Great selection, knowledgeable staff, qualified repairman.
Very helpful with a sound issue at church
Good place
Friendly staff, very helpful. Would definitely recommend!
Pretty cool music store
Friendly & helpful people
They carry a pretty good variety of brands. Good place to go if bored. Although they definitely need to change their drum policy, “You can only play the drums if you’re gonna buy them.” How is someone supposed to know if they want the drums unless they play them. You’ll just have to roll your dice I guess, not a good idea.
I bought a Zero Glide zero fret nut replacement through Amazon, but it was fulfilled and shipped by Arkansas Musicworks. I bought it 8/3/18. It is now 8/12 and there has been no shipment. Amazon emailed that the seller had not shipped within the time frame allotted and that I could cancel the order, follow up directly with Arkansas Musicworks, or whatever. I cancelled and will buy elsewhere. Never a peep out Arkansas Musicworks. Small item but they totally dropped the ball. Now I wouldn’t trust them for anything I need or am in a rush for.
Went through amazon to purchase a Dimarzio super distortion pick up. The sent me an openend plexi with a generic p/u. Wiring diagram did not match the p/u received. The intent was to have a 5 split shaping for the p/u. I got a pick up with no hot wire or series ground. What a bunch of con artists.
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
2. Beautiful Noise Music
Address: 213 W Arch Ave, Searcy, AR 72143 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Beautiful noise is the only place I’ve taken my instruments to be worked on in the last 20 years. Great work and affordable
Jason is extremely knowledgeable and is very helpful
I would like to give more Stars.however it is very small and only a handful of merchandise.they didn’t even have nylon strings.
Sry guys music store ? Not
3. The Musician’s Exchange
Address: 2221 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR 72956 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Awesome group of guys, very knowledgeable and helpful.
I just began visiting this place, having met the owner’s wife while she had yard sale.
They were wonderfully patient with my novice level knowledge. They also offer half-price guitar strings!
Slinkies for less than $7!
I already love this place!
Great places to take your child to get a school band instrument.
the staff is helpful. Just check the things out before you buy, the stuff is used so check it out and make sure it works the way you want it to work.
Had a hard time trying any of the basses or bass amps….nothing was even plugged in…..had to run extension cords all over the place . Then the basses and amps were so crowded could not move to even try the gear out. Didn’t feel like rerunning power to the whole department to try any other amps out. Shame would have tried more gear out….but just wasn’t expecting to hook it all up myself. Sorry guys you lost a sale….take ten minutes plug In couple bass amps everyday instead of sitting out smoking…..dude you know who you are….you shut the door on my wife as you went back in after your cig break….seriously….Shame store has potential
Dropped a guitar off for the owner to look at. He told me over the phone he’d give $150 for it and only a few hours later when I came in to get the money he prints me a ticket off and hands me $100. I reminded him that wasn’t what we agreed on and all he said was “that’s all I can do unless you want me to undo the transaction”. Not good business in my opinion. He lost a customer over 50 bucks. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
And now he’s calling me a liar. This isn’t some story I made up when I was bored, it actually happened. Remember the guitar was dropped off so it could be appraised. I don’t enjoy writing bad reviews but this one was earned.
Hate it I could not find a clarinet ,:(
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.
4. J & B Music Sales
Address: 408 S Glenwood Ave, Russellville, AR 72801 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Les has one of the best music stores around. It’s full of great vintage and new gear at reasonable prices. I’ve purchased several items from Blue Moon Music and will continue to do business with Les. He knows his gear and is a fine musician as well. Go check him out in person. I do wish they had a good website that displayed all his current gear.
Les is the ONLY person I trust with my guitars. After restoring a childhood keepsake guitar 15 years ago, I have never looked elsewhere for service and advice!
In addition, you can find guitars and amps here that you will not find anywhere else. There is more knowledge here than you will find in 50 chain store employees combined!
It cool
I got a Fender blues Jr. amp fixed here last year and payed $60 for the work. A few weeks later the amp stopped working so I called the shop and the owner told me that they don’t guarantee their work. I took the amp to another store and spent another $60 to have it worked on again. Take care of your customers and they will come back.
6. Arkansas School Band Services Inc
Address: 1023 S Arkansas Ave, Russellville, AR 72801 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
I had no idea what I was looking for the guys helped me find exactly what I needed great folks
Very nice store with a great selection of high quality instruments and accessories. Owner is very nice and will do whatever it takes to make sure you are extremely satisfied it’s your purchase. If in the market I wouldn’t hesitate to visit this business.
