Always a good time. Thank you guys for the Orange cab this time. I usually get vintage fuzz pedals here. Great selection of instruments, amps, fx, and other music goodies!

Got a rare opportunity to meet the owner of this establishment today. Had a wonderful experience. Friendly staffs and very helpful, clean and well organized place. Must be a cool place to hang out for pro or amateur enthusiasts. Wishes you business well and everyone to stay safe.

What a great little shop. Amazing selection of new, used, and vintage guitars, amps, and effects, plus a fair variety of parts and accessories.What really seems to set them apart is their unrushed service, friendliness, and evident encyclopedic knowledge of the gear they purvey.It just feels good and...right...to support local guitar shops, and few shops are as truly deserving of support as Action.Cheers, fellas!

I will only be going to action music from now on. I called up the shop under unfortunate circumstances, my Gibson J-100 Extra was cracked and needed immediate attention. After calling several shops I got referred to Action. The owner Matt is a class act, just a minute on the phone with him and I knew exactly where my guitar needed to be, he was extremely knowledgeable, but not enforcing or pompous, humble, and absolutely treated me like a professional. When I picked up my guitar it was in better shape then I left it, and Matt had suggested several extra small options to help brace the guitar and prolong it’s stage and traveling life. Couldn’t be more thankful. The shop itself is an absolute marvel. Definitely check it out and give them your business. Cheers and thank you! See y’all soon.

This place is great. The staff is incredibly nice and helpful. No one is pushy or short tempered. They have a great selection of instruments and amps. Im so glad theyre around!

Exceptional staff, thorough knowledge, great gear and amazing customer service.Im always happy when I leave Action Music, whether I bought something or not. Ive never met a staff so willing to answer my questions, even if Im not buying anything.Repair shop is also great and reasonable for the great work they do.

Great folks. Came in with a minor issue I didn’t know how to fix, but since it was so simple for them they did it free! Ended up buying a great pedal too. Gotta support shops like this. Will be back

Super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff. Definitely recommended!

Staff here have always been really friendly and fun to talk to whenever Ive visited. Found them to be very knowledgeable with an amazing collection of instruments and equipment. Was able to get a vintage tube amp from a lesser-known brand repaired through them as well, and they were very communicative and it turned out great.

Like a real place where the people know what they are talking about and actually care. Nice vintage instruments and amps. Good selection of effects pedals (for less than Guitar Center prices). Only downside (for me) is they dont really sell budget instruments.

The best of the best gear, great prices and great staff

Amazing selection! The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this place for any guitarist.

Action Music, the people, the stocked instruments and other equipment are all treasures. This area is very lucky to have such a world-class guitar-focused shop. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting, checking out the amazing stock of instruments, amps. pedals and other gear, youre missing out. If youre a guitarist of any level who wants to browse a well curated collection of fine instruments, youve found the place. Have a question for an expert? Looking for a vintage or otherwise unique guitar, amp, etc.? Need a repair? The answer to all of these questions is: Go to Action Music.

The best guitar shop with the best people. Period.

This is the best experience Ive had at a music store. When my guitar was shipped to me (from Guitar Center) with the electronics improperly installed, they immediately fixed it at a great price. These folks really prioritize their customers having the best experience possible. Thank you, Action!

Excellent shop. great people. knowledgeable, professional, and on point. thanks a bunch for your help!

Matt is always awesome to work with. They employees at Action try to help you find what is YOU want. Not what they think you should want. They are honest and not pushy, just informative. Great shop that always has a selection of gear that you wont find elsewhere.

I brought my highly coveted and nearly priceless Kramer Ferrington to this place. Actually, my wife dropped it off. They thought that was real funny. She said they were nice to her but made fun of her husband. She said some of them had funny hair cuts like the guys in Foghat and Mr. Mister. The Kramer was totally unplayable when it went in. I was learning Hysteria by Def Leppard and couldnt even get the high E to the fretboard. Shred denied, bruh. So, okay, ACTION Music - show us its not just a clever name and make that action nice. When I came back to pick it up everyone was super cool about fixing my pointy acoustic axe - except one guy that used to roadie for Cutting Crew asked if he could join my Poison tribute band. Bro. No. I showed him how to play some McAuley Schenker Group riffs and he settled down. They did a GNARLY job setting my guitar up. Like, shockingly good. Theyre also as friendly and conversational as youd want your neighborhood music shop to be. Love Action music! Steve Clark forever, bro!

