Friendly service and pretty much the coolest store on the planet.
Great variety of music and band shirts in all sizes. Loved it.
Great place with great staff
Wide selection of vinyls, a lot of them in damn good condition!
A bit cramped, but the prices are pretty good. Alphabetized shirts makes them easy to find, great cds and vinyls.
Really neat place! Some of the organization isn’t what I’d want it to be if I was looking for something specific, but it encourages browsing, and finding new things, and that’s really cool!
My fiancé and I had a terrible experience here. First thing that stood out to both of us is that there was absolutely nothing unique about the place. We first browsed the low quality t-shirt collection. I initially thought nothing of it, but one of the women working there immediately started getting in our space and more and more made it seem like she was watching and/or waiting for us to shop lift. Nice job lady, but I gave up buying such tired, thoughtless Bob Marley shirts after I graduated high school.
I can appreciate keeping inventory neat and presentable as well as keeping a discreet eye on people. The way she was following and eyeing us she may have well stripped us (hell…it would have put a LITTLE excitement in our visit). Mind you, we are normal looking people that were both willing and able to spend some money if we by miracle chance found something of remote interest to us.
Some awkward minutes later we made our way into the smoke accessory area in the back room. sure enough there she came out of nowhere (were there two of them???) scaring the crap out of us.
Again, their selection of glass was sparse; on par with any Exon Mobile gas station. I’m surprised they didn’t have bath salts available. If they did it was their own stash for sure. Maybe that’s why they were so on edge, tweaking on their own stash. We again continued to shrug it off until I made the mortal mistake of making my way behind the counter in smoke area. In the most condescending tone ever, said something alone the lines of “you can’t go behind the counter.” I knew I was at fault for that, but she had an expression that you’d give a dog after it pee’d on the carpet. That’s when we decided to bail. Right before leaving however we asked the nice man behind the main front counter for a lighter. “Uhhh we’re out of lighters…” Uhhhh ok. Bye bye
Smelled horrible in there, cheap place
it’s overpriced!
3. Bearclaw’s Academy of Music
Address: 10 Depot St, Canton, CT 06019 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Downright has an amazing group of teachers and mentors for students who are learning or just want to play music with others. As a student there for 3 years I’ve learned so much about playing music and learning how to sound good in a group instead of just by myself. They do an amazing job in both lessons and jam sessions. I’m proud to be a part of this group!
I love downright! I’ve been taking lessons there for close to a year, and have also been part of their jam class and camp. Both experiences were awesome, andrew and everyone else who teaches there are so knowledgeable and great musicians. There’s a real sense of community at downright, would definitley reccomend.
Amazing people, great outlook on music, lessons are helpful for all skill levels, reasonably flexible schedules, and relaxed atmosphere. I love downright so much, it helped me so much musically and in life.
We pulled our daughter out after it was clear the instructor, Andrew, would only cater to certain performers with music tastes that replicated his own. My daughter spent a couple of good years with Andrew but in the end it was not a great experience.
5. Music & Arts
Address: 315 W Main St, Avon, CT 06001 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Fantastic store and wonderful staff. Thanks Andrew for all your help in renting a cello!
Love this music shop. Everyone is experienced, super helpful, and respectful of covid procedures.
Great deals & helpful staff.
An error in judgment when I decided to place an order for them to send out my two guitars I STILL to this day can’t string myself worth beans. Decent store for the most part but what really got me sore was the fact that the clerk said that they send their instruments out to a repair tech in E. Hartford but then found out that for whatever reason they have to send the guitars to a tech in BOSTON and the woodwind and brass instruments are the only instruments they ferry back and forth for repairs to EH. Misleading and wonder if it were intentional or whether or not someone else over there neglected to tell him that the different instruments get repaired at different locations. Not my fault I didn’t get the right info but certainly my fault I opted to not take my precious guitars back before the start of business last week so I could either try once again to string them myself or have someone else nearer to me I’d forgotten momentarily about do it for me instead. Ideally I’ll see if I can learn the proper way to string them from now on to save on the cost and also to not feel helpless and at the mercy of someone else whose repair shop happens to be out of state yet.
