Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. I would recommend this location to anyone who is curious, or wants to learn more about any kind of music.
Everyone in the shop I have interacted with has been nothing short of amazing. From the gentleman who performs repairs to the folks running the registers, they are all very friendly and extremely helpful.
I am so glad I found Hoggtowne Music store! I accidentally knocked the sound post loose on a new violin when trying to re-string it and they were the only music store in Gainesville who said they could help when I called. I brought it to them the next morning and they fixed it up AND restrung the violin right then and there for me! Everyone who works there was extremely polite and friendly and I was seriously impressed by their inventory. I am a new permanent customer to Hoggtowne anytime I need anything music related and I recommend it to everyone.
I had an extremely frustrating experience with this shop. They did have a nice selection of Martins at reasonable prices and seemed like a decent shop otherwise.
Went to get a tuner they needed to price correct from the site, and they did. But also got a Hohner Puck that was repackaged (to be fair, idk if by them) and a draw hole didn’t work at all. That was the last one, so they had to switch with an Old Standby, and if you know harmonicas, that’s just a trade down even though it was more expensive on their shelf. I know it’s harder to do a refund, but I’d have rathered that. These things combined left a bad taste in my mouth.
I wouldn’t use them to have your guitar repaired. They charged me more then the usual and it came back buzzing all over.
Continues to charge me for a flute that has been paid off
3. HERON DRUMS
Address: 509 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601 , Alachua County , Florida , United States
Always love visiting 2nd and Charles always different stuff and like going back in time!
Fabulous, so much to see, so many different things to buy from pins to records even Lego
Cheaper books, CD’s, magazines, and more!❤❤❤❤❤
The category of books I was looking in today was very small. It’s the travel section for traveling within the US. There were literally three shelves an absolutely not one book on campgrounds in the US. Also I’ve noticed that more and more books are not used book prices, more and more are their new book prices. Which is a big change from when they first opened. They have a very nice selection of anime related products, however they are seriously overpriced, probably because they’re one of the few places that sell that product. They have a few used gaming systems, those prices are okay they just don’t have a lot. They seldom have any kind of sales on any of the popular stuff.
The books were very disorganized which made looking for specific authors pretty difficult. Cashier was friendly and nice.
Love the shop. Great little bookstore/merch spot. Comic book shop vibe with something for most fandoms.
Employee’s are very rude! I will not return to this store
They basically made it seem like all 50 of my vinyls wasn’t worth them buying when clearly it was nothing wrong with them because they sold on eBay for $7,000 so either they didn’t have that much money to give me or they lied and said they had something on them
Buyback ends at 8pm, but this is not advertised anywhere in-store, online, or elsewhere on record. Maybe someone else in the reviews mentions this. Anyways, I get why employees may not have time or want to do buybacks on top of other responsibilities, but a simple note, plaque, sign, or sentence online would have saved me some time and trouble.
Staff member who informed me that I was not to be helped was curt and unapologetic.
5. L J Percussion
Address: 5640 NW 43rd Rd, Gainesville, FL 32606 , Alachua County , Florida , United States
Music soothes the soul and rejuvenates the body. Perry’s Sax Therapy does just this. Perry’s infectious spirit coupled with his captivating melodies and knowledge of music is unsurpassable. Overall, Perry’s showmanship is second to none and truly engages anyone who listens.
Perry is the best local Saxophone player around. Not only is he professional and experienced, he has excellent customer service. If you’re looking for a skilled Saxophone player stop looking and book Perry! You won’t be disappointed!
Perry is the absolute best. His talent, personality, and ability to add such an incredible musical touch to any occasion is unmatched!!! I will invite him to add music to all of my major life occasions 🙂
8. Track Crafters
Address: 2645 NW 42nd Pl, Gainesville, FL 32605 , Alachua County , Florida , United States
Working with Jonathan Bey, music producer, was an incredible recording experience. Jonathan is a consummate professional and has great extensive knowledge. I recommend Track Crafters to everyone that needs that personal touch.
Jonathan is extremely professional and knew exactly how and what to do. He has to be one of the best studio professionals I have ever worked with. I’ve been singing since I was a kid and have recorded many times but truly enjoyed my experience with Jonathan! I will record at Track Crafters again in the future!! Sincerely Donna Myers
If I could only use one word to describe Jonathan Bey, CEO and Production Manager at TrackCrafters Recording Studio, it would have to be “Perfectionist”. I am a Minister of Gospel Song. That is, instead of preaching, I “Sing the Gospel”; with the same intent and mission of delivering God’s Word as effective as possible. Needless to say, when I make a recording, I am not satisfied with anything less than a perfect projection of my inner feelings. A few years ago, I entrusted Jonathan to do the master of a variety of songs on what became my most successful disk, appropriately titled, “Singing The Gospel”. He skillfully surpassed my highest expectations. The live recording was only about a third of of his meticulous work toward a flawless finished product. It was even more of a challenge when, in his new Gainesville, Florida Track Crafters Music Studio, I recently completed the master of a twelve song disk — all in cappella, with absolutely no music to cover up flaws.I left the “raw cut” with Jonathan a couple of days; and was nothing short of amazed when I returned to find that he had applied his technical skills to overlay my own voice, harmonizing with myself. To say I was thrilled would be a gross understatement. I would rank the quality of work at TrackCrafters Studio among some of the most prestigious music studios in the Nation. The only thing small about it is the cost, as compared to most major studios.
