a bit more about guitars in general. Everyone there is super chill and accommodating. I didnt meet everyone by name, but Scott, Sean (sp: Shawn?), Tim, Tony, and everyone else were great to talk to about guitars or whatever. Very relaxed, very helpful. I ended up not finding the axe I wanted there, but I returned there to pick up accessories and get a setup done once I did find my guitar, just so I could support them somehow. The setup was wholly satisfactory, by the way. Im making my way out of Austin soon, so wont be able to frequent the store, but otherwise I would definitely go here for my guitar needs. A great place to just chill with guitars, too--no pressure, felt very comfortable picking up guitars and trying them out. Its a business, of course, but I think they strike a great balance between professionalism and friendliness. Kinda feel like you could easily make friends with the folks, which is a plus, in my opinion. Worth checking them out if youre thinking about it!
They sell the best guitar and guitar accessories in town. Has small town music store vibes with big city selection and knowledge. One time they just gave me a free capo when I stopped in to grab some new cables. I was like dang that’s gnarly man thank you, I’ve never had a capo before. Now every time I play Hotel California I think of how sweet this place is
South Austin Music is an institution onto itself. It’s a critical organ in the body of the music scene here in Austin. I’d say it’s the heart of it, but it’s more obscure than that. Definitely not the spleen or something you can live without, but important nonetheless. Probably the stomach if I had to get down to it, but I digress.They’ve worked on my amp, two of my guitars, and I’ve bought a couple pedals from here too. Great experiences every time.The place is filled with employees that truly care too, with long tenures as far as I can tell. You can nerd about gear with any of them, and not plan to spend a dime and that’s cool as long as it’s not busy. Obviously as per standard etiquette buy strings or something, but you know what I mean.If you want to do business with a music store that’s at the center of the live music capital of the world, look no further than South Austin Music.
The guys have always been really friendly and very helpful in finding something that meets my needs. 🤟🏻 from the moment I enter the place and was greeted by the sweetest dog, I was in love.me and my mate bough a sweet swart space tone amp head the first time. They helped us to figure out shipping for it to singapore. the whole process was fuzz free.
This is the best sort of guitar shop! Great selection of gear, reasonable prices and a staff that is remarkably cool, courteous and helpful. I got a guitar there a couple of weeks ago and am really looking forward to heading back and spending more time checking out their inventory.
This shop is amazing!!! I recently went in to get a small adjustment done on my guitar and despite being short staffed they got my guitar back to me way quicker than expected! On top of that the team there is so friendly and just really great to talk to. I can’t wait to get my next guitar from there. SUPPORT LOCAL!!!
Left a guitar center and popped in here and found the perfect guitar with no pressure at an amazing price. Great staff, great inventory, great prices. Chain stores are baron and cold when dealing with customers while this place stays stocked with very unique items and takes very special care of you.
I used to do all the major guitar repairs for this store, till their guitar repairman got darn good, and my work load got to be too much. Very good repairman, good service. Folks in the store are really interested in finding stuff that fits you. I usually build, or modify what I need, but when I need anything else, theres no question where I go first, and send folks to first.S.A.M.
The staff were very helpful with choosing instruments and were overall very chill and friendly to the customers. The store had a very wide selection of musical instruments, some of which I had no luck finding in other stores. It’s an overall very embracing atmosphere, 10/10 would buy from South Austin Music again.
Its really a four and a half. Only issue was not having the guitar ready when they said it would be but once I got the guitar, any disappointment on time disappeared. Ben called me to explain the process, although I do think customer service should follow up. Most business and entities do so Ive never been happier once I got the guitar. Ive had it for over 20yrs. 4 weeks was the longest to wait. Never had to but its never sounded better and hats off to South Austin and Ben. And the price was worth the quality.
My name is scott, and I was in the store when it first opened basically. Did a little business here and there. And then I moved back to my home base out of town and 2008. My first visit at game was yesterday April 15th of 2021. Three different of the fellas assisted me when I was looking at bases amps and guitars, (also asking fundamental questions about guitar picks Ive only been playing since 1974, so I really dont know what Im doing haha). Bills team is fantastic at the store everybody come over there and buy what you need to make some good time music or any other kind of music that you want to make. This is my store always will be when Im in the Austin area kudos excellent service excellent excellent excellent thank you so much bye-bye Scott the base and guitar sometimes part-time!!!!!