Great place for all your music needs. Gavin is pretty cool. And Greg I guess
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.
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.
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.
9. Music City
Address: 5121 Warden Rd Suite A1, North Little Rock, AR 72116 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Excellent store. Visited from out of state and was happy to have landed there. Staff was esceptionally friendly and not super stuck up and uppity like a lot of places. I was in and out 3 days in a row before I made a purchase and they didn’t mind at all. Maybe I’m just that bored.. But maybe their store is just that nice. YOU be the judge!
Very knowledgeable team and great selection. Cannot recommend Palmer Music enough!
Palmer music is filled with a great selection of gear and talented staff. Their commitment to the community is apparent in all they do. Would recommend to everyone!
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!
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.
Go to GUITAR CENTER instead (you can actually have FUN there).
12. Clarinda’s Crafts & Music
Address: 3 Trina Loop, Greenbrier, AR 72058 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Bought a beautiful Loar LM-600 from Clarinda. Great set up, great playing mandolin and a great price.
How can you not have fun at a place like this.
Not only am I very pleased with my choice of a handmade Mia A7 mandolin, but also, my instructor just told me that we are both getting better; my playing AND my mandolin! Every time we met for first few of the seven weeks I have had it, he congratulated me on my purchase.
You won’t go wrong choosing a Clarinda-built instrument or one from the lines she carries.
13. Saied Music Co
Address: 2880 Point Cir, Fayetteville, AR 72704 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
I don’t have much for you compared the store to so I can’t say I’d give it five stars but why not four. It was just a quick and easy trip where I was looking for a cowbell and wasn’t a hundred percent what to look for. There was a guy there who helped me I forget his name but he didn’t hesitate and I got what I needed.
The repair guys are always fantastic!
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.
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
Do not let them store your debit card on file. I have an unauthorized charge on my account. ONLY PAY THEM THROUGH THE WEBSITE, NOT OVER THE PHONE.
14. Cousins Music
Address: 1604 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Best guitar repair tech! Has tended to my husband’s guitars for years and always does a top notch job. We will be traveling from NWA to patronize Beau’s business because he’s the only one my husband trusts with his guitars!
Beau is an expert not only at servicing guitars, but also in customer service. He has performed setup and repair work on several of my guitars now, and each one I have gotten back was clean, pristine, and played like a dream. He will go the extra mile to be methodical and thorough in his work, ensuring that your instrument plays and sounds as good as it possibly can when it leaves his shop.
He’s easy to talk with. His terms for pricing and services are very easy to understand, and his turnaround time is quick.
He also keeps strings in stock and has an assortment of instruments and accessories in his shop for sale. His social media presence is very active, so you can find out a great deal from this business’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
The shop is conveniently located in the courtyard of Brunwick Place, right in downtown Fort Smith.
I would 137% recommend this shop for instrument setup and repair, and it’s definitely worth checking out if your looking for instruments, gear, and accessories for sale as well.
Great experience.
Good repair work
15. Mr. Crisso’s Music Shop
Address: 1233 Flint St, Jonesboro, AR 72401 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Have used Mr. Crisso’s music shop several times. He is very knowledgeable about a large variety of instruments. We are music newbies with lots of questions and he has always been very patient and helpful. His prices are reasonable and his service is excellent.
I came with an old guitar to get it re-strung. I ended up consistently coming back to this store 4 times in the same week for all my music needs. The guy there is as friendly as it gets. I felt genuinely taken care of and I felt my guitar was as well. I would definitely recommend for any music needs.
We always receive good service and advice at Mr. Crisso’s. Don’t be fooled by its appearance; this is a great store and Chris is a very knowledgeable and talented musician. We have been impressed by his friendliness and helpfulness. He has much patience with our young musicians and all of our questions.
Not very interesting to me
16. Guitar Center
Address: 160 E Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Wasnt here long as they didnt have the product I was looking for but the staff was friendly and the facility was well stocked.
Everyone is super polite and helpful
This was my first time in the store; I was getting some acoustic guitar accessories for my husband for Christmas.
The staff was exceptionally helpful and there where plenty available so that I never had to look far for help – quite the opposite of my experiences at other locations that day, so I appreciated it. They answered all my silly questions and helped me with info about kids lessons. I found what I needed quickly and affordably.
