Reviews of Centaur Guitar. (Musical Store) in Portland (Oregon).

Centaur Guitar

218 Reviews

144 Comments

Musical store

Guitar store

2833 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232, United States

Description

Information of Centaur Guitar, Musical store in Portland (Oregon)

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 Centaur Guitar

Reviews of Centaur Guitar

Evergreen “EvergreenLayne” Layne

Al did a professional job setting up my new Fender Meteora. Recommended I go with the 10-52 Ernie Balls rather than the 11-50s to put less stress on the neck. Best recommendation these things are mean and so f-ing heavy. He made a few adjustments to accommodate for that big low E and replaced a piece on the bridge that was stripped out. Great experience thanks.

Ross Hamilton

Friendly, knowledgeable, low-key guys in a space filled from floor to ceiling with dozens of vintage Japanese electrics, cowboy parlors, rare pedals (not for sale), and vintage photos. Available for sale are excellent quality, low budget electrics up to high-end, often unique, vintage electrics and acoustics. They also do repairs! Always a fun hang and an occasionally wallet emptying adventure.

Michael Dion

The good people at Centaur Guitar carry on the tradition of a musician-friendly, locally-owned music store where anyone --from a rank beginner to a seasoned semi-pro-- can get good advice, instrument repairs and fair prices. You'll be treated as a peer, not just a customer.

Steffen Wade

Awesome experience, great selection, competitive pricing check it out. Went to pick out a bass and expected the usual 5 different people playing at the same time chaos, instead they have isolation rooms setup with amps. Was able to play enough in store to feel very confident I was getting what I wanted. The cats working that day know their stuff and even pointed out the little blemishes and what had been changed on it from original. Very rad!

Nicholas Palmer

Fantastic experience with Centaur Guitars. Went in to check out a used Squier and was throughlly impressed with the setup of of the guitar. I bought it and had it shipped to another state to avoid flying on a plane with it. Not only did Centaur ship it immediately upon purchase the quality of the shipment packaging was above and beyond what I expected and the guitar arrived in perfect condition. My dad really appreciated the superb condition of the guitar I left with him! Highly recommended

brOOtal_bananas

Good selection of new/used guitars and accessories. Decent prices, will work with you, and good customer service. Picked up this Schecter 7 string, brand new Katana 50, instrument cable, and picks for under $450. 💜✌️ …

Paul Goulding

Bought a lovely little Cort acoustic here. Kelly was super friendly and chilled to let me try out what I liked in my own time, and was very knowledgeable about the guitars. Very happy, recommended

Lee R

The employees here are always super friendly and great to chat with. I've bought several guitars and pedals here and there in great condition for the price. Will definitely continue to shop here in the future.

Lukas Simoncic

I had a great experience here. Walked in with not even knowing what exactly I needed, the guy who assisted me was super friendly and helped me gather an electric guitar with all additional needed equipment. The prices were very reasonable and the guitar and effects work great so far.

Javier Pijoan

Very knowledgeable, helpful, and genuine people here. Neat shop even just for browsing and they have a great selection of accessories and guitars to buy.

Jacob Ke

Ordered a guitar online and had it shipped. They did an excellent job packing the instrument, and the guitar was in perfect condition. These guys are also super nice over the phone as well. Thank you so much!

Paul Johnson

Took my slightly used Fender Strat into Centaur Guitar today, after another shop wanted to charge me $240 for fixing a couple of buzzing strings. Chad kindly and professionally addressed my situation within a few minutes. Very cool store. Very nice people here who know what they're doing, and know how serve customers very well. I'll take all my guitars into this shop going forward. Highly recommend Centaur Guitar to anyone in Portland. Class A guitar shop!

Rog H.

Helpful knowledgeable staff. Killer selection of guitars, amps & gear. I visited on Easter...and because I spent more than $5 I got to choose a plastic Easter egg. In the egg was a prize. My prize was a $25 gift card!! FUN AS *@&#!!!

Richard Palmer

Great place for all your guitar needs

Eric Stern

I've passed the place for years, but as I play an oud, I never stopped in. However I was on my way to a gig and realized I needed a tuner. Stopped in and they were SO nice. It's a true stereotype that at least half the time music store employees are snobby and frustrated musicians. Not these guys. The man who waited on me was super helpful and nice and when he realized, after searching the store, that they were out of clip-on Snark tuners (he told me that that was an unusual occurrence, however I'm not surprised given the current supply-chain situation) he sold me the floor model at a discount and even included a free battery, just in-case it ran out. I was on my way to my gig in a jiffy and was able to tune accurately all night long (ouds often need to be tuned that much) and was only sorry that I couldn't stay longer to browse their gear. I highly recommend this little shop off of Sandy. Great sales-people, no attitude, and they went the extra mile!

