I had no idea what I was looking for the guys helped me find exactly what I needed great folks
Nice and friendly employees, great selection of items to choose.
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.
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!
Yeah, I like the shop, but didn’t have the best experience. I brought my classical guitar in from out of town, and called first to specifically ask if they could restring with nylon wound. I brought another electric guitar in as well, since it needed new strings too. When I picked them up, they were both restrung, but my classical guitar was restrung with steel strings, not what I asked. They said they were out of nylon strings, but that these would work. It really changed the whole sound, and was not what I wanted. They didn’t show me the package, or indicate what type of strings for either guitar, but the invoice for both was almost $100! No set up, or anything, just a re-string. And I have no idea what they put on there. I guess it’s probably my fault that I have no time to put on my own strings, so let that be a lesson to me.
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.
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.
2. Music City
Address: 5121 Warden Rd Suite A1, North Little Rock, AR 72116 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
Byron is a super knowledgeable and very talented at instrument repair.
Awesome crew and great vibe!!!!! You will love the results!
I have purchased several guitars at very reasonable prices. I have had several acoustics fitted with electronics. The service has been great. I highly recommend RockTown Music for your repair needs or if you are looking for a quality used instrument or amplifier.
Great spot, super amount of knowledge and experience with repairs among other services. Same problem everybody else has with out of stock items here and there.
Nice, friendly environment. This guys is experienced in his craft and genuine in the way he conducts business. A rare find these days.
After many attempts trying to visit this place because it has been closed. I finally went into the store today and found the guy Dave not to be very friendly or welcoming. So I only stayed a few minutes. I won’t ever be back!
Dishonest and lazy. He has earned that distinction with me after implying that I attempt to make and sell a counterfeit guitar on the market. His boundaries are not clear. He should have refused the work order instead of hemming and hawing trying to teach me a lesson in trademark infringement. I also hired him to put Seymour Duncans in a Squire. When I called him for progress report he said he was “working on it now”. I go back 2 weeks later and the Seymour Duncans hadn’t even arrived yet. I have no trust in dishonest and lazy people. Oh, and Bryon, please dont call me about this post. If you’re a good luthier, I suggest you keep your nose in the workshop out of site from the customers.
I took my 2001 Les Paul to Bryon and Dave in February 2019 for a basic set up. I bought it new and always stored it in the case and very rarely had it out. Very careful with it. The guitar only had one very small blemish on the front. When I got it back it had several deep dents on top edge close to the back and a couple dents in the back itself. They swear they did not damage it but I know for a fact it wasn’t damaged when I dropped it off. I had just polished it before I took it there. Bryon had promised it would be ready Saturday the 23RD and it was not. He then told me it would be ready the following Monday which it was. I’m not sure if they just got in a hurry or what exactly happened but they pointed to the paperwork stating they were not responsible for any damage…. Not a good way to run a business. I should have inspected it and made note of any defect with them before dropping it off. Lesson learned!!!
4. The Musician’s Exchange
Address: 2221 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR 72956 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
They carry a variety of used and new musical products. A fun place to browse and talk music with good people!
James helped me out and was a great experience!! Guys are really great and their selection is great! Thanks guys!
Great place to pick up some equipment and a great convo….love bill and staff , cheap prices too
Drove by & stopped because I’m new to the area and was looking for a music store. I’m a new drummer, so I was only curious about their drum supplies. Sadly, they had very little drum stuff, with only a handful of used cymbals for sale on display that I could try out.
The few drum sets they had were used, in bad condition & were stacked (not on stands or with heads on them). So, I was a bit disappointed.
Store looked a bit old, dirty & run down. The two guys working behind the counter were busy chatting with regular customers, but did welcome me when I entered the store. They were pleasant enough (which is why I gave 3 stars instead of 2). Wish they had more quality drum stuff to offer.
This place is very small and crowded with goods. Most of the things are for those who really want to rock out. Lots of amps and electronic equipment and electrified instruments. Very little acoustic. The photos you see on Google maps don’t quite represent as much what you see in the store because it looks from the pictures like there’s more acoustic than they’re actually is. But the staff seem to be very good at helping customers make decisions.
#accessibility accessibility is poor. There is a super steep ramp step to get into the store and then it’s crowded inside. My friend on crutches with a large service dog had a difficult time getting around inside. I had a small guide dog and found the quarters very cramped. I’m just mentioning this so that people will be aware. Next time I go in, I will leave my guide dog at home and use a white cane to navigate.
The vast majority of the store has everything for electric instruments. There’s a little teeny acoustic room in the back which is so small that you barely have enough room to turn around and certainly not enough room to change your mind. Again mentioning so the people know what to expect.
Great places to take your child to get a school band instrument.
