I had one of the most positive guitar store experiences anywhere at Acoustic Music.
I called ahead specifying the guitars I was interested in checking out, arrived with them all ready to go in a dedicated room to play them in. No straining to hear the guitar over other players, no need to feel self-conscious, nobody hovering over me. Huge thanks to Ian for being super helpful, friendly and making it a great experience!
I love this store. Ian and Dan are very knowledgeable and made my shopping experience one to remember. I was able try many different guitars and was able to find the guitar that was right for me.
I stopped in to play some of the nicer acoustics on my journey to buying a better guitar to age with. I also brought my Taylor, which needed a slight adjustment. My guitar and I were both treated with the utmost care and respect. The gentleman even made a point to wash his hands before touching my guitar and left me to peacefully play some of the superb and rather expensive instruments in the shop while he adjusted my Taylor’s neck. If I were ready to spring on a purchase, I would feel 100% at ease to shop here and make an afternoon of playing everything until I was confident in my choice. Superb shop, superb service, superb care for the customer. 5 stars. Once I’ve tried some of the other guitars I need to cross of my list, I will come back here for a Collings or Martin if those guitars win the next spot in my studio.
Had a guitar cable when I needed it.
Not many mandolins
Thé Owners are lousy business
No prices listed
2. Acme Music LLC
Address: 100 Elm St, Cheshire, CT 06410 , Adamclisi , Connecticut , United States
We’ve used Acme a few times. The owner is very friendly and went above and beyond every time. Rental prices are very reasonable. Turn around on repairs was pretty quick. If you have a child in a music program or marching band I highly recommend going here!
John is very knowledgeable and the prices are very reasonable. I knew nothing about what I needed, other than the instruments I rented, and John took care of everything. Great local shop!
I went in one night to buy a trumpet mute and the experience was very friendly. Overall a very welcoming small business.
Nice people!
It’s little bit wrong. It was hard to find.
Very nice place
John is a total scam artist! I highly recommend everyone stay away!
3. Middlesex Music Academy
Address: 440 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457 , Adamclisi , Connecticut , United States
I had a last-minute emergency repair needed for my flute right before a performance, and the staff at Middlesex Music Academy were all so kind and helpful. They fixed my flute in record time, and walked me through the whole process with the highest of professionalism. Thank you so much!
Brought an old ‘66 Fender in and they took 40 years off it over the weekend. My jaw is still on the ground in amazement.
love it
The sales team made it possible for me to afford a piano for my son
I would give Middlesex Music Academy a 0 if I was able to. I called to inquire about a $150 charge when I haven‘t been confirmed by John the guitar teacher. I made a request to Matt that Tuesday was my preference but John was booked so he scheduled Thursday at 6pm. I received a text and email from John yesterday that he had a conflict for Thursday and offered Friday. I responded via text/email that would not work and inquired if this was temporary or permanent to which I did not receive a response. I let John know this may not be a good fit then. I called today to have the charge refunded and Jim proceeded to call me names, saying I was yelling & screaming over the phone and I was being rude. No need to go into the dramatics but Jim needs a lesson in manners, telling the truth and understanding that being a manager does not give him the authority to behave poorly. Never once did I raise my voice but did correct Jim several times throughout the conversation all because i asked for a refund. Extremely unprofessional and a bad look for Middlesex Music all around. I will be taking my business elsewhere. Inexcusable & theater worthy performance by Jim today folks!!!
I paid $80 for a setup on a guitar and got it back with the strings a mile off of the neck and the floyd rose studs so high out of the body I could park a car under it. The bridge pickup was raised until it was practically touching the strings and the neck pickup was lowered to below the pickup ring. The tech then told me that 10-52 strings don’t exist. They’re light top heavy bottom and aren’t even uncommon strings. Every time I go there they give bad advice and clearly don’t know what they’re talking about. My friend tried to buy a tubescreamer (basic overdrive) and they tried to sell him a phaser instead (completely different thing).
I signed up for a piano lesson trial online. Their site is very confusing and it’s not clear if the lesson is in-person and online. I called them, left a message but they never called me back. In the day/time of the lesson, I called them 3 times because I was having problems to contact the teacher. The guy who works there, Jim, clearly doesn’t have any customer service skills. He was rude and unpleasant. He didn’t make any effort to help me, told me a was confused and nobody else had problems. I just canceled the future lessons there. It’s easier just hire a private piano teacher. Hopefully I will never have to deal with this guy again.
4. Bethel Music Center – Instrument Sales, Rentals, Lessons and Repairs
Address: 273 Greenwood Ave #101, Bethel, CT 06801 , Adamclisi , Connecticut , United States
Staff is friendly and helpful! Bought a used violin for my granddaughter, brought it back to trade it in, was given a fair trade in price, will be picking out a new used one!
The People at Bethal Music Have always been unbelievable in finding any Quest i have been looking for. Super Friendly and Knowledgeable in all catagories. it has been a pleasure working with the the entire staff at Bethal Music.
