Helpful, great selection, no pressure. Excellent local business.
I was a student here for years! Both my drum instructors were fantastic and everyone else was so kind!
Never actually making a purchase i have been able to turn to Bellers for the most knowlegable information and service in regards to my instruments. With $20 per 1/2 music lessons and Instrument rental specials Bellers can not be beat!!! recommend to anyone in the area!!
2. La Salle Music & Sound
Address: 993 Main St #2233, East Hartford, CT 06108 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Super nice and friendly in the store, and Mr. LaSalle did a wonderful job restoring my dad’s old 1962 guitar that had not been touched in decades and needed a lot of work. Definitely recommend! Photos are before and after.
Cool little music store with a certain old-school, pawn-shop vibe. Found a cool, used Kustom powered monitor/mixer and a short mic stand, useful items at a great discount. Enjoyable experience, since the staff was cool and helpful, letting me borrow a mic and cable to test my purchase before buying.
Stopped in store for first time to get a couple guitar related things. Super friendly and knowledgeable
First, the employees were excellent; friendly and helpful. I was extremely disappointed in the store itself. This was basically a dark, messy pawn shop, not the store I was familiar with from years ago. My only reason to go back would be to pick through dusty items to find something I might be in search of, more of an adventure.
Total waste of my time
Was a dj for 30 years and bought and sold equipment all over Ct . I stopped in at lasalle music in east hartford it was a nightmare . Equipment from the seventies store a mess and the staff looked like a Grateful Dead fan with colored hair . So glad I moved on with my teaching at a high school
Ordered lugs for my snare. They sent me receipts and invoices and never shipped my lugs. I called and emailed multiple times and never got a response back after leaving numerous messages. Been 2 months and I still don’t have my lugs and am out $60.
3. Turnpike Music Garage
Address: 1485 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield, CT 06825 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Friendly staff and good price for instrument rentals.
Extremely nice guy and definitely knowledgeable. Went in for a guitar set up, and he got it to me in a quick time and even spared me a few dollars when I went to pick it up. Definitely recommend!
All ways the best
A little hard to find, but owner was very helpful in my search for a solid-woods Classical guitar. Looked at a very nice A/Yari. Has some nice guitars, but he is limited by space constraints. If the f-ups in Washington and the greedy sob’s on Wall St would all drop dead, this store would have a good chance of growing.
Had an excellent selection of strings. Plan on visiting again soon.
I got My sons cello at this store and the bridge was broken and the stand
4. Edward B Marks Music Co
Address: 190 Range Rd, Wilton, CT 06897 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Great selection of guitars new and used Fantastic local music store it’s a breath of fresh air to have something besides G.C around. Very knowledgeable staff and the owner is awesome.
Bought a pre owned Gretsch 5191 lefty from Martel music. love the guitar. Shipping was fast to Canada, packed well, and it was an overall very good experience with this shop.
Fantastic customer service! Great selection and super knowledgeable staff!
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.
6. Woodbury Music Shop
Address: 766 Main St S, Woodbury, CT 06798 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Woodbury Music is the best shop around of all of your instrument needs! The shop owner Dave, is both friendly & knowledgeable! I have gotten both common things done (fixing of saxophone keys) as well as unusual things done (fixing of a dulcimer bridge) and everyone has always been great! I have also taken lessons for almost three years now, and my teacher Mike is not only a dedicated teacher, but also a very talented professional. Stop by and check it out!
Great honest shop here. Had a great online interaction with Dave via email. Want to know why I trust them? Because they talked me out of a purchase. Ha! Thanks again!
A hidden gem UPSTAIRS. Don’t miss it. Dave the owner is great, and talented. Patrick Gill is the PREMIER guitar TECH in the whole northwest CT region. He works miracles at a very fair price. Excellent teachers, Will for piano and keyboards and Mike for guitar and bass. Better check them out. I only trust my guitars to Dave and Patrick. Won’t go anywhere else. Seriously.
7. Music For People
Address: 275 Bunker Hill Rd, Watertown, CT 06795 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Great service!
Allowed me to trade in a Sax for Trumpet and gave me a very fair price on the Sax. Thank you Bethel Music
Really great place for anything music. Went there to have my daughters violin checked and was treated great. Staff was knowledgeable and nice. They explained alot to me and also made some great suggestions for the future. We will definately be coming back. Great job.
I have been doing business with Bethel Music for over 30 years and would use no one else. Bruce, the owner, and lead repairman has integrity, honesty and skill. He is fair and compassionate to young musicians and knowledgeable enough to service the needs of seasoned professional Musicians.
Just stopped by quick. Had a great hour. They are the best
Good info from employees
Instrument rentals are great for their prices
9. Rayburn Music
Address: 22B Andover Dr, West Hartford, CT 06110 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Very friendly fast and efficient service! I love shopping local
Very helpful.
Excellent Quality of both service and instruments.
Fast and friendly service
trying to reach the store for the past 5 months. they are not responding to email or phone call. The phone service is also disconnected now.
we are left with no response and no refund.
