They have a huge selection of guitars and amps and everything you could ever want or need for your guitars.
Hard to imagine this town without Highland Music. It seems like it’s been here forever, and it impresses on so many levels. Need a tech? See Harold. Need a custom-built amp or guitar? They can fix you up here. Want a new Fender or Gibson? They have that. Need lightly used gear? It abounds here. Strings, parts, accessories…all the stuff you need, they have. This is THE place traveling musicians stop by when they are in town, and there’s a reason for that. You should shop there, too.
My kinda music store. Classic amps and guitars. Helpful staff
This store has a modest inventory with some great guitars in it. They are “priced at market” with almost no flexibility on pricing. The only issue I ran into was pricing guitars and amps at the high side of Reverb and Ebay regardless of condition. If the listings are $600 for sale online (but selling for $450 in mint condition) and Highland has a similar item in good condition but missing a knob or backplate, the Highland price will likely still be $550-$600. That said, the employee was nice and fairly knowledgeable when he had time for a quick question. Overall, a good place to check for 1-off and unique guitars but don’t expect a “steal” or to haggle. That just ain’t gonna happen here.
About what you’d expect. Pretentious, unhelpful, and offended that you’d dare shop in their overpriced thrift store. But they’ve been in business forever and they ain’t changing.
Won’t ever visit again! No greetings, no nothing. I was in the store about ten minutes and no one ever acknowledge it. I was referred to this place by the guy in Homewood music shop but he could’ve saved the breath he use cause nothing was worth driving to this store for!!
Twice treated very rudely by staff. I’m over it.
5. Cash America Pawn
Address: 1441 Forestdale Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35214 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
Helpful staff; especially the quite knowledgeable Manager…
Cash America Pawn
Under new management
Quick, easy, and friendly
It’s a pawn shop! Not much to say.
There’s one young lady that is awesome, works day shift. Love her
The rest, well… I won’t comment .
Slow bad customer service
I got a firearm from there and it had a more internal problems they I wanted to pay for, I tried to return it and that didn’t want to let me return it so be careful when buying guns from them
Today my husband went in there and look at MacBook Pro he had it his hands looking at it ask the manger if that was the best price she had an attitude about it he said he could pay that then another came in from the parking lot and said he was looking at that MacBook before even though my husband did not see him in there while he was in there the manager give it to the other guy because he was there before and outside in the parking lot and came back in even the other guy told him he thought that was not fair and even ask me if I wanted but by that time He did not want to give money to the store I think her name is Mona we are in there so much and spend a lot of money there for years that they know me by name just feel like today was disrespectful may not be back in less that manager is let go
6. Homewood Musical Instrument Co
Address: 1712 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
The staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable. We were pleased with the price that we paid for a used instrument for our daughter.
I spoke with the gentlemen and both of them were quite knowledgeable and friendly. Their shop looked like a good repair shop should look and that was reassuring enough.
The only downside was their backlog of work and the 3-4 weeks estimation for getting my work completed; then again, if it’s done correctly the first time, that’s still not too much of a wait. I’d rather have it done right than done a second or third time!
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.
7. Art’s Music Shop, Inc
Address: 4647 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
If you ever need your instrument fixed, Art’s is the place for you
I always receive amazing customer service here. They are always knowledgeable about the product and are always willing to help with any of my needs. Highly recommended!
Great customer service
Wonderful customer service
Friendly & knowledgeable but took longer than expected to get instrument serviced. I was told would be called the next day with estimate, & it was 3 days before I received the call. I told them I had to get instrument back by a specific date for a performance, he said “not a problem”, I was calling them to get it back 4 days before performance, & was able to pick it up the day before it. They kept it for a month, & I was never able to speak directly to guy doing service which was not cheap. Don’t be in a hurry when dealing with them!
It’s nice that stores like Art’s are still around.
High pressure sales tactics on major purchases. Uncomfortable atmosphere throughout the store, once you state that you might not be purchasing item that day you might as well be dead to them. Stuck up to say the least. Support other businesses if at all possible.
