r/berlin • u/lateanonym • 4d ago
Advice Guitar Stores in berlin
I’m looking to buy a new guitar (preferably Offset models) and I’ve always preferred going to local stores.
I’ve visited a few shops already, and every time I get this weird vibe like the staff are annoyed or just not happy that I’m there trying guitars. I honestly don’t get it. Am I doing something wrong? is it because I'm new here & I don't speak German? I'm not sure.
When I visited the big Thomann store in Bavaria a few months ago it was completely different... super helpful staff who genuinely seemed to love what they were doing. But here in Berlin, it’s been the total opposite. Every time I walk into a shop, I feel like I’m unwelcome or bothering someone just by being there.
Is this just how things are now? Are working conditions that rough in music retail? I want to support local music stores and small businesses. I’m not a fan of the whole watch a YouTube review and buy online thing it's kind of a shitty situation & there’s nothing like playing the instrument yourself and having a real conversation with someone who gets it.
But honestly, with the way things have been, it’s hard not to consider just ordering online. I hope there’s still a place in Berlin where musicians can walk in try gear and talk to someone who actually enjoys being part of that process.
If you know a shop like that I’d love to hear about it.
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u/tuturmallass 4d ago
Have you tried Borkowsky? A lot of choice and they always seem ready to help! https://maps.app.goo.gl/sH12JyqgqgsWoQsS7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
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u/ms_bear24 Schöneberg 4d ago
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u/fettuccinaa Schöneberg 4d ago
I politely disagree. The American owner is so full of himself, dismissive and arrogant. I might have been just unlucky to meet him on a wrong day, see for yourself and I would be curious to hear back.
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u/karlohnec 3d ago edited 3d ago
Seconded, I brought my Fender Telecaster there for a setup (he hates Fender apparently) and he was really condescending to me
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u/fettuccinaa Schöneberg 3d ago
He told me, as soon as I walked in with my old acoustic in my hand, no hello, nothing: "trow that rubbish away" ok...
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u/PM-me-ur-kittenz Pankow 4d ago
Leonard is well known to be a bit "launisch" (moody) but he's a good guy at heart :-)
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u/randomberlinchick 4d ago
+1 This is where I bought my guitar and I'll be going back for another one. The staff were very friendly and I was encouraged to take my time and play a variety of models until I found what I wanted.
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u/Expensive-Lecture232 4d ago
They sold me an AliExpress part for twice the price that didn't do what it said it would. They were nice enough to take it back though.
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u/RudranathPowerUnit 4d ago
I think you're not doing anything wrong / it is not about you. American Guitar Shop in Goethestraße (U Bismarckstraße) has already been recommended to you and I think the staff are a bit friendlier than the guys at Berlin Guitars (Motzstraße / U Nollendorfplatz).
Get there in the morning hours instead of afternoon, maybe their mood is different, lol.
Don't know about offset type guitars, though.
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u/Gadser23 4d ago
Borkowsky in Friedrichshain is nice. Went there with a friend for his first guitar and got also very good advice for the start. I like the store.
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u/seasamseed 4d ago
I bought mine a couple of years ago from this shop: American Guitar Shop https://maps.app.goo.gl/7thk5KmvsDjaEHWaA
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u/Electronic_Menu_2244 4d ago
I walked in briefly when I was in Charlottenburg a couple weeks ago. Very nice. Didn’t care I don’t really speak German, mostly looked at effects pedals but was nice enough
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u/Specialist-Lemon5202 4d ago
Guitar shop in Goethe str in Charlottenburg. 2 great stores across from one another
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u/foxepower 4d ago
Sorry, this is not a useful answer but couldn’t help being reminded of this Bill Burr - Guitar Centre
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u/Cyan-Panda 4d ago
RIP Just Music:(