Had some issues with a trombone purchased at another store and Bethel Music agreed to work on it and contacted the manufacturer because it was warranty repairs. They even called the manufacturer and arranged for the horn to be sent back and replacement sent to us at no charge. Cant go wrong with Bethel Music.
Good info from employees
Just stopped by quick. Had a great hour. They are the best
Instrument rentals are great for their prices
5. GIBSON’S MUSIC & MORE
Address: 39 Wedgewood Dr, Jewett City, CT 06351 , Adamclisi , Connecticut , United States
What a wonderful store and staff! The gentlemen who took care of us was a very nice, polite and friendly man. We had a very nice conversation and bought a BEAUTIFUL BANJO at a GREAT PRICE! He gave my son great tips for using finger picks. We will be recommending this music store to everyone we know.
This is a gem of a small business. Pop in and check them out!
When you’ve purchased yourself a new guitar, take some lessons with Skip Newmann! Skip is an incredible instructor, and the one on one learning is sure to advance your skills. My 11 year old started taking lessons about five months ago, and has built a strong set list. He’s learning techniques with picking and strumming; he’s working on tapping and bending; he knows some chords, and Skip introduced him to guitar tab; best of all, he’s having fun. Skip doesn’t teach solely by a book, so you can learn to play that song you’re dreaming of. My son’s rocking out to AC/DC! You’d be hard pressed to make a better investment.
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Gibson’s has a large selection of acoustic and electric guitars. There’s always something new! They also have banjos and ukuleles, along with a selection of other used instruments at competitive prices. Feel free to pick up an instrument you’re interested in – they’re all properly set and tuned. If you need accessories, they have them. Stop by and browse the solid selection of used vinyl records. The owners are professional, kind and extremely helpful.
Inconvenient hours of operation. Ended up buying a used guitar elsewhere. Otherwise my phone call was promptly returned and the woman I spoke with was very kind and friendly.
6. DuBaldo Music Center
Address: 881 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 , Adamclisi , Connecticut , United States
Phenomenal shop that really personifies customer service! Pete is a great guy to deal and talk shop with. My guitar arrived safe, secure AND quickly. I can’t recommend DuBaldo enough, just give them a call or stop by already!
Finally got to visit after doing some business over the phone 18 years ago with Pete. Great inventory, selection and people. One of the very best examples of why we need to support local businesses and how great a family can run them!
Fantastic service, fast shipping, and competitive pricing.
Great service
7. Musical Expressions
Address: 959 Farmington Ave, Berlin, CT 06037 , Adamclisi , Connecticut , United States
The young woman that assisted me was fantastic and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend the store.
Bought a used guitar here… service was great and the guitar was great for the price .
Super cool employees.. Very knowledgeable
If you get anything on credit make sure the clerk writes down everything correctly. He wrote my birthday wrong and now the app to make payments won’t work unless I fax them a copy of my license. Forget it.
Staff was helpful and friendly, got what I needed.
I brought in my Takamine Acoustic Guitar in for a repair and Sam Ash honored a 20 year-old Lifetime warranty. The current luthier, Austin, is GREAT. He fixed my nut and bridge, making the guitar in better shape than it was when I brought it in.
The reason I am giving 4 stars and not 5, is because I was also told that the warranty SHOULD have covered my repairs when I originally brought the guitar in for a repair 15 years ago, but was told back then that the repairs WEREN’T covered. The lack of repair for 15 years actually caused permanent damage to the guitar that is unrepairable. It is unfortunate, because if they had actually taken responsibility for the repair when I originally brought the guitar in, the damage would most likely not have been permanent.
Merchandise walks out the door with disgruntled employees and no one seems to care. I had recently checked the website to see if they had what i was looking for and it said limited stock. Fair enough so i call the store and yes they confirm there is one left. After sitting in traffic for almost an hour and a half because the closest sam ash is quite the drive for me, i finally get there and it is nowhere to be found. They made a feeble attempt at offering to order it and take something like 9 dollars off which basically amounted to not paying the sales tax but i would now have to wait several more days and make the long trip out there again plus i would have to pay for it now for them to order it. Needless to say I declined and left disappointed. But the next week out of curiosity i checked the website and sure enough it says they have it so i call and and the guy says no we had one but our old manager took it but i can order it for you. Again i would have to pay in advance and it would take a week to ten days. So several weeks later yes it’s still listed on the website but is not in stock and no one seems interested in restocking or updating the website. Needless to say i go to guitar center which is about 5 minutes away from me. They’ve been friendly and helpful when i order things it takes maybe 3 to 5 days depending on the items and they actually restock their inventory. I gave sam ash 3 tries and they blew it every time. Go to guitar center in Orange CT not sam ash in new haven.
Bien
Used to be a great place to go browse.. now it’s like walking onto a used car lot.. within ten minutes I had 6 people asking if they could show me anything, one guy asking me twice.. I was only planning on buying a guitar stand, but was so annoyed I went elsewhere….
