Love the owners of this place! Laura holds a small piece of my heart!
Al Yates will give you a dose of authenticity that will make your day, the second you walk through the door. Bought a traveling steel six-string guitar and hard case for my son that was perfect and he knew exactly what I wanted before I did!
Stopped in while traveling and fell in love with then shop. The vintage and newer amp collection could easily outfit a recording studio. I found some great quality and unique acoustic guitars, mandolins, and an impressive collection of used bass guitars. Knowledgeable and friendly staff/owner. I wish this store was in my hometown.
This is a great local music shop. They do repairs, instrument set up, and lessons, and they sell on consignment. I sold a guitar on consignment here, got exactly what I was asking, and it sold quickly! They have everything you need, equipment, accessories, instruments, and sheet music. The staff is knowledgeable, and friendly. The store is roomy, and well organized.
This is a fun place to visit!
Excellent little hole in the wall. Very sweet and kind people that will answer your every question with a smile.
Always a good experience, they take good care of you
5. Welch Music Inc
Address: 1328 Overland Ave, Burley, ID 83318 , Blaine County , Idaho , United States
My son needed strings for his violin. They put them on right there. I was in and out and happy with affordably priced strings. Thank you Jeff!!
Great selection of musical instruments and the people working there do know about music
Great customer service great friendly people and wonderful setup of pianos musicians welcome love this place cheap and dreamy.
Great Instuments and friendly staff!
They are knowledgeable with the instruments, and what the schools need for the classes.
Welch Music has messed up the violin contract that I had, charged me twice, tried to charge me after I paid off the violin and messed up the tuning. The only time I will go to Welch is when I need a string and Acadia doesn’t have it. They usually don’t know what they are talking about, though they act like they do, and most of the employees can’t tune correctly to save their life because they depend on an electric tuner and have no experience of their own tuning string instruments. My 2 children play a string instrument, violin and cello, but when I bought a brand new violin and had the store tune it, the music teacher said that it was WAY out of tune and not to have the store tune it. The kids music teacher will only go to Acadia Music in Rupert or Dunkley Music in Twin Falls. I have had a PHENOMENALLY POSITIVE experience at Dunkley Music and will always take my business to them. At Acadia Music, the owner is the employee and she tuned my son’s cello with no problems.
6. Dunkley Music
Address: 1160 Blue Lakes Blvd N, Twin Falls, ID 83301 , Blaine County , Idaho , United States
Solid music store and extremely friendly. They don’t sell you stuff, they inform and educate you so you can make an investment. Thanks to Dennis and the guys for making my trip to Twin Falls memorable!
Have nothing but great review. Excellent equipment. Great service with guys who JAM! Love my new AJ and epi !
Management at dunkley is very experienced and can answer all of your most intricate music questions.
7. Welch Music
Address: 1146 Filer Ave E, Twin Falls, ID 83301 , Blaine County , Idaho , United States
Absolutely fantastic customer service! The staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We have had multiple dealings with Welch Music in Twin Falls and will continue to do so because of their honesty, integrity and great pricing.
They are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Very knowledgeable and friendly service. They remembered us and our daughter from months ago, impressive.
Nau experinia
Realy great customer service and awesome workers but really bumpy prices somethings are slightly under priced some over and some right on the money (half literally) ether way I would definitely suggest this place.
Great selection. Friendly staff. But it feels a little crowded when you’re in there.
Put an order in 2 different times for a replacement part for my son’s bells set in January and again in February. After June we still hadn’t received the part. My son’s grade in band was affected because his bells couldn’t attach to it’s stand for concerts Won’t ever return. Actually kinda made him hate band.
I’m used to great local businesses willing to help you out. Unfortunately this isn’t one of them. When I went in to see if I can test my guitar’s amp system using one of their amplifiers, the owner instantly became hostile and deriding. “Since I didn’t buy my guitar from their place, why should they let me use one of their amps for free?” Obviously they aren’t known for customer service since there wasn’t another customer in sight. I mentioned this obvious fact and left. A different music store a few blocks north was kind enough to let me use one of their amps, and the owners even spent time explaining how the different amps work. While I spent $20 at their place on guitar accessories, I wasn’t looking for an amp that day. But guess which store I would go to when I’m looking to buy an amp?
Sales people are pushy and dishonest.
8. C’s Mountain School of Music
Address: 100 2nd Ave downstairs, Hailey, ID 83333 , Blaine County , Idaho , United States
Dropped two guitars off to get some maintenance taken care of. Can’t be happier with the service! Both guitars play like new, the turn around was great, and the price was even better. I also love the fact they are open to 8pm!!!
