Barcelona Ukulele Shopping Guide: Discover the City's Top Music Stores

Barcelona pulses with rhythm, creativity, and music—from vibrant street performances along Las Ramblas to cozy cafés echoing with acoustic melodies. If you're a guitarist or ukulele enthusiast visiting the city, you’ll quickly realize there’s far more to Barcelona than its famous landmarks. Scattered among its historic neighborhoods are music stores packed with character, authenticity, and instruments you'll rarely find elsewhere.

But let’s be honest: finding the right guitar or ukulele shop in an unfamiliar city can be overwhelming. To save you from aimless wandering, I've explored Barcelona’s musical landscape firsthand, uncovering stores beloved by local musicians, hidden gems offering authentic Spanish craftsmanship, and specialized boutiques catering to collectors and beginners alike.

Whether it’s the meticulous instrument setups at Tube Sound Guitar & Bass Shop, the personalized attention and honest service at Guitarland, exclusive boutique models at Fanatic Guitars, authentic Spanish guitars at Tokobongo, or the extensive music and recording gear at Alfasoni, each shop in this guide stands apart through distinct strengths and unique customer experiences.

This guide is designed to help you quickly identify which store aligns best with your musical needs, budget, and taste—saving time and enriching your experience. By the end, you'll know exactly where to go in Barcelona to find your ideal instrument, get trustworthy advice, and experience firsthand why the city is a hidden paradise for music lovers.

Tube Sound Guitar & Bass Shop Barcelona

Tube Sound Guitar & Bass Shop stands out in Barcelona not just for its incredible guitar collection but especially for its meticulous attention to instrument calibration. This process ensures every guitar delivers its optimal tone and playability, genuinely enhancing your musical experience. Prices here range broadly; entry-level acoustics start at around €200 ($220), while premium vintage models can exceed €2,000 ($2,200).

The store assistant's personalized service is noteworthy—expect detailed insights and genuine guidance without sales pressure. What uniquely differentiates Tube Sound is their commitment to ensuring instruments are perfectly tuned before leaving the shop, a step often overlooked elsewhere. It's not just buying an instrument; it's experiencing music at its fullest potential.

Address: Carrer de Floridablanca, 98, 08015 BarcelonaOpen: Monday to Saturday
Pro tip: Ask if they have incoming consignments—they sometimes stock rare, well-preserved vintage gear before it hits the online listings.

Guitarland

Guitarland excels in customer care and affordability, making it an ideal spot for musicians seeking both repairs and reliable advice. From minor fixes, such as tuning your guitar for just €10 ($11), to installing high-quality preamps starting at €75 ($83), their service is rapid and trustworthy, often completed within a day.

A standout feature is their transparency—staff provide upfront quotes and clearly explain available solutions, letting you decide without pressure. Guitarland’s responsiveness extends beyond their physical store: they actively help customers via email, making online purchases seamless. Expect accessories like guitar winders and fretboard cleaners for around €10-€20 ($11-$22), and occasionally, thoughtful extras like complimentary microfibre cloths.

Address: Carrer de Sepúlveda, 3, 08015 BarcelonaOpen: Monday to Saturday
Pro tip: If you can't visit, email them a photo of your guitar—they’ll recommend gear or repairs remotely and even ship within Spain.

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Fanatic Guitars

Fanatic Guitars is Barcelona's premier destination for musicians passionate about boutique and custom instruments. Known as the exclusive dealer of several high-end brands in the region, this shop offers specialized guitars like Schecter USA custom models priced from around €1,500 ($1,650) to well above €3,000 ($3,300).

A distinguishing trait of Fanatic Guitars is their warm hospitality—staff enthusiastically share the stories behind each instrument, enriching the overall shopping experience. International buyers, especially from places like Australia, benefit from Fanatic’s efficient shipping and meticulous guidance through customs procedures, clearly explaining potential import duties and fees.

Address: Carrer de la Diputació, 282, 08009 BarcelonaOpen: Monday to Friday
Pro tip: Ask for a trade-in appraisal if you’re traveling with your old gear—they often accept trades toward boutique upgrades.

Tokobongo

Tokobongo captures visitors with its authentic and genuinely warm customer service. Beyond guitars, this eclectic shop offers native flutes, accordions, and percussion instruments, catering to musicians interested in a diverse range of musical styles. Spanish classical guitars, ideal for beginners, start around €120 ($132) and can go upwards depending on quality.

What truly sets Tokobongo apart is the sincerity of their recommendations; the staff routinely suggest instruments that best suit customer needs and budgets rather than pushing higher-priced options. The shop atmosphere feels personable and inviting, providing musicians ample time and comfort to test instruments thoroughly before purchasing.

Address: Carrer de l’Hospital, 85, 08001 Barcelona
Open: Monday to Saturday
Pro tip: Their website often lists items not available in-store. Check it in advance if you're after something unique or travel-sized.