Rented an instrument for my daughter for the year in order to take advantage of the free summer deal, since she loves her instrument and wanted to keep playing over the summer. Somehow the associate made a mistake in the paperwork and we received a bill in the mail. We called the store when the bill arrived and the man we spoke with was extremely condescending and would not make good on the arrangement we had made. Will not rent from there again next year.
Was told my contract goes through June. Beware! They end your contract in May and charge $45 more for June. So you will not make it through the school year with the agreed contract, however, you will not be made aware of that information.
I really don’t like there! The drum teacher charged me for 3 times but only want to teach twice! The attitude of stuffs were not nice either! So horrible!
6. Cassotto Levers
Address: 149 High Valley Dr, Canton, CT 06019 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
An Update; I’ve gotten to a few consoles, a few small grands and a couple of Steinway D’s, and am really pleased with this lever.
While the appearance of this tool is not the primary objective, it is wonderful to look at while working, it really does make for a more enjoyable experience, if it wasn’t fun enough already!
The contour is excellent, again, better than what I’d asked for. Fits my hand perfectly in so many different grips and positions on both style of pianos. I really like the grip of the epoxy finish, I feel like I have very good control and there is a slight softness to it that is a bit easier on the hand then the rosewood lever I’ve been using. I’ve been working with a 5° lever for decades, really like the 10° angle, just a bit more wiggle room navigating plate struts and such. I’m using the #2 tip for awhile, it’ll move around a bit on some pins but the control is superb, and the rigid shaft gives you good information from the tuning pin. Can’t wait to start working with the #1 tip.
When I first felt how light it was, I worried I’d be working my arm too hard, but there is no energy getting lost in my motion and I feel like I have more control using less energy. I tune a 1933 Steinway L that has been particularly difficult over the years, loose tuning pins, misshapen strings and plate, etc. This lever gave me a remarkable amount of control over these nasty tuning pins, I achieved a level of precision in this tuning that I didn’t think was possible.
(original post…)
I just received the lever I’d ordered a few days ago. I’ve been using a typical schaff rosewood handled extension lever for decades and am glad I finally went with carbon fiber. I’ve only tuned a few uprights and one grand so far with it, but I can already tell this tool has a very welcome place in my tool kit. The way it’s contoured fits my hand perfectly in several different positions on both grands and uprights, and the epoxy finish feels like I have a nice grip on it. Even though it’s half the weight of my extension lever I feel a remarkable amount of control over the tuning pin, there’s really no energy getting away from me.
Randy was very pleasant and patient to work with, he was very generous with his time and kept me in the loop with updates, photos and videos, from when the tool was basically a rectangular corn dog around the shaft to the gorgeous final product. I liked that the handle is so customizable, plus he improved on our initial design consultations and made it even better. The potential for graphics is a nice touch and makes the process that much more personal and enjoyable. The fact that it’s all manufactured in the USA to such high standards sealed the deal.
It’s a magnificent tool technically speaking, and that so much care was put into making it look magnificent as well was really satisfying; I’m going to have to live up to this wonderful lever!
7. Millennium Music
Address: 15 Enford St Box 437, Avon, CT 06001 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Wonderful people, they played beautifully at our wedding. Everything was very easy to work with them, schedule, and pay!
Talented, amazing musician! Kathy, the owner, is a pleasure to work with. Thank you for playing at my wedding last weekend, Kathy!! You were wonderful and helped to make our wedding a dream come true!
We booked Millennium Music about 4 months before our wedding and boy, am I glad we did!!! They totally added that elegant, unique touch we were looking for!! Kathy was fantastic to work with- offering several suggestions and advice. Her team is very professional and the music was BEAUTIFUL! Some is even used in our wedding video and I just love listening to them over and over. You will not be disappointed if you book!!
I can’t wait to buy a house and get a nice set up by these guys.
