Probably one of, if not the best music store in the Birmingham area. They market towards musicians of all kinds – beginner to semi-professional/professional. Very clean establishment and helpful/knowledgeable staff. If you’re looking for a great place to fill most all your music needs, look no farther, you’ve found it here!
Great staff and great service!!
The folks at Art’s are top notch people who were incredibly helpful and most importantly, expressed themselves to be true enthusiasts of music themselves. They may be “salesmen”, but they came off more as highly knowledgeable fellow shoppers that had very straightforward and non-salesy opinions of the Breedlove acoustics and G&L electrics I was looking into. I had a really fun time trying out at least 10 different guitars in a relaxed but helpful atmosphere. Importantly, every guitar they had on the wall was expertly setup with appropriately filed nuts, adjusted saddles, and perfect relief on the necks. The Breedlove Organic Series Concerto I purchased was legitimately came as perfectly setup as you can get right off the display wall. I just with they had a store in my hometown of New Orleans, LA.
Very helpful and friendly
changed to 4 stars because service isn’t as good as it used to be. It is now only ok. Was also very expensive.
Very helpful but the instruments are pretty expensive
BEWARE!!!!! ALL THEY WANT IS YOUR MONEY. My son was suppose to attend a camp. I rented the merchandise on May 31. Was told he would not be able to attend. Called the shop back June 2 explaining how he would not be able to attend. They would not let me speak with management. Took the merchandise back to the shop on June 3. The staff stated that I could not return unless I pay the minimum rental fee of 4 months before I returned. The instrument was never used or open. Brought back in 4 days and still received poor service. I will not be referring this music shop to any parents. Now I’m out of thousands of dollars and my child hasn’t even touched the instrument.
This place is a joke. I called and asked about a mellophone and was told that they had several from me to choose from. I get there and they had one that was new and one from the 70’s they tried sell me. I will stay with Bailey Brothers.
If you drop your instrument off for an estimate get it in writing with a signature from the manager that they will not work on it.
I walked in to pick up my trombone from an estimate, started walking out and was told I owed money. For what? I did not authorize anything.
It’s too bad this shop is the only option in Birmingham. Check out Bailey Brothers to see if they have what you need first.
3. Art’s Music Shop, Inc
Address: 3030 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36116 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
Awesome company for all your band needs. Awesome service after the sale. The trumpet repair man was extremely nice. Very helpful. Highly recommend.
Love this place. I just started to play the violin and whenever I had a problem with it, they fixed the violin (like putting up the bridge, tuning it, showing me how to use it etc) ALL for free! It’s a great store, I love the architecture of it as well and how the prices are so low!!
Very professional service all the way around, for not just the professional musician, but for the beginner too. They are there for the budget minded person starting out, and the person that wants the best. Just tell them what your goals and needs are, and they will be better then any other shop nationwide.
The level of customer service you receive really depends on who you speak to at the company. Some do not understand customer service while others go above and beyond to help you out.
I went looking for a 6string bass guitar and was disappointed. They mostly had 4string basses and only two 5string basses… maybe 10 bass guitars all together. Wasn’t impressed with their inventory.
Good place to buy musical instruments.
This place sucks
I hate this shop. I have paid an exorbitant amount of money for this stupid clarinet that my daughter plays at school. It’s hard to set up payments. Do not like!!!!! Uggggh, I cannot wait until this is over
Very nice store but wasn’t able to find what I needed
4. B&C Music
Address: 314C Billy B Dyar Blvd, Boaz, AL 35957 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
The lady was very helpful considering I had never purchased a musical instrument before.
Awesome selection, great folks
Has variety of instruments and types of music. Carrie is a bubbly personality there
Eeeeh
Nice folks
The people are not friendly, the merchandise is overpriced, some equipment is not even new (and it is damaged) although they don’t disclose that information, and getting around in a wheelchair is next to impossible. The lady at the register didn’t know anything about the equipment. It is definitely worth the drive to go somewhere else.
this place is burnt!
I felt watched and rushed.Two women were working there that day, one was very friendly. I did not feel comfortable asking questions and also it was so hot in there.
5. Pokana Talahassi Music
Address: Clanton, AL 35045 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
Owner is super friendly and relaxed. No pressure to buy and really good prices all around.