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…
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.
10. Acoustic Music
Address: 4 Maple St, Chester, CT 06412 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
The guitars in this shop are amazing; all of them make me sound like a guitar hero. The staff is friendly, knowledgable and more than happy to help.
Knowledgable staff and an amazing stock of guitars. The most impressive set of archtops I’ve found anywhere!
This is the best location for spec/maintenance in Connecticut Ma and RI I have worked with these guys for years and I’m always blown away by their service and customer support.
Had a guitar cable when I needed it.
Not many mandolins
Thé Owners are lousy business
No prices listed
11. The Music Shop
Address: 22 Mc Dermott Ave, Torrington, CT 06790 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Keith took great care of me! I’m a beginner guitar player and broke one of my strings, had no clue what to do. I purchased the strings there and he taught me how to put them on right in the store. He even tuned my guitar, and gave me some tips to keep it maintained. Service like that is RARELY found. TY Keith!!
Knowledgeable people
Throughout the years I have purchased guitars,and Equitment,. We miss Leo. He was the music teacher at Lewis S Mills High School in the 70’s. To ?. I graduated in 72. Great music shop. Get just about anything musical.
12. The Music Shop
Address: 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
The best service on the planet. These guys are like music stores used to be
Very knowledgeable and friendly staff.
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.
13. Matty’s Music LLC
Address: 654 Enfield St, Enfield, CT 06082 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Matty and his staff provide personalized service at good prices. This is a really good local business, doing good things in the community.
Matty’s has been my second home for the past 5 years, it’s a very accepting place to learn and it comes with good service. Always learn new things everytime I visit.
My son has guitar lessons here. Great place and great staff. Nothing better than a great learning experience for your child.
Great service.
Dirty, stuff everywhere, completely disorganized.
14. Guitar Center
Address: 351 N Frontage Rd Space F-3, New London, CT 06320 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
This store is maintained well and is very prominent on enforcing new safety regulations regarding social distancing/keeping everything sanitized. Good work!
Associate was helpful and got what I needed quickly
The staff was very friendly and helpful and I found exactly the equipment I was looking for – on sale mo less!
Small center with limited in stock but friendly staff that were willing to help with returns and look for other options. Thanks
Tons of guitars
Plenty of equipment and friendly staff.
No one here tries to help. Lots of cheaply made guitars and prices that would make you think they were nice and sales staff that doesn’t seem to care the customer.
New manager there is terrible. No personality and has no people skills. 12/12/2022
Sold me a guitar pedal that was represented as new, when I got home and opened the box. Guess what? It was used and didn’t have the power cord! I was told by the unhelpful and sarcastic customer service manager Taylor that I would have to pay an extra $200 for the correct new item I was supposed to have gotten in the first place. Taylor wouldn’t give me the contact of his district manager and said that the 1-800 # would. So I called them and they told me Taylor is a liar (the customer service reps exact words) and I would have to file a complaint online. If you have any issues with this ridiculous staff and store contact customer service and ask for Jeremy Hanhold. He is this stores District Manager. Taylor didn’t look too happy I found out the full name before I left the store. I’ll update this review once the district manager contacts me from my online complaint.
15. Music & Arts
Address: 50 Main St, East Hartford, CT 06118 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Our go to place for strings, sticks, and whatever else we may need!
A great store. It is well stocked and organized. The staff is friendly and helpful. They both rent and sell instruments. They also do lessons and repairs. We have now bought two instrument and rented 4 from them and would definitly go back again. We tried the Glastonbury School recommended service and it was a mistake. These guys ae are local and awesome. My highest recommendation.
Easy, reliable, timely and great communication and customer service.
Good selection and price
Cool place, very expensive
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 recently went to the Music & Art store and asked about my child’s school instrument payment plan. We leased the instrument two years ago; but due to COVID-caused remote schooling and summer breaks, there was little use of the instrument despite monthly charges including insurance and fees.
The store manager told me that I can pay up from lease to own, but refused to give me the payment breakdown, saying everything “in their computer”. When I asked for my contract copy, he didn’t have it. I remember the contract sent from the school was very complicated with different group plans and unfamiliar billing terms, and the store ended up filling up the paperwork over the phone for us. The contract has carbon copies and the store told us they would send us our copy but never did. Now they were telling me that they didn’t have the original copy of the contract for me either.
I decided to pay up the rest to own the clarinet. Just be aware that the receipt won’t have details of what portion is for the instrument and what is for insurance and fees, and no information about the original price and the final total payment. I ended up paying more than $200 just in insurance and fees up to now. I also found out that I had overpaid >$500 for a beginner instrument that the store billed for an intermediate model, as I compared the market price for my exact model. Since I don’t have the pricing info. nor the contract, I cannot really do anything at this point.
I have since found other online complaints against Music & Art regarding the rent-to-own school instrument plan. The lack of transparency and their practice of overcharge and under-report seem to be common experience of their customers. I feel that there is an element of complacency on the school and parents ends since the service is “for our children”, but where is the accountability?
