Great customers service and knowledgeable,lot of instruments and teacher available in the store.
Best place in the area to buy or get info on instruments. Bought my Les Paul from the former owner of that property and was shocked when I walked in one time and he was there. I thought he was forced out by a big Corporation but if he was, that smile and being there dismissed my suspicions.
Friendly and expert help and a great selection of instruments and supplies.Jordan helped me pick out my Warwick bass last year and helped my daughter with her Stratocaster purchase this year. There is always enthusiastic and unhurried opportunity to try any of the Guitars.
I was in a pinch. I needed a bass to cram some songs for a Monday rehearsal. I had a budget and they had me walking out with a bass that I didn’t have to hide from my girlfriend! They understood my budget and didn’t try to “upsell” me on a higher end model I couldn’t afford anyway. It was a quick close in and out. I didn’t tell them but I had just walked out of that “other store” because they started getting antsy about not me buying a bass that cost 3x more!
Good selection of instruments
I also like this store. The only thing is, i can’t try out an acustic drum.
I was considering buying a guitar, bass and an interface. I was completely ignored by all employees while I was one of three customers in the store(a pair of young men who were clearly there to buy were also ignored). Not even a greeting or goodbye. Find a mom and pop, or even a pawn shop. Don’t support these miserable people. They have a terrible selection, high prices, they profile and are miserable people to be near. I could have bought but wanted nothing to do with them after finally procuring the ‘attention’ of someone for a fleeting moment. I won’t be back.
They are out of business.
Bien
2. Guitar Center
Address: 50 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT 06477 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
Muy bueno se la recomiendo encuentras la guitarra que tú gustes
Place music
Good experience
Not bad for a big chain type music store. Lots of good used gear, plus tons of new stuff. If you go there during one of their big sales, you can get some pretty sweet deals.
Great place
The employees here are kind and helpful, they make it worth driving out of my way if there’s something I need. I drive right past Sam Ash and don’t even turn my head to see if they are still in business.
Watch out for this company and this particular store. I ordered a brand new Squier CV Jazzmaster recently and the guitar that I received from the Orange, CT store was very far from new. It had scratches on it, stickers peeling, there was nothing in the box besides the guitar and the vibrato bar, and it was simply wrapped in bubble wrap and tossed into a plain cardboard box.
Calling Guitar Center customer service was an absolute NIGHTMARE as well. I was constantly put on hold and passed around to different representatives. It seemed like nobody has any idea what they were doing or they just did not care. It was an extremely disappointing and frustrating experience. Eventually I got hold of a lovely customer service representative (who somehow worked for Musicians Friend and not Guitar Center which was weird) and she was able to refund me just $50 for my troubles which I accepted just to put an end to this awful situation.
Employees were very friendly but don’t sell stuff there they rip you off
This GC by far has the worst staff I have seen. They see you waiting to check out and no one bothers to come check you out. If you ask for help getting a guitar down they roll their eyes and act like they are so bothered. This is not all employees of course but definitely the majority. The large man with dreadlocks goes out of his way to be rude and unhelpful and The entire time you are in there he asked like he has better stuff to do then screw with you. I strongly suggest going to Sam Ash just a few miles away!!!
3. New Canaan Music
Address: 90 Main St, New Canaan, CT 06840 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
I brought a lovely fender acoustic guitar at New Canaan Music. I can’t say enough about the kind ,helpful service from Phil ,the owner and especially Clare who did an amazing set up as well as adjusting the action to my preference. She is so knowledgeable and was so helpful and accommodating with this new guitar. Thank You Clare and Phil.
Got an electric guitar and amp, ukulele and lessons for my kids today – such good , personable and easy service, and reasonable price, thank you! Their price is the same as amazon, so please support the local business! I also rent violin from them for my daughter’s class in school, great service. Highly recommended!
Very nice staff and helpful!
Very attentive knowledgeable staff, comfortable setting.
4. Music Center of North Haven Llc
Address: 473 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
Can’t say enough good things about “The Musical Forest Cafe” !!! The food, service & atmosphere are all outstanding. I’m so happy to have such a great cafe right here in North Haven. I most certainly will be returning till I try everything on the menu.
