Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Guitar Sales, Lessons & Repairs in Williamsburg, VA
Welcome to Authentic Guitars, where we cater to musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Established in Williamsburg, Virginia, we specialize in providing expert guitar instruction and top-tier repair services. Our comprehensive inventory features high-quality new, used, and vintage instruments, including sought-after brands like Fender, Ibanez, Guild, Alvarez, Yamaha, and Cordoba. We also offer a diverse selection of amplifiers, effects pedals, and accessories from reputable manufacturers such as Orange, Ampeg, Vox, and Blackstar. For over three decades, our team has delivered meticulous repair and setup services, ensuring instruments perform at their peak.We pride ourselves on personalized service, including free restringing for instrument upgrades and complimentary lessons with qualifying purchases. Our mission extends beyond transactions: we actively support the local economy by fostering community connections through music education and consignment opportunities. Whether youre buying, selling, or refining your skills, our knowledgeable team is dedicated to meeting your musical needs with integrity and expertise.
Services
Guitar Sales
Music Lessons
Instrument Repair
Consignment Services
Amplifier Sales
Vintage Instrument Sales
Ukulele Lessons
Bass Guitar Repair
Violin Instruction
Free Guitar Setup
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in professional guitar repair and sales.
- We guarantee competitive pricing and service after every sale.
- Our team supports local musicians by promoting community economic growth.
- We provide free introductory lessons with qualifying instrument purchases.
- We specialize in consignment services, connecting sellers to global buyers.
Services
Guitar Sales
We offer a curated selection of new, used, and vintage guitars from trusted brands like Fender, Ibanez, Guild, Alvarez, and Martin. Our inventory includes acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, as well as specialty models for collectors. Customers receive complimentary setup guidance to ensure optimal playability and tone. Every purchase includes access to exclusive in-store perks, such as free lessons on qualifying items, to support long-term musical growth.
Music Lessons
Our one-on-one lessons cater to guitar, ukulele, violin, and bass students of all skill levels. Certified instructors like Nathan Belch (rock/blues) and Lindsay Arndt (30+ years experience) tailor lesson plans to individual goals and learning paces. Beginners benefit from structured fundamentals, while advanced players refine techniques. Free introductory lessons are available with qualifying instrument purchases, fostering immediate engagement with the instrument.
Instrument Repair
With over three decades of expertise, we provide precision repair and setup services for guitars, basses, and other stringed instruments. Our team addresses structural repairs, pickup installations, and playability enhancements. Routine maintenance includes professional restringing and fretboard care. Most services are completed while customers shop, ensuring convenience. Vintage instruments receive specialized attention to preserve authenticity while restoring functionality to modern standards.
Consignment Services
We help clients sell musical instruments locally and globally through our consignment program. Sellers receive competitive pricing guidance and transparent documentation of the sales process. Our established customer base includes collectors and musicians worldwide, maximizing exposure for unique or high-value items. The service includes secure handling of transactions and shipping logistics, ensuring a hassle-free experience for sellers looking to liquidate instruments or estate collections.
Amplifier Sales
Our amplifier selection features modern and vintage models from Orange, Ampeg, Vox, and Blackstar. We specialize in matching players with amps that suit their tonal preferences and performance needs. Expert staff provide demonstrations to compare sound characteristics and technical specifications. Vintage units undergo quality checks to ensure reliability. Customers purchasing qualifying amps receive complimentary setup advice to optimize integration with their instruments.
People
Michael Hansen
Owner
Michael Hansen leads Authentic Guitars with a passion for music and community. He has cultivated a trusted reputation for integrity in instrument sales and repair services over decades. His leadership emphasizes personalized customer service and supporting local musicians.
Dave Norris
Manager
Dave Norris oversees daily operations at Authentic Guitars, ensuring seamless customer experiences. With deep expertise in inventory management and client relations, he supports the stores mission to provide quality instruments and expert guidance to musicians at every level.
Questions
Do you offer online guitar lessons?
Yes, we provide online lessons through certified instructors like Joe Bianco, covering various genres and skill levels.
Can you price-match online instrument deals?
Yes, we’ll match or beat verified online prices for any instrument we carry, plus provide post-sale support.
What repair services do you provide?
We handle setups, fretwork, structural repairs, pickup installations, and emergency fixes for all stringed instruments.
Are beginner instruments available?
Yes, we stock affordable entry-level guitars, ukuleles, and basses with free setup to ensure ease of play.
How does your consignment process work?
We accept instruments for consignment, market them locally and globally, and provide transparent sales tracking and payment.
Do you offer free lessons with purchases?
Yes, we include a free lesson with instrument purchases over $100 to help players start their musical journey.
Reviews (5)
Rick Gillespie
Apr 10, 2022
Report
I won't take my guitars anywhere else. Mike is absolutely the best at what he does. If you want a nice guitar, this is the place.
Mitchell Stauffer
Apr 05, 2022
Report
I came in to get a cheap guitar repaired. The repair price was agreed to be ~$40, but they called me halfway through, upping the price to ~$70. The "repair" lasted for about 2 months, then the guitar started sounding just as bad as it did before (and I don't use my guitar very often, either). So I basically threw $70 in the trash. In the end I am going to need a new guitar, and I won't be buying from them.
Gum
Mar 20, 2022
Report
Impressive selection of electric and acoustic guitars, guitar and bass amps, straps, picks, strings, sold me my favorite 12 string acoustic for a discount. most expensive acoustic is $529. electric bass selection is brief, but they nonetheless carried a great MusicMan bass when i visited. does not carry NYXL strings which i prefer for electric guitars, just XL.
Pat Spayd
Mar 05, 2022
Report
Top quality guitar store - Just bought my third guitar as I'm aging fast and my needs change. Always get great service, trade-in value is excellent. Also, I take violin lessons on Fridays. I can count on violin supplies also. A great helpful staff who want to educate and please their clientele. I love that the instructors and shop owner are so capable and caring.
Christine Laffoon
Dec 25, 2021
Report
Amazing little guitar store with a helpful and knowledgeable staff. We were able to play on different acoustics for quite a while, and the sales woman was incredibly helpful. They are a quality establishment, and if we ever return to the area, we will decidedly be back!