South Austin Music represents everything a local music shop should be.They have a wide inventory of instruments and accessories for all musicians. The staff is professional and friendly.More importantly--theyre familiar. Theyre not just courteous and attentive, theyre also engaging people who love talking about gear, music, and anything else. Ive walked in to SAM any number of times just to buy something simple or check out the inventory, and spent an hour or more just chatting with the employees and other shoppers.That service isnt just extended to gigging musicians like me who can talk a little shop-- Ive watched them treat total beginners and weekend warriors with the same level of attention and friendliness.Though Ive never taken any lessons there, I am good friends with Eddie, who has been teaching acoustic instruments there for years. If hes any representation of the caliber of teacher they have there, then its the best place in town to take lessons! Since I arrived in Austin, Eddie and SAM have gone out of their way to help me make connections and feel welcomed in a town already saturated with musicians.Spend your money here!!!
We left a chain store after 45 minutes of no service despite asking 4 different people. So glad we ended up at South Austin Music. They were incredibly helpful and even engaged our young son. They not only recommended new strings, our original question, they are putting them on for us. They also tuned our instrument and even taught us a quick song. It’s obvious that music is their passion and excellent customer service is part of their DNA.
Incredible guitar selection, felt free to roam around and sample with no pressure to buy from the owners. I even sat down with an accordion and everyone pretended they weren’t annoyed! Great service, great shop.
Favorite shop in Austin! Great selection of gear for the store size and theres always a good number of vintage and oddball guitars to keep you coming back. Staff is always super friendly and helpful (and not pushy), even if youre just picking up strings or walking out empty handed.Ben in the repair shop is the real star of the show, though. He always does excellent work on my instruments, hes a great communicator, and is incredibly generous with his time.Shop local and support the awesome Austin music staple!
Tried to swindle me. Took a banjo in hoping to get a reasonable offer and he offered me $300 cash on the rate of 50% of what theyd sell it for. Sounded fairly reasonable. We both knew it was a 1950s or 60s gibson banjo. I took it into Guitar Center and the specialist there told me outright that guitar center would be sending me a low-ball offer of 40% more than what theyd sell for. Guitar Center told me theyd buy it on the spot for $600!! Either the owner of South Austin Music doesnt know how to appraise a vintage banjo or he was trying to screw me over, and based on the prices I was quoted for my other instruments im thinking the ladder. Check out ebay, the Gibson TB-100s sell consistently for over $1000. Pretty sure this guy tried ripping me off.
Great music store. They had some incredible amplifiers. Petals selection was great. Thats a really nice guitars
Short story about why I absolutely love South Austin Music. After I sold one of my guitars on consignment with them last month (at a great rate), I found two Guild acoustics in the store that caught my eye. One of the staff, Cade (who is super nice and personable every time Im in the store, which has now become at least an hour-long visit most Saturdays), took both guitars down for me and let me pick on them a bit to see which one I preferred. He knew what made each one different and what each one brought to the table in terms of tone and performance. I told him I was leaning towards the traditional sunburst model and that Id probably be back to give it another play. The following Saturday, Cade called me personally to tell me that if I was still interested in that model, he and Billy would throw in the pickup free of charge. Billy was even kind enough to put it on hold for me, and today, not only did they install the pickup in the same afternoon, but they even waited a few minutes after store hours for me to race across town from work to pick it up. I have been so impressed with this whole experience, and let me tell you, this guitar is gorgeous. Ive lived in Austin for two and a half years now, and I can say without a doubt that South Austin Music is the best music shop in town. As a regularly gigging musician, I buy all my strings, picks, and other gear from this place, and unlike my past experiences with big-box music stores, I have never once felt any pressure from their staff to buy anything. All of their staff are great people, and they will treat you right 100% of the time—dont let anyone ever tell you different! Keep it local with South Austin Music!
A really cool guitar shop! Even had a quick jam with a real country star in the acoustic room. The people behind the counter were nice and accommodating.
This place is sweet. Super friendly staff, and they’ve got a bunch of cool guitars and amps. Let you hang out and play whatever you want! Great vibes.
The staff here is wonderful and the selection is awesome. There are lots of really cool vintage and weird instruments as well as high quality modern instruments. I bought an acoustic guitar and they gave me a free bag and two free t-shirts as well! Definitely shop here if youre in the market for an instrument.