Alfasoni

Alfasoni is a musician's paradise, renowned for its vast selection of musical instruments, live sound gear, and extensive synthesizer collection. One notable highlight is their hands-on synth area, fully patched and ready to experiment—rarely found elsewhere. Prices vary widely; entry-level guitars start from around €150 ($165), while professional-grade recording gear and synthesizers can easily reach €2,000 ($2,200) or more.

Though known for their massive inventory, Alfasoni could improve customer service consistency. Visits on weekdays are advised due to weekend closures. The store also charges for bags (€2-€3 each), unusual considering larger purchases. Online ordering is available but could benefit from an updated interface. Despite these minor drawbacks, Alfasoni remains an essential stop for musicians seeking specific gear or rare instruments, providing reliable delivery services directly to your home.

Address: Carrer del Sepúlveda, 3-5, 08015 Barcelona
Open: Monday to Friday only
Pro tip: If the staff is busy, head to the synth floor—there’s usually someone more available and knowledgeable. And yes, they ship gear across Europe.

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General Ukulele Buying Advice

Picking the perfect ukulele can elevate your musical experience right from the start. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. Ukulele Sizes Explained Briefly:

• Soprano (21-inch): Bright tone, small size—perfect for beginners or travelers.
• Concert (23-inch): Balanced sound and easy fret access, good all-rounder.
• Tenor (26-inch): Fuller sound, ideal for intermediate or guitar-savvy players.
• Baritone (30-inch): Rich, guitar-like sound, suited for those comfortable with wider frets.

2. Wood Matters:

• Solid Wood: Richer, warmer tone that improves over time; ideal for dedicated players.
• Laminated Wood: Cost-effective, sturdy, and ideal for beginners or frequent travelers.

3. Test Before You Buy:

Always hold the ukulele. Even if you're new, listen carefully for clear notes, ease of play, and comfortable action (string height).

4. Budget Realistically (Average Costs):

• Beginner: €40–€120 ($43–$130 USD)
• Intermediate: €130–€400 ($140–$430 USD)
• Professional: €400+ ($430+ USD)

5. Recommended Accessories:

A tuner, sturdy gig bag, extra strings (brands like Aquila or D’Addario), and possibly a capo or strap.

Barcelona-Specific Ukulele Shopping Tips

Shopping for a ukulele in Barcelona can be uniquely rewarding. Consider these local insights for the best experience:

1. Opt for European Craftsmanship:

Look out for ukulele brands like APC (Portugal) or Ortega (Spain)—these offer distinctive design, authentic craftsmanship, and make memorable musical souvenirs.

2. Simple Spanish Phrases That Help:

Enhance your experience with basic Spanish:

• “¿Puedo probar este ukelele?” – Can I try this ukulele?
• “¿Qué tipo de madera tiene?” – What wood is it made of?
• “¿Incluye funda?” – Does it include a case?

3. Save with Tax-Free Shopping:

Visitors from outside the EU can claim VAT refunds (approx. 15–21%) on purchases above €90 ($97 USD). Ask for a "tax-free form" at checkout.

4. Discover Barcelona’s Ukulele Scene:

Ask store staff about local ukulele meetups, jam sessions, or workshops—they usually have insider recommendations.

5. Mind Store Hours:

Remember most local shops close between 2 pm–4 pm for siesta. Plan visits accordingly and note weekend closures, especially at specialized stores like Alfasoni.

6. Convenience of Local Online Ordering:

Many Barcelona music shops offer convenient online shopping with hotel or international delivery—ideal if you want to avoid transporting your new ukulele yourself.

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FAQ: Buying Ukuleles in Barcelona

Whether you're visiting Barcelona for the first time or returning to enjoy the city's vibrant musical atmosphere, it's natural to have additional questions about purchasing a ukulele locally. To complement this guide, I've compiled practical answers to some common yet often overlooked questions—from exploring second-hand instruments and rentals to handling international shipping. This FAQ section will further enhance your Barcelona ukulele shopping experience, making your musical journey smoother and more informed.

1. Can music stores in Barcelona ship my new ukulele internationally?

Yes, most reputable shops in Barcelona offer international shipping. Stores like Fanatic Guitars and Alfasoni regularly handle international orders and provide the necessary paperwork for smooth customs clearance. Always confirm shipping fees and delivery timelines directly with the store before purchasing.

2. Are second-hand ukuleles widely available in Barcelona, and are they worth considering?

Barcelona has a vibrant second-hand market, including vintage and gently-used ukuleles. Shops like Tube Sound and Fanatic Guitars occasionally carry pre-loved instruments. Exploring second-hand options can offer significant savings, particularly on higher-quality or rare models—just ensure you test the instrument thoroughly before buying.

3. Can I rent a ukulele while visiting Barcelona instead of buying one?

Yes, some specialized music stores in Barcelona do offer instrument rental services, particularly useful if you’re in town for a short time. This can be a budget-friendly way to enjoy playing without investing in a new instrument. It's best to inquire directly at smaller, local shops like Tokobongo or Guitarland for rental availability.

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