I brought in something for them to look at in January and it’s been 3 and a 1/2 months and they haven’t called back. I’ve called 5 or 6 times and the manager has been on vacation every single one of those times. They stole my instrument. DO NOT GO HERE
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.
8. Gadsden Music Company – Birmingham
Address: 4524 Southlake Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35244 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
Not as big as some of the other stores but I like the smaller more personal feel. Attentive staff.
Great quality service, friendly and knowledgeable.
Great customer service! Great way to buy instruments!
Fantastic friendly service at a reasonable price
They fixed my trumpet well. A probably what is scored 5 stars if the repair was the same day.
Nice little music store for concert students. Not much in store selection but they can get what you need. This is not a guitar center type store.
The man working the front desk was not friendly at all. Never made eye contact. Made me feel like I was not welcomed in his store. He probably didn’t know was I am renting an instrument from him. Hopefully I will never have to walk back in his store.
I have an account with this company and when I arrived to drop off an instrument, I was immediately told
“Do you have a repair? Can you leave it at least a month? We’re that backed up and that’s just the way it is.” I have no problem with businesses having business but I do have a problem with being a loyal customer and being spoken to so rudely. I will not be returning for any new future transactions. What an unfortunate example of bad customer service.
The rent to own program is an absolute scam. Staff is rude and misogynistic. Buy used on Facebook before you agree to whatever shady deal your school band director serves you from Gadsden Music. The “resale” on that 1400$ trombone is $200 and you’ll pay $600 in interest. Scam scam scam.
9. Bailey Brothers Music Company
Address: 4673 US-280 Suite # 7, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
I never write reviews, but I was really impressed with the quality of service at Bailey Brothers. Go and see Waylon. He knows and loves guitars and treats his customers fairly and without an ounce of impatience. As a younger buyer, it was refreshing to enter a store and purchase an expensive instrument without dealing with the annoying behaviors of high-pressure, condescending salesmen. Even though I live in another town, I will be back to Bailey Brothers.
Went to look for Double bass drum pedals. The initial phone call, drums guy was polite, explained and answered questions in a manner that didnt feel rushed or annoyed. Off to the store. The Drums guy showed me their selection and prices, explained a little about each set then backed off and let me make a decision without the classic Guitar Center upsell attempt “just buy this one because [ insert cheesy sell line here] “. Dude that spoke volumes about this store, they werent watching people like police, *cough* Guitar center *cough* they have a better product than other stores in particular the Mapex $119 double bass set has better reviews and looks more sturdy than the Mapex double bass pedals sold at GC for $129 on sale at time of this review for $119. Then on to sticks, again took time to understand what i wanted and what i was desiring to recommend the right product and not the top dollar one! Now off to the front counter, set my stuff down at the reg and told them i was going to wait because i also needed guitar strings. I naturally went for Ernie Ball, but the cashier guy began to tell me about different brand he uses, explained why and also hit all the issues with strings i was having on the head. Its nice to go to music store where people are actually musicians and know what theyre talking about and selling. I definitely will be back. AND i definitely will tell anyone who asks about a music store about them!
Amazing selection. Employees were really helpful in finding the right guitar for me.
Great customer service. Great selection. However, I was NOT thrilled to see their logo custom printed onto the snare head I bought. Would have received 5 stars if not for that. Going to remove it with some acetone.
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.
Helpful and kind! Will be back to see them soon.
Don’t answer the phone
I would use profane language, but it would not adequately describe the crap this company pulled. Basically, I took my brother to trade a PRISTINE first-owner amp, and we could prove it, in for a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, used, which is of equal value….and my brother coughed up $100.
I took off work to take him to initially buy the thing. I took off work to bring it in for repair when we discovered sticky crap on the power tubes, and I ended up working until 10PM thanks to these guys. They wanted me to take off work again, after having spent 5 hours in their store. I basically spoke up and said, he might be the customer, but I’m the wheelman, and I’m furious. I mentioned the fact of the wasted gas, wasted trips, and the at least 6 hours of driving they were expecting of me.
They checked OUR amp out very thoroughly, and even treated my brother like a criminal, saying they are getting his DL in case he stole it. SERIOUSLY people….
