It’s a no brainer, seriously. I’ve been going here since since I was 16, and used to annoy George with my Stephen Stills impressions. He was patient with me, lol. Anyway, this place is and has always been much more than a guitar shop. Yes, it’s a big part of who they are, but make no mistake, it’s also a place to be inspired, and be around people who truly love the instrument. They are the ONLY place I send folks.
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.
This is a wonderful resource for excellent quality guitars and other stringed instruments. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.
Had a guitar cable when I needed it.
No prices listed
Not many mandolins
Thé Owners are lousy business
2. La Salle Music & Sound
Address: 993 Main St #2233, East Hartford, CT 06108 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Our competitors think writing bad reviews is the best way to earn a customers business Buyer beware
Great service.
Fred Pedemonti no longer works there,that is why the 5 stars. Fred is scum.
First, the employees were excellent; friendly and helpful. I was extremely disappointed in the store itself. This was basically a dark, messy pawn shop, not the store I was familiar with from years ago. My only reason to go back would be to pick through dusty items to find something I might be in search of, more of an adventure.
Was a dj for 30 years and bought and sold equipment all over Ct . I stopped in at lasalle music in east hartford it was a nightmare . Equipment from the seventies store a mess and the staff looked like a Grateful Dead fan with colored hair . So glad I moved on with my teaching at a high school
Sent me a different accordion with no straps and a case that should of been thrown out
Closed even though the hours said it was open (3 pm on a Wednesday). The place looked like a hoarders attic. Absolute mess.
3. Woodbury Music Shop
Address: 766 Main St S, Woodbury, CT 06798 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
A hidden gem UPSTAIRS. Don’t miss it. Dave the owner is great, and talented. Patrick Gill is the PREMIER guitar TECH in the whole northwest CT region. He works miracles at a very fair price. Excellent teachers, Will for piano and keyboards and Mike for guitar and bass. Better check them out. I only trust my guitars to Dave and Patrick. Won’t go anywhere else. Seriously.
Woodbury Music is the best shop around of all of your instrument needs! The shop owner Dave, is both friendly & knowledgeable! I have gotten both common things done (fixing of saxophone keys) as well as unusual things done (fixing of a dulcimer bridge) and everyone has always been great! I have also taken lessons for almost three years now, and my teacher Mike is not only a dedicated teacher, but also a very talented professional. Stop by and check it out!
Great honest shop here. Had a great online interaction with Dave via email. Want to know why I trust them? Because they talked me out of a purchase. Ha! Thanks again!
4. Westbury Music
Address: 686 Main St, Watertown, CT 06795 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Great job setting up my DIY bass. Also leveled, crowned and polished the frets. At a great price.
Amazing service! I went in with my acoustic guitar to get restrung after I tried it myself and failed. They were able to find out what was wrong with the guitar and fix it and get it re strung very quickly and very inexpensive!
I went in today with my daughter’s violin which was bought elsewhere. It needed to be tuned and I panicked when I messed up one of the strings. I called Westbury Music and they told me to come in no problem. He tuned the violin and was super nice. He didn’t even charge me for his time. When we are ready to upgrade our violin we will definatly be coming here. Thank you so much!!!
Ordered instrument for my son, was told to pick up the next day, went the following day to pick it up and it wasn’t there. Also bought a box of reefs for the instrument and was given the wrong kind. The gentleman that waited on us was polite, although he didn’t recognize us even though we had just been in the day before!
Staff is very friendly and knowledgable.
excellent store, good Fender Selection, nice acoustics, lessons, and school instruments.
5. Bethel Music Center – Instrument Sales, Rentals, Lessons and Repairs
Address: 273 Greenwood Ave #101, Bethel, CT 06801 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Where else? Where else in the Danbury/Bethel area can you get all the music, Muzak, musique y musica Stuff and Expertise at all levels and for all genres that you may need?! Where, I ask you. Go ahead, try and tell me. But don’t try to tell me you’ll find nicer, more helpful staff than Sarah and Sophia and Juan and… Don’t even.
Knowledgeable professional staff and instructors.
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!