Matt Hunter

Bought a few pedals from them. For one of them I asked if the box was included. It wasn't. No big deal. One of the folks there said he had a box at home for that same model of pedal and he'd bring it in for me the next day. It's the small things that make local stores like this great. Thanks for the great service and the killer price on the used pedal.

Aaron Deas

Stopped in to take a look at a few guitar pedals thinking I knew what I wanted. After over an hour of hanging with the owner, trying pedals and turning knobs I walked away with three and I couldn’t be happier. He helped me dial in exactly what I was looking for and was very cool and helpful in the process. I can’t recommend this shop enough!

Switchblade Alvarez

Such a cool shop! Found this really dank guitar there . Really friendly staff, super helpful, just an awesome shop to browse.

Deasal Conner

Centaur has the feel of a classic music store. The clerks are casual and relaxed, but let you know that they are there for you if you need them. Their selection of new and used instruments is great. I bought a beautiful Aria Pro II electric guitar, used in excellent condition, great price, and know I wouldn't have gotten a better deal for my money anywhere else. Love these people. Love my new guitar. I'll be back for an amp in a few weeks. Plus, I prefer giving my money to local small businesses.

Graham Harris

I have been going to Centaur Guitar since it first opened in 2005 or 2006 I was 9 years and wanted my first electric guitar. They treated me with respect then - which was rare for music shops and kids who ask a lot of questions. They have sold me guitars, amps, pedals, etc They have great deals on unique used gear, and plenty of know how to help with anyone with DIY questions - I hope to come back here to buy more guitars in 10-20 years. Thank you!

Axel Oberg

Friendly staff, good inventory of the kind of equipment I like, but can't always afford. They understood that. So they gave me a couple free guitar magazines and made my day anyway.

Nicholas Johnson

Friendly guys, a great selection of boutique pedals and pretty much the full line of EHX pedals in stock. Great prices on good used gear. Plus, they take covid safety seriously, you can shop here confidently.

Jonzo Tee

Dropped of a dear guitar here to have some minor work done and a setup. Centaur had it done in less than a week and way cheaper that I figured. Great guys, friendly and super professional. Definitely my shop from here on out.

Garrett Augustyn

Great customer service. I have gotten my bass set up here multiple times, it always comes out great and the guys are always very helpful.

David Carter

I love Centaur Guitar. They are my go-to place for guitar set-ups, repairs, accessories, and even the occasional guitar purchase. Kelly does absolute first rate guitar set-ups. He’s very professional, super diligent, and detail oriented. He pointed out a number of things that have greatly improved the tone of my guitars. The last set-up I had him do on my PRS was spectacular. And the guys there are super cool!

Grant Cavaness

Good stock and helpful staff. Great spot to check out for any music buying needs

Davis Vance

Had a parking lot! Friendly and helpful place, good room and a lot of selection. P.S. That Taylor 510W sounds pretty great for a Taylor lol

Daniel Creech

I darkened this doorway 11/08/18. I was a walk-in that needed some technical work done. Nice place. Relaxed atmosphere. Real people. I dropped my guitar and went home. A few hours later the store calls me to come get my axe. I got a great deal, and VIP service - Quick. I hope to darken their doorway again, soon. I love these guys.

Wm. Wiles

This place has excellent deals in wide price range, some units are smoking deals on high quality acoustic guitars such as Gibson and Martin, but also very high quality, reasonably priced, Fender Strats, all kinds of gear. very reasonable prices, something for all skill level. Old school gear shop!

Brian D Speicher

2 of my favorite guitars came from here They have some unique pieces Trust me there's some really cool stuff here

Erin McCandless

Centaur Guitar has a pretty decent selection of equipment. The staff was super cool to my young musicians. A lot of shops blow off kids but these guys actually treated them like the players that they are.

Alex Chapman

These guys are great! I got a vintage Japanese bass at the Centaur on Barbur a few weeks back after trading in a few things. After having the bass for a week or so, I got it playing how I like but realized a few frets were fairly worn and the top strap knob was loose. I called in to the store on Sandy and described what was going on. They told me to drop by and let them take a look at it. A few days later I stopped in and they took care of the issues on the spot for free. To be clear, they didn't replace any frets, but worked with what was there to get the bass playing well again. They are super friendly and really take care of their customers. Thanks again guys!

