American Guitar & Band

If what you're looking for is the best price on as many in-stock name-brand guitars and amps as you can find with a large emphasis on cheaper brands or the lower-end models of popular brands, this is not your store. If you're a seasoned player whose taste goes beyond the rack or showroom floor of Guitar Center, then you owe it to yourself to take a look at AGAB. The collection of boutique amps and guitars made by artists rather than manufacturers is mind-boggling. They have the standard Gibson/Fender/Marshall/Mesa/Orange collection. But then they have a lot more stuff that goes way beyond - specialty items that you won't find anywhere else within a reasonable distance. Those are the items that make a trip to AGAB worth it. Price is important, don't get me wrong. But it is irrelevant if what you're looking for at Guitar Center doesn't exist there. When you find the demands of your playing or your taste in tone outgrow GC, try AGAB. more

The prices are a bit high and I found at least one piece I bought was priced higher than the mfgr's agreement after talking to the mfgr. Most non-budget guitars are at least $100 more than you'd find at another store. When I made a several hundred dollar combo purchase the owner would not negotiate at all or throw anything in. I emailed him twice with some questions after I returned home and he couldn't be bothered to respond. I hope they'r emaking money on lessons as you can buy or order any of the guitars within down the street at GC for way less. Amp selection is good, though, but too expensive IMO. more

I called today spoke to some idiot named Aldo. Wanted a 1/4in Mono right angle end. Not the cable just the end. Most all guitar shops sell accessories such as these and I know im not the only person that builds my own cables for my guitar pedal board. Anyhow I was rudly told ""no i dont carry little stuff like that"" I took that as its was too Insignificant to carry in their ""great big store"" he referred me to Radio Shack....UM hello stupid, low quality and they dont deal with music supplies. Thats like telling someone to buy a guitar at Walmart or Target. Well my 1st experience was bad and from now on even though they are the closest to me...i will not give them my business. Cons: Bad Info!! more

I've been shopping at American Guitar & Band ever since I outgrew GC. I can no longer go into the competitions stores and keep a straight face. AG&B caters to real working musicians and beginners alike. I've been shopping here for years even when I lived over an hour away. I only hope the business does well enough so they can expand to a few other locations around the metro. Pros: Tons of hard to find gear and guitars. Cons: Only one location in the Twin Cities more

American Guitar and Band is not Guitar Center. For all the right reasons. And that is a very good thing.\r \r Whenever I have grudgingly visited Guitar Centers in the last couple years of my life, I've had to brace myself for the onslaught of arrogant, rude and pushy associates who either don't know what they're talking about--or!--if they do know what they're talking about, they make it quite a point to make you feel like an idiot for not knowing the things they know. But because of the broader selection of goods and financing options, I have kept coming back for more punishment.\r \r I'm happy to say that I won't have to anymore. I heard of American Guitar and Band from a friend of mine who will be teaching guitar lessons there soon. When another friend and I went there, it was like a ray of sunshine through the clouds. The associates were genuinely friendly! They gave the right amount of attention/time to play on your own and were very accomodating. And there was no excessive pressure to buy right on the spot. The selection of gear is impressive--especially since much of it is top of the line/rare/custom equipment. And yet the prices are very reasonable.\r \r It is unfortunate that the store is in Maple Grove as that suburb is out of the way for most of the Metro area. But it's easy to get to from 94 and definitely worth driving the extra miles. Other than the location, I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the place. Whereas I could write a novel of negativity about GC.\r \r Good work, chaps! You've got a loyal customer on your hands. And I've been telling everyone I know. Pros: Service, Quality, Selection, etc. Cons: Location more

Known for its uncommon selection of gear and upscale, friendly atmosphere, family-owned American Guitar Boutique opened in 2000 and was located in St. Paul for its first five years of business. In 2007 the company expanded to include a wider range of instruments and was renamed American Guitar & Band. Now located in Maple Grove, it is drawing national attention as a destination for professional musicians as well as becoming a local favorite for lessons and instrument rentals. \r \r AG&B is also renowned for its service and individualized attention to each client. According to owner Cory Lake, ?Whether it is a musician on tour looking for a rare guitar or a parent bringing their child in for lessons for the first time, the shared reaction is ?I?ve never been in a store like this.? I am proud that my company is like a second home to so many clients. Our emphasis on courtesy and community is central to our success.? \r \r AG&B's 5,000 sq.ft. store includes electric, bass, and acoustic guitar showrooms, a huge selection of amps, a percussion room, 10 classrooms for lessons in all instruments as well as voice, band and orchestra instrument rentals, a repair booth, coffee bar, and popular store dog. For musicians who loved the selection of custom and limited edition gear at the old AGB, it is now found in an exclusive room, called ""The Boutique,"" in the center of the store. Located just off 94 and Weaver Lake Rd., next to J.C. Penney, the store is easy to reach and has ample parking.\r \r As an independent music store, AG&B lavishes great attention to creating an ideal music environment. Lesson rooms are equipped with studio-grade equipment (and staffed by professional, accredited music teachers) as well as computers for recording lessons to disk. Music documentaries, or Guitar Hero, stream on a large plasma screen, photographs from the Minnesota Historical Society document Minnesota music history, and even First Avenue contributed ephemera for the shop's interior. Pros: Service, knowledge, selection, great environment, independently owned and operated more

I got to say I had no idea there were guitars, basses and amps that played like this out there. This store has everything! Nothing but high quality gear all around and definetly something for everyone... I saw guitars for $300 and I saw guitars for $5000. Plus as a bonus... the employees knew what they were talking about, what a shocker. Unlike some places I've been to lately *cough* Guitar Center *cough*. I will be buying my gear from here from now on. Pros: Great gear, Knowledgable staff Cons: A little hard to find more

This shop and website are unsurpassed. Amazing, very cool staff, extraordinary selection of gear in a state-of-the-art showroom with recording studios to test all equipment. I could easily spend all of my time and money with these guys. more