We had Bob and his staff build a custom fireplace mantle to hide wires, hang a TV on brick and do all the technical work associated with it and Sonos. They were very professional, talented at what they do and reasonably priced. Highly recommend!
10. Collinsville Artisan Co-Op
Address: 41 Bridge St, Collinsville, CT 06019 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Really good assortment of gifts and local work! It has a nice mix of more universally appealing things and things that are more specific to CT and Collinsville. Very nice people!
Great little shop with nice little things for everyone! Great for gift shopping. They moved across the way into the little area of shops by the river in case you can’t find it!
Love this shop. Great gifts, cozy and warming. Must stop by!
11. Antiques on the Farmington
Address: 10 Depot St, Canton, CT 06019 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Love this place..two floors of neat antiques in the old Collins axe factory building.
What a great place to shop
Very helpful staff.
Too expensive.
Great place lots of collection
Really cool stuff, obviously some antiques overpriced, some well under what an appraisal would say…and four floors worth. Definitely a place to find a special piece of the past!
Great selection of items from furniture to jewelry. Difficult to bargain price as vendors are seldom available.
The actual building was extremely interesting. The individual stalls are ok
Large selection but no public bathrooms, although it was clear there are many throughout the shop. Shopping on a rainy Friday and had to walk several blocks away to simply go to bathroom. I let the staff know but apparently the owner does not understand customer service. Has no issue taking our money, just an issue providing a basic comfort!! Terrible customer service.
12. Hulme & Sweeney Piano Service
Address: 247 Farms Village Rd, West Simsbury, CT 06092 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Dean from NETS was an extreme professional that I highly recommend to anyone in need of a TV repair. I had a Sony OLED with a failed display. Dean came the day after I called and diagnosed the issue. Unfortunately the part that failed was not available, so he was able to give me all of the information that I needed to navigate through the process with Sony and remedy my situation. He really went the extra mile for me. I now only have one TV repair company saved on my phone. Thank you Dean!!!
Highly recommend using this company for any T.V repairs. Dean is the best!! He is very professional and he will go above and beyond for you. If you want an honest and caring person, definitely use this company!
Had an issue with my LG OLED and Dean knew exactly what the problem was and set me on the path to a perfect repair. Highly recommend using NETS!
14. Linda Beers Violin Studio, LLC
Address: 36 Conifer Ln, Avon, CT 06001 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Linda is a fabulous teacher as well as violinist. My son really likes her lessons because she always cheers him up. I’ve never seen a violin teacher as patient and meticulous as she is. I like how she focuses on making good sounds. I believe we will be with her for a long time.
Linda Beers is a professional musician and educator. She plays violin in the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, she teaches music in the Simsbury school system and she gives private violin lessons. Her students range from young beginners through high school age award winners to retired adults such as me.
I envy her younger students with their nimble minds and fingers. Luckily for me, Linda possesses an abundance of kindness and patience in addition to her musical and teaching ability.
I met Linda in 2015 when she played for my church.
Nearing retirement I was looking for a hobby. The violin is mine. It is frustrating to play a stringed instrument and years of bad habits are not easily undone. However, Linda took on the challenge of not letting me quit.
I retired to NH and we mastered remote learning before Covid restrictions made it necessary.
Linda is measured in her comments and her reminders are always encouraging.
Regardless of your interest or ability Linda is a professional, masterful teacher.
15. The Music Shop
Address: 22 Mc Dermott Ave, Torrington, CT 06790 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Keith has has done maintenance on my flutes several times and at a reasonable cost. Now all my flutes play much better. He is a flute player himself and very personable. I’m grateful for him and the lovely music shop.
My Mom has not played her violin for well over 45 years.She and my daughter visited The Music Shop for the first time today and were very pleasantly surprised at the warm welcome and down home kindness that were shown to them. The owner helped her string her violin and now she can pursue her hobby once again. She told me, “It made my day and gave me back the gift of music to fill an empty spot I have had for a long, long time!”