Eric Couch

If you are a local musician and looking to help out your fellow local musicians, you need to visit this place. Lots of selections, plus check out the great guitars on display. Super nice people. Looking for another bass and this will be the first place I visit.

Sean Ruse

Best place for "oddball" vintage gear for a pretty great price! I like the 70s and 80s era japanese models and they have plenty! The staff is nice and are players and know their stuff. They have higher end stuff too. I just get excited for the lesser known bargain brands if you will. Pedals galore. Amps of all types. This is the spot in Portland to find something truly unique.

Zach Archer

Excellent setup work on my guitar as always.

JJ g

I've been going to Centaur Guitar since just after it opened. It's a great place to look for vintage guitars and they do good work at a decent price. Definitely a non-corporate anti Guitar Center place, always a good thing. The people who work there are friendly but not fake Guitar Center "I want to make a comission" friendly. Great collection of 60s-70s Japanese guitars on the wall too.

Dan Hansen

These guys are AMAZING. This is, by far, the best guitar shop in Portland. I walked in wanting to sample a compressor or two. Immediately, I was looking at five compressors with a handful of patch cables and a one-spot daisy chain, a beautiful Fender tube combo and a well-put-together ESP. In my playing I was engaged in a refreshing conversation by one of the guys about the nuances of compression. His knowledge and experience was crucial in my decision to buy as it helped me differentiate the subtle differences of each unit. Eventually, I walked out with an MXR Studio Compressor and a huge smile on my face. I have hit every guitar shop from Seattle to Portland and nothing compares to the customer service of Centaur. These guys carry some very high quality gear including a Heavy Electronics Radio Havana which I'd only seen on the interwebs. They happily indulged by curiosity. Every time I'm in Portland, I will be visiting Centaur Guitars with priority.

Lady Roze

These guys know guitars and have a good selection 👍 Super helpful staff, who will set up your guitar for a great price! Rock on! 🎸 …

Austin KL

As far as guitars go, this is the better spot in Portland. Again, guitars... everything guitar. They have good taste when picking their stock. Great selection of new and used. Stomp boxes / pedals, straps, strings, amps / cabs, you name it. This spot is more likely to have something you may be looking for that isn't as common. Support small business first whenever possible. This store is a great example of overything Guitar Center isn't and never will be. It has a soul and a story.

Kyle McDonald

The guys working here are top-notch, super knowledgeable and not trying push a sale on you. The pedal selection is SUPERB but the bass amps/heads leave a lot to be desired.... but it's a local guitar shop so whatever, not enough space for everything.

Ryan Wilson

Assuming all guitar stuff is awesome; Centaur Guitar has an excellent mix of high end/vintage stuff, affordable good stuff, and weird stuff. I got the best setup I've ever had, and I've tried other highly recommended shops in town. If you're a guitar enthusiast, this is a point of interest as much as a store/shop. Those odd/charming 60's Japanese guitars line the outer walls. It's the kind of place where you would make up the name of a guitar brand to prove that the staff are liars and they'd pull a Fakenstein Fakey F9999 off the wall and let you play it. I don't know why you'd do that though: the guys there are wonderful, and make you feel comfortable even with your most basic questions. Go buy stuff before I get it first: you just might save my marriage.

sockit

Made me feel at home very friendly and funny staff! Fair prices aswell!

William Masback

Brought in my 2 Jacksons for full setups and what they did may be magic. Perfect intonation, perfect action, and they came back cleaner than when I left them! Nice guys too. Thanks

ben h

I can't say enough good about my experiences with these guys so far. I went in expecting a haughty and aloof person to be working. Instead both of the owners were there ans both helped me find the parts I needed, and even gave me suggestions and tips on how to do an initial set up on a warmoth guitar. Great guys. Buy from them

Eddie Brnabic

The staff always takes really good care of me for the various reasons I pop in and they are always stocked with really cool gear at fair prices. Above and beyond people, service, vibe, and gear. What more could you ask for?? Solid 5 🌟 …

Chris McD

Just had my guitar set up here and I'm very very happy with the work. It was slightly out of wack and bothering me. They really dialed it in and it's finally perfect! Lots of attention to the little details for very little money. I'll be a repeat customer.