Good info from employees
Instrument rentals are great for their prices
Just stopped by quick. Had a great hour. They are the best
6. Guitar Center
Address: 50 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT 06477 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Nice friendly help here, be t afraid to spend time with you if you have questions
Peter the technician was very pleasant, professional and knowledgeable and repaired our kids guitar on the same day with full set and strings. Where do they do that??? Guitar Center in Orange, CT. Josh was also very knowledgeable about instruments and had very informative insights to help along with the Guitar lessons Staff. They were helpful and pleasant. Gold⭐ Star for Guitar Center ❤❤
I’ve been dealing with guitar center for years. Bought my second drum kit in Manchester and the negotiating was easy. Brought my old guitar gear years and years later (consisted of preamps and what not) to Orange, and they paid fair prices for the stuff I was willing to accept offer-wise (although they tried completely low balling me on a SansAmp RPM). HOWEVER . . . went in the other day to diagnose my Peavey 6505+ . . Now, I’m not going to name names or throw a salesman under the bus for lack of knowledge on tube amps, but I was actually kind of surprised at the lack of knowledge haha. While that wasn’t an issue at all, seeing that I don’t expect GC salespersons to deliver advice regarding tube care, I was, however, surprised that a 6505+ on the floor had a blown fuse (visibly blown), and I had to provide troubleshooting services in order to facilitate my visit. I just wanted to boot it up to test what the normal gain sounded like vs. my specimen, which was lent to me to diagnose high hissing sounds. On the flip-side, the audio department has a very kind and seasoned salesperson. This guy knows a lot about gear, and offered me fair trade-in prices for some random stuff. I didn’t intend to sell much to GC, seeing they receive a bad rep from having to re-sell gear (and that’s just the business, to be honest), which results in low payouts to those selling gear, but I was satisfied, nonetheless. I will continue business with them, but likely never seek simple advice from the guitar department. Kind of sad, hence the company name.
Great musician location. All levels from beginner to pro taken care of by a knowledgeable staff.
Was not happy my mixer on hold was sold…Was not told I had to put $ Down to save it… However Mike was able to find I another one in Orange CT
I came for several purchases; First, to get strings and have them replaced on my flamenco guitar. The first guitar rep didn’t know the difference between flamenco strings and classical strings. He had no clue what to suggest. O.k., never mind, I can always order them online and bring the guitar back. So, then over to the guitar tech. He insisted that the guitar, one that I just bought from Guitar Center 6 months ago needed $80 of repair and maintenance. Oh, REALLY??? Just for strings? Strike two. Over to the acoustic guitar room, the put all the quality guitars way the heck over your head and out of reach, leaving only cheap, beginner guitars within reach to play. The guitar rep there was kind enough to say “excuse me” twice when he went by me, but never cared to assist. -third strike for the store. Finally, I went over to check on the P.A. system I’ve been eyeballing since June. I was happy to see it was marked down $300 since summer, but again… NO ASSISTANCE from the rep. You know what? I’m not even going to look at the studio mic and studio speakers. I made my exit without any notice of the staff, except the girl paid to greet people at the entrance.
This has been the typical service I’ve received from all locations. I ordered all my equipment online with another company, and find it very VERY UNLIKELY I’ll ever invest in Guitar Center again.
No drum tech, poorest customer service ever. Sweetwater should open a Megastore here instead.
Absolutely the worst service. Staff was rude and condescending. They were verbally nasty and actively worked to discourage me from making a purchase.
7. Music & Arts
Address: 315 W Main St, Avon, CT 06001 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Knowledgeable, helpful, and enthusiastic staff, can’t wait to shop here
I have been to many music stores and simply must say that the best thing that happened with the Avon Ct location was to have Jay Hornbecker as their manager!
He goes above and beyond what it takes to make sure that a visitor becomes a customer and makes them feel like a friend. His and co-worker Justin’s expertise is obvious. They make it so comfortable to do business there. If they tell you that they’re going to do something…they follow through! Mike
Fantastic group of workers who go above and beyond to help every customer.
An error in judgment when I decided to place an order for them to send out my two guitars I STILL to this day can’t string myself worth beans. Decent store for the most part but what really got me sore was the fact that the clerk said that they send their instruments out to a repair tech in E. Hartford but then found out that for whatever reason they have to send the guitars to a tech in BOSTON and the woodwind and brass instruments are the only instruments they ferry back and forth for repairs to EH. Misleading and wonder if it were intentional or whether or not someone else over there neglected to tell him that the different instruments get repaired at different locations. Not my fault I didn’t get the right info but certainly my fault I opted to not take my precious guitars back before the start of business last week so I could either try once again to string them myself or have someone else nearer to me I’d forgotten momentarily about do it for me instead. Ideally I’ll see if I can learn the proper way to string them from now on to save on the cost and also to not feel helpless and at the mercy of someone else whose repair shop happens to be out of state yet.
Rented an instrument for my daughter for the year in order to take advantage of the free summer deal, since she loves her instrument and wanted to keep playing over the summer. Somehow the associate made a mistake in the paperwork and we received a bill in the mail. We called the store when the bill arrived and the man we spoke with was extremely condescending and would not make good on the arrangement we had made. Will not rent from there again next year.