I was impressed by how large the store was; it’s in a strip so I was a bit surprised when I walked in. I enjoyed the hodgpoge of themed rooms design they have going on. It’s not massive, but I wondered around after making my selections and still only saw around 60% of the place! Lots to look at.
I’ll definitely be bringing my husband and daughter back the next time we have a reason to be in Northern Fayetteville!
Was a little crowded but had a great selection of new and even some used in the back. The employees were super cool and willing to help
The place is small for my taste but the selection was decent. I give it 4 stars because none of the clerks ever came near me to ask if I needed anything which I actually did.
No selection…..the store is nearly empty.
This place is a rip off scam artist they try to low-ball you on guitars worth 200 dollars and offer you 22 dollars.
Poor service and staff was even more less knowledgeable
Walked around 20+ minutes, several employees were engrossed in their phones or something… Not one offer for help.
17. River Valley Music Center
Address: 407 N Arkansas Ave Suite 5C, Russellville, AR 72801 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Love the selection and staff here. Their selection of Aria classical guitars is lovely, and their prices are fantastic!!! Everyone whom I have had the pleasure of visiting with has always been a delight to talk with as well. Was first referred up here by Josh over at Hippie Palace. Stop in and check them out; you will be pleased you did
Wonderful teachers very flexible schedules and I always feel at home being there!
I’ve been by here twice to buy a guitar case and sign my kid up for lessons. First time they were closed (not a holiday) and the second time, they were open but no one was inside.
Arrived around 1:00p.m. and doors were locked but lights were on. Luckily there was a kitchen gear store across the hall with the sweetest ladies running it (seriously, give them a visit they’re so nice) killed about 30 minutes in there before waiting on the hall an additional 20. Dude showed up and unlocked the door, I got excited, then he turned off the lights and relocked the doors. I just wanted some guitar string and a string winder… So yeah, Valley Piano was great, just go there
18. BFM Studios
Address: 723 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock, AR 72202 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Great place to record, The staff was very professional.The Studios and equipment is clean and up to date. If you like doing great business with professional people this is the place for you.
Good studio with professional engineers
19. Martin Music
Address: 1659 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
Great spot for a musician looking for nearly anything they might need!
Eric Martin and his staff are great. They are very knowledgeable on their guitars, amps, and gear. The selection of guitars is as good as it gets. I recently traded some guitars, purchased an acoustic, and also had work done on another. Couldn’t be happier with each transaction. Martin Music is definitely a reprieve from the Guitar Centers of the world. Thanks guys!
Great selection of quality guitars, basses, and amps. All the staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to help out a drummer like me trying to buy a decent guitar!
I like their wide selection of guitars Basses, musical and accessories etc…
Love the guys at Martins, nd olive my new Ibanez Guitar
They were very friendly help me with whatever I needed
A few years back, I bought a very expensive limited edition guitar from Martin Music. They had 4 in stock. I told them the serial number and the hand signed back plate number. They sent me the wrong guitar. When I called and explained this, I was told the serial numbers are generic and they attach the back plates after the fact so the numbers don’t always match. This was a heavily quilted top guitar and I picked the one I did for the figuring. The one I received was not the same guitar. The guitar I received played great and I planned on keeping it, I just wish they would’ve owned up to the mix up. At the time they had a sold gallery of said guitar manufacturer and for some reason the two guitars in question never showed up in the gallery. Not the end of the world as I still got a nice guitar, but I sure wouldn’t trust them buying sight unseen.
Avoid amp repair. Needed a 2 second fix on my amp and it took him 4 months. Terrible service.
Walked in with a grand to spend from some recent amp sales. Asked about the scuffed orange 412 they had listed at 599. This price isn’t unheard of. Not one mile away I found one used in better condition for 600. I’m going to buy one in Nashville for 450 right now. They told me it was the wrong price. 849. I then asked about rackmount preamps (you know, the mesa triaxis, studio pre sort) and they responded with “we’re not that high tech here”. They are mesa dealers. 2 stars because it looked nice. Came across as any other high paid, mindless salesman. They didn’t know anything about what they sell. Would not recommend.
20. BFM Studios
Address: 1406 N West Ave, El Dorado, AR 71730 , Bisimbre , Arkansas , United States
