The Music Store in Columbia — Guitars, Lessons, and Repairs

What The Music Store offers and where to find it

The Music Store is a guitar-focused shop in Columbia that sells new and used guitars, offers repair services, and provides lessons. The store carries acoustic and electric guitars along with amplifiers, strings, picks, and other accessories. If you're looking for a specific instrument or need your guitar serviced, this is a local option worth visiting before ordering online.

The shop is located in the Five Points area of Columbia, a neighborhood known for local businesses and foot traffic. You can visit in person to handle instruments before buying, ask staff about what's in stock, or call ahead if you're searching for something specific. The store also posts updates about new arrivals and sales on social media, so following them can alert you to deals or hard-to-find items.

Key Takeaways

• The Music Store sells new and used guitars, amplifiers, and accessories in a physical location where you can see and play instruments before purchasing.
• The shop offers guitar repair and maintenance services, including setups, string replacements, and damage fixes.
• Lessons are available through the store, taught by instructors who work with beginners and more advanced players.
• Visiting in person lets you ask staff about inventory, get recommendations based on your budget and skill level, and avoid shipping costs on heavier items like amplifiers.

Buying guitars and gear at The Music Store

The store stocks both new guitars from established manufacturers and used instruments at lower price points. New guitars typically come with a warranty, while used guitars are inspected and priced based on condition. Staff can explain the differences between guitar types — solid-body electrics, hollow-body electrics, dreadnought acoustics, and classical nylon-string models — and help you narrow down options based on what kind of music you want to play.

Beyond guitars, the shop carries amplifiers in various wattages, which matters if you're playing at home versus performing. Accessories like strings, picks, capos, straps, tuners, and cables are stocked, so you can grab what you need without a separate trip. Prices on accessories are often comparable to online retailers, and buying locally means you support a Columbia business and avoid shipping delays when you need something immediately.

Repair and setup services

Guitar repair at The Music Store includes setups — adjusting the action (string height), intonation, and truss rod to make a guitar play better — as well as fixing damage like cracks, broken headstocks, or worn frets. A setup typically costs less than a full repair and can transform how an instrument feels and sounds. If you've bought a used guitar or inherited one that hasn't been played in years, a setup is often the first step.

The store also replaces strings, installs new pickups, repairs electronics, and refinishes instruments. Turnaround time varies depending on how busy the shop is and how complex the work is, so call ahead to ask about wait times. Bringing your guitar in person lets the technician examine it and give you an estimate before starting work.

Guitar lessons through the store

The Music Store offers lessons for beginners and intermediate players. Instructors teach acoustic and electric guitar, and lessons can focus on specific styles — rock, blues, folk, classical — or general technique. Lesson length and frequency are flexible, so you can arrange weekly sessions or less frequent lessons depending on your schedule and budget.

Taking lessons at a music store has a practical advantage: if you need a new string, pick, or capo during a lesson, the shop has it on hand. Instructors can also recommend which guitar or amplifier might suit your goals, drawing on their knowledge of what the store has in stock. If you're not sure whether you want to commit to lessons, ask about trial sessions or shorter introductory packages.

Visiting The Music Store in person

The Five Points location makes The Music Store accessible by car or on foot if you're in the neighborhood. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots. The shop's hours vary by season, so check their website or call before visiting to make sure they're open, especially on weekends or holidays.

When you visit, bring any specific questions about what you're looking for — budget, guitar type, intended use — so staff can point you toward options that fit. If you're a beginner, don't hesitate to say so; experienced staff expect questions and can explain features without jargon. If you're picking up a repair, confirm the work is complete and ask for a brief explanation of what was done so you understand the service.

How The Music Store compares to online and chain retailers

Online retailers offer wider selection and sometimes lower prices, but you can't play an instrument before buying. Chain music stores like Guitar Center have multiple locations and large inventories, but staff availability and expertise vary. The Music Store's advantage is local knowledge, personalized service, and the ability to handle repairs on-site without shipping your guitar across the country.

For accessories and common items, prices may be similar to online options. For used guitars, rare finds, or repair work, a local shop often provides better value because you're not paying for shipping and you can discuss your specific needs face-to-face. If you're new to guitar and want guidance, a local shop's instructors and staff are easier to build a relationship with than an online retailer's chat support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a guitar at The Music Store to take lessons there?

No. You can take lessons whether you own a guitar or not. If you don't have an instrument yet, instructors can recommend what to buy based on your budget and goals, and the store can sell you one. Many beginners rent or borrow a guitar while taking lessons to see if they want to continue before investing in their own.

How long does a guitar repair usually take?

Simple repairs like string replacement or a basic setup can often be done the same day or within a few days. More complex work like fret replacement, crack repair, or custom modifications may take one to three weeks depending on the shop's workload. Call ahead with details about what needs fixing so staff can give you a realistic timeline.

What should I bring if I'm selling a used guitar to The Music Store?

Bring the guitar itself, any original case or gig bag, and documentation if you have it — a receipt, serial number, or proof of purchase. The shop will inspect the instrument's condition, playability, and market demand before making an offer. Prices for used guitars vary widely based on brand, age, condition, and current demand.

Can I order a guitar that's not in stock?

Many music stores can order guitars from distributors or manufacturers, though it may take several weeks and you'll typically pay full retail price. Call or visit to ask whether The Music Store orders special requests and what the timeline and cost would be. For rare or vintage instruments, a local shop may have connections to find what you're looking for.

Are there discounts for buying multiple items or for students?

Discount policies vary by store. Ask staff whether they offer discounts on bundles (guitar plus amplifier plus accessories), student rates, or seasonal sales. Following the store on social media or signing up for their email list can alert you to promotions and new inventory.