Sincerely, Jan Milo
Very friendly and helpful staff. Both of my sons have been taking lessons here since Sept. 2016 and have thrived with patient and attentive instructors. Thank you!
I want to give a shout out to the Music Center. My out of town husband needed to practice an instrument during an visit to CT, and at the last minute, the owner kindly arranged for a short term rental for him. During our pickup we couldn’t help but overhear the extremely high quality of teaching and student performance. Even more impressive was the joyful ambiance in this cozy, charming music store. It’s a gem and this community is lucky to have this resource.
Great place to get music!!
Super friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Great instructors. Great atmosphere.
I came in for my introductory ukulele lesson. The place was a mess. The chair I was told to sit on had metal pieces sticking out the side. The AC was not on. The instructor informed me he had been playing uke for about 3 years. I was charged $50 and it was the biggest waste of money. I was highly disappointed.
This is a review for the musical forest cafe. I wish I could have enjoyed the food at this place, but this business is a mess. I came here a month ago on a Tuesday and they were closed out of the blue, so they granted me a 10% discount coupon for my trouble. I decided to give this place a try once again today so I called in advanced, but no one picked up the phone. I then googled their hours and noticed it said they opened at noon (I tried calling at 11:00 a.m.) but that they were opened today. To be completely sure about that, I checked their facebook page that stated, in fact, that they were open. When I arrived to the restaurant the owner greated me and stated that they have been closing on Fridays for the past 9 months and that I should have checked their facebook page prior to coming in here (REALLY?!). After explaining to him that I DID checked facebook he apologized and said he will change the facebook hours for his restaurant and offered to give me another discount coupon. I didn’t even bothered to take the coupon and left very disappointed by the lack of reliability and professionalism of this place and won’t ever be coming back. Places like this just reinforced my belief that going out of business is a conscious effort and wouldn’t be surprised if this happened to this cafe in the near future.
Guitar tech could not look at my guitar because he busy making egg sandwiches.
5. Music & Arts
Address: 989 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
We are new to the area and we’re pleased to have found this music store just around the corner. The customer service by telephone and in person was excellent; I spoke to a Chris and a Ruben, both of whom were gracious and helpful.
I had my 40-year-old folk guitar re-strung and re-conditioned for $25! To boot, Ruben was kind enough to tune my guitar on my way out of the store.
It’s rare to find a Music store these days. It’s even more rare to find a store whose staff provide such professional customer service. Will definitely bring our other two guitars in for servicing.
Great service!!
Quality store, professional staff, and especially helpful with younger students. Good programs for renting instruments, and they host lessons as well.
Limited retail space, but the staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Music lessons are offered on site.
I have condensed my original rant down to the following- we really like our children’s teachers- but the front desk needs saving
Yeah it’s good!
Absolutely horrible service by the staff. Our son took lessons for two years and store failed to call when teacher couldn’t make it to lesson and even refused to acknowledge that his instrument had been returned when it was sitting in front of them. Sadly, these small shops are disappearing and so it is hard to walk away from one but the staff and management is really just that bad.
Being a Deaf mother of hearing 9 years old child that has no knowledge in music, I asked if this is drumsticks is good for him. This man just gave me a cold look and said I don’t know it’s fine. He was rude. Definitely not a Deaf friendly store for those Deaf parents with hearing child who wants to join the band.
The worst company in the world!!!! If I can give anyone advice it would be to stay away from this place. Their thief’s and I will never do business with them again.
6. The Music Shop
Address: 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
We had a great experience at the music shop in Southington. We went in to buy a guitar for our son. Tyler was really helpful and answered all our questions patiently. Thank you Tyler!
Great Place.Awesome Teachers
I brought my old Taylor guitar in for some adjustments and Scot was awesome!!super knowledgeable, attentive, detailed and quick turn around to get my guitar back to me. The adjustments were just what I was looking for so now I can happily play my guitar! Very personable and friendly! Excellent service! I love the local feel! I would highly recommend this shop!
Great place but website could be better such as pics of some used equipment. I’m a drummer and would like to see what they have for new and used cymbals,stands,drum kits etc. And prices. I have done business with them and always had a great experience the reason for three stars is the website doesn’t do the music shop justice. All and all great store great people.
The cellos were in not in good shape and we had to pay a luthiere to redo repairs that were poorly done when we received the instrument.
