Candler-McAfee: Overview of the top 20 music shops

Great guy who does great work! Very reasonable rates

All previous reviews are spot on. Recently bought a new Fender Jazz Bass and wanted a pro setup. Made an appointment – met with Tomas at his home shop and in no time new flats were on and the bass was setup perfectly for MY playing style. He reduced his already fair price for setup because bass was new and just needed tweaks to the truss rod and bridge. I’ll recommend Tomas to everyone I know. He is a gentleman and a true artist. Thanks Tomas!

Services rendered:
—Avedissian pickup install for a Fender Jazz (conversion from active to passive, new wiring/pots, moved input)
—Full setup

Quality of work/attention to detail/communication is better than any shop I’ve dealt with in town (rivaled only by the now-closed Atlanta Bass Gallery), while still being quicker/more affordable. I had some crazy ideas for an active/passive system initially. Tomas went over every detail – how I wanted the control layout, switching, jack location/etc. This sounds like a no-brainer, but I’ve dealt with plenty of shops that “do it how they do it” and make assumptions without consulting the customer. He eventually advised me that the build would be more complex than I had thought, and presented a couple additional options. I opted to go all-passive, and he had the bass done within 2 business days. As far as the setup goes, it has never played better with action this low, period.

First time customer, saw some solid reviews and shout-outs which convinced me to make an appointment. I usually enjoy seeking out new techs/luthiers as much as I enjoy seeking out new barbers, but I definitely made the right choice. Holgado is my new go-to and I can’t recommend him highly enough.

Mr.John Mullin is a great guy and provides a wonderful service to our community and the instrumental music educators in Dekalb through Newton County.

I JUST CALLED..they are open on Saturdays til 4pm

Very nice people. AAA Service

Excellent customer service

Very nice people.

Instrument rental and returns are easy, simple and hassle free.

Very Rude! I have been here twice. Both times very rude! Came in the 1st time to rent a instrument. I couldn’t because I’m currently not working. Which is fine and understandable. So than I ask well how much is the cost of the instrument. I was ignore and discarded so I left. Contemplated on going back. Well I went back this time to get a instrument( my old instrument) repaired . The lady at the counter seem friendly however the same guy from the last time completely cuts her off to say that the repair person wouldn’t be in until Thursday. I was trying to ask if someone can simply look to see if it’s even repairable. He cuts me off again. I let the lady behind the counter know that this was my second time coming and being treated like this. Very disappointed, very disrespectful. I wouldn’t recommend going there AT ALL. Very sad how we treat one another. Especially when we coming in to give them business! I will be going to the one on Memorial Drive. I recommend you do too!

they keep lying about there time they need to update it

The ABSOLUTE WORST customer service EVER!!!!!! EVER, EVER, EVER!!! I have NEVER had anyone yell at me that is supposed to be providing a service. NEVER! You are taking this neighborhood for granted and it will stop. You should be ashamed.

SHIFT CHANGE STUDIO is the best studio i been to ever since i started being serious about my music hr have great prices then other studios have his work is the best work yall who looking for better prices and better work should come to shift changes recording

LOVE IT!!! Great atmosphere ,Great work , I’m mos def. going back again and again and again. Love the place ⭐️ ⭐️ #Juiixe

This studio is the BEST.. They work with you and its very inspiring.. Definitely going back

It was dope. The engineer, Marcus, is cool as a fan. The atmosphere inspiring. Love that he videos artists tht come thru. I’ll definitely be coming back

Professional, caring, and fun!

AME is a class act! We’ve loved the thoughtful touches at concerts and open mics like providing quiet activities to keep younger siblings entertained, photo booths, and compliment cards for students to engage with each others performances. The teachers are very supportive of student interests and offer specialized curriculums and a wide variety of instruments. I highly recommend to anyone looking to get their kids involved in making music!

Absolutely love Atlanta Music Education! We have loved their open mics and recitals and how committed the entire teaching staff is to encouraging students of all ages. Definitely recommending to my friend’s with kids interested in music.

Str8Line productions is on fire

Great little music shop. They got everything you need to get started at fair prices. Anytime my kids want to learn a new instrument I’ll be going here.

Went to look at it guitar that was listed on craigslist. Owner was a nice guy that helped me find the instrument I was interested in, gave me as much backstory as he knew and did the trade fairly to get me to guitar that I came for. Look forward to a return visit

Mike and the team here do great work. Set up and tuned up an old strat copy that now sings without rattling E or crackling jack, switch and pots.
Highly recommend.

Do not email these people. I emailed them about a guitar to trade. They responded a week and a half later with a rude email from someone named Mike saying they couldn’t view my link (by this time, I had already traded the guitar to someone). I told them I had traded the guitar already because they took a week and a half to respond. Mike then responded with an even ruder email implying that my guitar was probably junk anyway (it was actually a nice vintage copy of an ES-335). Absolutely atrocious customer service; should be avoided at all costs. I was looking forward to shopping there whether they wanted the guitar or not; I am now taking my business to Guitar Center and Music-Go-Round.

The repair shop sucks

I found the owner to be very unfriendly. I will shop elsewhere. I don’t like to feel like I am bothering someone when I’m spending my money.

Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Great music teachers.

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Small store, but they have a lot to look at and sell quality brands, new and used.

Great local music store. Pete was super helpful in picking out new gear.

