The best guitar stores in Iowa
Ranked by the players who actually walk in and plug in — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 9,515 reviews of Iowa stores. Minimum 25 reviews to qualify, true guitar & music stores only, one location per chain, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.
#1 Money & More
4.8 ★★★★★ 628 reviews · Waterloo, IA
“Casey is a really cool helpful and informational person who makes my experiences with this business worth coming to. Really friendly staff and really cool stuff can be found here.” — Crowvisionyoh
#2 Guitar Center
4.3 ★★★★☆ 813 reviews · West Des Moines, IA
Large chain carrying acoustic and electric guitars plus amps, drums and keyboards.
“My daughter and I stopped in with her Fender to ask for help with an issue. The staff greeted us with a friendly smile and helpful attitude. The repairman worked on her guitar righ…” — Jennifer
#3 Professional Music Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 329 reviews · Clive, IA
Relaxed music store for guitars (electric, acoustic, bass, vintage, and ukuleles), plus amps and pedals.
“I truly love this place. Trent Litten and his staff are very helpful. If they don't have it on hand they are more than happy to order it for you. Whether you play Acoustic guitar, …” — Michael
#4 Ray's Midbell Music
4.9 ★★★★★ 260 reviews · Sioux City, IA
Guitar shop, drum retailer and other stringed instruments store featuring sheet music, pianos and clarinet repair services.
“Every time I go in, there’s always great service provided by the whole staff. I do want to give a special call out to the man Phil. Absolute professional and knows his stuff. Very …” — Chris
#5 West Music Coralville
4.6 ★★★★★ 317 reviews · Coralville, IA
Retailer of new and used pianos, guitars and other instruments, with lessons and repairs.
“Excellent service. We had a small repair on a clarinet, and they were able to quickly fix it while we were there! My son has a concert tomorrow night so this was wonderful!” — Miriam
#6 Uptempo Music
4.7 ★★★★★ 275 reviews · Des Moines, IA
Friendly, local music shop selling new and used instruments, accessories and sheet music.
“Just got my sons first guitar from here. They were very helpful and some of the friendliest people I've ever met! Me playing guitar my whole life and them not knowing that and not …” — Brittany
#7 Rieman Music - Urbandale
4.5 ★★★★★ 328 reviews · Urbandale, IA
Instrument store, specializing in pianos and ukuleles as well as repairs and rentals for students.
“Very beautiful store!! I had sent Ron an email Sunday afternoon when they were closed asking about a part on my daughter's clarinet. Thanks to his prompt reply to my email answerin…” — Christina
#8 Lidgett Music
4.9 ★★★★★ 199 reviews · Council Bluffs, IA
Guitar store and online shop stocking a wide range of acoustic, electric and other guitars, plus amps.
“That music store sells only that relate to guitars. From my experiences of music stores, this place has the best customer service.” — Richard
#9 Rondinelli Music/Audio
4.9 ★★★★★ 112 reviews · Dubuque, IA
Music store selling guitars, amps, drums and basses, and sound gear.
“Polite and extremely knowledgeable staff. A wide variety of instruments, amps, sound equipment & services, and supplies. For example: They will talk to you about the kinds of music…” — Slw
#10 Sleister Music
4.9 ★★★★★ 111 reviews · Ankeny, IA
Popular local music store specializing in instrument maintenance, rentals and repairs.
“OH MY! If you need instrument repairs, this is the place to go. Colton and his staff are extremely knowledgeable, helpful and very professional. Well organized shop run by people w…” — Mike