Reviews of Ritchie's Music Center. (Musical Store) in Newark (New Jersey).

Ritchie's Music Center

140 Reviews

91 Comments

Musical store

Musical instrument store

55 W Main St, Rockaway, NJ 07866, United States

Description

Information of Ritchie's Music Center, Musical store in Newark (New Jersey)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Open hours of Ritchie's Music Center

Reviews of Ritchie's Music Center

Sue T

Brought a new guitar (purchased elsewhere) to Ritchie's for a problem. Matt fixed it! He was super nice and knowledgeable. I had called the day before and spoke to Eric who was very friendly. Great place! Next instrument will be bought from them directly (& I'm sure there will be no problems)!! Highly recommend!

PvP Clues

Bill and Eric Awesome Store Great Job! These 2 rockers made my experience at Richies phenomenal. Helped me with all my purchases and even some questions I had about foam suppression panels. You better go here for all your musical needs, these guys are veterans in the music word. Very few knowledgeable and experienced people left working at these music places so if you need anything, Richies is your place to go!

Alan Jones

Ritchie's was referred to me by a friend on a drum forum. They had a particular Mapex snare drum in stock that I wanted. A phone call was all it took to order this snare. AJ was extremely helpful and did everything he said he would when he said he would. Everyone I talked to on the phone was friendly and courteous. The snare drum shipped quickly and arrived well packed and in pristine condition even though it had been on display in the store. I live several hundred miles away from Ritchie's but would not hesitate to order from them again.

Jen

Bill was fantastic! He really knows guitars and he was patient, funny and kind! I loved their store! They had acoustic and electric guitars as well as drums. He restrung my guitar and and it was more than reasonable. Thank you!

David van Heerden

Ritchie's Music is my family's go-to music store for everything music, from buying simple items like picks to setting up and fixing guitars. We also love going to talk music with like-minded people and checking out their incredible selection of new and pre-owned instruments. Bill and Eric are consummate professionals and passionate musos; they welcome you like family when you're in their store which is why we keep coming back. Thanks guys! \m/

Joe Apicella

We had an awesome experience at Ritchie’s. We worked with Bill to pick out a beginner guitar for our son and he was extremely friendly and helpful.

Arthur Wash

If you live in the area and need a music shop, this is the place to go. I’ve been coming here since 2009, and they have always been so nice, informative, and always do their best to help you out. The employees and owner are such a blast to talk with. Whenever I have an issue with my guitar, need a set up, or need help with gear, they always give their upmost attention to you and make sure the job is done right. Definitely stop by and support local!

kATHERINE CLYNE

Ritchie’s Music was a great place to purchase a keyboard. Their prices are competitive with the online music stores but their level of service is much higher. In addition to being available for returns, and making it possible to try before you buy, they provide lessons and repairs. Truly a gem of a music store. Thanks Ritchie’s!

Rich Sacher

Saw an amplifier on their website that I was interested in. Made a phone and was greeted by someone in the drum department who was very helpful and professional he relayed my contact information to the guitar department manager who was out of the building on a lunch break. My call was returned within one hour and I set up a time the following morning to visit the store and play the amplifier. Everyone at the store was so pleasant and helpful. I traded in some used equipment and the price they gave me was exactly what I was expecting after doing online research. I highly recommend stopping by Ritchie’s Music for any musical gear. It’s so easy to go online and click then your new gear shows up a few days later but I personally like the old days when you can interact with nice friendly musicians. This is exactly what happened here. I drove an hour each way and it was so worth it. Go check them out!

Wayne Kozloski

THIS STORE AS ALWAYS BEEN GREAT TO ME. I HAVE BEEN GOING HERE ABOUT 37 OR MORE YEARS, I KNOW IT WAS IN THE 80'S. GEORGE & JIM PREVIOUS OWNER & THE OTHER PREVIOUS OWNER JIM. HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN GOOD CARE OF ME. NOW AJ IS A TRUE TROOPER, HE NOW ALWAYS FINDS WHAT I NEED. STOP GOING TO THE BIG STORES, AND GIVE THE SMALL GUYS A CHANCE, YOU WON'T REGRET IT. WAYNE K

ari jaffe

I’ve been shopping at Ritchie’s since I bought my first drum set almost 30 years ago. My drum hiatus recently ending had me back in there a bunch recently, AJ and Eric are the best and helped me out big time. Also bought some guitar stuff for my nephew for xmas and the guitar folks were extremely helpful as well.