Matt, Mike, etc. Are super friendly and knowledgeable about all things guitar and amp related. Never any pressure to buy, theyre just super into making sure you find the right gear for your rig. They also have by far the nicest and most well curated selection of vintage and rare gear in the DC area.

Great service Fantastic selection not sure about Mikes haircut

Yes, I used to work there but I was a long time customer before that. I also buy from them whenever I can even though I live in LA now. Matt has always been gracious, courteous, and knowledgeable as well as the staff. There’s always a great selection guitars, pedals, amps, etc...for all budgets. Pay them a visit and you won’t be disappointed.

Twice now, I have taken expensive Gibson guitars to Action Music for: (1) nut replacement; and, (2) nut slot adjustments. Both times Action Music failed to perform quality work you would expect from an establish guitar store. The nut replacement on a $8,000 Gibson Korina Flying V was poorly cut and I had to take the guitar to a different repairman in Baltimore. The 2nd time I took a $12,000 vintage Gibson to Action Music, the owner of the store, Matt, did a very amateurish job of adjusting the nut slot depth of all 6 strings. I ended up taking my guitar back up to Baltimore for the repair work. Do not waste your time or money bringing your guitar to ACTION MUSIC. They are incapable of performing the most basic guitar repairs.

Love this place. They really know their stuff and will do everything they can to help with your guitar-related needs.

Was extremely pleased with the level of knowledge and commitment to excellence. In a sea of big box chains we are fortunate to have Action Music in our backyard. I wish that Id taken my instruments to them years ago. Its amazing what a competent tech can do to a guitar. My guitars play and sound better than ever. Special thanks to Matt and Mike for all of their help.

The only local place to go for all your guitar and string needs. The owner is super knowledgeable and will make you feel welcome whether you are a beginner or advanced player. Cant say the same for many of the larger chains or specialty music stores I have visited.

Fun shop with well maintained instruments and knowledgeable staff. This is where you should get your guitars set up, at least once. Large selection of mostly American guitar brands

The owner is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.They stock an impressive selection of vintage & used acoustics, amps and electrics plus a large selection of pedals and components.Youre not going to see a lot of Squires or ephipones though.They have good prices on strings and other consumables so its fun to stop by get a pack of string and look at whats hanging on the walls.

The Best Guitar shop by far if you are coming through the Washington DC Area. I have bought easily 20 guitars over the 20 years I have been shopping there and I have sold/traded guitars or consigned them for sale. Matt Baker who runs this shop has infinite knowledge on just about any instrument or amp in stock or even if it something you are looking for. Having been in the music industry my whole life I can honestly say this is one of the Best sources for any Guitar new or used as well as a huge selection of high quality effect pedals, both new, used and vintage. They also do repairs and fixed my most cherished guitar when it hit the ground and I was afraid the truss rod broke as the action went super high. Dont know what they did but it was fixed and still destroys in the sound department. If I could give them 6 stars I would.

Went to take a look at an amp, called ahead to make sure they had it in stock. They had the amp waiting when I got there. They set me up alone in a private room with a nice Les Paul and two different cabs. I ended up buying the amp and a cab. They made sure I got everything that came with it, accessories, paperwork, etc. There was zero sales pressure although everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience all around. They also have a nice variety of gear in the store, amps, guitars, a lot of pedals... could spend weeks in there. Im going to make a point of buying gear from them, best guitar shop in the area, no contest.Following up on this review. I ended up regretting not buying a bigger cab. I brought it back to the store and they let me exchange it for a larger one. They definitely stood by their return/exchange policy and were just as friendly and helpful. Another great experience.

They are the most honest and customer service oriented business that i have found in any industry.If everyone were as honest, helpful and considerate, there would be no need for reviews.Action carries middle to high end products, so if you want low end, entry level stuff, go somewhere else. If you want super low pressure and super friendly, knowledge invoked staff, then go to Action Music. I do not, usually, write reviews, because most Stores are not worthy of a good review.These guys are great :)

My favorite guitar shop ever. This seems to be the only place in the DC area that has a great vintage guitar selection... and even their new items are interesting, unlike most other stores anywhere. Plus, the staff is super friendly and helpful. Ive gotten to be a regular over the last few years and Ive heard from other independent guitar store owners around the country that the owner is one of the few guys in that line of work thats honest and great to work with. Love this place! Just checked out the new location on Park and theyve totally maintained the cool vibe while upgrading as well. The few negative reviews here are laughable... no its definitely NOT Guitar Center. And Im glad!!!!

