Joel's Guitar Shop — Local services in Alpena

I bought my first guitar from him when i was 15. he sold me a starter guitar (squire) that should've been around $100, however i was charged over $250. he didnt give me a case, or throw in any picks or strings either. i also bought the smallest amp he had, smaller than a microwave, and he charged over $120 for that as well. i left the store with about $120 of merchandise and paid almost $400 for it. The worst part is the service. I've never seen anyone act so rude to customers before. on 3 separate occasions i've seen him get into yelling matches with customers right in the middle of the store, shouting out threats and acting like hes about to get into a fight. a hostile environment like that is just unnecessary. i waited years to approach him about how he ripped me off, i even told him that i wasnt mad i just want and explanation and i want to become a customer of your store again. He responded with a myriad of profanity calling me everything except kind sir. Worst business in town. I hope the store...

I have given this place the benefit of the doubt every time I go in. I got my first guitar here when I was younger and my family didn't know better, we were definitely overcharged. I am a local and by no means an advanced guitar player and I doubt many who enters that building are so naturally I ask questions whenever I (attempt) to purchase or trade. Every time I ask a valid question the responses I get from Joel himself or other staff are demeaning and they look at you as though you're from a different planet. No friendly faces or customer service. Normally I would just chalk it up to them having a bad day but it's been going on for years. Today is the last time I will ever entertain the idea of Joels. Everything is overpriced for what it's worth. You'd honestly save more money and dignity driving to a guitar center in a different town or buying off amazon. 0/10 will be taking my business...

I heard about this place from my brother and went to check it out. Was actually looking to purchase a marimba for my brother's granddaughter. Met a very bright and Knowledgeable woman, whose name I did not get. She had a marimba there and proceeded to show me how to tune it. She was a joy to talk with and learn a bit from, but she talked me out of buying, for the time being. I would highly recommend this store to anyone looking for nice guitars, any other assorted gear, and straight forward honest dealings. Also learned they have an impromptu jam session for area musicians on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Definitely...