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Bernunzio Uptown Music Since 1975, Bernunzio Uptown Music has been putting the best vintage instruments together with new ownersso they can create pretty music together. Whether you visit our showroom to sit to play a few of our fine instruments or browse our collection via the Web, you will find Bernunzio to be a sanctuary for instruments and musicians alike.
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Founded by master luthier Bill Collings, the Waterloo guitar line is a look back in time to when there was a genuine need for soulful tone that could be coaxed from simple instruments. The blues, country, and folk music played on these instruments was made in heartfelt response to the hard times of the depression era.
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The A style or teardrop mandolin is a staple in the mandolin family and is regarded as a versatile instrument. They can have an arched top, flat top, F shaped sound hole, or oval sound hole. Banjo mandolin, Banjolin, Manjo what every you call them they are a mix of a mandolin neck and scale length on a banjo rim or body.
Reviews (15)
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Dave Bornholdt
Apr 16, 2022
Made my first trip to Bernunzio's and I was very impressed. It's a small shop and parking is a challenge but the quality of the instruments is outstanding. You can walk in on Saturday, but need an appointment during the week.
Riley Keller
Apr 06, 2022
Good selection of new and vintage stringed instruments! Guitars, banjos, mandolins and more. Highly recommend you stop by.
Liam Tahaney
Jun 26, 2021
This store is crazy cool. I came lazer focused on a few mandolins I wanted to check out, and as I played them I kept seeing more and more incredible instruments that caught my eye. I did end up buying what I came to check out, but not before playing a dozen impeccable rare and vintage instruments. Also, excellent service and well maintained instruments. I frequent a few great music stores in NYC regularly and this one gave them all a run for their money! World class store, for sure.
Bobby Thomas
Mar 05, 2021
I would choose this place over guitar center as they have over the top customer service, and they are only a few blocks away. Greg and Sam are great guys and every time I've been in there, they were letting me try out different guitars (they have a good selection of Cordoba classical guitars), and they restrung a broken string for me on the spot. Guitar Center usually had a wider variety of instruments and large selection, but this store is my corner spot to take my guitar to.
Alex B.
Feb 02, 2021
Turned a simple saddle replacement into a nightmare. I asked them to return the guitar without strings and it was returned to me with strings that I was then charged for. The saddle was leaning forward noticeably and so I decided it wouldn't be a bad idea to get the strings off and have a look/restring it. I took the strings off and noticed that the saddle was not even glued into place.

It fell right out. I noticed it was also shimmed by something underneath which seems cheap given they also shaved the saddle down to what was supposed to the perfect size (and apparently were not willing to try again with a new one after shaving this one too small). Strings are put on after the saddle is installed so the technician can measure the height of the strings/action.

They can then take the strings off, adjust the saddle or action, then reinstall them and check again until the perfect height is reached. My guess is he strung it once after fitting the saddle in order to do some preliminary testing and got a decent sound out of it so just left it as is and called the job completed. Not happy with the job whatsoever after paying nearly 100 or more for it and being quoted around 60.

I'm not recommending this place to anyone in need of actual repairs or technical support and I will not be going back for any reason myself. I will find a new music shop. I had to glue the saddle in myself.
Michael Vagg
Jan 19, 2021
Super nice store, they seem to stick mostly to guitars and ukulele's. There were many vintage instruments as well as some clothing item. Overall I was very impressed by how nice and helpful they were!
Bay
Nov 08, 2020
Great shop, great knowledgeable and helpful staff, and lots of options for beginners to advanced players of multiple string instruments. They're appointment only right now due to covid and are doing everything correctly for covid restrictions. Safety first everyone.
John Vadas
Mar 15, 2020
Can't say enough nice things about this place! Great staff and great selection. I recently purchased a used instrument as a gift - there were some issues I noticed after taking it home, and when I brought it back in they offered to help get everything in shape. Definitely my first stop for anything musical instrument related.
Silas Panfil
Oct 27, 2018
Purchased my Eastman md 815 here and there service was wonderful. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful and it was a pleasure to make such an important purchase with them
Usl Helpdesk Usl
Jan 28, 2018
I have bought all my guitars from here. This service is excellent and friendly, and they help you to find the instrument that is perfect for you! I love that they give you many choices to chose from, and let you take your time playing the instrument. They treat you like family, and will help you out in anyway possible. If I could give this another 5 stars, I would give it 500 more!
Marissa N.
Sep 21, 2017
I can't believe I'm still kickin it here at the Fridge in the best venue in town. Five years and the music and hosts are still top notch.
Gail C.
Nov 21, 2015
Wow, I cannot say I received the same warm treatment here others said they did in their reviews. There are other guitar stores in Rochester and based on my experience when I went there I will be giving my business to one of them. Very disappointing to not be treated well by the owner of a business.
William G.
Feb 21, 2015
Went for a ukulele meet up with my 12 yr old son. We received such a warm and genuine welcome by the staff. This place has a great feel, and an excellent selection.
Karen M.
Mar 05, 2014
This slice of music heaven is a locally owned gem right in the thick of Rochester's talent section. Plan to spend time browsing the vast array of stringed instruments, many made specifically for the shop and school of music students, most of which exceed their expectations. There are accessories galore and always a friendly person to help in any way.

There isn't any sales pressure, which is smart, because often it takes many visits trying different models before selecting one for purchase. And no one likes to be followed around during the process, which thankfully they do not do. But if you need a demo or have questions, they're there. Bernunzio's Uptown Music website is informative and easy to navigate, with contact information clearly stated. You'll find a listing of jam sessions, vintage instruments, flea market, parts, and more.

The emailed newsletter is short, which I appreciate, and contains info about community music events. They host many well known musicians that teach a workshop in-house, and the newsletter lists what's on sale or what's new in the store, and events or performances to watch for. After much trying out, I purchased the perfect instrument for me at Bernunzio's.

They helped with set up and strap placement, very personal service. Note that you'll only be disappointed if you arrive on Sunday, since that's the day they're closed.
Greg Y.
Feb 02, 2013
Bernunzio has a very impressive selection of guitars and other music instruments, new, used, and collectible. From the moment you walk in the door and see the hundreds of guitars hanging from the wall, you want to become a rockstar. or at least I do. But, of course, my musical talent consists of operating the scroll wheel on my iPod (just kidding, I'm an Android guy). So, I can't really speak too much in terms of their selection of musical equipment. But, I can say they have really great live music events quite often.

Just recently, I went to see one of my favorite Rochester original artists, rap duo Garden Fresh. Normally, at most venues when I go to see them, it's really crowded and dark and my feet keep getting stuck on the sticky floor. So I loved their show at Bernunzio. Not only are there folding chairs if you arrive early enough to get one, but they're those fancy ones with really thick padding so your butt doesn't hurt after sitting on them for a couple of hours.

In addition to their live shows, they also have jam sessions for artists to rock out. And, if you don't have an instrument, I'm sure they'd be happy to get you started. I really appreciate that there's a locally owned place for musicians to get quality instruments, but even more than that, that someone musically un-talented like me can also go there and listen to some really great live music.