It was many years ago that I was lost in Austin for the umpthteen time. I pulled into the store parking lot and had a good feeling that they would guide me back home. I stared in amazement at all the great gear. Since that fateful and grateful day, Ive found many great deals here - guitars, ukes, effects, you name it. Thank you for guiding me back to the kingdom of Cibolo. They have this great guitar built by Eric Danheim. For the thousandth time, My better half (by far) threatened divorce if I come home with another guitar. Drats!!!
Friendly helpful staff with no pressure sales... huge inventory of guitars...
I walked into this store and i was thoroughly impressed/entertained by their selection of instruments. If i lived in Austin i would be in deep trouble, as this store seemed to feed all my odd niche musical interests (killer baritone guitars, mandolins, banjos, Adirondack topped acoustic guitars, tenor guitars, funky offset electric guitars, vintage instruments, i could go on). Honestly one of the coolest stores Ive been to in a decade. Two thumbs up.
Amazing experience! The staff here are extremely helpful and nice. I definitely recommend coming to this store for any guitar needs!
South Austin Music revamped my guitar for me and I couldnt be happier with the work they did. Everyone I spoke with in the store was accommodating and was more than willing to give advice or answer my questions. Will definitely be coming back, thanks a lot!
Cool store. Small/medium selection depending on what you’re looking for. Some very cool vintage gear, and looks like a pretty robust shop for servicing instruments and amps. Definitely a place I’ll visit regularly for their used selection, to check out effects, and to grab accessories. Extremely friendly staff, chill vibe, every time I come in they tell me to come back anytime just to play guitars and try stuff out.
Great shop with great people.This place is the only music store that went out of their way to order the bass strings (funkmasters 90-30) i play. I always have to order them online which is a pain. Most shops just tell me they dont order them because nobody will buy them, but S.A.M. made it happen! Thank you for the great service!
A real music store that caters to real musicians. Didnt find a used guitar that sounded exceptionally good, but found some amps that did.
Best shop in Austin for guitar/bass gear. I’ve been going to them for amp/guitar repair for years now and also but a lot of gear from them. A lot of good used gear comes through their shop as well, so it’s always fun just to pop-in.
The people really make this place special. They are all incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Lots of great hidden gems and cool unusual instruments. Been coming to this shop for 16 years and will continue to do so. Support local businesses!
The guys who work here are so kind and knowledgeable. I most likely wont shop at any other music shop as long as I live in Austin. Thank you guys for the ukelele strings and the knowledge you shared. Especially Shane :)
This is my first choice for music equipment in Austin. Theyre really the nicest people Ive bought instruments from. Never rude, always helpful. Theyre the type of folks you want to do business with.About ten years ago, they helped me pick my first mandolin when I was a beginner and didnt know anything. Looking back now that Ive learned a lot more about mandolins, what they sold me really was really a great instrument at that price point. Pretty much the best thing I could have bought on my budget.Recently, I went in shopping for short scale basses. And they actually had the best selection in town. After debating on which of the.many good options I wanted, I got another good deal on a great instrument. I love that thing and they had theirs cheaper than Ebay, Reverb, or Craigslist.And thats where they excel. Really good stuff for the money. But also they just generally have cool used stuff, cool wierd stuff, and a chance to run into your local guitar or songwriting heros. Oh, and theyre both knowledgable and nice.The dog is pretty chill too.
I wanted to give a positive review for the repair done on my guitar by Ben. He leveled the frets to relieve a buzzing problem and returned the guitar to me playing better than I hoped. When I spoke to him about the repair, he showed concern for the cost, and let me know that he did only what was necessary to resolve the problem. In actuality, he did more, and I wanted to recognize his professionalism and concern for the instrument, and me the customer. I also wanted to mention that the entire staff at South Austin Music are a good bunch of guys who make you feel welcome in their store. Thanks Ben, and thanks guys!
Incredible selection of guitars. So much fun to visit. Have been having them look after my collection, including some fine pieces (Tom Petty Martin) and some odd pieces (Republic Resonator). Theyve really got them set up beautifully and sounding brilliant. The service is expert but totally laid back. Very Austin. Visit them before we lose them to the condos that are threatening their existence!