Kathleen Seipp

Friendly staff. My daughter goes for guitar lessons and has learned a lot. Her instructor is dedicated and knowledgeable. Great place!

Lynn McDonald

Carlos was extremely helpful and very friendly. Would recommend this store for any of your music needs!

Dan Miklos

From the time I dropped off my guitar to when I picked it up the knowledge and customer service was top notch. Highly recommend.

jeff peel

I have been going to Richies for over 30 years. This was my first time at the new location. The staff was very helpful in selecting a new drumhead and guitar strings. Really nice and knowledgeable guys. They take the time to help find the right gear for you.

Sangwoo Ahn

Perfect service that I have ever experienced in the U.S. A guy who had a great sense of humor and respect welcomed me, tried to say some of Korean words he knew, and made me comfortable to say. I was worried if I experience racism which I already had before at G.C., but I got the best service in the U.S. And what I hoped to have was setup my acoustic guitar with flat buzzing, and of course, it was fixed perfectly. Thank you for your great service and setting up. 감사합니다!

Juan

Nice store, I brought my violin here to see if they could replace the bridge. The person at the counter was vey upfront and honest about it not being their strong suit but helped direct me to another store that can help me with what I need and even let me try some of their violins because my bridge was to high and now I will be able to tell the other store exactly what needs to be changed.

HC Hyatt

This place rocks! Everything a practicing or novice musician could need awaits within. Knowledgeable, friendly staff, and Carlos the owner aims to please!

Danielle Serpico

My son and I had a great experience at Ritchies. Everyone was super kind and very helpful. The prices are reasonable and they have a great selection of guitars.

Jose Palacios

I recently bought a new guitar 🎸 for my son my wife and I had very good experience with Carlos he help us by explaining about the guitars options and models and he took his time to do all that before buying anything. So this is a grate place to buy any instruments in town.. …

Vincent Colicchio

Excellent staff and selection of guitars and basses which I gravitate to when entering a music store. since their recent relocation to an old bank the store is a tad cramped, but there are big plans to renovate and get the ball rolling. Carlos is probably one of the nicest people I've ever met and every time i go in i get a handshake and all the latest on the plans to update the store. his staff are just as cool and informative. im super excited to see what comes next and i know itll be the coolest place around. thanks for the awesome experience and keep rockin guys. ill defiantly be back soon

Joseph Naeem

Killer service!!!! Eric, AJ, Carlos—the whole staff is wonderful, knowledgeable, engaged. Got everything I needed and more. Kudos and good wishes to Ritchie’s Music in their new Rockaway location!

Unique Happiness

Such a fun place to shop for ALL your music needs! If they don’t have it, they will order it for you. Very knowledgeable staff! Great new location with lots of space. Good things to come!

Jan Chambers

My son (now 32) took drumming at Ritchie's many years ago. Now his Mom (me!) is relearning guitar. They are very sweet about changing strings (gotta learn to do it myself) and have given me lots of advice. Always nice whether an employee or the owner. They are the best. Obviously have done well, the store used to be half the size it is now.

BARB

Thank you so much for your help in getting my new drum kit! Eric you have so much knowledge about drums its fantastic!! All the guys were so helpful and polite. I haven't played a drum kit since 1994. I'm having the time of my life And I just turned 60! Thanks again for everything! KEEP ROCKING✌

fred heater

I have been dealing with Ritchie's Music for about 30 years. This is by far the BEST music store I have ever dealt with! Everybody is a pro. If they don't have it, they get it asap. If I need advice on an old drum, I get the best, most honest advice. My buddy needs a new guitar? He gets what he wants at the best price. They are truly out for the musician because they are musicians too. Want a headache? Go to a big box store. Want to make your life easy? GO TO RITCHIES!