This is a pretty good little store. I bought my guitar and amp here

Rip off.go elsewhere. I use to really like bringing my daughter here but they must be under new management. Prices have gotten ridiculous!!!

Alex is a gem! We had a very small party and he made our night so special without overwhelming the experience (my Dad is hard of hearing) with the beautiful music. His talent and poise is apparent and we enjoyed every minute.

Alex Gordon is the upmost professional and truly a master artist in his craft. He has never disappointed myself or anyone that I have brought to listen to his music. I have had Alex play at a number of my restaurant operations over the last 5 years and he has always been my favorite, without question. So much so, I even had him play my own personal wedding reception 2 years ago. Deciding to work with Alex Gordon will never be a decision you will regret. The unique sound and artistry Alex creates is truly something to be celebrated by all who are fortunate enough to treat their ears to his gift.

I cannot recommend Alex more highly. He is my go-to musician for clients and personal events alike. He is highly professional, and incredible gifted. I absolutely love his style and talent – he is an amazing addition to make the ambiance of any event next level.

I’ve worked with this amazing man on THREE feature films and without pause – Mark Kueffner is a musical genius. A gift to your production! PERIOD. Give him the ball and some notes and you WILL absolutely get more than you could ever hope for! And MORE! The highlight of my career has been working with Mr. Kueffner. A rare talent. Truly. To the MASTER SCORE MAN!

It’s been my honor and pleasure to work with Mark on several film productions which I directed and produced. Mark always went above and beyond hopes and expectations to give his very best, even for productions with limited budgets. One of the first films he scored for me was in the top Best Scores selected by the Judges out of nearly 100 films. Other films have gone on to multiple festivals, receiving accolades all along the way, and the scores are always highlighted for recognition from viewers. Mark brings a wealth of experience to his work and has created a gorgeous, fully-equipped personal studio in which he is able to call on musicians worldwide as collaborators. He also happens to be an exceptionally nice person, with patience to work with the wide range of temperaments which exist in our business. I’m happy to recommend Mark and his talent, without reservation, to filmmakers and TV/Film producers nationally and internationally.

I’ve worked with Mark on numerous ventures ranging from movies, to commercials, to a whole slew of recording projects.
He is one of the most talented and detail oriented composers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He has an amazing ability to nail whatever mood or ambiance is needed to make your media come to life, and convey what it should. I can’t say enough good things about my experiences with Mark. Frankly, five stars aren’t enough!
Ben Baeumert
Sound Ballistics Music&Publishing LLC

Lots of method books and sheet music to choose from.

Quant. Tons of sheet music, flowing over the shelves. Really nice employee who checked me out. Good return policy. And a local business. If you need sheet music for an instrument, not just piano, check it out

Kind, generous owners. Great music selection. Music instruction in the back

Disappointing

Friendly and clean.

I try to avoid writing negative reviews of businesses because I understand that reviews can affect people’s livelihoods and I take that seriously. In this instance I feel compelled to report my experience with Opus Music due to the owner’s gross irresponsibility.

My son dropped off 18 high quality classical music scores with David to be reviewed for purchase on June 21. They were delivered in immaculate condition in a corrugated cardboard box which also had a rolled up paper shopping bag in the end to keep the books in place. I spoke with David on the phone on the day that they were dropped off and he expressed unquestionable interest in buying the books but said that they would need to be evaluated for price. I suggested that he just hold onto them and evaluate them at his convenience. I heard nothing back from him for a couple weeks so I called to see if he had a chance to look at them and left a message. After a few more days I called again and left another message asking him to check back with me and let me know what he was thinking. Over the next few weeks I continued to leave voicemails and emails pleading just to let me know what was going on. Today (August 6th) I went by the store to pick up my items after hearing absolutely nothing from David. I was greeted by a woman there and I explained that I was unhappy about David’s unwillingness to communicate with me when he is holding my property. She spoke to me about some family difficulties that they have had and apologetically suggested that she give the books back to me, to which I consented. She brought them out from the back and all of the books were sitting in the box at an angle on top of the rolled up paper bag like they had just been tossed into the box. Several of them were bent and two were creased through the whole book. I said “this is unbelievable” and showed her how he damaged the books. She apologized again and said to my dismay for a second time that David was “just trying to help me out”. Exactly how holding and damaging my property and refusing to correspond with me over a span of several weeks is “helping me out” is a mystery to me. I approached him with a simple and appropriate business transaction assuming that his interest was an opportunity to profit from the sale of some very high quality materials. I did not ask for “help” and I certainly did not ask to have my time and resources wasted because David is incapable of handling his own business. I would have been completely fine with a one-line email that said “having family difficulties right now so will not be able to evaluate your materials for…” No problem, things happen… I pick up my materials and wish him the best. I wonder how long he would have held my stuff and continued to dodge me if I had not walked in? Truly pathetic!

I’ve had the privileged of working with both of these guys, Awesome People! They come highly Recommended!

Kevin and Kelly are good guys, excellent musicians, and great teachers. If you are looking for lessons in Decatur, you should go with them!

These guys are great! They’re able to create a fun and enjoyable environment while still maintaining a clear and effective open line of communication with all ages/levels. This rare blend allows for you to feel safe and inspired while reaching your musical goals…Not to mention Kelly and Kevin’s musical knowledge and ability is of the highest caliber!! A+’