I took up a lot of Tims time asking all kinds of questions about bass, which Ive never played before. He was more helpful than anyone else Ive asked, had a lot of instruments for me to try, and didnt mind at all that I ended up deciding to go with a bass from somewhere else instead. I wish they had the one Im gonna get because I would love to give them my money instead of the chain Ill be buying from. Top notch shop.
I got a guitar from a friend that didn’t work very well as the cable was short and broken and the amp didn’t work. We tested it and the people there showed us it was the cable and the guitar, not the amp. We did what they recommended and now the guitar works great with a new cable, strings, and cleaned inside!
Dont know if I got his name but he suggested a few beginner guitars and I appreciated the thought that went into them. Stoked to play. Thanks, again!
If you ever need to get your guitar worked on from an intonation all the way up to Reef reading, these guys are absolutely professional fun-loving and deeply devoted to their craft!
Great store, super friendly staff!
These guys are the best in town. Welcome you into he shop as soon as walk in and always willing to answer all questions without any grief. Won’t shop anywhere else for my music equipment. Thanks guys!!!!
Sean is the absolute best! Super cool, knowledgable, and took his time to help me pick out the perfect ukulele. Highly recommend this place. Ask for Sean!
Amazing sales and service tons of inventory a guitar and bass players Paradise happy knowledgeable staff you got to check it out
Everything a guitar store should be. Good selection, knowledgeable employees, obscure guitar strings, local history. Even lesson rooms. Rock n Roll.
I poke around here when Im bored. Great gear, prices and staff. Always friendly and willing to help, whether its fixing a guitar, or helping you hook up to an amp. Wouldnt spend my money anywhere else.
Normally I have a great experience there however today the 4 decent gentleman working was extremely rude so I ended up not purchasing anything and decided to go down the road
Bill and the boys are good people and my friends now. Ive been buying here, by choice, for years. I live 25 miles away, but, will drive there out of loyalty! Support your local merchant like them!
The staff there made sure everyone was hand sanitized at entry, they were very nice and helpful and even gave me a free pick for coming in shopping even though I didnt buy anything, I will return.
Ben is the best guitar repairman in austin. Took like 10 minutes to change the strings, re-solder connection, replace wires, put new screws on jack, reinforce the jack and change the 9 volt. I barely got done playing 1 song on an incredible gibson they had before he came back out with my guitar. Not only that but it was cheaper than any other time ive had this repair done by at least $60. Going to guitar center when you live in austin is a waste of time and money. Stick with SAM.
For the last long while, I have been searching for a Sting (The Police) Telecaster style bass. Walked into this shop, and there it was. It is a Delta Blues machine. Appreciate the owner Bill helping me out. Thanks, Jimbo.
This store has been an Austin staple for years. I love it and the staff is fantastic. Best guitar and amp selection in town!
Super friendly and professional staff! I have been there a few times and always leave with a new guitar or pedal, but most importantly a big smile on my face.
Fair and honest folks here will go the extra mile for you. They repaired my banjo and got it set up to sound better than I had hoped. Nice selection of instruments, too.
Walked in and immediately felt at home. The staff are not pushy, and very knowledgeable. Were so willing to impart the musical and local knowledge.
Great shop, staff is extremely nice and helpful. Looking forward to retuning soon
Have been shopping here since the store first opened. Honest, Friendly, and knowledgeable staff always ready to assist me on every visit. Thanks for there being a shop like this!
Great selection, great staff, and an awesome local business – I intend to keep buying my guitars here
Great people very friendly
Five star customer service, great selection! They actually go out of their way to help you. I bet they make a killing because this kind of service earns repeat customers.
The only place I’ll ever go to buy a guitar. Period.
Super knowledgeable staff. Also a very kind and warm interaction. Highly recommend this shop to anyone.
These guys are just amazing. Super Knowledgeable and helpful. Keep it local!
Best Place to go, tons of great knowledgeable staff & the selection is great from used to new
Excellent service. Enjoyable lots to chose from bought a parlor. It was fun
Great experience here today. This will be my new store to buy gear.
They have a great selection of vintage and unique instruments
Great music shop, great people, lots of knowledge, great selection of, well everything
Awesome service, knowledge, selection, and didn’t try to oversell. Super helpful to a beginner!!
Friendly, helpful staff willing to go the extra mile to make sure you get exactly what you need. Highly recommend!
Always exceptional service! They truly deserve your business.
Cool spot, a real treat compared to guitar center.
