Guitar Emporium @ Maxwell's House of Music

"*edit: Since I left this review the store has from its iconic location in the Highlands neighborhood to a store in Southern Indiana. I’m not sure about their new owner or the business at the time of this edit. —————— This store sets a standard of quality for rare vintage guitars while also offering guitars for beginners and players at every level of expertise. The store previously sold guitars to Angus Young from AC-DC and so many other famous players. The employees will ‘talk shop’ if they aren’t busy and they are so knowledgeable. Steve Cooley, for example, has been working with stringed instruments for a long time and he is an expert when it comes to guitar history and technical specs. There are some very rare guitars behind glass and many on the walls of the store, so I tend to ‘touch with my eyes’ and I respectfully read price on the tag before I pick up a guitar. My purchases from the store include a 70’s Gibson SG that was modded, but it played great. I bought a Silvertone guitar that had a case with an amplifier built into it. The guitar was a gift to my dad-who had the same model when he was a kid. In the 90’s I won an Ovation acoustic guitar in a raffle at the store, I mean-Emporium. *the store has recently merged and moved to Indiana. I will review the new location soon. The store has the vibe of a living room, but the store itself is like a museum- and the relics can be purchased. If you are looking for a vintage, hard to find guitar, then you can play the guitar before you buy it. Their selection varies, so check in often. But like I said- don’t pick up everything and don’t add a ding to a guitar."

"Peaceful setting on bustling Bardstown Road. No nosy salesmen, but store associates are very helpful when needed. This was a classical violinist/pianist's first time purchasing a guitar with minimal knowledge. Was flirting with 3 very different guitars, and they helped me settle on a PRS SE Custom 24 and threw in the baby amp I needed. Very happy with my purchase and will be back for help and accessories as needed."

"Best guitar shop in town by far. Have been going there for many many years at three different locations under prior and current ownership. I have purchased many instruments and other related gear from them and they always stand behind their products. Staff are all experts in their fields and they always give you the straight and honest information, even if it is not what you want to hear. For that reason I would not pay attention to the very few negative reviews as compared to the numerous positive reviews here. Good honest people that do not hover over you while you are looking at their equipment."

"Large store with a fabulous selection of instruments. Pricing is on the high side for new and used gear. I can attest that the sales staff are very standoffish and do their best to make you feel uncomfortable, regardless of your skill set, knowledge, or the amount of cash you have in your pocket -- if you come in looking like you have money, they'll pay plenty of attention to you. Many years ago I placed an order for parts for my Fender Precision Bass through them...and they never contacted me to let me know my order had arrived. Guess they forgot to place it, or decided not to order the parts for me. I'd consider that very poor customer service, and I do not support this business when there are many other fine, friendly instrument dealers in the Louisville and Southern Indiana areas."

"I walked in just to kill some time, walked out with a guitar. The staff is very hands off, but accommodating. All you have to do is ask. I love to go into a shop and play different guitars without someone hovering over me. That is what I got here. Anything in the store, plug in, have a ball. Prices were great. Nice selection of acoustics and electrics. Love the leather chairs to sit and pick. Not from the area but I will watch their website and stop by whenever I'm in town. I strongly recommend everyone to stop in."