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Fifth String Music The fifth String is a instrument show room consisting of guitars, banjos, and mandolins. We take pride in our individual service and one on one relationship with our clients. We supply best quality service and best quality instruments. The fifth String supplies five well qualified instructors for all styles guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin.
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We offer lessons for acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and ukulele.
We teach all levels (beginning, intermediate and advanced) .

We teach all styles of music (rock, hard rock, heavy metal, jazz, blues, bluegrass, country, folk, classical, fingerstyle, gospel, contemporary Christian, praise and worship, etc. .) .
5th String Music has been in business since the early 1970s. Susan Snyder became the owner in 1980 and moved the store to its former location in 1988. She has been a provider of high quality instruments for the people of upstate South Carolina and beyond. We here at 5th String want you to have the best experience possible and that's why we do our business face to face as often as we can.
We offer lessons for acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and ukulele. Charles Wood is an award-winning banjo player. He won the 1998 Merlefest Banjo Championship and the 1999 Walnut Valley National Banjo Championship. Charles specializes in "Scruggs Style" banjo. James Shepherd teaches guitar and banjo.
Reviews (17)
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Joey Parris
Jun 19, 2022
In my opinion, this place is a musical gem in Greenville. From the time you walk in, you get treated with friendliness and personal attention. It has what so many big places do not. They get to know you and are invested in your success. I wish there were more places like them! Now in a new location at 3795 E North St. Better then ever!
Camden Anderson
Jun 05, 2022
Incredibly kind owner. Nice selection of banjos, guitars, and mandolins-including some very high end models. Small store but worth the stop.
Ricky Lewis
Nov 03, 2020
The selection is great, the people there are kind and knowledgeable, and I'm even taking lesson there now! Great shop!
Clint Groves
Oct 04, 2020
I just purchased another instrument from 5th String. James helped me with my purchase and answered any question that I have. I highly recommend anyone looking for an instrument to give them a visit.
Brian M.
May 09, 2020
I have dealt with Susan for years, and referred many parents/beginners to her. Susan has curated the best selection of instruments at every level. Her deals on Eastmans are fantastic. They really love beginners at Fifth String and take a long-term approach with customers, while other retailers sometimes just worry about a single sale. They also are expert in the instruments they sell, which you would think is the norm but sadly is not.

If you buy an instrument from the Fifth String, it will be set up correctly and there won't be any unpleasant surprises. This is really important if you are not expert in what you are buying (e.g. a parent or beginner) but nice for players at all levels. When you buy on the Internet to save money, unfortunately, the last person to touch your beginner to mid-level instrument may have been in a factory in China.

You would be surprised at what problems can develop during shipping. The Fifth String inspects and sets up every instrument. I have never seen a bad one on the floor, and I have been going there since 1994. Fifth String prices are exceptionally fair, especially considering the extra time they put into setting up, displaying, and selling them. A very welcoming place with great instructors as well.
Chris Hitchner
Mar 27, 2020
Hands down the best guitar shop in Greenville from lessons to hospitality. Mostly acoustic guitars banjo mandolin and all other acoustics. A must stop by and check it out. Even giving away a free Eastman acoustic which I fell in love with.
Aaron M. Norton
Nov 27, 2019
A great store and a very knowledgeable staff. They are professional and want to help. Thank y'all!
Jc Reggae Nation
Nov 26, 2019
It's always such a pleasure to do business with 5th String Music. A small shop with primarily acoustic instruments, their main brands of guitars are Eastman and Larivee. And this is for good reason, as these guitars are extremely good quality for your dollar (particularly the Eastmans). Susan, the owner., has been in the business for a very long time and knows her products.

She is quite helpful and friendly, and there is no pressure to make a sale. Jacob is quite knowledgeable and helpful as well. Great folks to do business with. In addition to guitars, they also carry banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles. And they have a small section for consignment sales. Check them out.you won't be disappointed.
Brian Habig
Oct 18, 2019
This is hidden jewel of a music store. If you have a friend or child who wants to get a starter guitar (or, a nicer one), don't go to the typical franchise. Your dollar will go further here and you'll get staff who know what they're talking about.
Daniel Declan
Feb 21, 2019
I've been taking bluegrass banjo lessons out of this establishment for a few months now and have been really satisfied by the instructor (Charles Wood). He is apparently one of if not the only bluegrass style instructor in town, but has been playing for over 30 years so definitely knows what he's talking about. I've also chatted with the owner and she has been really nice and friendly.

The shop can be hard to get in and out of by left-turns but there is a back alley that you can access from North St right before (or after) the Sunoco gas station, which will eventually get you the back parking lot of the facility.
David Swartz
Jan 16, 2019
Bought my electric guitar in to have the screws tighten down and they said it was easy to fix that they didn't even charge me. I will definitely be doing business with then again.
Michael G.
Apr 14, 2018
Everyone is really nice and friendly no matter your musical experience. All the music teachers their have years of experience with numerous awards. But you have to research the teachers because they are so humble that they wont tell you about their awards or albums they've made unless you ask them. Thank you Susan, Charles and Neil for making this a great experience for my son and me.
Kayla Charlene
Aug 16, 2017
By far my favorite music store in the upstate area. Their level of expertise and willingness to give helpful information is unmatched. All of their instruments and musical equipment are FANTASTIC quality. I will continue to be a regular!
Kirk Flinte
May 05, 2017
All the staff are accomplished musicians. They don't carry any products they wouldn't personally want to play. Super friendly and they can answer any question you throw at them. This is the music store to visit if you want the neighborhood experience.
Scott R.
May 08, 2016
Visited this store while in Greenville for a Mother's Day visit. Met the owner Susan who is an excellent local musician/teacher, and just a totally delightful person. I'm quite the guitar nerd myself, so we talked shop and played some tunes as I sampled a few instruments, and became particularly smitten with a Larrivee mahogany topped OM.

She is very knowledgeable about all her products, and keeps everything on display extremely well maintained. When you pick up something to sample in her store, it is pretty much set up perfectly, and has clean, new and in-tune strings, and is ready to go! High quality service, high quality products. Although I didn't make a purchase at the time; since I live only 2 hours away, and her store is 10 minutes from my parents house, I believe my next acoustic guitar purchase will be from this fine establishment. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Soup B.
Apr 28, 2016
Great staff and nice selection. Got my acoustic restrung for a great price. I will definitely keep going back.
Micah McMinn
Jan 27, 2014
I went to 5th string today to do some homework on a guitar i'm looking at buying. From the moment I walked in to the moment I stepped out, they were AWESOME! Very personal, but not intrusive or bothering; highly professional and informative. This store is great! Not to bash "Guitar Center" but this store is higher volume of quality over quantity. This is a great team/store and I look forward to going back!