These guys were great. The place is one of my favorite hidden treasures. The service is is a combination of a knowledgeable staff who are friendly and eager to help. The selection of amps, guitars, and pedals is one of the best. Even some of the most innocuous guitar parts can be found here. I give give Action Music a giant thumbs up.

I was amazed at how rude the owner Matt was while I was inquiring about a vintage instrument. He made me feel like a total inconvenience for asking questions about the instrument and treated me as if I knew nothing about guitars (without knowing a thing about me). To top it off, Matt abruptly got of the phone with me after I had asked only a few questions. I guess you could give him some credit for apologizing for being rude while hanging up on me. I was also amazed by the line he gave me that that he pays 70% value for used gear. No company can buy a used product at 70% and be successful. That’s a shady line a car salesman would give.

Every time I’m in a new city I do my best to go to the coolest music shop in the area, I’ve probably been to 50+ in the last decade. This shop may be my favorite I’ve ever been to. Their inventory is extremely well curated. They’ve got the cool factor of a Norm’s or a Gruhn but the vibe of a smaller local shop. I live in Portland Oregon which is the Mecca of guitar shops and you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere that comes close.

Really cool store w/ cool people. Shop owner is a great dude, who made my tele sound fantastic; he goes out of his way to give good advice (to the point that he often talks customers out of repairs they dont need!) I will not go anywhere else again - this is the place.

Had my daughter’s baby Taylor tuned & new strings installed. Guitar is now an absolute dream to play (action is AMAZING!)... & they were able to tell me this guitar, that’s been through all 3 of my right-handed daughter’s, is actually a lefty guitar (if you’re wondering, it has no pick guard). Highly recommend & best guitar work I’ve ever paid for.

Best kept secret in NOVA for musicians. I had never been here before today, but after being referred to Action music by a salesmen at Guitar Center, I knew I had to check it out.Selection is incredible and the folks working there actually care about your experience.Great vibe in the store also - definitely recommend checking it out and supporting our small businesses.

The people at this store are really nice and agreeable, the atmosphere as a whole is intelligent and comfortable, and their inventory is well balanced. They were able to fix up my somewhat obscure model tube amp and got it back to me within a very reasonable time frame. I would absolutely recommend this shop to any musician looking for gear, a tech, or just to waste a few minutes looking at beautiful guitars and amps.

Matt was very upfront and honest about my damaged guitar, telling me its probably not worth the value of the guitar to have it repaired and even forsaking business by finding competitors selling used versions of the guitar for me online at a cheaper price. Very kind service. I also bought a different guitar from them about 13 years ago and had a good experience then as well.

Great selection of vintage amps, guitars, lap steels...

These guys are the best. Had my old Squiers input jack fall apart. Went in a few months ago and Matt hooked me up with advice on how to fix it and a spare washer. Went back today because my job on the jack fell apart, and even though they were mad busy, Matt was able to fix it in like ten minutes. Best place to take your guitar and to check out some unique guitars, amps, and other stuff. 5/5

Helpful, extremely knowledgeable, and excellent at diagnosing and fixing any instrument-related issue. Plus, their guitar and bass selection is enviable. I could not recommend them more highly.

All the people here are amazing, friendly and knowledgeable. Matt especially works hard to make you feel at home while poking around at the truly inspiring collection of guitars and effect pedals. I was modifying an old squier jaguar to the Cobain spec, I bought all the parts I could here. Other stores I visited openly rolled their eyes at me and where of little help. At Action they were more than willing to offer advice and encouragement. This is a place for anyone who loves music.

Wow! Im impressed by the pedal wall collection, full courteous staff and definitely absolutely warm genuine signature rock guitar gallery. Good place to buy guitar picks. Home for the soloist and basest.

Great store, great stock, great staff.

I got great help from the folks there setting up my guitar. Ive played an acoustic for years and they patiently helped me set up my daughters old electric. Many thanks.

Great inventory. Great staff. Great techs. One note: they are very good at repair and setups so theres a high demand. They are quick but expect a few day wait for more than the simplest of repairs.