7. Goldie & Libro Music Center
Address: 380 Washington Ave #1, North Haven, CT 06473 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
Jack was very helpful when purchasing my guitar. He even gave me a new set of strings for a guitar that was already discounted!
Best Saxophone repair center in the State of Ct !!
Rented my first Instrument from Goldie and Libro back in 1964.
Industry legends !!!
Brought in a used Gemeinhardt flute that I bought on eBay. Jack and Andrew were very honest about what could be done for it…Andrew did a great job taking it apart, cleaning it, not a full repad (which would not have been cost effective) but he redid/patched the pads that were causing leaks. Andrew also spent about half an hour when I picked it up explaining everything he did, how to clean flute, etc. Flute sounds great! I can get notes that I was not able to produce when I first got it. I think I made a good investment, for what I ended up paying!
I do Not recommend this place to anyone. The owner of the shop was very rude. When my card declined for some reason he announced it very loadly to everyone and when I gave them my second card he hoped my card was working this time.
I went to this place this morning ,the owner no nice to us ,because we are first time here ,we need somebody help , we won’t come back in the future.
Steer clear of this place!
They were supposed to call me with the cost of the repairs to see if I would authorized them. It took them 12 days to call me back and tell me that they have repaired the instrument. They made repairs WITHOUT authorization, then I had no choice but to pay for the work. The service was terrible, it took too long, they went ahead without my authorization and I got stock with the bill.
If possible, will NEVER again do business with this place. I am already giving my business to the “Music Center” near by.
8. Rayburn Music
Address: 22B Andover Dr, West Hartford, CT 06110 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
Very friendly fast and efficient service! I love shopping local
Excellent Quality of both service and instruments.
Very helpful.
Fast and friendly service
We rented a viola from Rayburn. The first viola wasn’t put together right (something to do with the bridge). after switching to another viola we realized the bow doesn’t quite fit with the viola.
we rented from the music store in the center and it was a great experience but pricier. though Rayburn isn’t cheap either
they will be replacing the viola once more, lets see how it goes this time…
STAY AWAY from this company! I rented a cello early 2019. We returned the cello in Aug 2019 and are still getting billed for it! I’ve called and left messages since no one picks up the phone in the Milford office where I rented and returned the instrument. No call back and monthly payments for the cello are still getting charged off my bank card. Had to file a complaint with my bank to stop payments. Terrible terrible business practice!
In store service is good but can never call the Hartford Rayburn Music. Electronic voice prompts to dial 0 for an attendant but when do so it says “Your call cannot be transferred” been a customer for about 3 years. Never could get done anything over phone. Have to visit store for everything.
9. Middlesex Music Academy
Address: 440 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
Great place to learn how to play, excellent repair shop, and good prices on gear. Can’t ask for a better independently owned music shop.
Great service – they fixed my instrument while I waited, gave clear instructions on follow up care, and I was all set for my gig that night.
Great service, Matt and Jim and the rest of the crew there are wonderful.
The sales team made it possible for me to afford a piano for my son
I signed up for a piano lesson trial online. Their site is very confusing and it’s not clear if the lesson is in-person and online. I called them, left a message but they never called me back. In the day/time of the lesson, I called them 3 times because I was having problems to contact the teacher. The guy who works there, Jim, clearly doesn’t have any customer service skills. He was rude and unpleasant. He didn’t make any effort to help me, told me a was confused and nobody else had problems. I just canceled the future lessons there. It’s easier just hire a private piano teacher. Hopefully I will never have to deal with this guy again.
I paid $80 for a setup on a guitar and got it back with the strings a mile off of the neck and the floyd rose studs so high out of the body I could park a car under it. The bridge pickup was raised until it was practically touching the strings and the neck pickup was lowered to below the pickup ring. The tech then told me that 10-52 strings don’t exist. They’re light top heavy bottom and aren’t even uncommon strings. Every time I go there they give bad advice and clearly don’t know what they’re talking about. My friend tried to buy a tubescreamer (basic overdrive) and they tried to sell him a phaser instead (completely different thing).