He was smoking cigarettes during my session and gave me a terrible sound I had too basically scream at the mic for it too catch my vocals and was very rude when I told him about how he shouldn’t smoke and that his mic/quality is bad there is no sound proof he is not familiar with any new sounds I wouldn’t suggest this place too anybody
Could not have felt better about a purchase. I came in to buy my son a guitar and whatever else he needed and knew that I was going to be spending quite a bit. I had no idea what I needed or how to gauge a good buy from a bad buy. Kyle was the most respectful, courteous and knowledgeable person. He didn’t waste my time, but explained everything. I didn’t feel like I was buying a used car from a slick salesman. He is on point as well as a gentleman that was working with him.
Everytime I walk in the door the staff greet me, even the ones leaving. They are always helpful when I go in. I recently purchased a guitar around the end of December. The staff helped me find the one I wanted, literally opened up several boxes to allow me to see the colors. They spent time explaining stuff to me. This is my first guitar learning to play. As you might imagine I had a lot of questions. The staff has been great. I have been in 3-4 times asking questions and buying case, strap and most recently new guitar strings and a cleaning kit. I’m still asking them all kinds of questions and they patiently take care of me. I have not once felt pressured in any way to buy this or that. It’s been a great experience every visit. I have dealt with several of the staff there sometimes all at once with my journey into the unknown and they have all been helpful.
Today was Francis’ last day at Guitar Center Gainesville after five years. Francis was one of the good guys, always helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. You will be missed. All the best.
Small store
The staff is okay they ignore you if you don’t look like you have the cash too buy a guitar so I was unhappy that when I ask an employee if I could play a guitar and they said “are you sure you can afford that” and I was there thinking well why would I ask to play it if I couldn’t afford it. But the guitar that I bought was exactly what I wanted so I am happy about that. The location is very bad though, parking is impossible and it takes a long time for the employees to realize you are at the desk to buy something so I give my experience at this store a 3 star
Ive had great experiences at this location but people need to understand that this is a really small always busy store. Its tough to keep things moving when youre constantly busy helping others. Ive gotten 2 great quality guitars from here and they are still going strong.
Strange…
Bad customer service. Manager not at the store to take care matters when needed.
Walked in. No one said hello. So I walked back to the guitar wall. Pretty good selection. Grabbed a bass and tinkered with it. Still no help. No cord? Walked by the keyboard area. Still no “hello”, or “can I help you?”. Nothing. Walked out. Wont be back.
Kids LOVE Studio Percussion, it is a musical place where creativity, imagination, discipline and fun come together to create an awesome experience. Highly recommended.
Sent my stepson here for drum lessons and couldn’t be happier with the quality of instruction and the great staff!!! I wouldn’t go anywhere else in Gainesville!
I needed to put together a drum set. Certain parts I needed for hardware were hard to find. Studio Percussion had all the parts I needed and costed next to nothing. The staff including Tobin were attentive and caring. They showed professionalism and expert know how to get me what I needed. A+++
As a drummer who’s been playing for over 20 years, this place is probably one of the worst drum shops I’ve ever been to in my life – and I’ve been to numerous places all across the US. Lots of low end cheap stuff for the beginning drummer, but for advanced drummers, the new stuff is overpriced. They have a very small (and poorly selected) stock of drumheads. I couldn’t even buy a 14″ snare resonant head from them because they didn’t have any! Also, they tried to sell me a used Evans drum head for $26! I can get a new one from Amazon for $21.
All my local drummer friends steer clear of this place. Your money and time would be better spent elsewhere too.
The drum shop – I know of no serious percussionists in the area using it. Stay away, there’s much better in the area, with just a bit of research. That being said, they may have some cheap stuff in their unorganized store that may be useful for some – but don’t go in expecting anything special. They also apparently teach lessons, though I’ve not seen or heard of any success stories. There’s much better, much more professional, and much more friendly in the area.
