Retro Music — Local services in Keene

As far as used, vintage, quality instruments go, Retro Music has a top tier selection in Southern NH. That said, the good stuff is priced pretty highly and therefore the selection doesn’t get as much turnover as I’d hope. There’s a range of guitars from low to high-end, and I wish the store gave you the freedom to take them off the walls yourself.

An excellent amplifier selection, though I will say there’s a lot of cheap or boutique amps and not a lot in-between. A lot in the $2500-3500 range… classic early Fender heads and cabs.

There’s a small case of various microphones— mostly odds and ends of dynamic vocal mics. The nicest thing I’ve seen come through here was a Neumann TLM102, but that was certainly an outlier.

There’s a case of used pedals next to it. A lot of used low-mid options, drives particularly. It’s not the kind of place you can guarantee will have a pedal you’re looking for, but you may find something you haven’t heard of before.

There’s a rack of cheap 19” units in the back, similar to the pedal case, it’s low to mid quality but you may find something fun that fits your needs.

I think items here are more often overpriced than underpriced, but I’ve seen both and gotten some great deals if you’re able to keep up with the inventory.

It’s a sweet little shop, worth a stop in. I will say, though, try to stop in on a Friday or a Saturday. The bearded guy working those days is fantastic— kind, supportive, reasonable. I have had several negative interactions with the person who mans the shop Monday through Thursday. Somewhat dismissive, has given me incorrect information about some equipment that I’d like to buy. He’s still decent enough.

Hope this place sticks around, it’s time to support our local...

This is a place for buying instruments and gear.

Good selection of strings but wanted $25-30 for a pack of Normal gauge bass strings. Dont pay more than $20 for a pack, replacing strings on a bass isn't cheap and that extra $5-10 adds up. Id buy flats online for cheap if this store was my only option.

I brought my bass in to get a saddle or two adjusted, not knowing at the time that it was as simple as turning them really quick with a $1 Allen wrench.... (I thought you needed a specific tool, they did not clarify that it was an Allen wrench when asked)

Maybe a 1 minute job, they charged me $5, don't care too much about that, they are a business, but I was a little disappointed the guy didn't think to mention how simple It was to DIY. you go to these kind of places to learn more about your instrument, not just to be made a quick buck off of.

I still get my instrument setup on a yearly basis but I don't use Retro after that experience. I don't think I can afford a proper setup from them if a 30 second job costed $5.

However aside from that it's important to support local music stores like this, they seem like good guys and know more than anybody working at Guitar Center. So go in, ask lots of questions and get your...

Been looking for an early Martin 0-16ny, all over the world, found it at Jeff's intimate & unique music store, Retro Music! Communicated by Email, got an unhurried, personal service. No case? No problem! Sorted, and will be ready to ship to London, England, on Tuesday. Jeff has really pulled out all the stops to fulfill my dream guitar. I have bought guitars online from all over the world, but the kind of Service I received from this small store, beats anything else from anywhere, plus learned some useful info on vintage Martins. After checking the store out on Google street view, I almost feel I was a there myself. A truly inspiring human experience! And I haven't even received the guitar yet, must be Christmas! Thanks again Jeff, all the best. Dave...