I would give Middlesex Music Academy a 0 if I was able to. I called to inquire about a $150 charge when I haven‘t been confirmed by John the guitar teacher. I made a request to Matt that Tuesday was my preference but John was booked so he scheduled Thursday at 6pm. I received a text and email from John yesterday that he had a conflict for Thursday and offered Friday. I responded via text/email that would not work and inquired if this was temporary or permanent to which I did not receive a response. I let John know this may not be a good fit then. I called today to have the charge refunded and Jim proceeded to call me names, saying I was yelling & screaming over the phone and I was being rude. No need to go into the dramatics but Jim needs a lesson in manners, telling the truth and understanding that being a manager does not give him the authority to behave poorly. Never once did I raise my voice but did correct Jim several times throughout the conversation all because i asked for a refund. Extremely unprofessional and a bad look for Middlesex Music all around. I will be taking my business elsewhere. Inexcusable & theater worthy performance by Jim today folks!!!
10. Stewart’s Music LLC
Address: 171 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
We have always had a good experience at Stewart’s. We have purchased, rented, and sold instruments through them while my two children took music at school from elementary school through high school. They always told us our options as what was really needed at certain levels of playing, whether purchasing or renting was best. My son also took lessons with one of their teachers and enjoyed his instructor while picking up a new instrument for the summer. They worked with our kids school and pick and delivery was easy as it is done at the schools. Both are musicians and understand all instruments and questions about instruments. Easy going and fair prices buying and selling. When we consigned our last instrument after the kids went off to college I realized that I’m going to miss seeing them. How many businesses can you say that about?
A great local business that always has everything I’m looking for. Would highly recommend.
Terrible customer service. Took my flute to get repaired and instead of just simply fixing what needed to be done to it I was told I shouldn’t have bought an off brand flute. This was all I could afford at the time (as a teenager). I am looking to invest in a new one but honestly it is no ones job to criticize the instrument I have. I waited for the repair to be done and called 3 different times on it. The repair person got sick which is understandable. When I called the last time they said it was finished and I asked why they never called me to let me know they said that I said I was going to come in regardless. Which is true. But still does not explain why no one called me. Overall a bad experience. Was treated very poorly and will not be going there again.
Absolutely awful owners were nasty and they charged way too much for a simple repair just go to music and arts its easier and cheaper
Simple advise dont scream at your costumers to get business
11. The Music Score LLC
Address: 2315 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
Really great place to stop by and get an instrument. The prices seem a bit higher but the quality is surely within the quality you’d expect.
I bought a ukulele here and the quality and sound lived up to the price.
Gil is a super friendly guy! My son really enjoys guitar lessons with him!
Quality music school with a professional and trustworthy staff.
Very knowledgeable and friendly.
My daughter is signed up for lessons and her teacher is great (I hear the others are as well). Just try not to deal with the guy that owns it.
I tried to return my daughter’s Viola due to the school no longer providing classes. It was a total nightmare to get an answer in regards to my credit. They are very irresponsible and I am very disappointed by the lack of care towards my return which was even misplaced! Mom and dad are not helpful at all and he should really look at keeping them home, they make things worse!
Arrived at 10:00am (they open at 10am, but not today). I waited and they finally arrived. All I needed was guitar strings, but they had none. What a waste of time.
12. Music & Arts
Address: 50 Main St, East Hartford, CT 06118 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
Lots of great instruments to buy. I got a nice 88 key electric piano here. It shipped within a week, if not less.
Also a great place with lots of different music books for many instruments.
Yesterday I went in to rent a violin for my daughter for school. The staff were super helpful and very kind. And when they didn’t have the book with CD I needed in store they found it at another location and Deborah picked it up for me on her way home and brought it to the store this morning so that my daughter could start practicing right away. Super impressed with their customer service! Would highly recommend!
Great service and great people. Over the last few months I was looking for a new trombone, and had a lot of technical/financial stuff to look into and take care of. Speaking with four people, including the manager, they helped me find a great trombone and were super kind to me about helping me out and financing it. Go here! You won’t regret it.
