Very helpful folks when not sure where to find the items we were looking for. Good prices as well!!
Great staff, great selection, reasonable prices and quick turnaround for setups and repairs. If you play guitar and live in NWA, then this should be your go-to spot.
Me and my family have had several awesome experiences from this place while buying all of my daughters instruments and music books. Mr Tom and Ken and the rest of the staff are very professional, extremely polite and helpful in every way.
Nice guys old school music guys with a lot of knowledge
Nice people. I have gotten some good deals here
Cool people always willing to lend a hand in any instrument they have available even of its online.
They have a large selection of guitars, which were looking to buy.
The salesman was friendly, informative and happy to answer all the newb questions I had.
He was so kind that I look forward to my next visit, and share my progress.
They put my kid in their waiting list 3 months back. We tried to call instructor 3 times and left voice messages but no response ever. It is so unprofessional and we did not like it….
Selection was ok. Only 2 left handed guitars both strata, no lefty basses. Limited drum selection. Good selection of music books and accessories, though. Guy behind the counter (older dude named Tom) was a jerk both times I’ve been in there. Will not be going back
I was visiting Arkansas for a short time and had a last-minute need for an accessory for my USB microphone. I tried to call them numerous times over two days and no one ever answered the phone, nor did anyone ever return my call despite my leaving a message on the answering machine. So I risked it and drove to the store (because they were the only thing around the area), and when I got to the store I could see that unless I was a guitar player or drummer, I was probably out of luck. I just needed a wind sock for my microphone. They had ONE product that fit that description – with four socks, and all small. I finally had to settle on getting a popscreen instead. I honestly think in my particular situation I would’ve been better off ordering something online or going to BestBuy.
3. Arkansas School Band Service Inc
Address: 508 Lillian, Benton, AR 72015 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
Best place to get your kids started off for their musical needs
Very friendly staff!
Lovely and very friendly staff. They are so welling and happy to help you with anything you need or may have questions about. Definitely recomend going here. Only reason didnt give them 5 stars, is some of the items/parts are pricey compared to online. But if you need it immediately or just cant find it online then go here. I’d also recommend comparing their price for what you need before making the decision. They have things on sale.
Very nice place
The lady that works in here, is like you are bothering her when you come inside the store, like really? Anyways after coming back in to make a payment as my wife had forgotten to one time, she didn’t mind being nice once she knew she getting money. Flute is almost paid for, and will never come back if we need another item.
4. Back Beat Music
Address: 613 Southwest Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
Guys was nice place was cool had just what we needed .
Great variety of instruments and offers guitar lessons
Love it I take guitar lessons there. People are very helpful too.
I have been coming here for years as most of the reviewers. I have always had a decent experience. I’m just an amateur guitar player who doesn’t practice much and i don’t know much about music. I have to be fair and mention that, yes, the staff has at times, seemed curt and disinterested but I’ve never had an out-and-out bad experience here. It’s possible that they were simply just distracted or overwhelmed, it happens! I got lessons here from a swell guy several years ago. I wish i could remember his name. They seem to have a large variety of items like accessories-tuners, picks, strings, stands for your chords, chord books, guitar cases and guitars. They offer stringing services, although I’ve never used them. I think I’ve seen a few banjos and mandolins for sale over the years, although those may have been instruments taken on trade, i don’t know for a fact if they stock and sell those instruments. I also don’t know if they do trade-in as I’ve never had anything to trade. I have seen ukuleles there for sale. It is possible that they have expanded the lessons they offer into other instruments, such as wind instruments but I am not sure. That would depend entirely upon there being any such instructors available here in Jonesboro that don’t already have their own business giving lessons. That’s a lot of “maybes”. It would be good to call and just ask, if this is important to you. I do know that they used to give drum lessons, it’s possible they still do. If you are a musician or have a musician in your life, check this place out!
Great place to shop,
However one small issue I had there was when I was wanting to repair my Fender Guitar. The guitar was beat up a bit, had no strings, paint was damaged, and the knobs for the tuning were gone and the plate was cracked. My friend found it in an abandoned place and it was a decent guitar it was just badly damaged.
I went there to the receptionist and all I got was, “You are better off buying a new guitar” Etc. He was insistent on me just buying a new guitar. It was a very arrogant moment.
There are good thing’s about the place but from my only experience on this It was a huge waste of my time trying to repair, love the shop, the staff is pretty chill but I believe there can be changes.
Been going here for almost a decade. Probably the most condescending and overall lackluster service you can get in Jonesboro. If you’re a musician and you have a question, prepare for a rough time. Great inventory, bad pricing.
I’m being harsh with my rating, but in my defense I’ve been here at least thirty times in my life and have some terrible stories to go along with my dissatisfaction. There are things that you just do not do in customer service.
Sadly enough, the decent music stores have all closed up. Backbeat and All star are all we really have left and they are equally bad.
EDIT: Not sure if All Star is still open actually; don’t let that diminish my credibility. I avoid these places like the plague.