Calling this establishment “mediocre” would be too much of a compliment. My brother went in to ask if the man had any guitar parts and was treated like an inconvenience. The man had his back to him the whole time, was very dry and rude and had awful customer service overall, once my brother asked about guitar lessons though is when the man perked up and became chatty. Only when money was in the conversation was he interested. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.
I ordered a Larrivee 000 online, on a Sunday. Nick shipped out the next day, and it was in my hands in Portland Oregon on Wednesday. What I saw, was what I got. Nick sent me personal emails letting me know about my order’s progress.
I love thrift store finds and rough but nice-sounding cheap acoustics. But there’s nothing like aging an American (or Canadian) all-solid acoustic over a few decades. So I found this beautiful Larrivee parlor guitar at Tune Up Guitars and made a new friend and new favorite guitar shop! Nick did a nice set-up before sending it off and now I have three Larrivees, one to pass down to each of my chillins. I was a bit shocked that I felt so comfortable ordering a high-end guitar without playing it first but the price was awesome and Nick was easy to talk to. And I have NO regrets AT ALL for buying online. I know Larrivees and it sounds like I expected it would… only much more full and open. Somehow they’re getting better at building these! My only gripe – Nick is living MY dream of having his own guitar shop! Well, props to him for making it happen. I’ll happily take on the role of buying from him. Thanks man!
Shopped and shopped for a good price on a Larrivee OM-40R Fast Neck. Then I stumbled upon one listed online from Tune-Up Guitars. I called Nick and questioned the price…not only was it the best price, he took off another 17% !!!!!
Tune-Up is my FIRST stop from now on…
14. Joyful Sounds Music Studio LLC
Address: 613 6th Ave E, Jerome, ID 83338 , Blaine County , Idaho , United States
These people know what they r talking about! Beautiful instruments and great service. They have a great rent to own program and are used to setting up students band needs.
Great customer service.. amazing people… fast and efficient… I went in there and I was out with in 10 minutes with a brand new trumpet for my son.. love it… will be returning soon
It apparently takes them 3 days just to put on 4 strings on a violin. Cool and pretty stuff just I think their taking their own time.
Knowledge and friendly people with out the hovering around constantly asking if you need anything.
Mediocre selection. Disinterested staff. No masks.
I went in with questions and the intention to purchase books. While waiting for the next available sales person I was going to check out the pianos. One of them asked me if I was going to buy a piano and I said no, and then they kicked me out. I’ll never come back.
Do not youse there piano moving service. They chipped a good chunk of my piano, and didn’t take any responsibility for the incident! Go to Dorsey music, or any other store! JUST DONT LET WELCH MUSIC MOVE YOUR PIANO!
Rented a cello. The gave me student cello. Didn’t want to add note stickers on but gave me a pack for 8.00. This was the worst instrument I have ever seen. It could not be tuned. And the sound was pretty bad. I took it back in 3 days asked for a refund to which I received a prompt NO. Then I said to the man at the counter if you give this cello to a kid it’s going to turn him or her off to playing it. I imagined he would say I will take a look at it. But instead he came out swinging and proceeded to tell me off. I felt upset and hurt somewhat when I left. Went to Dunkley music they have better instruments and kinder people working there. They offered to add the stickers on without me asking. That was an easy 70.00 for Welch!
17. Dorsey Music, Boise
Address: 5015 W State St, Boise, ID 83703 , Blaine County , Idaho , United States
These people rock, they work together to help you rather than trying to compete to sell you something. The guy in the Australian hat has an amazing ear and knows instruments and the guy in the baseball hat is a genius on guitars and stringed instruments. Everyone is super friendly.
Great experience buying multiple instruments and gear from them, their knowledge is superior to national chain music outlets.
I have never had a bad experience here.
Are You Experienced?
They have Red Sox plectrums!
Tube amps too. All kinds of instruments, I think I saw a kazoo. I spend hours here and it don’t seem to bother a super friendly and helpful crew.
Great music teachers and great help.
Great place for everything instrumental! Parents don’t forget to shop here for things ahead of presents… support local, not chinese plastic!
Friendly and knowledgeable that can help you with all your music needs
Nice music store, bad employees.
Horrible!! This place has the absolute worst customer service. Everyone is rude, prices are ridiculous, and selection is nothing to brag about. Save yourself time and money and go ANYWHERE but there.