16. Westbury Music
Address: 686 Main St, Watertown, CT 06795 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
I went in today with my daughter’s violin which was bought elsewhere. It needed to be tuned and I panicked when I messed up one of the strings. I called Westbury Music and they told me to come in no problem. He tuned the violin and was super nice. He didn’t even charge me for his time. When we are ready to upgrade our violin we will definatly be coming here. Thank you so much!!!
Mike the owner is one of the nicest guys. This is a great place for equipment, supplies and lessons.
Staff is very friendly and knowledgable.
Ordered instrument for my son, was told to pick up the next day, went the following day to pick it up and it wasn’t there. Also bought a box of reefs for the instrument and was given the wrong kind. The gentleman that waited on us was polite, although he didn’t recognize us even though we had just been in the day before!
excellent store, good Fender Selection, nice acoustics, lessons, and school instruments.
17. DuBaldo Music Center
Address: 881 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Phenomenal shop that really personifies customer service! Pete is a great guy to deal and talk shop with. My guitar arrived safe, secure AND quickly. I can’t recommend DuBaldo enough, just give them a call or stop by already!
Prompt and professional! Recently purchased an SBMM Majesty guitar online and it came in perfect condition with Dubaldo only upgrades, Will definitely recommend them and will be making more purchases in the future. Thanks Dubaldo team!!
Fantastic service, fast shipping, and competitive pricing.
Great service
18. Bristol Music Center
Address: 248 Main St, Bristol, CT 06010 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
I have taken my les Paul Standard, my old school Jackson soloist with the Floyd Rose, and my Taylor cut away, Scott is a total professional. He did set up an all my guitars and did a fabulous job at a great price and service.
Had a really positive experience at this shop. Went in to have my daughter sized for a violin after taking a violin my dad inherited from his father apprised at another local luthier. The owner was very welcoming and knowledgeable while the luthier took his time looking over my father’s violin. Will be returning to purchase a student violin and to have my father’s violin repaired so we can see how it sounds.
Great teachers, fair prices. Scott is probably one of the greatest Luthiers in the northeast he will tell you exactly what you need. Or do whatever you want I. Have nothing but respect for Scott and Bob.great store I wouldn’t bring my instruments any where else to get set up (and Im very fussy with my gear)
I purchased four music lessons when I bought my guitar last April. The owner, Scott, did not make me aware on paper or in any written form of any policy about expiration of lessons.
I had two remaining appointments and I would have renewed for more. I never booked the last two appointments. Please see the text conversation with the music instructor. If I didn’t show up for a lesson, I understand losing an appointment but this is not the case for the two remaining lessons.
As a fitness trainer, I have clients who have not exercised with me due to COVID. I don’t tell them when they are ready to come back (a year later), sorry your training sessions at $70 an hour expired because of a policy I said verbally to you when you joined. This is not what I consider good customer service and not of honest business practices.
Any other music shop would do better than Bristol Music Center. Do not waste your money!
19. Alpha Audio Works Inc
Address: 44 Washington St, Mystic, CT 06355 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
Randy at Alpha Audio Works… Two thumbs way up! Price was excellent, packed and shipped my guitar the same day. The guitar was in better condition than described. Thanks Alpha Audio Works! Great Product, Stellar Service!
These guys are awesome! I had a guitar shipped to Texas and there was an issue with UPS. They stayed in communication daily and made sure everything was taken care of. The guitar I purchased was even better in person than the pics. I will be buying another guitar from them in the future!!
Randy and Jim were very nice and helpful, they clearly love what they do. The store is amazing and has a ton of great gear. It is worth the trip!
Nice little music store. They had a decent selection of both acoustic and electric guitars and a really good selection of used Amplifiers (and a couple steals in there too). Hidden gem in my opinion
20. Creative Music Center
Address: 701 Main St, Monroe, CT 06468 , Éller , Connecticut , United States
I love this place, i go in just to look at the product and I always end up buying something.
Awesome staff and great deals! No surprise they have 5 stars!!!
Nice music store in Monroe, we bought a cute ukulele here!
Poor customer service.
I just went to this store with my violin wanting the sound post set and to re-hair my bow. When I walked in there were two ladies at the counter. As I opened my case asking the the lady in the white turtle neck with straight brown hair if they re-hair bows? She snapped that they didn’t. The nice girl next to her chimed in as said out loud “She re-hairs bows?” Then the other lady gave a look and said I would need to buy a new one! She then picked up my violin and started to point out things about my only violin that were not good enough for her to re-set my sound post! I then asked “How much to just re-set the sound post?” She refused me service and said “Good Luck!” AVOID THIS PLACE IF YOU CAN! I think I didn’t fit the “type” they prefer to give services to?
Scheduled a guitar lesson here, spent $45, arrived on time, the teacher I was assigned to never showed up. At least they were nice enough to give me my money back the next day.