Lisa Rose

Our 16 year old daughter plays guitar. She is really into it and always wanting a new better guitar. We just purchased for her sweet 16 a very expensive Taylor that she was coveting for a long time. The staff was so great to her and they gave us an excellent price on it. She loves it and is playing better than ever.

Mary Ellen Gill

I've purchased a few ukuleles from Ritchie's, and they are all of top-notch quality! I've never had a bad or negative experience at Ritchie's, and I've always been treated professionally by the various salespeople. I'd recommend Ritchie's to anyone! John Gill Flanders, NJ

Blair Smith

I used Ritchie’s for a drum project after being out of the area for years . George and AJ are amazing . You will never receive better personalized care anywhere. These gents master all aspects and disciplines of the drumming trade. Big box stores can not come near this level of service , and the prices are competitive with anyone out there .

Stephen Porcello

I don't think that Ritchie's Music Center could be complimented enough for their expertise and service. Ritchie's has graciously donated the instrumental equipment used in the performing art's tent, at the New Jersey State Fair, in Augusta, NJ, for the past 5 years. The music store has supplied, a drum set; guitar, bass and keyboard amps; as well as a keyboard for the ten days of the fair, that occurs in early August each year. The helpful service and the overly generous personnel have helped to make the hectic performing art's tent schedule an easy and effortless venture to provide top notch equipment for the multitude of talent that performs at the fair. I highly recommend Ritchie's Music Center for any musical needs. They employ knowledgeable staff and incredibly superior musical equipment.

Frank Magdits

I've been going to Ritchie's for years. The main reason is they are truly musician focused. Whether a beginner, a wannabe, or a pro. Recently, they did repair work on my Taylor 710CE. They took great care of my baby and resolved the pre-amp issues. Jim and his crew are the best!

Ed Skowronski

Great prices on Drums! Only one constant issue with Ritchie - they never check their e-mail bag! I would have spent a lot more money there if they answered their e-mails. Was looking for a DW Special Set that I was willing to pay up to $10K but after 2-mails and no response, I went somewhere else which killed me since I know I over-paid!

Dave Parfitt

Stopped in to get a kick port for my 18 inch Hip Gig bass drum. The staff gave me great advice on better head selection and even installed the kick port. AJ's help with tuning had the drum booming for its size. They sold me only what I needed and didn't try and upsale anything extra. Great prices, service, selection. ...the works. Drummers heaven! While there, a guy came in for a snare lug and the manager was able to find a match. ....Try finding a specialty part like that a a big-box music store. - Not going to happen. I highly recommend the store for your drums and guitar needs.

IC IC

Got some guitar repair work done. Very helpful and fast.

Joe DiBella

I deal with the drum department and George is outstanding. Helpful and he listens to what I need and always comes through. Kits or parts always has what I need at a price I can afford. Even though I live at the shore I gladly make the trip to Ritchies. They are my store.

stevedegeorge

This store in an oasis in the desert of music stores. They have excellent service and excellent prices. When you shop there the staff makes the weekend warrior feel just as important as the full time professional musician. For many years Ritchies has been a trusted source of music gear and I can only hope this will carry on for years to come. I am a drummer for over 30 years. There is not other store in the area that can touch Ritchies.

Doreen Ellinwood

I needed a combo amp just for PA stuff, nothing fancy or expensive...found what I wanted on a competitor's website, but decided to see if the local store had it. What I found online wasn't at Ritchie's but with the personal help we got from the staff, I got a much better product. I even wound up getting my wireless mic's there as well. I drive by here all the time, this was my first time in...if I ever have a musical need again, this will definitely be the first place I go to.

Angela Ruffo

The workers were friendly and knowledgeable. I purchased a drum set for my daughter and they took the time to tune it. Customer service was great.