Where do I begin? Alright, well lets start with the customer service, in which is atrocious. I have been to Dorsey’s on two different occasions and have been treated poorly on all two visits.
Example 1: As a newer guitar player I was absolutely ecstatic to finally purchase a guitar that could my inexpensive Ibanez. Upon arrival I immediately was drawn to a beautiful Michael Kelly Patriot, in which had a very unique finish and a low gauge! However, I knew that it would be foolish to buy an expensive instrument like that just for it’s aesthetic qualities so I politely asked an employee if I could get set up with an amp. Suddenly all my teenage dreams were pissed on as this rather unpleasant gentleman replied to my humble request with a blunt, “No.” He didn’t even lift his eyes from the magazine he was reading to answer me. Confused and unconvinced, I asked politely once again that same question. The employee dramatically lower his literature and proceeded to write the address of Guitar Center. His condescension was enough to make me return my prized ax to its rack and leave the story. I ended up ordering my Michael Kelly.
Example Two: Years passed from the first incident and my musicianship grew as my grudge for the store slowly faded. I had learned to play the accordion over the passed few years and I was very proud (and still am) of my hobby. So when my friend asked me for advice on microphones, i suggested an affordable but quality mic, and told him this specific mic probably wouldn’t be found in stores other than Dorsey’s. Never the less, we drifted from store to store, but were unlucky in finding the mic. So we went to Dorsey’s, and as he began to receive service on mics, I drifted in awe at the expansive amount of musical items surrounding me, until my eyes fell upon a small piano accordion. I thought that I would surprise my friend, as he didn’t know of my love for it, and i asked the manager if it was acceptable. He told me they were closing. Disenchanted, i checked their closing time and sure enough, they were closing. I understood why he didn’t want me to play it. Yet my friend went to buy his mic and was allowed to stay for a good 20 more minutes! so I was kicked out for wanting to play, but he was allowed to stay because he was giving them money. Disgusting.
The staff (at least for guitars and drums) generally does not seem to be very interested in helping customers.The Luthier (Gary) is good.
18. Dunkley Music
Address: 3410 N Eagle Rd, Meridian, ID 83646 , Blaine County , Idaho , United States
Lisa is amazing! I had an emergency with my flute and she worked me in quickly, fixed it, and it played beautifully. Lisa pays attention to every detail and I completely trust her to repair my flute. I will never take my flute to anyone else. Lisa is the best!
Yo the lady in the back that’s always with the guitars , absolute sweetheart, I come in quite often because I need the basic things like strings and such but she makes me feel so welcome and helped, I end up sticking around a little just playing some guitars and checking out some equipment, she always makes sure my needs are met and I can honestly say this place is very welcoming and family friendly , the only thing I could ever say about this place is it’s unfortunate they close so early because sometimes it’s hard to get there before they do , but other then that I honestly don’t think you’ll find better service anywhere else , thanks lady with the guitars which I should totally know your name by now !!
Great store with an amazing selection and helpful staff, particularly Melody! She was both knowledgeable and fun. Highly suggest a visit for any of your music related questions or needs.
I enjoy DM very much. It’s so much fun to look around to see all the instruments they have in-store. They had the gift I was looking for (and then some). Someday, I’ll take those violin lessons. For now, I’m saving up to get myself that keyboard bench.
Back when Dunkley’s was in-town in Boise, I was an avid customer…they always have been professional and friendly all-in-one! They still are.
All of my musical equipment, specifically my violin and flute for school orchestra/band, came from here. And I am impressed with it nowadays!
GOOO Dunkley Music!!!
Good selection, helpful staff.
The worst customer service wish I could give a 0.
The Nampa location is great. Helpful, knowledgeable, experienced. I brought in a violin i bought, and wanted it checked out. So it was sent to their luthier, a fella called “Rand”. This dude needs social interaction lessons. What a rude, short tempered jackal. If you like being talked to in a demeaning and belittling way, have your string instrument looked at by “Rand”. If you like normal, socially accepted treatment, avoid Dunkley or, more precisely, Rand.
This would be a wonderful music store if it wasn’t for the poor customer service for the folk who come in who are judged based on appearance and/or their apparent wealth or lack thereof. I have been playing piano and trombone for more than half my life now and my daughter is about to enter 6th grade. She has tried the trombone but is more interested in playing tuba. The staff told her she was too little, that the other instrument she was interested in — bassoon — was “really rare,” [too] expensive, and that starting on a double reed instrument was a really bad idea…oh, and did I mention that she was just way too short to play the instruments she wanted? This is not their place to decide and I have played alongside MANY petite, thin, and amazing female tuba players. Staff should not provide input on what instruments myself or anyone else “should” play, nor place any limits on their customer. Their job is to sell instruments and they can do so without being condescending or insulting.
