Retrofret Vintage Guitars — Local services in New York

The "shop" (more like a museum really that just so happens to sell their pieces) is situated in a quiet Brooklyn street in an unassuming building, with no big signs out front announcing what lies inside. And what lies inside is a collection of vintage stringed instruments that will make your jaw drop the first time you step inside and see it.

Stuff of legend that you've heard about, all there in person. Not only do you get to be up close to these historical artifacts with a chance of actually owning them, but the employees at Retrofret will make you feel welcome and urge you to try out the instruments. They have chairs and sofas throughout the store with picks, thumb picks, tuners and capos on little tables on the side.

They are so very friendly and truly love what they do and it shows. They'll chat with you about their beloved stock and music in general with infectious enthusiasm.

In other words, you're going to absolutely...

I took a trip into Brooklyn yesterday and decided to head into Retrofret Vintage Guitars. I'd been meaning to go check them out for a while and have read nothing but great things about everyone there and I must say I agree. All the people that I met at Retrofret were really cool and very knowledgeable.

When I 1st pulled up and needed a place to park my car, I was greeted by Ohsay and he was very kind to offer me a spot in there private lot. After he walked me up to the showroom I was met with some of the most impressive pieces of vintage instruments I've ever seen and when I started asking some pretty specific questions, they quickly introduced me to their "Resident Historian" Peter. Peter is a really smart and cool guy who knows a lot, especially old Gibson's.

I had a great time and will definately be back again.

Awesome shop. I highly recommend anyone interested in Vintage Instruments to go and check...

Retrofret is one of Brooklyn's best-kept secrets. There is a veritable treasure trove of vintage guitars (and a few new ones) on display at the head of the Gowanus Canal on Butler Street. The Retrofret staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and will invite you to play through their amazing collection of acoustic and electric instruments. Hard to think of another place where you can put down a Banner Gibson or pre-war Martin to pick up a 50's Telecaster or Les Paul and play it through an original Champ. I have seen many unique and significant guitars at Retrofret that I have not seen elsewhere. I also have to give a big shout out to their repair department. They have done great work on my guitars, and I've seen them do some amazing repairs and restorations over the years. They are a frequent stop of mine, and I love having them in my...