Staff was very attentive and helpful. They boast quality of selection over quantity.
These guys rock!! Super helpful, honest and want you to succeed!
Friendly, knowledgeable people make your visit pleasant and affordable!
Awesome selection, extremely helpful and chill! Thank you for a great experience.
Great staff! Lots of really cool finds...Local is the way to go!
Great service, great selections
Always great customer service
Very knowledgeable staff, very willing to help you find what you are looking for.
Great place to find hidden gems! service is excellent!
Great for those rare finds or things you never have seen.
Nice collection of vintage equipment and new
Nice selection. Really nice staff
Great people, great help and knowledge.
There is nowhere else I go for my music equipment.
Great and honest service.
Great local music store
Wow. That pretty much gets it.
Most awesome staff!
Very helpful
I love you
Best in town!
Awesome place.
I am so grateful for this music store. Every single person that works here is a treasure. Never go anywhere else in the Austin area. If you need a job done right go to South Austin Music
Lovely guys are working in the store. Everything is thoroughly permeated with the spirit of Texas, country and Rock and Roll. You can buy a good vintage guitar. In the presence of a large selection of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, ukulele, banjo. There is own workshop.Good shop with great electro guitars, acoustic guitars, banjo, ukuleles and other music stuff
Total reviews rating 4.8
107 Reviews for South Austin Music 2023:
Review №1
2022-04-07We love to stop by South Austin Music any and every time we roll through town!! This store is stacked with top of the line new and vintage gear that will keep your attention locked. Sean was especially helpful during our last visit to the shop. Thank you Sean and the stellar team at South Austin Music!
Review №2
2022-06-14An insanely jam packed little shop full of beautiful guitars, amps, and pedals. Brought in a guitar for consignment and quickly came to an agreement, will update after sale.These guys know whats up and can hook you up!
Review №3
2022-08-01They will welcome you no matter what your knowledge or skill level is. They’ll help you if you want, and if you have any questions or just want to try out some gear, they’re there for you. I honestly love this place. I’ve also sold gear here bc of a money emergency and they walked me through and gave me more than i could get anywhere else I could find to buy same day. yeah shop local, but still, this is more than just a local austin store. theyre the complete opposite of the archetypal music store “snob” mentality or the guitar center salesman mentality. they won’t lie, they’ll tell you exactly how it was and won’t push you into a purchase. honest, genuine, and ducking clutch af.
Review №4
2022-07-24Went in to see if they had a DI for my bass. They didn’t have what I was originally looking for but they did have an off brand direct in box that i wanted. I looked up the price new on sweetwater and it was under $60 so I figured it would be $60 or less. They took it out of the case and told me it was $200 something. Needless to say I was kinda shocked and yes it was the same pedal I found online they marked it up that much I was and still am confused by this.I didn’t want to give this place a 1 star because it seems like people like it but I’m gonna have to
Review №5
2018-12-22Great staff, super friendly. Was greeted and asked if I needed help within a few seconds of entering the store. Great selection of all various guitars and accessories you would need as well as amps. Please like if this review was helpful.
Review №6
2022-07-11Just went in with my cousin, i don’t know much about guitars but the staff was super nice and even taught me a little beatles song on the uke! felt very comfortable and welcomed despite having no background :)
Review №7
2021-12-25Cannot thank the wonderful staff of this fantastic guitar shop enough. My 7 year old is curious about rock and roll and these guys made him feel 100% at home. They answered his questions and let him try out multiple axes. We are from out of state and based on this experience, I will buy from them and ship vs buy near my home. Long live the great indie guitar shops, this is absolutely one! Thanks again!
Review №8
2022-03-13Absolutely the best experience Ive had!! New to guitar, these guys took the time and were gracious in helping me figure out my instrument --- they have a customer for life and Im excited about lessons!
Review №9
2022-03-26UNBELIEVABLE this store is so amazing!!!!!!!The people who work here, the guitars along the wall, the endless pedals and gadgets and rare finds that you won’t see other places in town.I’ve said this before…. I’ll say it again.If you’re strummin’, then South Austin Music is where you should be comin’:-)
Review №10
2019-08-07Very helpful and friendly staff. As a musician, my husband was in 7th heaven. Willing to set up so one can play instruments. We were on vacation & went to several music stores in Austin. Salespeople were not pushy at all. And yes, we left with a mandolin. 😊