Helpful guitar salespeople in Pittsburgh (Greensburg, McKees Rocks: rentals, purchase, schools)

[pittsburgh-guy]

I am looking to purchase a guitar, but have no experience with the instrument. Could anyone recommend a store (preferably in the North) in the Pittsburgh area that has salespeople that are good with helping beginners?

Thanks!

[highway29south]

Hollowood music over in McKees Rocks. They seem very good. Also, Volkwein's near the Montour Run Road exchange off the Parkway West. They handle all of the student rentals for the local schools and they cater to professionals too. They helped my daughter a lot when she was looking for beginner music for her keyboard.

Sorry, I know you said North of the city but I only know west!

[Renaldo5000]

What is your price range and what exactly are you looking for?

As I remember, Johnny B. Goode's is above Hollowood's Music. It is a used store that can have some pretty good deals.

[pittsburgh-guy]

Thanks for your responses. I am looking at acoustic guitars (more specifically, I don't know, and I'm hoping that's where I can get some guidance from wherever I end up going), and my price range is probably no more than about $200. I don't need anything really nice, at least not yet.

I've never thought about checking out used stores, but that sounds like something I should look into - Thanks for the advice.

[Renaldo5000]

You want to spend no less than $200 in my opinion. Cheaper than that and you will get a piece of crap that is frustrating to play because of its low quality.

Look into used Yamahas. They are cheap, of decent quality and play well. Like I said, check out Johnny B. Goodes. Also check out Pianos and Stuff's used section (in the basement) out in Blawnox.

[onwardandupward]

Pianos N'Stuff; 486 Freeport Road, Blawnox, is a small family-owned store with very knowledgeable salespeople; many are musicians. They have both new and used acoustic and electric guitars.

[tranceFusion]

I hate to not support local businesses, but don't go to a music store. There are two reasons.. people that work at music stores are generally asshats. Yes, there are a few out there that aren't, but as a newbie, you don't want to mistakenly fall into the hands of the 80% crowd. Second.. each store is an authorized retailer of only a few brands. This greatly narrows your shopping options. You are always going to get pushed into the entry level model that this store is selling.

[Renaldo5000]

Originally Posted by tranceFusion

I hate to not support local businesses, but don't go to a music store. There are two reasons.. people that work at music stores are generally asshats. Yes, there are a few out there that aren't, but as a newbie, you don't want to mistakenly fall into the hands of the 80% crowd. Second.. each store is an authorized retailer of only a few brands. This greatly narrows your shopping options. You are always going to get pushed into the entry level model that this store is selling.

The guys at Pianos and Stuff, Hollowoods and Johnny B. Goodes know what they are talking about and they aren't pushy. Also, your comment on these stores only carrying a few brands is not true; they have a decent selection of new brands and a lot of used stuff.

[groar]

i'll second the suggestion of pianos n' stuff.

also i've heard mixed opinions of acoustic music works in squirrel hill, but i've always had good experiences there, and he specializes in acoustic guitars (among other acoustic instruments), obviously. it's not cheap though.

[neurodistortion]

I only know of Guitar Center in Monroeville and Robinson, and Vittone's Music in Greensburg.