Very cool down to earth owner. Will work with you and help you find the guitar you need and not try to push it onto you. Awesome selection of guitars+more. Very good prices and will work with you to make a deal! Would recommend this over any other guitar store any day of the week. Support local businesses especially when they are awesome!
6. Art’s Music Shop, Inc
Address: 1001 Commons Dr #2, Dothan, AL 36303 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
Awesome customer service. I bought my first snare there years ago, then a drum set a couple years later and now a flute for 1 daughter last year and today a clarinet for another daughter. We truly appreciate Art’s.
Very pleasant and friendly environment with caring and helpful staff that go the extra mile to help, looking forward to doing lots of business with them
I am editing this review from 1 star to four due to the fact that I had to send my trumpet to the shop for the second time. Although extremely disappointed the first time, I must say I am very satisfied with the work done by Mr. Mike Rabig from the Montgomery store. Mike personally contacted me and after a short conversation, I decided to try a second time. My trumpet was returned to me exactly as I expected and was detailed in our conversation. I basically got back a “like new” instrument. Thank you Mike Rabig and the Dothan store manager Ms. Robin for taking care of my trumpet and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Excellent Service…
I walked in to look for guitar. When I ask for help the little boy said I can’t help you and walked off. I’m assuming because I didn’t have a mask on. I wasn’t asked to leave the store or that I couldn’t shop inside. The sign simply said “please wear a mask” There was no consideration that I have underlying conditions and cannot wear a mask.
You all should change your sign to “no mask no service“ instead of embarrassing people like you did.
Didn’t care for them
This place sucks….. never calls back. Lost application and 2 months later decided to charge my account without informing me. I would give less stars if possible. Once I contacted them was informed that they didn’t have the instrument but could give me a loaner. I would advise not to waste your time. They will also give you the run around and make every excuse possible on why the device is so poor.
7. Gadsden Music Company
Address: 607 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
Great selection. Not a ton of orchestral strings though.
Alot of merchandice to choose from. The employees were ftiendly and helpful. It was a very pleasant trlp to the music store. My hat is off to the owners and associates ok f Gadsden Music Store.
Very friendly and kind staff. Good selection of instruments.
Good place for advice and new instruments. Kinda pricy – found similar equipment online with a lower price.
We were overcharged for a high hat cymbal that we ordered. When they refunded the difference, they did not refund the taxes on the difference.
We try to support local business as much as possible. But when they are not considerate of the value of our money, it’s time for us to find another store.
Muy bueno
They have charged me 3500 dollars for a clairnet. My neighbors grandson plays clairnet at the University of Alabama his last year. When he seen how much I paid for this clairnet. He show me, where it only cost 1200 dollar every where else. They are clearly taking advantage of parents that know nothing about instruments.
8. Metro Music
Address: 155 S St Andrews St, Dothan, AL 36301 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
Great guitar shop!! The owner has been around for a while and knows his stuff.
Visited Metro a couple times since I have lived in Dothan. There staff is knowledgable and possess a unique technique of helping a customer (that may not be as knowledgable) that doesn’t leave them feeling stupid and frustrated!! They have a great selection of guitars and their prices are fair. By a long shot, in both quality of the product and level of skill, I would say Metro is the best shop that I have visited period. There is a humble quality about the store coupled with talent that makes it a great experience all the way around. I would highly recommend this store (and I do) to anyone that is looking for high quality service and gear, from beginner to expert these are your guys.
Only place I could find to work on one of my instruments, and has done excellent work with other instruments
Only giving 4 stars because l never give 5. In the event I’m ever truly blown away by a business where am l to go if I’ve already peppered 5 stars everywhere…
That being said, I do repairs and mods from the house. So l usually order my supplies online. I was pleasantly surprised that metro had everything I needed to finish a job in a pinch. They hat the exact 500k pots and capacitors l needed in stock. Knew exactly what l was talking about and had it in my hand and out the door in less than five minutes. At a reasonable price too…
Not very well stocked. Had to go to a different music store for the rest of what my son needed for band, or I could wait a week.
Fun friendly staff
Sound Subwoofer PA Boombox Speaker Computer Speaker Woofer
9. Martin’s Music
Address: 5000 US-280 Suite C, Alexander City, AL 35010 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
Best customer service in the state. Andrew can do it all and he treats his customers like family
Andrew is the most knowledgeable person I’ve come across on instrument history and repair. He will be the only one that repairs any of my equipment from here on out.