13. Safa Music Academy
Address: 5753 SW 10th Pl, Gainesville, FL 32607 , Alachua County , Florida , United States
My daughter has taken piano lessons for the past couple of years. However; my wife and I wanted her to be able to play certain Iranian traditional pieces of music. Searching the internet for an instructor I found Safa Music Academy. Mr. Safa, the owner, quickly found us Mr. Ehsan Mirbaha. Mr. Mirbaha is an accomplish piano player and instructor and he helped my daughter to play a number of songs in a short period of time. She has had a wonderful experience. She especially enjoyed the weekly professional tips that he gave her. If you are looking for musical instruction I highly recommend Safa Music Academy.
Yesterday was my 3rd lesson from Ryan. I have been taking alto sax lessons for 4 years now and Ryan is the best teacher, he is very friendly, professional and a good communicator. Thank you Safa Music Academy.
I used Safa Music Academy for my anniversary picnic and they provided wonderful music. The violinist was punctual and had the perfect set list for a romantic afternoon in the park. Would absolutely book with them again, and I would strongly recommend Safa Music for your events
14. Sunshine Records
Address: 220 NW 8th Ave Suite 70, Gainesville, FL 32601 , Alachua County , Florida , United States
Just purchased a pair of speakers at Sound Ideas. It was a pleasant experience. I called to tell them that I was interested in a particular pair of speakers and when I arrived, they had set them up in the showroom so I could listen to them. The environment was very relaxed and the two gentlemen who I dealt with were friendly and informative. I will definitely return to Sound Ideas when I need new audio/video equipment.
Paul and his colleagues at Sound ideas are excellent. I bought a Sony TV, speakers (wall and ceiling installed) , subwoofer, receiver from Sound ideas. They installed them and also installed ethernet switches for the home. Everything works flawlessly. We had small built in cabinets and no subwoofer would fit, but Paul researched different subwoofers and came up with a suitable one for our system. He even brought a power cord that would allow us to install it without additional charges.
Pricing is upfront and honest and although there are multiple pricey options available (they have a lot of shiny toys), Paul and his team never push you to buy anything you are uncomfortable with.
Just define a budget to sound ideas and they will come up with a great solution for you.
Sound ideas is local and by buying local you are supporting the local economy as well.
One of my best experiences with any business in Gainesville FL.
Always provide very thorough service! We recently had lightning strike near the house. While our home surge protection engaged, it still travelled the water lines and internet. So our home AV system was hit. Nicole in the office was amazing in helping with our issue. They sent Troy who was very informative and friendly.
Turntable belt replaced while waiting.
Great place for AV equipment! Staff is knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. Prices are within $10 of big box stores with better products. Give them a shot
Very informative. Video, audio, wifi networking. Great alternative to best buy of you need help for home or corporate video and audio.
All they say is “we are upscale”
I went to find an pretty common adapter for analog video equipment. The fellow that I asked acted like he didn’t want to bother with selling me the adapter. The adapter is still in use for many applications regarding security camera installations, so that installers can use cabling that is already in place. After that, the signal is converted to digital, to install the new equipment.
He told me that when they need adapters they order them…which makes sense. But he didn’t even care enough to look in his parts drawers. I guess I wasn’t spending enough money for him to care.
This…is why retail is dying…which is coincidentally, exactly what it smells like in the store. If you need an equipment/installer services, they might be your place. Probably not the best place for the technically proficient, or to get any parts…place is set up as a showroom for luddites.
They “fix” old electronics measurement and development equipment, or at least that is what the store guy told me. Not that I would ever bring my equipment there for service or calibration. Guy also said they were a couple weeks behind in for these services. I briefly thought of how I might be able to help with their backlog… I always liked working that old stuff… But, just like the store man I didn’t care enough to help…they couldn’t afford me anyways.
16. Jill Weinsier MUSIC & PUBLISHING
Address: 935 NE 7th Pl, Gainesville, FL 32601 , Alachua County , Florida , United States
Classic music store, specializes in acoustic instruments. Excellent instructors in guitar,mandolin,banjo,violin and uke. Also piano.
Very knowledgeable owners,And they have some very beautiful acoustic guitars. I have not been able to purchase one from them yet,but the gentleman gave me a real good price on a vintage acoustic. I wish I would have been able to purchase it,hopefully I can soon. They also have a great deal on lessons, and it’s definitely a place you can take your kids to.
Love the passion for teaching music and the very fair prices.
I got a great like-new guitar here, and I love it! I asked for a certain feel and playability, in a certain (low) price range, and they found me the perfect one! They even fixed it up for me (usually a paid service) for free. The owner and employees are really nice, and the store has a family atmosphere. I do wish they had more selection of items, but they will order pretty much anything you want, so that makes up for it.
They checked out my musical instruments for me, and told me yes they would make nice gifts for my grandchildren I was really appreciative.
thank you, Music Junction.