The rude little slug working there was too bothered with his piano concerto to help us. Apparently, going through a whole rigamarole online is now “easier” than just showing up and renting what you need. Yeah, we won’t be coming back. Thanks!
Dont try guitar lessons in this location.piano teacher may come for quitar lessons and teacher may change soon, we may work 3 months for refund.
8. The Music Score LLC
Address: 2315 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Really great place to stop by and get an instrument. The prices seem a bit higher but the quality is surely within the quality you’d expect.
I bought a ukulele here and the quality and sound lived up to the price.
I have been taking piano lessons with Gil Flores @ The Music Score studio for the past 2 years and have had an excellent experience. Gil brings a wealth of musical experience and teaches in a very understandable, nonthreatening manner with reasonable expectations and positive feedback. Relates well to all age groups.
My daughter’s piano teacher in East Hampton recommended this store for the purchase of a piano. Thank you Gil for your help selecting one of your pianos. We purchased our piano several days before Christmas as a gift for my daughter. As it can be challenging to find delivery at the holidays, the store owner went out of his way to deliver the piano personally on Christmas Eve. The piano sounds wonderful and my daughter was thrilled. Thanks for the excellent service, wonderful piano, and beautiful music that now fills my home.
My daughter is signed up for lessons and her teacher is great (I hear the others are as well). Just try not to deal with the guy that owns it.
Very knowledgeable and friendly.
I tried to return my daughter’s Viola due to the school no longer providing classes. It was a total nightmare to get an answer in regards to my credit. They are very irresponsible and I am very disappointed by the lack of care towards my return which was even misplaced! Mom and dad are not helpful at all and he should really look at keeping them home, they make things worse!
Arrived at 10:00am (they open at 10am, but not today). I waited and they finally arrived. All I needed was guitar strings, but they had none. What a waste of time.
9. JC Music
Address: 529 W Main St, Meriden, CT 06451 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Very pleased with my experience at JC Music. I thought they were very knowledgeable, able to assess the instruments I brought in, make repairs and sold 2 items for me. I got a fair price, sold sooner than I expected and I received a check promptly. I have dealt with another music consignment shop and was not satisfied with them .This store was very efficient. I would recommend them for buying or selling any musical equipment.
Yeet
This is a really good local music store friendly and professional!!!
My grandson really enjoyed the music lessons and they are very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend them.
Would like to obtain some nice brushes and some type of top hat set used and very sturdy since I break percussion instruments all the time when I perform?
My son, Roberto Luis and Rosa live in Meriden. Are you far from the mall? I have spent a lot of time jamming in Puerto Rico to salsa, merengue, etc but my favorite is funk like Buddy Miles.
This was a horrible expierence. They need to get their stuff together, they had already-sold instruments on shelf. They had an amazing guitar sale and when I went to buy, it was already sold! They got my hopes high and let it down and I will not give them my money any longer.
Completely disappointed. I placed an order in store on a instrument that was never placed with JC music. The customer service was poorly displayed and the options they gave us was not acceptable. I asked to speak to the owner several times and would not get on the phone and made his new employee talk to me. I ended up going somewhere else that was amazing
Never have any of the literature or instrument parts I’m looking for. Took 3 months to repair a trombone. I tried to return an item and they wouldn’t give me back the cash to go to another place. The owner has blatantly disrespected my mother on several occasions and doesn’t have much knowledge of much of anything outside of rock music. As far as i’m concerned, this is the worst music store i’ve ever set foot in and would not recommend to anybody.
10. Rayburn Music
Address: 22B Andover Dr, West Hartford, CT 06110 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Excellent Quality of both service and instruments.
Very friendly fast and efficient service! I love shopping local
Fast and friendly service
In store service is good but can never call the Hartford Rayburn Music. Electronic voice prompts to dial 0 for an attendant but when do so it says “Your call cannot be transferred” been a customer for about 3 years. Never could get done anything over phone. Have to visit store for everything.
We rented a viola from Rayburn. The first viola wasn’t put together right (something to do with the bridge). after switching to another viola we realized the bow doesn’t quite fit with the viola.
we rented from the music store in the center and it was a great experience but pricier. though Rayburn isn’t cheap either
they will be replacing the viola once more, lets see how it goes this time…
trying to reach the store for the past 5 months. they are not responding to email or phone call. The phone service is also disconnected now.
we are left with no response and no refund.
11. George’s Music Center
Address: 905 New Harwinton Rd, Torrington, CT 06790 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
George’s Music always provides me with great advice, service, quality top brand instruments and his prices match the large national chains.
George is very knowledgeable about all the products he offers and has a large inventory.
Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Owner is very helpful whenever I’m there
Meh
If you’re not looking to go too far to get musical instruments. Look no further. Expensive though. But if you don’t care about prices, go for it. Not much of a selection though.
Nice shop
After going to this place; I must say I will never go back there again. The owner is so rude and disrespectful. Its not even funny. The owner needs get off his anthropocentric state of mind.
This place is just awful. The owner is so rude to us that i will never go back. We rented an instrument from him because our normal music store didnt have the instrument and when the instrument broke he said it was our fault and that it wasnt covered and then bad mouthed our local music store.
12. Matty’s Music LLC
Address: 654 Enfield St, Enfield, CT 06082 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Matty’s has been my second home for the past 5 years, it’s a very accepting place to learn and it comes with good service. Always learn new things everytime I visit.
My son has learned alot from Matty. He loves going to play music with him.
Good spot
Great service.
Dirty, stuff everywhere, completely disorganized.
13. The Music Bureau
Address: 1 New London Rd, Salem, CT 06420 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
So I have been battleing this in my head for awhile so I just happen to notice this little shop walked in knowing very little, was super friendly, and answered all my questions, by the time I left he had me set to buy one, So today I’m going to go buy it, I. So excited !!!
The people here are friendly, knowledgeable, supportive and very helpful. I have been taking bass guitar lessons here and am absolutely amazed with my progress. Besides the one-on-one lessons, I also enjoy their group sessions where we get to learn and practice songs together. I also bought a couple instruments, strings, amplifier and some accessories from them at great prices. If you want to take lessons on any musical instrument, or want to rent or buy any musical instrument, I highly recommend the Music Bureau, conveniently located at Salem Four Corners.
Personal and attentive, knowledgeable and professional. You’re not getting treated like a faceless wallet in a warehouse shop here!
This business has changed hands a few times. But still has a great selection of core instruments and accessories. Also offer lessons.
14. The Music Shop
Address: 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
The best small town music shop! I love how friendly everyone is there. Especially Scott, he is always very upbeat and knowledgeable. He looks out for the customer’s best interest. I would definitely recommend The Music Shop to anyone.
I’ve been doing business with Scott at the music shop for years, he knows about the needs of musicians and great on any repairs or just info on your current instrument. Will hopefully be doing many more years here.
Very helpful staff and kids get to play the demo keyboards which only sparks their creativity and musicality and that’s a bonus in my book. They also offer lessons here and have a huge selection of guitars and instruments can be rented or purchased. Will be visiting again that’s for sure!!!!
Great place but website could be better such as pics of some used equipment. I’m a drummer and would like to see what they have for new and used cymbals,stands,drum kits etc. And prices. I have done business with them and always had a great experience the reason for three stars is the website doesn’t do the music shop justice. All and all great store great people.
The cellos were in not in good shape and we had to pay a luthiere to redo repairs that were poorly done when we received the instrument.
15. Connecticut Music Co
Address: Westbrook, CT 06498 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Fantastic service, fast shipping, and competitive pricing.
I’ve never been more comfortable trying out guitars in a shop. I drove over an hour to get here and the customer service made it completely worth it. They have an incredible selection of great sounding instruments and went out of their way to make sure I found the guitar I wanted. Highly recommend this place.
Prompt and professional! Recently purchased an SBMM Majesty guitar online and it came in perfect condition with Dubaldo only upgrades, Will definitely recommend them and will be making more purchases in the future. Thanks Dubaldo team!!
Great service
17. Music & Arts
Address: 989 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107 , Alcarràs , Connecticut , United States
Went to music and arts for authorized Yamaha purchase. Great price and great service!
The sales staff is warm and friendly-very knowledgeable about their products and options. I will definitely be back!
Great store with really professional and knowledgeable employees.
Limited retail space, but the staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Music lessons are offered on site.
I have condensed my original rant down to the following- we really like our children’s teachers- but the front desk needs saving
Yeah it’s good!
Unprofessional!!! I scheduled for 2 week straight for an hour due to the teacher not showing up and the second week they say no she is not on the Schedule and I need to reschedule. My daughter was already there and now has to wait for half an hour to do her regular 1/2 hour session.
When ever I place an order for a left handed Guitar it takes like 6 weeks for it to get to me horrible ordering process
Make sure you ask questions. I signed my son up for instrument lessons over the phone and the woman asked me if I preferred West Hartford or East Hartford. I chose the one closest to my home, on the day of the first lesson, I brought my son to the store for the lesson and they tell me its an online lesson. An ONLINE lesson? No one ever said a thing about an online lesson and why would you ask me which store Id like to go to if the lesson was online!?