Bought a brand new acoustic guitar here after years of using this store for my musical needs. The guitar wasnt staying in tune and i noticed the intonation was a little off as well. I took it back 4 days later and they offered me 100 bucks for it. It was brand new and i spend 400 on it and bought a 150 dollar case as well. Thats not the way you treat repeat customers. I will never be returning to this store again.
Dropped my guitar off before Christmas was told it would be ready 2nd week of January. Called 3rd week was told not yet. Called 1st week of February was told it was being repaired. Called 4th week was told it would be ready today or tomorrow. Still not ready. Called March 2nd was told still not ready had not started on it had no idea when they would start on it or when it would be ready. Then the smart ass says if I am in a hurry I could just come and get it he did not care.
Unfriendly staff
5. All Star Music
Address: 3707 E Highland Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
Very friendly & has a great selection of guitars, drums you name it.
Great service! God bless our troops!
Great place to shop!
Great place got great gear but barely any left handed stuff
Excellent guitars and equipment. Not as enlightened in guitar repair as I hoped and the attendant, who I believe was management, was…. condescending after he couldn’t answer my ‘test’ questions to see if he knew enough to warrant me asking about actual repair, but not exactly rude. Overall a great store and I will be back. Just not for repair advice.
If you love instruments and can jam. This is the place to be. Lots of instruments for everyone.
Awful, just awful… Paid 150 for used guitar that retails for 120 and comes with a bag! Wouldn’t give me a refund, only in store credit… Definitely not going back here
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.
They had barely anything and it was all used. They were very rude to me because I was a teenager!!!!!!!!
6. Guitar Center
Address: 160 E Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
Wonderful staff that is very helpful. Good selection.
Great staff
They treat you better than family and have the coolest toys
The Verity of Good Instruments!
Not much in the way of lefty guitars. About what any music store carries.
Knowledgeable staff
Hard to find/choose a new pair of drum sticks when they are locked behind a counter and you have to ask a salesman to get them for you—makes no sense. Also, walked in and 2-3 salespeople all looked at me and said nothing. Not a great first impression of customer service.
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!!
Poor service and staff was even more less knowledgeable
7. Guitar Center
Address: 12315 Chenal Pkwy A, Little Rock, AR 72211 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
this is the place to go !! helpful employees, kind and respectful.
Great customer service!!!!
We were looking for a drum set that my husband had seen online. The sales person was prompt in meeting with us, but they had a much larger (more expensive) drum set set up in front of a sale sign. When we asked to purchase it (because it looked like the one that was on sale for $180 online), they informed us that that wasn’t the model that was for sale but we could get it for ~$400.00. I thought that was unprofessional.
Even with all the hassles of covid, the employees there do everything they can to help you with your music needs.
A good place to buy a musical instrument.. mostly guitars, but they sell other things too.. amps, wires, drums, organs (keyboards), some brass instruments, mics, recording tools of all kinds, sheet music.. it’s all good stuff.
Depending on the day though, it really can be hard to get help.
A rude salesperson made me a happy Sweetwater customer. Too bad it wasn’t before I’d purchased too many items from GC.
Went in to look, and found a guitar I have wanted for a few months. The price was half what it should have been so I asked the sales assistant to verify it. She verified the price to me twice before I agreed to buy it. Once I got to the register, she explained that the price was wrong and it went up around $300.00.
I was told she had spoken to a manager, but he refused to do anything about the error. When I explained that at the labeled price it was a great deal that I couldn’t pas up, but at the new price it really wasn’t a good deal, the sales assistant told me that if I really wanted the guitar, I should buy it and just love that I could play it.
I feel like this is a classic case of corporate idiocy and a great way to lose customers. I won’t be returning to this store and I doubt I will visit the chain again. While it is a little further for me to drive and the hours aren’t always conducive, I will probably visit the very nice guitar store in Russellville for my music needs in the future.
Horrible selection. Poor customer service. Every visit has been a let down with the most recent one sealing the deal. This location never has quality products in stock. The variety of products is ridiculously thin as well. Worst GC I have visited on multiple levels across the board. Will not return and I will call to make any future orders/purchases. I will not give this location any furthered business.
8. Arkansas Musicworks
Address: 2400 SE J St, Bentonville, AR 72712 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
Always a pleasure to do business with A Arkansas Musicworks. Either in person or their internet sales.
These guys know their business. Bought several guitars from them and left happy every time.
Helpful and friendly staff always willing to help! Thanks guys!
Beautiful looking stuff
Not very impressed with service.
Great place
I ordered Gemeinhardt Flute (2SP) on amazon at this store on September 22nd but I waited until September 28th when I got an email from amazon saying they didn’t get a response from Arkansas Musicworks.I have waited 1 week and now you have just told me I cannot receive my order. why don’t you tell me sooner. I placed this order for my child so my child has for her class. and now my child doesn’t have to study. So how much longer will my child have to wait.If you don’t have one please cancel my order so I can buy it somewhere else.