I never thought I’ll get such a horrible service and attitude. Would never step into this shop and certainly discourage anyone from visiting it.
Lack of professionalism and client orientation.
Driven by money and greed.
Overprice and not professional work. That’s what I experienced, and I learned my lesson to trust my guts when, in the beginning of the discussion about the work that should be done, I heard the comment. I asked to defret my bass and asked how much it would cost. The answer was 150$ ( another place I asked $80-90, but I could not do it immediately. Also, the location was less convenient for me), Leon asked $150 for defreting , because he will have to remove the string !!!! Of course, you have to remove strings. It’s part of the job. When I checked the bass, which I just got while checking it at Leon’s shop, I realized that I also have to change the electronics and pickups. I asked Leon if he could do all the jobs before November 1 because this is when I’m flying and need the bass way way before that. He agreed.
I gave him a bass on Sept 5th. I got electronics a month later on Oct 3rd. Nothing was done by that time. The bass was just lying there.
When we were discussing defretting, he said he would refill the empty frets groves with wood and asked me what I want dark or light wood. I asked for dark. In the end, he felt it with an epoxy and did a sloppy job. Part of the frets aren’t filled with epoxy.
Electronic weren’t salder properly and when I explained what the problem was and asked him to resolved it he replied that he spend already so much time on my bass and can’t fix it immediately and I have to wait until the middle of next week, knowing that I’m flying in the begging of the week and can’t pick it up because of my work. On top of that, the setup of the bass was horrible. The action was at maxim height it can be. When I mentioned that, he replied that he didn’t want the string to touch the fretboard !!! What kind of noncensence? On top of that, he accused me of being dishonest with him about the date I need my bass. I still don’t understand how.
I paid him in full what he asked me when we had a deal, fulfilling my part of the deal. I paid $380, and he reminded me that it was $390( which I forgot) .
I was so frastreted and didn’t want to deal with this greedy man.
Until the end, I was keeping hope in my heart that he at least would ask to pardon him and reduce the price, but there was no sorry, let’s fix it or something. He doesn’t care.
Overpriced, poor selection, and very poor service (an employee was ridiculously patronizing to my friend’s teenaged son). Several acquaintances have voiced similar experiences. I will never go back.
Mr. Levitov was the teacher to unlock my musical voice. He helped me to meet Music on her terms and learn to speak her language. By following Peter’s lessons, I was able to watch my brain and how it functioned change right before (OK, actually behind) my eyes. The wisdom gained from Music doesn’t stop with music, it has affected my entire life.
And I love his laugh!
Working with Peter has been such a blessing and for the few days we have been working together I feel that just by his presence I get a musical
transmission worth of years of teachings. He formulates a magical way to teach in order for me to feel challenged and motivated. His humble patience and attention to the needs for me to grow as a musician are his strongest points in my experience. I feel he is always looking for ways to grow and learn as a teacher and spiritual being that spills in all his work. As a dear friend and teacher I cannot wait to continue learning and expanding from him. If you are someone looking to learn the Wizardly of Handpan, look no further. This classes are a Gem and not only music you will learn but secrets that cannot be reveled until you have opened your heart and accepted the challenge to grow. With deep gratitude Thank you for reading 🙂
I thoroughly enjoyed my recent experience purchasing a new handpan at Peter’s studio! He welcomed my family into his space and was quite hospitable making us all feel relaxed and comfortable. He really took his time, giving me a lot of good information and making sure I didn’t leave with any unanswered questions. I had heard great things about him beforehand from other members of the Florida handpan community, and our meeting only confirmed that I will definitely plan to take some actual lessons from him. I left with a beautiful handpan which I have been playing for a few days now and I’m in love with! Thank you so much, Peter
Update: It’s been a year and a half since my initial review, and I’m very happy to say that I have continued to be impressed by Peter! His passion for and dedication to handpan shines clearly through his work as a teacher and performer. I’ve had numerous lessons and workshops with him and have had the joy of participating with his ensemble group!
— Each private lesson is packed with material custom to the student’s needs/wants and recorded for later access. I have had lessons focused around different subjects including things like rhythm, melody, chords, composition, playing with others, and layering.
–Each workshop has left me feeling inspired as well as connected to the rest of the class! Peter is a great facilitator of unity and is able to weave a meaningful experience for a combination of skill levels.
— My experience in the ensemble is one of deep growth and confidence-building. To participate in the process of composition and musical adaptation as a group with instruments that produce such healing vibrations has been powerful!
In every case, Peter has led with a wholehearted caring and attunement that I have rarely seen in combination with such great talent and skill! Not to mention the times I have been privileged to hear him play– Dynamic movement of sound in perfect balance of tension and flow, intensity and playfulness. It is clear that Peter loves his art form! I continue to give him my highest recommendation!