I’ve known Andrew for the majority of my time as a musician, which is about eight years. I have never been unsatisfied or unhappy with anything I’ve purchased from him or any setups on my guitars he has set up for me.
He is a very kind guy who is well-rounded on musical instruments as a whole. He is also a very patient mentor to his students. I wholeheartedly recommended Andrew for anything music related.
10. Homewood Musical Instrument Co
Address: 1712 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
It is not often that I walk in a music and have have the owner show so much kindness to me. I want to encourage anyone looking for a musical instrument to make sure you go to Homewood Music. They are great folks and will treat you right.. Mr. Tedrow was wonderful. Thanks
Friendly people who really enjoy working with stringed instruments.
Good product, Good service.
Friendly atmosphere and lots of instruments.
I’ve never dealt with someone so rude over the phone. The owner tried to guilt me with sarcasm and acted like victim when I questioned a price. Full story: I asked to order a cello string. All was going well (owner answered questions about speed of shipping and availability of the string), but then he quoted a price ($81) that was far above what other shops charge. I said respectfully that “I’ve purchased the string for $45 at other walk-in shops” and he became sarcastic and argumentative with me, claiming he was “holding my hand” through the process, and said “Well, I have to pay $35 for this string so what do YOU think is fair for ME to make? $15? What is 35 + 15, huh? Ohhh, maybe $50 is more than you can afford?” A simple, “well this is my price” would have been fine as a response from him, but I felt disrespected so I hung up and decided I’m never going to spend a dime Homewood Musical Instrument Co. I advise everyone else to steer clear of this shop and the guy who owns it.
11. Counts Brothers Music Inc
Address: 713 Waverly Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
Love the music store that’s I get all my music equipment for years and allways will
Very helpful and always courteous and kind to their customers
My go to store. Knowledgeable and helpful. Use their luthier services and amp repair services. In the last two years have bought two acoustic guitars, one new tele pro, new vibrolux, cables and a new set of tama drums. I Never try to negotiate prices because I want our local stores to thrive. Im a weekend regular. This may seem silly but Im knocking off a star because for a regular customer who does spend money and not just kick tires they should throw in a little something every now and again. A t shirt, a cable. A guitar strap, etc. When i bought the drum set and acoustic on the same day i picked up 6 generic guitar picks for which I was charged. Personally I would thrown those in for free. Hope this doesnt sound petty and this will continue to be my store for as long as they will have me. This is meant as constructive criticism only.
Always on time and in tune. Great people manager the store and talented customers are always filling the air with music. Only music shop I order instruments from bc Quality Counts
Many instruments in there such as acoustic and electric guitars. They come at a reasonable price and the people also have guitar lessons available for around 70 a month, I think.
Seems like some decent prices but very stale service.the blonde at the front desk acts like it hurts her face to smile r speak someone done told her she cute 1 to many times
Over priced needed Reed’s and I can get them 10 for 28-32 dollars any where. Theirs was 10 bucks as. And I had to have them that day. Nope I’m done with them
12. Bailey Brothers Music Company
Address: 4673 US-280 Suite # 7, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
I bought a tama superstar classic from Bailey Brothers, and was very happy. The staff member that i worked with was david he was very helpful and nice. i highly recommend this music store!
Always very friendly and service oriented.
Great place for all my music needs. Friendly staff and reasonable prices.
I needed to buy instruments for my Middle School kids. They were very upfront with their prices and seemed to have the best deals.
Good service. Knowledgeable staff. Wish there was one closer to us!
It was my first time in the store and I had an excellent experience. David was very helpful and friendly as well as the other staff present. The online site lacks a lot of the guitars they have in stock because they get new guitars a lot so I would advise actually going into the store to see their wide selection.
Dishonest, and disrespectful. While I’m aware they have an “all sales final” on used gear policy, it is their responsibility to properly inspect the gear they take in and not sell something that is damaged internally (in my case, a guitar amp). Idiot salesman also had a smug grin on his face the whole time my brother and I were having to deal with it (all 5-6 hours) and was making snooty comments back and forth. In a nut shell they sold me a dead amp and then laughed in my face about it. If this is how your business treats customers, don’t expect to be a business for long. I attempted a purchase with Bailey Brothers about 8 years ago. Was not a pleasant experience. This one wasn’t either. Rest assured, that’s it. I will not be back.