I am really disappointed with your service. I have been your regular customer for many years but I have never been so disappointed. I need an explanation.I suggest people not buy at this store because their customer care is not good
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
Case And bow is falling apart. I wouldn’t recommend musicworks to anybody. Complete rip off. I got a 15 inch viola and within a year I had to get rid of it, because it was poorly made.
9. Saied Music Co
Address: 4300 Rogers Ave #55, Fort Smith, AR 72903 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
Staff are knowledgeable and friendly! Come here few times a month for my 2 kids play the clarinet, baritone saxophone, bassoon and violin.
Love Debbie and Allysa! Great ladies!
They are very helpful with all my questions and needs
It’s good quality music and instrument accessories but their a little costly
Saied Music Store es una tienda para una persona que quiere aprender a tocar un instrumento. Los empleados son muy amables y son muy buenos para ayudar. Yo recomendaría esta tienda para alguien buscando su primer instrumento. También recomendaría esta tienda para músicos buscando partes para su instrumento. Lo único malo es que la tienda es muy pequeña y no hay mucha variedad para escoger.
They are very friendly and have good service. I believe they are high on their prices.
I showed them the kind of guitar strings I needed specifically not knowing entirely the name because they’re the experts right? I said I needed bullet strings for two fender guitars… they sold me a pack of “strings with the ball on the end” and when I opened the package they weren’t what I needed. A musical instrument store where the workers don’t know anything about musical instruments. Don’t waste your time or money or money, you’ll just be gaslit.
I bought a keyboard DGX-640 from this store which is cost $920. Then I realized the keyboard was not brand new and there was no box at all. Later, I did a research online, (Ebay, Amazon..etc.) and found that the original price was only $599 including everything. Most of the keyboards they are selling are not brand new at all. Be ware!
10. Big Event Music
Address: 149 E Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
Awesome experience. The top music store in central Arkansas for professional musicians. Sales and repair on site. Brent knows more about the music industry than ten peoples combined knowledge. Robert is the onsite repair wizard. If he can’t fix it, it can’t be repaired. Period!
Maybe my favourite music store in Hot Springs.
Brent was great. My dream man cave!!! High-end recording studio and a very knowledgeable owner and staff.
Great people, over priced used stuff. Knowledge staff with understanding across most instruments. Some nice and not so nice used guitars in stock. BEM is part of the problem in this online society, people will come here to see things in person, then go to Musicians Friend to buy. Give it a try, but you will probably end up buying somewhere else. Jeff
Does it have a recording studio? I want to make a song
Nice music shop.
I bought a lot of things from Brent when the store sold instruments and amps and was always happy with them. Unfortunately, things have changed. I brought a guitar in that needed a rewire job. I was aware they were busy with festivals but they kept my guitar for 2 months and finally called and told me they didn’t have time to fix it. Needless to say, I wont be back.
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!!!
11. Arkansas School Band Service Inc
Address: 508 Lillian, Benton, AR 72015 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
They are always super friendly and extremely helpful! I highly suggest using them!
Great place
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 friendly staff!
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.
12. Shuffield Music Company
Address: 610 Main St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
Gotta enjoy this place. I mostly go for strings for my guitars, primarily D’addario, Dunlop, and Exlir, which they carry here. I’ve bought the handful of others, though: straps, picks, cables (Stagg, to be exact). All solid and worth it. Quality stuff here.
Good folks here, it is a pleasure to deal with Paul he is a kind hearted person and eager to help, he also is a great musician and knows his way around the guitar.
great selection. friendly, knowledgable, helpful.
Not to bad
Great local music store. We have shopped here for years.
Rude
Good place to buy guitars, don’t ask them to fix anything you own uness you want it damaged.
I won’t go to anyone else to have my flute repaired. He does an amazing job.
the best man in Jonesboro to fix your rusty dusty instrument, bro has every tool under the sun to fix my saxophone. James is genuinely great and will get you taken care of.
Very friendly, quick, and affordable service! Will definitely refer my friends to Mr. Halbrook!!
15. Little Rock Violin Shop
Address: 316 E 11th St, Little Rock, AR 72202 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
The staff were very helpful and measured for the correct size violin. Rental was quick and easy.
I love that there’s a local place to have your stringed instruments adjusted and usually while you wait. My only complaint is that they charged me two different prices for the same service. My family is new to violin lessons and the instrument, so I can’t be absolutely sure that there was no difference…but there should be a uniform price for tuning/restringing a 1/4 sized violin. The staff is very courteous and informative. They also have a list of great string instrument instructors.
Unique violin shop
16. Mainstreet Musician Supply
Address: 201 N Main St, Nashville, AR 71852 , Bata , Arkansas , United States