Allen Brokate

Been to a lot of different music stores in Portland over the years, but always keep coming back to Centaur Guitar. Everyone that works there is knowledgeable and friendly, and you never have to deal with any of the snobbery or "cooler than thou" bullish*t I've put up with from too many other music places in the past when I just needed instruments fixed or had questions about buying gear and encountered commission hungry bastards that try to oversell you into stuff you don't really need or want. I agree with the other commenter that wished there was a "6th" star to add to reviews for these guys.

William Stewart

Very knowledgeable, repaired my guitar while I was standing there, and just a really good vibe throughout the large selection if guitars and equipment. Great prices as well!

Brian Price

Really cool place to shop for used gear. Reasonable prices and friendly staff. Will definitely be back to purchase more gear.

Eamonn Kearney

Very helpful employees/owners. I was looking for ear plugs, but they didn't have exactly what I wanted. They still gave me a free pair of cheap foam plugs just in case I didn't find a nice pair.

Jack Owen

Incredible independent guitar store, with all the every day needs, and the largest collection of boutique pedals I've ever seen. Knowledgeable and friendly. Worth the trip for sure.

Don Beadling

They had a lot of nice guitars, electric and acoustic. They have a great selection of picks, as well as cables and strings. All kinds of pedals.

Jackson Clarke

The best place in the city for anything guitar/bass related. Lots of cool old instruments, great deals on used gear and the best service/knowledge around.

Russ Rotondi

Great experience. Chad was helpful and patient. He answered various questions and replaced all the stings on my acoustic in about 10 minutes, all the while tolerating the kids jamming a bit on the ukuleles. Nice laid back, welcoming environment. Thanks again, Chad et al.

Jesse Gandy

My favorite guitar store barre none! Awesome people with a completely disarming atmosphere and some truly special gear!

Christine McAllister

Great guitars. The best people. I feel at home here, and I never feel that way in music shops. They're doing something unique by simply being real and good at what they do.

Nathan Loveless

Excellent, knowledgable, and approachable store. Not only did they help out selecting strings for a family gift but they were great with my infant daughter. Good experience all around.

Jonathan Kuniholm

They were guitar centaur for three days until they who shall not be named sent the cease and desist letter, which you can see for yourself next to the brass jackalope. Lots of vintage and used gear, and a welcoming attitude the opposite of the clerks in high fidelity or Wayne's world.

Kate Poche

Portland only surviving , genuine music store. If you get my meaning.

Jeremiah Davis

These guys have a beautiful selection of MIJ, fender, and other classics. Everything looked like a player, lots of interesting amps, and TONS of pedals. Knowledgeable staff, will be back for sure!

Michael Marcus

Purchased two of my favorite, yet inexpensive, guitars here. An Epi, Blonde Casino, and a MIJ Fender Jerry Donahue Telecaster with mods. Great selection and service.

Madeleine McConchie

Absolutely in love with this place! Went in looking for a new amp and walked out with exactly that for half my budget!!! Excelent service. Felt so welcome!

Joseph White

Cool store! Friendly staff. All kinds of vintage amps and guitars and a wide selection of effects. Go visit.

Zach Powers

So helpful and kind. Great at talking novices through different options, and they have guitars and amps priced for all levels of player.

Shannon Jones

Absolutely the best place to have your guitars serviced and set up! Always a pleasure to visit!

Jeffrey Keefner

Great deals on used guitars!

TGW1116

Excellent guitar and bass setups. Quick work, reasonable price, been going there for over a decade

Joey Darke

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. They let my partner and I try out lots of things, we didn't feel pressured to buy and walked out with exactly what we wanted.

Daniel Hornbeck

I'm one of those weirdo musicians that hates going into music stores, but Centaur isn't like the others. Those guys are great. I recommend Centaur to everyone.

Michael Langman

First time in. Clerks are nice and knowledge. Very cool collection of gear. Highly recommended.

West SeedFarm

They just restrung my guitar and tightened up the nut where it plugs in. It sounds phenomenal!

Korban Hamilton

Place was clean and attendants were kind but fairly pushy to get you in and out, but they knew where everything was so that's a plus. The prices are a little high when compared to the competitors but that's ok.

Dan MacMillan

Great local guitar shop. Everything you need with great people who know their stuff.

Edward Henry IV

Great store with lots of cool stuff.

Scott Radke

Best shop in Portland. Been a customer for probably 10 years or more at this point and never had a single bad experience.