Update: Hey the owner called me just to prove they really do not care about customers. Tried to minimize what happened, and basically acted exactly like Keith did. Also a robotic “I apologize but we’re not going to do anything to fix it” does not count as rectifying anything. Gee wonder why the Southside store closed! Oh yeah and if you have a bad experience with them and they don’t own up to it they’ll do like any typical teenager does and tries to badmouth you on Facebook, then stalk your page. Very mature. Screenshots are great though aren’t they?
PS: Oh and buddy, if I were mad and desperate to pay my rent, then why in the heck did I buy a $700 amp from you? Nice try.
I explained to them thoroughly what I needed and they sold me the opposite! It all about sells and f**k the customers needs! Stay away from the southside location!
Recently brought a used instrument to these guys to be cleaned and conditioned. They charged $230 and I’m not really sure what they did beyond $40 worth of repairing. I even priced the individual parts myself and they cost a total of $23. The instrument was very dirty and they didn’t even do a good or complete job of wiping it down. We didn’t get any paperwork explicitly stating what they were going to do so we can’t really argue the point. The inside of the instrument wasn’t even touched during cleaning because there is obvious dust and grime that was there when we gave it to these guys.
We also bought a mouthpiece for the instrument, I previously priced it at $10 online and it was $35 at this place. An outrageous markup.
All of this was after agreeing to a monthly payment for an instrument only to be informed the day before it was needed that they didn’t have any in stock so we had to scramble to find a different option. Because of this, they also didn’t send us a cleaning kit for the instrument that had been fully paid for.
I will be looking for another place for any other instrument needs.
13. Gadsden Music Company – Birmingham
Address: 4524 Southlake Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35244 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
We had to buy an instrument for our child for the first time. Jason was patient and informative. He answered all of our questions and put us at ease through the whole process. He helped us get what we needed without trying to sell us stuff we did not need right now. We were so happy with our experience.
Clean! I love it!
Did a wonderful job on repairing my trumpet. Highly recommended.
Got what we needed
Overall good store, but lacking in some instrument accessories.
I was easily able to drop off my trumpet for repair.
I was looking for an instrument on a budget and they said they didn’t in a rude manner and while walking out, I heard them laughing at me. Absolutely disappointed that people would treat potential customers in such a manner.
I usually do not write reviews but feel a need this time. My purchase was made at the Gadsden Music location on Southlake Parkway Hoover Alabama. The store associate/representative was borderline rude!!
The Birmingham location is by far the RUDEST place I have ever encountered! The staff is HORRIBLE (outside of Ms. Carolyn Gadsden)! Whenever you call they don’t seem interested or concerned with conducting business. My child’s instrument was in the shop for over a month. I left several messages and emailed only to be told they stopped working on it and needed my credit card info first. When the rep visited the school, I was given a flyer that clearly states the instrument will be repaired and then you are to pay. I am highly disgusted! My child’s grade has been effected as a result of the long wait times and the staffs inability to effectively communicate with its customers. DO NOT deal with them if you have other options!!! Smh!
14. Guitar Center
Address: 3725 Airport Blvd # J, Mobile, AL 36608 , Campestre , Alabama , United States
Friendly knowledgeable staff! Not as big of a selection as some of the other locations but the prices more than made up for it.
I really like music stores!!!
Great deals
Helpful and knowledgeable staff.
4 stars because they had the gear I was looking for, and one of the associates was very friendly and helpful. It would have been 5 stars, but the guy working the floor when we walked in didn’t speak to us and didn’t offer to help. It was close to closing time, and he seemed preoccupied with his tasks. They had rearranged the store since I last came in, so I didn’t know where some things were. I genuinely needed help. Glad the other guy came around, though. I wish I remembered their names.
My favorite toy store.
Felt like we were dealing with salesmen that didn’t have any interest in music.
Guitar Center took payment in advance but refused to refund me for not giving me the lesson with the instructor I signed up for.
Has the basics. Classical guitar selection very limited, classical string selection very limited. Pick choice selection limited. Flatwound string selection limited, didn’t have DR flatwound legends for electric. I only go here because I don’t want several days shipping to get strings.