Michael Damora

When my Gibson Gospel met with an untimely demise I needed to replace it quickly, I shopped far and wide for another Gibson, imagine my surprise when right in Rockaway Ritchie's had a used J-25 that had my name on it. All their guitars are clearly marked so you can discern new and used, the staff is friendly, patient and knowledgeable with a "help you" not "sell you" attitude, unlike most music centers.So whether you're a fledgling musician or season veteran this is the place to shop if authentic customer care and the very best prices around is what you're looking for.

Ed Sherry

I have a show tonight and I forgot my guitar stand at home. Ran over to Ritchie's on lunch and the guy there was friendly and helpful. Gave me a deal on a stand. Great service, even for a small purchase.

Scott Tracey

First guitar and drum shop I ever went to, over 40 years ago, great to be back after all this time. Bless you guys for keeping it going!

Larry Heisler

A great music center with wonderful sales, service and education. These folks live, eat and breathe music. My whole family has been using their services for decades. Thank you Jim and company for improving the quality of our lives .

Pratt 2007

If you're a drummer like me, shopping at Ritchie's is like being a kid in a candy store with your dentist on permanent vacation in Bora Bora with his new dental assistant! Once through the door you see Eden: those columns of beautiful sounding drums on display, the shiny cymbals suspended in their trees, the drum-sets and percussion instruments sprawled around on the floor, all beckoning for you to try them. They have more sticks than a Popsicle factory and a forest of chrome hardware just asking to be brought home. And if they don't have it, they can get it for you. I am a dinosaur (and play an even older Ludwig kit) and needed some kick drum hardware replaced. George (a.k.a. Evel Knievel to me at least!) was able to get replacement parts that fit as well as the OEM parts in a relatively short period of time and at a fair price. The staff is also very helpful and knowledgeable about all things...especially drums and percussion! They offer great advice based on experience and I've grown to trust them since moving to the area in 2008. If only these guys were in my local music shop "all those years ago" and not those clowns with long hair and the Van Halen tour jackets, I might've actually had the balls to ask some questions and learn a thing or two. I do miss the larger floor display area but the new layout is much more focused; kinda like I am now on aspects of my playing. These guys are the best! Oh and I'm sure the other departments are great too! Show your support and shop at Ritchie's!

Wesley Wong

Wonderful store here! Came here with my brother and his girlfriend and picked up 2 new guitars. Very friendly staff, very detailed and well stocked! Shoutout to Matt!

fritz ewins

I needed a few things for tracks I’m working on while away from home and this was a great place to get them and shop around a bit. Very helpful and there’s everything you need to play and record. Thanks!

chapstix911

Ritchie's has become my source for percussion equipment, purchase or repair. Their service is thorough and fully professional. I would have no hesitation in recommending Ritchie's to any musician at any level.

Matt Jagusak

I needed very specific help with a musical issue. Not only did they explain the process, they provided an answer and then gave me what I needed to get the job done. While this was going on, a smiling associate took my little kids into the cymbal/drum room and let them bang away. Couldn't have been a better experience.

Rob R

I was referred to Ritchie's by The Music Center in Chatham, NJ in search of Kala tenor ukuleles. The customer service is superb - especially Matt. When I first called to review a variety of Kala ukulele’s, Matt spent at least 30 minutes on the phone with me going over the various models and prices. Then Matt informed me that they were in the process of placing an order and asked if there was a particular model we were most interested in as he would see if he could include it on the order for store inventory. When we went to the store, Matt had already put aside one of the tenor ukulele’s anticipating our arrival. My daughter was then allowed to play several of the models while we were in the store that ultimately lead to a purchase. It get’s better. Matt calls me to let me know that he’d called the distributor about the backorder status and that he will call me yet again once he learns of an ETA. Who does this anymore? Outstanding.

Michael Foerster

Brought both of my guitars for repair, got them back in perfect condition at a very fair price after only 1 week. Great service and craftmanship, highly recommendable.

Debby M

Very helpful staff! The only music store around that had the 20" bass drum head in stock I needed ASAP!

Richard Akers

Just got an American Standard Strat from Ritchie's. Very competitive pricing and of course, an actual carbon based life form to work with you. Supporting small business doesn't mean giving up value.