I have been to every major guitar shop in North America, and Action Music is one of the best there is. They have a great selection of high end acoustic guitars as well as new and vintage electrics. Matt and his staff are incredibly knowledgeable and have always been very helpful with anything I have needed. I have lived in the Washington D.C area for the last 20 years, and as a busy music industry professional I do not have time to waste with shops that dont treat their customers right. Thats why I always go to Action Music first.

Being a military guy, I have lived all over the country and been to a million different guitar shops. Action music is the best of the best. Their selection of guitars, amps, and pedals is fantastic. The best part is the staff. They are all friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and dont pressure you! They will give you a great deal on trades and their prices are excellent. They do a great job setting the guitars up as well.Matt has an incredible knowledge about guitars and always is a pleasure to work with! I just bought a Fender American Vintage 59 Stratocaster and it is beyond description!!!

This place was great!! It had an amazing amount of vintage and new gear. The place may not be as well stocked as a Guitar Center, But it has a great mom n pop feel and has a guitar signed by Les Paul. They also have err more Mardhalls in the store than an average Guitar Center.Only bad thing is that because theres a lot of vintage gear, the people that work there are too sensitive if you accidentally binned one into another. Over all really cool place.

Personable staff and expert service...even gave me a record of my set up specs !...very professional

Friendly staff that is very knowledgeable. They want you to thrive in your playing and will help you find the right piece of equipment, recommend the right equipment, or tell you where to get it. They have a fantastic collection of pedals, amps, and guitars. Go to the local place that’ll take you to the next sonic level!

This is probably the only time I dont mind Google providing my real name to a review because of how much I love Action Music.I purchase most of my guitars here because they treat their customers right. That means, if something is wrong, they will make it right, so I can shop with confidence. Matt, the owner, is a very solid guy and has talked with me about every guitar I was interested in purchasing. Plus, youll get better deals than Guitar Center (Baine Capital owned) and other big box stores. This is a local business full of staff who love and care about guitars.Come here and youll get a great deals AND service. I am a huge fan and will remain a customer for all my guitar needs. Now, I just need to get an acoustic guitar...

Greetings...I recently had a great experience at Action Music. I have a Gibson L7 acoustic that had electrical problems with the floating pickup. I would like to thank everyone at Action Music for helping to get the guitar sorted out. The guitar now sounds wonderful. I would also like to thank Mike Dutton for demoing the guitar for me several times. Listening to his skilled guitar work was a real inspiration...Thanks

Bought a mini-dual rectifier head w/speaker and a reverb pedal last month, brought it home and wasnt satisfied. Long story short there were a few problems, including with my gear. Matt and Aaron couldnt have been better to work with, I brought it all back & worked with them over the course of an afternoon to identify issues, tweak the setup, try other things, and Im now thrilled. One more thing--these guys KNOW metal; they PLAY metal! Dont judge a book by its cover & be fooled by all the vintage gear (although they no doubt know classic gear inside & out too). Fantastic store all around & I will definitely be back for future needs.

Great staff, feels like a family. Support your locally owned small businesses, especially when theyre amazing like this one.

My favorite guitar, stringed instrument shop around! They have done beautiful jobs of setting up several of my guitars and mandolins. I am always pleased with the personal touch by the staff. Owner Matt is a clever genius!

An unfortunate situation was handled with the utmost professionalism.I bought a guitar from Matt at Action Music through a website called reverb. He shipped it to me right away. The purchase was a pleasant experience. When I opened the box and inspected the guitar, I found some hidden damage. I contacted Matt right away. He assured me it would be handled fairly. We discussed my options, send it back for a full refund, send it back and have it repaired, or have it repaired locally and they would pay for the repair. I ultimately decided to take the first option.The refund was issued promptly and accurately.Buy with confidence. This company stands behind its product a rare thing these days. I asked if they had any other guitars that fit the description of what I was looking for and unfortunately they did not or I’d have bought it.Five stars.R. Abbot Asheville, NC.

Great store with really cool staff and owner. Big selection with some amazing guitars and amps. 1 little criticism is make the website faster lol

My daughter is just starting to take guitar lessons, and I needed some strings. Walked in blind, and was thrilled with the helpfulness and demeanor of the folks there. Made me feel very welcome! My music needs may be limited, but theyll get my business from now on.

Action Music helped us out in a pinch! We had a broken amp, a concert coming up in a few days, and a cross country move in a week. Action Music worked with their amp repair folks to turnaround a repair in record time. We hugely appreciate their help!!!