I usually do not write reviews about businesses, but I had to about this store. The customer service is absolutely horrid. There staff is arrogant and condescending. If you have any questions about a product, do not be surprised if they are rude and treat you like you do not know what you are talking about. They do not have that bad of a selection for a store that size, but all there items are overpriced. If you are looking to buy a reasonably priced product, buy it online from somewhere like Amazon or Sweetwater, and save yourself from a bad experience.
If you are looking to do a trade in, be prepared for them to give you as little money as possible. You might as well sell it online or sell it to a pawn shop. You will earn more money that way. They will find the lowest price online of the item you are buying, and that is what they will offer you. It does not matter how bad the condition of the product online is, or what condition your item is in.
This is one of the only local music shops in Jonesboro besides Allstar Music. I will not be returning to Back Beat Music. If you are trying to decide whether or not shop there, I will save you time: DO NOT! It is almost worth driving to Memphis to buy a product. I know this review seems very one sided, but I can not think of a single good experience I have had there. I wish there was something good I could say, but there is simply not.
Darrel Sykes, one of the employees, was absolutely rude and passive aggressive to me the first time I walked in there. He told me that the music scene here is cliquish then proceeded to ignore the fact I was in the store after trying to sell me a cheap-o condenser mic (I was looking for an AT4040). Trying to give them another shot after a couple of years I took a bass there for a repair, restring, and a set-up. The guitar tech was curt, impersonal, and left the old strings on there. When I went to pick it up, Darrel, another guy, and someone who I believe is the owner just stood there talking to each other for several minutes before seeing why I was there. There were no other customers visible. My bass turned out to be unplayable when I got it home, every note buzzed, and the saddles were lowered as far as they could go.
The inventory is lacking and the aloofness of the staff makes the place a total disappointment. I’ll drive to Memphis, Nashville, or St. Louis to outfit my home studio. I would advise any parent looking to get their teenager started on an instrument to look elsewhere.
Edit in response to the owner’s reply:
If by “imagine it” you mean how your staff actually treated me, then yes, that’s exactly how it happened.
5. Meteor Guitar Gallery
Address: 128 W Central Ave, Bentonville, AR 72712 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
Dope venue good folks an easy access to the downtown scene !
Stylish old guitar gallery and a great concert venue.
What a great treasure in downtown Bentonville! The building was built early 1900s and converted into a theatre in the 1920s. Still has that old theatre charm. Recently was part of a group that rented the space for a burlesque show and was so impressed with the space. Holds easily 150-200 people. Staff was fantastic and very accommodating. We are looking at renting it for another event soon. But go check it out as an actual guitar gallery. Grab a drink, great prices and full service bar. Will definitely be going back.
it’s alright. selling broken guitars for the pieces they’re asking is outrageous, though.
Had no idea how cool & big this place was on the inside. Saw a great show & enjoyed the ambience. Check it out for a live performance sometime. I’ve disregarded this spot for 3.5 yrs but will likely be attending more shows now that I’m aware of this gem.
Cool place first Friday of the month
Worst experience with a music store ever! Lack of knowledge. Limited amount of guitar strings. Just terrible experience first and last time there!
Canceled concert and never got refund
6. Saied Music Co
Address: 2880 Point Cir, Fayetteville, AR 72704 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
All the employees are super helpful and kind. They are willing to take the time to explain options and help you.
They always have just what we need.
Clean store, nice staff.
Rentals are a bit pricey, but instruments are very high quality, and I have never had any major problems.
Good customer service
Awful service. Bought strings for my guitar, and since im not very good at putting them on and they were the most expensive strings, i left my guitar for them to put the strings on for me bc they said theyd do it for free and that they would call me within a day or so. I waoted almsot a week and figured that i must have missed the call and went there to get my guitar. They hadnt even touched it and told me that it would be several more days before they could get to it. I just went ahead and took my guitar. Never getting my business again im just gonna go to guitar center.
When I got there I was excited to be buying a ukulele something I’ve been wanting since I was little and when I asked how much taxes were because $82 up from the $54 seemed outrageous the man said idk and didn’t even check it just took an extra $21 and when I was asking questions about other instruments he had. No information literally making me. Still waiting on the money to be back in my account had to go to bed hungry tonight
Pretty great selection of instruments, however I felt extremely awkward with the staff and felt like my questions were intrusions. You could chalk this up to me just being anxious, but I would have much more appreciated an employee who could recommend stuff to me, and willing to help me find what I’m looking for. I’ll be going to A different shop to get what I need
7. J & B Music Sales
Address: 408 S Glenwood Ave, Russellville, AR 72801 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
I just visited Palmer Music Co for the first time today. I have to admit that I was very impressed with their customer service and pricing. I brought in a Squier Telecaster to trade in. The gentleman that facilitated the transaction was Clay. He gave me a very fair amount of store credit. I used it to purchase a 15 watt Blackstar amp that was very reasonably priced. I would absolutely recommend purchasing any of your musical needs from Palmer Music Co.
Love love love this place! Always on their A+ game!!