Steve Djtadpole

I'm a drumah. I've been visiting Ritchie's for many years now and have always gotten fantastic service and advice. George is a wonderful guy to deal with; always gives me his best price and then some. Close by and in the hood. meltz..

Chuck Mound

I was on the market for an audio setup with microphones. Richies Music's Center spent the time to educate me on every possible combination that I could purchase or rent. They took out equipment to demonstrate and we're super helpful.you can't get that on any websitr.

Francy Marulanda

Hi i have a guitar Ibanez SIX70FDBG Iron Label S6 Exotic Wood Edition ...and i am moving to another state i need to sale it.. Is Ritchie's music center buy from customers ?

Mitchell Miller

Great service and knowledgable staff. Much better than the large chain stores.

Darryl Clark

Have had setup work done on two of my basses there and the price and quality can't be beat. Very glad to support one of the few small shops left

Justin Case

Nicest people eager to help an nice to talk to :) super pleased

Paul Jablonski

Friendly knowledgeable staff, almost like a family. There are tons of guitars, basses and more. Over all a great store with good variety.

S L (Saadow)

Professional individuals who are happy to help with their expertise, with an atmosphere comfortable for either the passing enthusiast or the serious musician. Their lutier John is amazingly skilled and makes beautiful looking and sounding instruments.

Emmanuel David

Nice completely new inventory especially beautiful looking and sounding guitars. Hoping to see a great store in the future.

Alexandra Nicole

5 star music store--above and beyond service--fantastic selection of new and used/vintage guitars and drums. Wouldn't think of shopping anywhere else..why?

Tim Carroll

Great music store. Bought some guitar pedals. Great, friendly service. Would definitely go there again.

Priya Agarwal

went there to get my guitar fixed... staff is so kind and very helpful. will definitely be going again

Lindsay Schartner

Excellent customer service. Very helpful and accommodating with the purchase of guitar lessons as a gift.

Ron Halse

Shop here and support the local guys. Maybe not as much equipment as the big GCs but make up for it with friendly service

Richard Tracy

This music store has an unbelievable selection and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoy shopping here.

Tom Hammer

Always helpful with any of my musical needs. Been a loyal customer for 30 years.

Pavel Novozhilov

Great place, it has everything I need for guitars. Nice people, polite and hard working.

Neil Sauerwein

This family owned business is the best. Why go to the conglomerates when you can get better, more knowledgeable service and competitive prices here?

Jim Moran

New shop very nice. Competitive prices

Tom Fisher

Good experience and professional staff.

James Messina

Knowledge Staff !!! Great Prices !!! They are what a music store should be !!! Thanks again for all your help !!!

Jorge Galvis

Great customer service. Place is under renovation and has s good selection.

Rich Smith

Great people. Knowledgeable, helpful and fair. I'm a repeat customer for 30 years.

Miguel Borbon Arias

The guys there were very good and they new their stuff I liked it 7 stars

CJ

Awesome guys there with all the things you need! They also gave me 2 free picks

Craig Smith

People working there know what they are talking about...the store is small filled with everything you need...They have teachers and class rooms..

M David Leeds

What the world needs is more local music stores, like Ritchie's.

Bill Costello

Awesome store. Best drum dept. Anywhere!!

Bill Overholser

Great selection and 5 star service

Sean Flanagan

Great shop. Very helpful.

José Munguia

Very good

Henry Newbold

knowledgeable, congenial, helpful staff pleasant and worthwhile to work with

Luis Marroquin

Very good

Mister Anderson design&inquiries

Always helpful. Always has what I need.

Anurag Joshi

Great service. great people.

Anselmo Girimonte

Simply the Best!

David Earl

great store, great staff

TheBeatles Uploaded By LUMENITE

cool stuff!

Theresa Myers

My son bought his first guitar today and so glad we made the purchase at Richie’s. Both Tyler and Carlos were so helpful. From test driving the guitars to their expertise, it made the process so much easier and enjoyable. Had a really great experience and appreciated their attention. Great selection too! 5 stars all around!

John Rice

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