Ive never had a good experience at this shop. They have a good selection and let you play the guitars without asking (which is great), but the staff is not very friendly and not very knowledgeable. Whenever you ask about an instrument, they seem inconvenienced. Whenever you ask to play an amp at gigging volume, they seem annoyed. The worst is the return policy. Buy something for your guitar thats the wrong size or color? Sorry, only store credit AND a 15% restocking fee! Restocking fee? The item was never even opened and you just hang it back on the wall. Im all for supporting local business. There is a small guitar shop in my home town (La Plata) that puts this place to shame. I wont be giving Action Music any more business.

Matt, Joshua, and the rest of the folks are extremely nice, interested in peoples needs, creative and knowledgeable. I go out of my way to visit this shop, even when other stores are closer. Either they will solve your problem or they will find someone who can. My favorite music shop in the area.

Great music shop. Took them less than 10 minutes to fix my Bronco (tube amp), their prices were very reasonable and they had all kinds of cool stuff new/vintage.

Been going here for over a decade. They are fair, hardworking, and insanely knowledgable. They love to help a musician out. Will never buy another big guitar purchase anywhere else.

This is the best guitar store I have ever found. Though I am new to playing, they walked me through the different things I needed to know when looking for a high quality guitar. Les took nearly an hour to work with me (Hes a great guy). I have traveled from Fredericksburg to Alexandria and have come to the conclusion that this is the most professional and knowledgable store in the area.After coming back and deciding what guitar I desired to purchase, I put it on hold and have been making payments. This has been a completely stress free experience and I highly recommend this process!

Staff was very kind. Went in looking for strings and was out in about 2 minutes. They didnt try to sell me anything I didnt need. Better than Guitar Center.

The people there were friendly and knowledgable, and there are some really great deals. Cant recommend enough!

Action is the best best best! I only bring my guitars to them for work and have bought several amazing instruments/amps there over the years

Staff is a pleasure to work with and always personable. Prices are okay, but the selection and ability to test the instruments out in person makes up for it (instead of hoping for the best with online stores).

Easily the best Music Shop Ive ever been to. Especially if what you want is hard to find vintage gear. Ive bought two of my amplifiers here over the years and the staff is absolutely stellar. When I had a problem with one of my amps, one of the staff members trouble shot it on the spot instead of sending it straight off to a technician. Turned out to a simple problem, so they fixed it free of charge. Thats customer service.Matt, the owner, is the nicest guy Ive ever met, not just the nicest guy Ive ever met in a music store - no, the nicest guy ever.

Great deals. great atmosphere. been going for years, and unfortunately became the victim of a poor amp techs repair work and service charges, and blamed it on Matt. my error; Matt noticed my review, apologized and recognized why i was upset with the situation. it is much appreciated and will gladly continue business with these guys for as long as i am getting my paychecks!

I have been to all kinds of guitar shops around and Action is by far the best Guitar Shop ive been to. I have even been to guitar shops such as Gruhn Guitars in Nashville.This store is by far superior. While its size is smaller than a lot of other guitar shops, you will rest assured knowing that they are not in the business to just sell to customers. Matt, (the owner) gets to know your name and talks to you about what it is you are looking for and always has a smile on his face. The rest of the staff is tremendously helpful. They know their stuff. I have had a few guitars set up and repaired at Action and all of the repairs have been done with care.While the main purpose of going to a music store is to look at and ultimately buy a piece of gear, I also want to know who is selling me the gear and talk about music with the sales reps. This store is unique in that they actually take time to get to know you and are consistently nice every time you go in.If you want to get to know some great people, look at great gear, and have an all around high quality experience, look no further than Action Music in Falls Church, VA.

Great people, killer gear, no hard selling. Love this place.

This store was recommended to me from a couple of accomplished local guitar players and it is a gem. ALL the employees there are attentive, considerate and knowledgable guitar players. Matt, the owner, allowed me to play different amps for as long as i wanted and made excellent recommendations to suit my playing style. I thought I had made a good choice regarding an expensive Mesa amp, but when after a few days I decided it wasnt for me, he took it back no questions asked. I then went in a different direction and, again, after allowing me to play many different guitars, I bought a beautiful strat that I am totally happy with. Great guys, great place, particularly for guitarists. I live in Maryland and this place is MUCH more costumer friendly than Chuck Levins.