Usually busy because they’re good at what they do!
I was looking at electric guitars and they didn’t offer to let me plug any of them in. How are you truly going to know if you like one or not if you can’t hear the sound.
Talked to Joey in the store today. He took some time to help me plan for an upcoming purchase for our church. They have a large selection of all kinds of musical instruments and they do lessons, as well. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. Highly recommended! Thanks, Joey!
Go to GUITAR CENTER instead (you can actually have FUN there).
Went in expecting to buy a new guitar on 01/26/2023. The man behind the counter was very unfriendly & unhelpful.
I found one I wanted to buy but I just didn’t really want to give my money to a person who didn’t know how to smile.
Another employee walked by and was even more emotionless than the other guy. I left feeling very unwelcome.
I will not be back.
9. Dying Breed Music
Address: 705 W Beebe Capps Expy, Searcy, AR 72143 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
Assessment: ★½☆☆☆
1.8/5 based on 5 evaluations.
Reviews
I was in the process of buying a guitar from lane and then saw the Google reviews which I was very alarmed by. I talked to lane and looked into it. The people who left the reviews are a group of girls in NY who never bought a guitar in their life. If you want the real reviews go to his business website or Facebook page.
you should never buy from this store or lane. he is a horrible person and lies about every product he sells. every thing i bought was broken and he refused to refund me.
I would give this place zero stars if I could. Lane is truly scum of the earth. Abuser is an understatement.
just called to ask about acoustics and he talked to me like i was completely incompetent. so disrespectful
10. Big Event Music
Address: 149 E Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
Took my guitar to get a repair and Michael went above and beyond with the repairs in an incredibly short amount of time, and with amazing customer service. I’m very happy with my visit and will definitely be coming back for more business
Good people good prices
Maybe my favourite music store in Hot Springs.
Very Helpful! Thank you for your service to our community.
Excellent service
Awesome place
Holy cow. I didn’t even know this place was open until I went inside. Not very inviting and the whole building needs renovations. Seemed very trashy. Almost made me feel like the items there have less value just because of how badly ran the building is.
I bought everything from guitar cases to a JBL top of line PA from them before I found out they are totally BOGUS! Sold me used merchandise as new, then got an attitude when I called them on it! Cuss me out when you’re a thiefing liar? I don’t think so! I wouldn’t buy a guitar pick from these people!!!
Not enough inventory
11. Quattlebaum Music Center
Address: 101 W Arch Ave, Searcy, AR 72143 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
True musicians in Searcy Arkansas do their business here
Had what I needed. Only wish they will stay open a little bit longer. At least one night
Daughter went to buy a bass case, she could not stop talking about the great service and selection!
easy to deal with when renting. no problems
Nice store….for yyyyeeaaarrss!!!lol
Went there today. He has some great deals and he does layaway 6 month layaway if needed
Very rude to my wife and all she did was ask a queston please don’t do business with these people we don’t need rude people in this town.
I’ve purchased things from here before, but today, I felt as though my business was not wanted. I took a violin in due to having issues tuning it and the bridge popping off. Was told what I need to do. Told them thank you and asked my daughter if she wanted to look around. Was told to have a nice day. Was not asked if I needed help with anything else. Employee just walked away
They are selling stolen property.
12. All Star Music
Address: 3707 E Highland Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
If you love instruments and can jam. This is the place to be. Lots of instruments for everyone.
The store has been in business for a long time. Consequently, there’s a lot of stuff just laying around but I suspect you can get some really good deals here.
Neatly kept. Helpful but no price tags for browsing.
Over priced merchandise. Didn’t enjoy my visit at all. I purchased what i needed because it was my only choice but at a price three times what it should have been.
Complete trash heap. All fake or poorly kept used instruments, staff has no information or skill with instruments. Employees are just random friends of owner, who is apparently the only one with a shred of knowledge, which is still very little. They also charge 100$+ over retail value for amps, guitars, etc. wouldnt waste your time.
This may be the place to get an instrument repaired, but certainly not the place to buy. It does not look like the photo inside. I would compare it to looking like a run down flea market inside. As other reviewers have said, it was very overpriced. I asked for ukulele strings and they didn’t even have any. Most items on the shelf were very outdated and dirty. The selection of music books was awful. I can’t even see why they are still open as a music store.
13. Guitar Center
Address: 160 E Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703 , Bârsa , Arkansas , United States
Great service, they were very helpful. The guy was able to answer all my questions and spent enough time with me that I was comfortable making the buying decision.
Friendly staff
Good attention 🙂
Excelente atención y en variedad de equipo e instrumentos para tu actividad social.
Nicely laid out store. Wish the employees know a bit more about their products.
The employees can answer all your questions
Got into it with the customer service manager. Every time I come in there he harasses me.Very sad angry experience with this place.Do not recommend!!
The people working aren’t very helpful!!!
Very small selection of bass guitars and no one seemed interested in helping us out. Once we did find something we liked, they didn’t have in stock and advised us to order it online.
