Robb’s Boulder Music

I find them very helpful with anything I had gone into there to look for, even unusual parts for my guitar, that I didn’t know the names of. I had gone there from Woodsongs Lutherie, who were not helpful. And they got the part I was looking for, for a nylon string guitar that was damaged at the bridge.

A. They are Local
B. They are friendly and they care
C. Their repairs, though a little slow– are well done.
D. I can’t speak to inventory for instruments, as I don’t buy instruments regularly– but when I need parts, strings, pics, etc… to keep my mandolin running, they are my go to in Boulder.
I dropped an amp off to be fixed by their tech, who happened to be out w/​the flu the few days before I needed it for a gig. When amp wasn’t ready on time, they were very helpful in finding an amp to loan me at no cost so that I could play that night. They went above and beyond and for that I’ll be a customer for a long time.

There are very simple customer service skills forgotten on a daily basis when speaking, teaching, or selling to someone in your own personal field of expertise. Acting like you know what a beginner musician, or any customer NEEDS is foolish. Probing questions & genuine kindness will give you the best idea of what a customer wants & what they are looking to achieve. Building a solid report, along with supplying your own knowledge will assist them in making their own smart decision. I have worked in sales, cx, & technical support since college & I will always go back to Robb’s Music in Boulder. Even if they were more expensive which is not the case. The customer service I got the past few weeks was phenomenal from beginning to end, & I never bought anything until today! George took time explaining to me my different options, & a few different ways to approach the beginner to intermediate setup I was looking for. I visited as well as called guitar centre to get all my options, I was template matched as a noob, which is true for music, but I am very technically intelligent. I had some questions & both in the store as well as on the phone I was told I did not need what I was looking to buy & I was made fun of verbally due to a lack of musical knowledge. Robb’s Music is closer for me, it was also cheaper; however if it wasn’t George told me they are willing to work with their customers on price match options. Time was taken on this purchase by myself & the folks at Robb’s, it was a big deal for me & they matched my excitement level. I had to do a lot of research, & even put my items on hold to do more to make sure I was getting a good deal. I definitely did! The guys at Robb’s Music took their time with me to win a good customer & future friend. I can’t thank you enough… #localbusinessforthewin

Nice shop, helpful staff. Inventory is getting thin these days though.

Robb’s Boulder Music came through for me recently in two situations where I really needed them. I had friends visiting from out of town to play music – we needed to rent some equipment and I also needed a powered speaker repaired. The speaker was handled by Ryan who is their repair person. I called the poor guy a bunch of times as I really needed the speaker by a specific date. They were busy and backed up, but Ryan was always gracious on the phone. He came off as professional and knowledgable. Most importantly, he was able to fix my speaker and have it ready in time. The rental equipment was good quality and picking up/​dropping off the gear was very easy. I’m new in town and this was a very good first experience with Robb’s Boulder Music. I will not hesitate going to them again for my music needs.

Robb’s music is a survivor. I think this is the third location for them since I’ve been either living in or heading up to Boulder since the 70’s but they’re still here. So, they’re still doing something… no, a lot of things right. Keep on keepin’ on!

AMAZING SERVICE! I went in with a cymbal I purchased in July. The cymbal was showing signs of keyholing and cracking. The person who helped me was assisting my in sending it back to the manufacturer, which I thought was right on point. I decided to browse the store a bit before leaving and to my surprise, the guy who was helping just pulled another cymbal off the shelf and gave it to me as my replacement. He told me that he would deal with the manufacturer as they are excellent with their warranties. What I thought was gonna take weeks took a matter of minutes. Now that is EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! If you ever need musical equipment and want it done right… GO HERE!!!

I haven’t purchased any musical instruments here, but the store is staffed by amiable Boulder hippie-​types (and I mean that as a compliment). I imagine they would be super helpful and patient in helping you locate your heart’s desire. I have rented sound equipment from here, and they’re always so chill. They are affordable and easy to work with. You usually end up with Mackie speakers. They make sure you have everything you need. They are happy to test out every piece of equipment to be sure it works before you leave, and they always make sure you have more than enough cables. Peace out.

I’ve been in Robb’s several times over the past year. They have a pretty good selection of music books and a nice variety of instruments and accessories. I love the selection of picks and was quite pleased to see they carry the Cool Pick brand, my choice in picks.
The employees are quite friendly I’ve asked a few questions and been happy with the responses, advice, and general willingness to provide information. I stopped in a few months back to get advice on a Bass and received good information on it and that I needed to look at Bass specific amps, which I wasn’t aware of.
It seems to be hit or miss in getting a knowledgable employee though. When I recently dropped in to finally buy a new guitar, in part because of the prior help but also due the immediate need on my part, the employees couldn’t tell me the difference between several similar guitar models.
A few days later, after getting it back from the free setup, I asked the employee what was done to the guitar and rather than provide details of the work done, he said it was made «awesome». When pressed, he rattled off a list of the work commonly done vs what problems might have been discovered and corrected. I appreciate the enthusiasm and absolute belief in the abilities of the luthier, but it doesn’t really help.
I’m certain to be returning as I’m on a journey of self discovery and they have many interesting instruments.

Robb’s is the place to go. Great inventory for most kinds of music, friendly employees who’ve been working there forever, good lesson spaces, and great prices.

NERD ALERT: I play clarinet in the marching and basketball bands at CU. This means I need reeds… and lots of them.
Robb’s carries standard reeds (Vandorens and Ricos) which is suits me just fine, I’m way past the point in my life where I have to buy the really fancy (read: expensive) brands. Their prices are less expensive than Woodsongs and they give you a nice discount if you buy an entire box. They also carry just about any other woodwind accessories you could need — reed cases, swabs, lyres, etc.
I’m partial to the new location because it’s right down the street from my house, but it seems to be a bigger and more organized space. Even though it’s usually busy, there’s always parking to be found.

I dropped by the new Robb’s location to pick up a guitar pedal for an event I was performing at. I’d been to their previous [downtown] location a billion times, so I was eager to check out the new space.
Larger, brighter and much more welcoming. That’s probably the best way I can describe it. The old Robb’s was dark, a little cramped and thereby a little intimidating. The new one has a great openness to it — plus knowledgeable staff that won’t bowl you over with a willingness to help, but I kinda prefer it that way. If I’ve got a question, I’ll ask it. Otherwise, they leave you alone — which is great.
The prices are a touch higher than what you may find elsewhere, but they’re not as annoying as Guitar Centers tend to be, so I’m okay with paying a premium for a lack of garbage.
For the record, I picked up a Boss Blues Driver, and it sounded great.

Decent selection of guitars and the staff is usually helpful, however the amp selection is terrible and they no longer have the used stuff that they used to have at the old location. Also the guitar teachers that teach here are generally awful, although I haven’t met all of them so I suppose there could be a good one. Generally, their prices run a little high so I buy all my expensive gear online and only come here for accessories. Bring back the used stuff, Robb’s! Just because you’re basically the only guitar shop in town doesn’t mean you can’t be cool.
Oh and the guitar tech is decent, he fixed a major problem with my bass but missed some smaller stuff.

Boulder is lucky to have two music shops in town with great staff, Robb’s and Woodsong’s. Robb’s more rock/​electric end, Woodsong’s acoustic/​folk side of the spectrum. One day I was at Robb’s looking for a mic, and the guy said, «you know, we don’t carry that mic but it’s a good one, let me call Woodsong’s for you — they might have it.» And I responded, «that’s funny, I was just there and they just offered to call you guys for me too!»
Is that great or what?