These guys like to call the tow company and tow your car even though they have all open spots in front of their store. So pathetic. Plus they only had 30 minutes left till they closed and still decided to have my car towed.

I was a little hesitant to just walk in blind and give my (2) beloved Gibson Les Pauls to just anyone but I took the chance and havent regretted my experience whatsoever. My Fireball Les Paul has never sounded so good:D The action and intonation is spot on and back where it should be. So for anyone out there looking for a real guitar shop this place is it!I dealt with Matt about the setups for my Les Pauls and this guy really knows what hes looking at; and furthermore, what hes doing.The store is loaded with amps, guitars, pedals, and accessories. I especially loved their Vintage and Used collection of pedals. If you are a fan of vintage pedals this a great place to tryout some old school effects side by side with the new age effects. I cant think of a better place to experience gear with an able and competent staff of actual guitar players.

Ive now had to fix two guitars that their tech did a very poor job on. Bad nut height completely throwing off low fret intonation, and bad electronics work. One of the relief settings is not good. Pretty sure it was just set to straight with no strings and then not adjusted. The owner seems like a great guy and they have a wonderful selection of guitars and amplifiers.***Later. Wow, I just pulled one of the nuts and its too tall. AND the guy had shims under it...Its too tall stock so you make it taller?!? Clueless.When it was just one, I thought hmmm...now that its two, Ive gotta post the PSA.

Cool selection of gear. Higher end stuff so be prepared to spend some $$$.

These guys really know guitars, and have been very helpful and honest when it comes to repairs and tune-ups. I trust them over other places for guitar set-up and repair.

A class act. This is a REAL guitar store with REAL guitar experts. Dont go anywhere else. You are doing yourself a disservice if you do.

Co-workers, friends, and acquaintances have all suggested I stop by here and Im really glad I did. Theyve got a massive assortment of pedals, amps, and dont get me started on the guitars. You can walk in and say, I want this sound, and presto, the friendly wizards will hook it up. I picked up a strymon timeline and keeley modded ds-1. Ill definitely be back in the near future.

Ive had the pleasure of shopping with Action Music for a very, very, very long time (at least for three of their stores moves).The bottom line up front is that its my experience that Matt and the boys run a tight, genuinely friendly, uber-professional and very well-stocked store.No good old by network highbrow type of treatment at Action Music, meaning they treat all accomplished musicians/well known people with the same decency and grace they do weekend warriors, first time visitors and rising musicians. Much respect.To a person -- Matt, Aaron, Mike, Les and the others -- know their stocks technicalities and finer points very well. IMO not a pretentious bone in their bodies. Theyll steer you right every time. No pressure to buy. Up front about everything regarding store policies and the customers genuine satisfaction, they just want to make sure youre getting what youre really looking for.During many visits Ive walked into Action Music and described a certain sound I was looking for (pickups, acoustic instruments, effects pedals, amps, cabs). The employees take the time to listen, talk about the history/background/sound of a particular tool and give you choices in many cases to consider.Action Music is particularly busy on Saturdays, so arrive with a good attitude and a hint of patience, and youre in for a tasty recipe of great experience and a good deal.Lots of rolling used stock, attainably-priced vintage and new gear in their inventory. All quality!! Heck of a variety and quantity of gear, gear, gear.Theyve completed a custom build sound room which affords a customer to try before you buy. Love their location, too!If in the area, theyve got my loyalty and thats where I want to get my gear. I even tell non-musicians about this place! In closing, I wish them many many years of continuing successes. Thanks for everything, guys, and well see you again soon.I could type a whole lot more, but Im hoping this quick review helps prospective and new customers stop by and have a positive experience, too. Well worth it, sez I.i.s.

THANK YOU! best music store in everything! million, zillion stars to you!

Your guitar is in good hands with Matt and his staff. They know what theyre doing.

Theres no reason to go anywhere else for guitars or guitar paraphernalia. Simply the best in the area.