19. Gig’s Music
Address: 611 N Orchard St, Boise, ID 83706 , Blaine County , Idaho , United States
I’m from California and I found this store with the best service and fair prices thanks guys
Dub hooked me up with awesome amp. I liked the way it sounded at first, but I had some reservations. Dub listened to me, tinkered with the amp for about an hour and a half for no extra charge (switching out tubes and getting rid of any buzzing or rattling), and I ended up with an amp that fit my budget and sounded just like I wanted it to. Will recommend.
Awesome place. Knowledgeable and friendly staff.
The store is small, and the selection of instruments is not exactly large. Chances are, you’ll only find between 3 and 5 bass guitars for sale. There is usually an adequate amount of electric guitars to browse through though. Also, a fairly good selection of acoustic guitars. And, you’ll probably find some other instruments, like cigar box guitars, ukes and banjos.
If you are looking for used instruments and good deals, I think Gigs is worth visiting.
Andy, the store’s proprietor, is friendly, quite helpful, and easy to talk to. Several musicians I’ve talked with say he is a very good guitar tech.
There are one or more guitar teachers working there. I heard one was quite good, but I can’t remember his name, sorry. The teacher or teachers work with both adults and kids.
The worst thing about the store is sometimes people smoke in there. I don’t like being in an enclosed environment in which people are smoking. I tend not to stay long when I smell cigarette smoke. That’s just nasty, and discourages business.
If this store sold more bass guitars, and if no one ever smoked inside, I’ve be giving Gigs a 5 star rating instead of 4.
Good shop. Needs more stuff.
I remember, not too long ago Gigs Music Company was owned and operated by Rick and Debbie Schroeder. They had an impressive enventory. Then it changed hands you another great musician who worked for the Schroeders from the beginning and held it’s integrity. It seems those days are over. I’ve been there a few times lately and it saddens me to say it’s really gone down hill. To say the service is poor would be a understatement. The inventory lacks quantity and quality both. It’s definitely not getting a favorable critique from me. Three stars is more than generous in my view.
Ordered a Christmas gift for my husband from this place last year, and I’m still waiting. I called them 3 times about it and was told it was on order and they would call me. Never received a call. Very unprofessional. I believe in shopping local, but not at this Boise business.
Stood there for almost 20 minutes waiting for the staff to get off of their “smoke break”. Then ignored for another 20. Then blown off for an additional 40 minutes.
Won’t be doing business there again.
Talented man with music skills. Awful business techniques.
20. 12th Fret Music
Address: 2164 S Broadway Ave, Boise, ID 83706 , Blaine County , Idaho , United States
Tech animal Steve saved my rare Ripper bass from certain death. The service and friendly staff make this my ONLY music store. Do yourself a favor and stop by and say “Hi” to Rob for me.
I came into the 12th fret to shop for a guitar effects board. I am old school had never used one before and Brit was totally informative and patient with any questions. They also had everything I needed in stock!!!. I now own an awesome effects board and will be going back to the 12th fret for any future music needs thanks 12th fret!!!!
If you’re looking for guitar experts in Boise, look no further, a much better experience than the “big name” store in town. Words cannot express how thankful I am to Rob for going above and beyond and having my husband’s guitar ready for father’s day. I don’t know anything about guitars, and had called multiple music instrument stores trying to find guidance to get a very specific guitar and all ready in less than 2 weeks before father’s day, Rob was the one who ACTUALLY CARED, he was trying to help me find it, even if it wasn’t through them! He was literally so kind, understanding and took the time to educate me, he was even willing to stay after business hours to help me out. Luckily we found the right guitar just in time, my father ended up bringing it in to get worked on so it was ready to go by father’s day, they made it happen! My dad had an amazing experience as well. Thank you for making my husband father’s day, unforgettable! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Used stuff !! Cheap…
Daryl sold the business to new owners and they are not very knowledgeable about guitar repairs or timely about getting back to you. I had to take my guitar repairs to somewhere else to get it done right. But being a local shop, they are still better than a chain store in many ways.
Found the place to be a mix of junk and overpriced items. Might be the only local music shop in town, but it won’t be getting my money, given the owner’s criminal history, not a great place for kids.
This business discriminates against people with medical conditions.
