The best guitar stores in Maine
Ranked by the players who actually walk in and plug in — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 11,016 reviews of Maine stores. Minimum 25 reviews to qualify, true guitar & music stores only, one location per chain, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.
#1 Musician's 1st Choice
4.8 ★★★★★ 363 reviews · Augusta, ME
Musical instrument and music gear shop carrying new and used instruments for guitar shredders, bass players and other musicians.
“Great place, low pressure and very knowledgeable sales guy. I have been a guitar player for many years, looking to play a little bass since, my latest jamming buddies all play 6 st…” — Ed
#2 Northern Kingdom Music
4.8 ★★★★★ 315 reviews · Bangor, ME
Independently run shop for acoustic, electric and bass guitars as well as amplifiers and pedals, plus lessons.
“Been here twice so far, and will definitely keep coming back. Staff is super awesome, knowledeable and friendly. The prices are competitive, and the store itself is organized very …” — O
#3 Guitar Center
4.1 ★★★★☆ 550 reviews · Portland, ME
Chain store selling acoustic and electric guitars, drums, amps, keyboards, recording equipment, and other instruments.
“Hands down Nick and his crew rock! I recently made a stupid impulsive decision out of things being tight to sell my guitar. I ended up regretting it so much it was like a part of m…” — Dominic
#4 J&H Music
5 ★★★★★ 137 reviews · Oakland, ME
Shop for new and used musical instruments plus lessons and repairs.
“I was loyal to Down Home Music growing up in Oakland Maine. Left the state for many years and returned to find it turned into J&H music where I used to rent VHS tapes. Couldn’t be …” — Caleb
#5 The Drum Shop
4.7 ★★★★★ 153 reviews · Portland, ME
Big selection of new and used drums, cymbals and hardware along with instruction.
“Great area, knowledgeable and nice staff, everything you need under one roof, and for the rare finds they can get you what you want. I have many more trips in store for the Drum Sh…” — Ken
#6 Buckdancer's Choice Music Co.
4.6 ★★★★★ 119 reviews · Portland, ME
New and used guitar store catering to new players and pros, featuring amps, banjos, pedals and mics.
“I've been a patron of Buckdancer's for years. I've purchased multiple guitars, ukulele's, a merlin, a keyboard, a mic set up and a host of other items like strings, picks, straps, …” — Lou
#7 Sohl Guitars
5 ★★★★★ 49 reviews · Harrison, ME
Luthier specializing in fretwork options, bass setups and repairs.
“Matt does set ups for my bass guitars as well as my fellow bandmates guitars for our band Moments Of! He takes great care of our instruments! His attention to detail is unmatched! …” — Kyle
#8 Knapp's Music Center
4.5 ★★★★★ 74 reviews · Bangor, ME
Veteran music store featuring pianos and other instruments, plus lessons.
“Truly a great *real* mom and pop music shop. Real musicians working there and great selection, service and lessons! I picked up a nice Normandy special clarinet for $180 and was tr…” — Brian
#9 KMH Music
4.8 ★★★★★ 54 reviews · Presque Isle, ME
Friendly musical instrument shop also offering lessons, plus repairs and vinyl records.
“KMH came through BIG TIME! I was working with my friend providing complete stage production (lights, sound, drums and keys, everything except guitars) for a act flown in from Vegas…” — Chris
#10 Portland Percussion
4.5 ★★★★★ 59 reviews · Gray, ME
Retailer of drums, guitars and bass guitars (including Tama models).
“My absolute favorite music store in the Portland area! Mike and the rest of the staff are both knowledgeable about their product and exceptionally friendly every time I’ve been in …” — Austin