TAAK9SAR11

The people who work here are awesome. They are genuine and very helpful for new players.

Sam Schauer

Killer shop for guitar/bass, amps, and FX. Mostly used and vintage, I go to stare at the badass collection of old Japanese Teisco's that line the walls.

Mike Rocheleau

Cool place with Freindly, helpful staff. Nice selection of used guitars.

madeleine McConchie

It feels like I'm talking to old friends when I visit. I dont feel like im trying to be sold something that i dont really need. I am a customer for life.

Chad Boston

Kelly - Jason - Matt (Knuckles) - All that I can say is if there was a 6th star they would get it! Friendly - Fast - Great Selection - Excellent Workmanship - Great Teacher (Matt) Thanks Guys!!! Chad

Jeff Brooks

Shop here everytime im in Portland. Great instruments and really cool people

B LaF

Interesting little local shop with a friendly staff and an excellent selection of effects pedals

Greg Peterson

Lots of cool gear. From strings and things to guitars, amps, pedals and more. This is what a guitar shop is suppose to be.

Brian Altree

Very friendly and helpful. Didn't care that I wasn't buying anything, pleasant atmosphere.

Steve Nefstad

Very knowledgeable, professional and down to earth people.

Pete Freund

Glad they are my guitar shop. Lots of variety in pedals and gear

Christopher Kagelaris

Great people with a lot of knowledge and good prices. Totally enjoyed my visit here and would shop here again.

Christopher Brian Oakley

Great location, excellent sells men's

Ethan

Really great staff, and a nice selection of instruments.

David Beuving

Really helpful staff, great selection of pedals

Gus Komas

Fast friendly service lot of cool guitars check them out!!!!

B LaF

Great shop for the really good selection run by pretty cool folks

Dan Saunders

Always a great place to check out to see what they have in store.

Gray Hildreth

Very helpful! Great place if you need any repair work done.

Joshua H. Metz (smirkstudios)

This place is magical... Buy your gear at Centaur Guitar, people!

Matt

Awesome shop, the employees are all super friendly and knowledgable.

Victor Benavides-Montes

Great used amps and cool used guitar pedals section.

Michael Key

Funky guitar store that's always worth a visit.

Angelique X Stacy

Fantastic pedal and amp selection! Oodles of pedals

paul branham

Best guitar store in Oregon.

Zack Rose

Cool little place with very rad gear!

Matt Till

The only guitar shop you need to go to.

Paul Brugh

Good rates when selling my used equipment.

Nick Strobaugh

Really helpful and friendly staff here.

Ken Mahoney

Two good guy's there.

Calvin Compton

My favorite guitar shop of Portland Oregon!!! Kelly is the man!!!

B Carnage

Best little guitar shop in Portland!

Paul Williams

A great selection in a very helpful staff

Gabriel Johnson

Good guitars great people.

Aaron White

Honest folks and willing to help a musician out anytime

Matthew Miller

Honest and easy to deal with. Always getting cool stuff.

Doug Daudelin

Friendly and helpful! Great experience!

Ralph Sanders

Very knowledgeable, helpful folks. Thanks Chad!

Katrina Price

very helpful, knowledgeable, good prices. thanks guys!

Shawn Farina

Best guitar shop in Portland!

Mark V

Friendly staff, great selection.

Lynda Benak

Nice staff....want to do right for you.

John Gainer

Discounted harmonicas, but limited stock.

David Percy

Out of the way helpful! Very awesome!

Schreiber Metal Dan

Great guitar shop 👍 …

Andrew Moon

Mostly nice during bad times.

Fernando Utreras

Great guitar shop.

chester stallings

Lucky 13 yrs being wonderful humans

Carmilla Hamto

Cool and helpful peeps are up in there.

Harry Gadd

Love this place and the people who run it!

William G. LaCrosse

A treasure trove of good things!!

Kristen Coffelt

Very professional and kind people! 👏 …

Artie Fufkin

Guitars

steve eyzerovich

Great food

Miguel Martinez

Very helpful.

Robert Petrozzi

Great

Jon Grunstein

Cool stuff

Erik Schram

Awesome place

Steven Newton

Shop local!

Thomas Peterson

Cool guitars.

thomas spain

Great customer service, very knowledgeable, and an awesome collection of vintage Japanese guitars. 🤠 …

Daniel Turner

Kai

Kyle Engen

thomas dean

Rock Dog

Daniel Kelten

Ryan

Brent Carnes

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