Cant say enough good things about Matt, Mike, Feebus(?), Les, and a host of others I know Im forgetting. In reading over some of the previous comments I couldnt help but feel obligated to share my story as it was quite the opposite. I lost a family member earlier this year and so while on a short break from work I found myself frequenting Action Music every day that they were open that week for an hour or so around mid-day.Not once did I feel pressured into buying anything -- and this is coming from a recovering car salesman -- but did in fact spend several hundred dollars (a couple of times) that week. In a decision half made in grief and half with severe GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) of the brain, I purchased a pre-owned Strat that within 24 hrs did not agree with me so much after all, and Action couldnt have been better about giving me FULL store credit towards trade-in credit whereas I was prepared to take a 15% restocking hit, allowing me to then purchase the pre-owned Custom shop I ended up with.I appreciated this enough to have my Fender Champ brought in for servicing and again was impressed when Mike talked about me getting a back panel to protect my tubes and then mentioned some websites to purchase them online (as opposed to offering to buy them for me and marking them up) -- further illustrating why Action Music is legit.

In July 2015, I went to Action Music to try at least five guitars that I had identified on their detailed website. I brought the list with me and proceeded to try out a Guild, two Huss & Daltons, a Taylor and a Gurian. One of the store associates heard me trying out the guitars and suggested I try another Huss & Dalton, and I must say he really nailed the sound I was looking for. However, thw Huss & Dalton was a bit out of my price range, so I picked the Gurian instead, as it sounded great as well. They explained their return policy, and Ieft satisfied with my purchase and the service. I was trying out the different guitars for some time, and thy never pushed me for a sale. They know their stuff!

I wanted very hard to like this place, but theyve just lost a customer.Im a local to the NoVa area, so I was thrilled when I found out that there was a gutiar store like this one nearby that actually has a decent selection of vintage and used guitars and amps. Ive been to the store several times, and the owner Matt is a decent guy that will work with you if youre trying to make a deal on a potential purchase. However, the rest of their staff is less than competent at times and their return policy is absolutely ridiculous.My first bad experience was when I made my first (rather large) purchase. I noticed that they had a very cool and rare vintage guitar cabinet from the first several times I visited, and since I needed a new 412 cab I ended up deciding to purchase it. All said and done, I ended up spending over $1200 on this cab (I was aware of how much it costed and that isnt why Im complaining). I didnt realize that there was a problem with the cab until I took it home and actually played it in the studio. It sounded awful (very quiet and flat, with absolutely no bass), to the point that I was sure that the speaker cones were damaged. I ended up taking it back in to them, and Matt had his technician named Phoebus take a look at it. I went with Phoebus to the back room to look at the cab and to try various other cabs that they had on hand in case I wanted to do an exchange. After an hour of staring at the wiring in the cab, Phoebus admitted to me that he wasnt sure if he had wired it correctly or not in the first place. I took at look at the wiring with him, and loaded up some wiring diagrams on my phone I could compare it with. After five minutes of looking at it, I was able to determine that he had wired the speakers incorrectly (both pairs were wired completely out of phase). Phoebus then began to rewire the speaker cabinet according to the diagram that I found on my phone. I quickly noticed from watching him work on it that he had basically no idea what he was doing. His soldering technique was very sloppy, and he was using plumbing gauge solder so every time he soldered a wire to a lug he would leave a huge glob of solder on the joint and melt the insulation on adjacent wires. After he was finished rewiring the cab, I tested it again and it sounded like it was supposed to. After taking it back home, I decided to open it back up again and completely rewire the cab myself so it would have more solid solder joints.My second bad experience was several months later when I made a small purchase. I went back and bought an aftermarket truss rod cover, switch cover and knobs for a 1976 gibson les paul custom that I was in the process of restoring. Less than a week later, I found a good deal on some NOS vintage gibson parts online, and decided to buy them and return the parts I had purchased from Action Music since they were STILL UNOPENED in their original packages. I went back to Action music a week later and Phoebus informed me that they did not do refunds on purchases, only exchanges for store credit, but there was a 15% restocking fee on all returns. Livid, I declined and asked to talk to Matt the store owner about it, but I was informed that he was away so I decided to leave. A few days later, I called back and asked for Matt. I explained the situation to him, and he told me: Sorry but were not like Guitar Center and we cant do refunds. He then offered to give me store credit for the items minus a 10% restocking fee. Their return policy is absolute B.S. and to me that is reason enough never to set foot in there again.

Remarkable and surprising, with great selection of intersting and beautiful instruments in a cool setting with very knowledgable staff.

They have good gear and their prices for this type of small store are reasonable. I have had mixed feelings about this store.

Matt and crew are awesome and they have amazing instruments and gear!

Great guitars, cool vibe in the store.

Best in nova