Hello James louchen looking band together starting my own band made last add more songs looking music musicians each position play. Dums led ELC getdr keebord 3 Man two ladies like at one more bongls need your help changes this band songwriter add more purduers equipment management upgrade my dumset songwriter band manager back up singersEffects sounds E Yvet all call
16. Martel Music Store
Address: 1 Whiting St, Plainville, CT 06062 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Ordered a beautiful mint Pink Paisley ’69 RI Telecaster from the shop on Reverb. Very fast response and amazing customer service. Sent a message around 11am, Corey responded very fast with detailed photos I asked for and details about the guitar. He also set up the guitar before sending it out(all in the same day!!) and I gotta add, they do great work. Guitar came safe and sound. After tuning the guitar played smooth as butter with the action just how I like it. Amazing experience overall, I am so happy with the guitar. Will definitely do business again whether online or if I’m in the area, thanks Corey and everyone on staff at the shop!
Such a great store!! The staff was very nice and helpful!!
Interesting store with some interesting gear. They don’t seem to carry Fender or Gibson. They had a stomp box manufacturing class going on when I visited.
Purchased a guitar for 750, now walking out with 637. Unfortunately I was not told about a very unfair and sneaky return exchange policy until I had asked after already completing the purchase. Also could not see clearly a visible sign inside that states anything about a return policy. When I asked where the sign was upon trying to return this guitar he pointed to have a corner and I still did not see the sign. I do believe that a return policy sign should be at the register for full disclosure. The law does state you are entitled to a full refund if you are not told about the refund policy during the time of the transaction, which I was not informed of that. Limited selection and unfortunately subject to a very steep restocking fee or store credit, if you are a serious musician make sure you know this first as you know that buying instruments is quite expensive and it is hard to want to get locked into something that you do not truly love.
As one reviewer already stated. They have a terrible return policy especially with online purchases. Good store as long as you know you’re going to keep the item but who really knows, its musical gear, its hard to tell if your going to dig it or not until you play it with your rig. Returning a pedal (or probably anything) is just not worth it due the return fees. 2 stars because I received it pretty quickly but definitely wasn’t packed that well. Without a doubt this will be my last purchase from this store. There’s plenty of other great stores to choose from that won’t bend you over on return fees. **Edit for response to the owner** Yes you do clearly state your return fees online. “Small restocking fee” is a bit of an understatement…your restocking fee is 10%. If I pay $250 for a guitar pedal. Right off the bat you’re keeping $25 of my return. I couldn’t imagine purchasing a guitar online through your store.
17. Paul Howard’s Valley Music School
Address: 176 W Main St #6, Avon, CT 06001 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Attended “The Little House” concert @ Joe Patrina’s place yesterday & the music was fantastic! They are a very talented group of musicians & Jessica( vocalist) has such a beautiful voice! I thoroughly enjoyed the evening! ☺️
My husband and I along with friends attended the Little House concert last night in West Simsbury for the first time. What an experience! We weren’t quite sure what to expect, but the music, the barn, and the people were so enjoyable and generous!
Thank you for a wonderful evening !
We will be back!
19. GauVO Studios
Address: 56 Sexton Hollow Rd, Canton, CT 06019 , Collinsville , Connecticut , United States
Used to go to guitar center all the time till one day the worker wasn’t there, gave a chance over here and wasn’t disappointed! Gave me help on my Billie joe Armstrong replica by installing a new neck and saddles and I have to say this has to be the best set up I’ve ever played, I feel like I’m playing a custom shop on a squier! Such great help, friendly faces and now my go to for setups and help! Have a custom Strat there being worked on and I can’t tell you how tired there gonna get of me bringing in guitar after guitar to get setup in my collection one comes back to me and I give them another the same visit haha, thank you Scott, Jackson and Tyler!! Feels like a family and not business and that’s the best type!
– Michael
Great Place.Awesome Teachers
Been going to this store for over 20 years. Great service, friendly staff and they do the best repairs around. Scott is very knowledgeable and always takes the extra time to help you out. Prices are great as well. There’s a reason they are still around in a time of superstores and online shopping.
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.
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.