Cool place, very expensive
Good selection and price
This store was not respectful of my time or my commitment, and I cannot recommend this business to others. As busy professional with children making the commitment to return to regular practice was a significant dedication of my time. After discussions with the staff at the store we found a time and an instructor who would work for me, and with my schedule. At my first lesson the instructor was surprised to see me (although my name was on his list) and I said “I didn’t know a new student was starting today.” and “I don’t really play Bass that much…”. After a lackluster lesson which I was willing to write off as a miscommunication, I returned a week later only to find that the instructor had scheduled over my time with a different student. The staff confirmed I was on the schedule for the day. I promptly asked for my money back, including the new student fee. The manager kindly returned it, but that was the ONLY redeeming thing about my experience. All in all, this wasted about 2 hours of my life.
I had been taking lessons at this location since March 2019. One of their instructors stopped teaching in June 2019 and took the summer months off. The store called me in August to say the instructor was not returning in the Fall and my account would be closed but if I wanted to begin with a new instructor I could. To my surprise upon starting with the new instructor, my account incurred a new student fee of $30 which is out of order since I am a continuing student; I asked the store to provide a credit and they recently did so. The new student fee is inappropriate due to no fault of mine.
I went to the store 7:45 pm because I need to rent an instrument. I’ve been waiting because the employee was helping another customer. Then, when it was my turn he said : I can’t help you because we close at 8 come back tomorrow. While I was waiting I saw another employee he just looking at us and he didn’t of help us.The worst customer service I ever experienced.
13. Beller’s Music
Address: 881 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
Great service! They make you feel appreciated and they actually care.
My son has been taking lessons here for a little over a year and we absolutely love it. Very accommodating if you have scheduling issues or need help renting/buying the instrument. I did wish they had more instructors but that seems to be an availability of teachers issue not a store issue. Highly recommend.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Great for helping kiddos when mom and dad are not musically inclined. Highly recommend.
Just stopped by quick. Had a great hour. They are the best
Instrument rentals are great for their prices
Good info from employees
15. Merle’s Record Rack
Address: 307 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06477 , Canet de Mar , Connecticut , United States
Great customer service definitely would visit again
There’s not too many of these gems left. I’ll continue to support a place like Merle’s because we need the music. In it’s original, best form.
Such great nostalgic items. Prices are great. One of the last record shops. Love this place.
Neat little record store with a large selection if you’re into older music. Couldn’t find anything newer than 80s or 90s. Also all the vinyls are old and probably original pressing. Its a lot of music. Definitely feels like a ma and pa shop. Parking is odd and small but there is other options around for that.
Nice record (and CD) shop to find those classics on vinyl that you’re looking for. After Cutler’s in New Haven closed and I purchased a turntable, I was desperate to find a record shop. I was lucky to find that Merle’s was still in business. The owner told me that he purchased a lot of Cutler’s stock. When I was browsing the store, looking for Jazz, Vocal, and Classical, the pickings were very thin, but I was able to pickup four albums to get me started. The owner played an album for me so I could check it out because I was unfamiliar with the record, which I really appreciated! He was also very knowledgeable, which is a huge plus when dealing with vintage music – you have to know what you’re selling. I’m only giving it 4 stars because of the selection, I wish it was like Cutler’s… I guess I went in with that in mind…
Great atmosphere and terrific inventory. A little pricey so know your stuff. But you get what you pay for.
This place is terrible. Ever since I’ve started going here I’ve received nothing but horrible service. My main problem with the place is that NOTHING IS PRICED! Rather then having stickers with the price on it on the record, you need to go to the counter and have the person up there appraise it and pull some price out. Its always extremely overpriced. Just today I went in and wanted to buy a CD. The lady at the counter told me $22. Well, that would be a fair price if it was new, but it was USED. Yes, the CD was on the uncommon side, however when I looked at it online, I saw it going for $22 NEW. For used prices, I saw it as low as $13. Stay away from this place at all costs. Its nothing but a waste of time and a rip off. If you want to go to a record store with staff who knows what they’re talking about and aren’t arrogant, I would recommend Redscroll In Wallingford or Replay Records in Hamden. Those people are great and have extremely fair prices (that you don’t need to ask about, thankfully)
No prices on the LPs? Really? I am supposed to bring up to the counter what I want, and then you price it? Ridiculous. I walked in with a couple hundred to spend and was impressed with the selection, but unpriced merchandise is a non-starter for me.
Prices are pretty high, vinyl not bad, but achieve humble grading. But there a lot of vintage turntables, amplifiers etc. The owner is a King Of Promotion.