I tried to talk some business sense with them, asking them to do something for the trouble, and it would not have taken much. They said no. Then I asked if they can just reverse everything since ALL of the stuff was still in the store…. The guy made up a story of a law, which actually doesn’t exist, then claiming he has to charge extra to reverse it all. Guitar Center evidently doesn’t know about this (fake) law.
Not ONLY that, but the smug, d-bag attitude that the guy gave me when pushing my brother, his CUSTOMER aside to say “you don’t think we’re trying to rip you off do you?” He did this to put me on the spot, and tried to make me look like the bad guy.
In the end, my brother spent another $170 to get a new model. In the end, he got what he wanted, but we are both appalled by how the guy behaved to our faces. Beware, their used gear has NO warranty, but they represented at sale that they would ensure the gear works if something went wrong like the day we get it… Well… it did.
You don’t take someone’s $700 amp + $100 and then give them junk, and not try to do something proper after dragging someone thru hell. That’s the bottom line. I tried more than the guy at this store. You won’t catch us in that place again.
Considering the tens of thousands that my brother spent with other companies, Bailey Brothers missed an opportunity… Not good business. Dishonest, rude, and outright condescending. Smiled at us when we expressed our frustration with the runaround….
manager and owner very racist!
10. Redbox
Address: 1551 Forestdale Blvd, Forestdale, AL 35214 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
A new manager has taken over and already has gotten the store looking better!!!! Will be coming more!!!
Store clean and stocked
Nice store. Better than some Family Dollars I’ve been in
Not pleased, I won’t go back.
Extremely unprofessional. Cashier was using vulgar profanity while talking with another employee not caring that customers could hear clearly. No respect whatsoever for themselves or for other. Store constantly cluttered. Needs much improvement overall. I was disgusted. We deserve much better where we spend our money.
They have very bad altitudes there not friendly at all
Manager is very rude about coupons was told no on the correct item, had to make a call to corporate three hours later finally get to use my coupon but wasted day on the phone. Ridiculous.
12. Innovative Music Concepts
Address: 233 Garden Dr, Gardendale, AL 35071 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
I love DG for when I need something quick it’s easier to get in here than somewhere like Walmart.
More store brands at low cost
Always has what I need!!!
Nice employees but the line is usually long unless you go early.
They have what you need at a good price.
This Dollar General is always clean and very organized. I really enjoy this particular Dollar General because they sell wine
Had my item but one cashier and a 20 minute wait in line didn’t make me too happy.
They open when they feel like it. Waited outside for over 25 minutes and the employee was late and still wouldn’t open the store. I even called because I saw her go in and she wouldn’t answer the phone as well. I guess The employee hours have different hours than the company.
Dirty store. Slow service. Out of everything most the time.
14. Mason Music
Address: 2903 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
Mason Music is awesome! My son goes there to study piano with Justin Hendrix. Justin has a warm and easy-going style, yet is very thorough and shows you how to turn theory into true music. He teaches both how to read music and how to play by ear. My son loves him, and quite frankly I’ve learned a lot from him too! All the staff I’ve interacted with have been very friendly, and the building itself is also attractive, colorful, and inspires creativity.
We love Mason Music and have learned a lot here!! Great teachers!
I have absolutely loved taking lessons through Mason Music. I was worried that it would be weird to take lessons as an adult, but it is a wonderful environment and the staff go above and beyond!
15. Guitars and More LLC Gardendale
Address: 1128 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
this place is awesome. Super friendly staff. If you need a guitar set up or repaired they also do that for super cheap and great work.
They are friendly and it’s Hands-On when it comes to the guitars
Great inventory and excellent friendly service from a fellow named Ken. Very knowledgeable
Nice small business. Very helpful.
Friendly staff and good service for a small buisness . your go to place if you dont want to drive a 100 miles to Guitar Center store .
I went in yesterday and asked about a Gretch open back banjo on the back wall that didn’t have a price tag. The reply I got from the bearded gent behind the counter was ” I don’t know, probably $300 or something”, and then he walked away like I didn’t exist. The vibe I got from him was “I dont want to help you. I won’t help you”. I buy a LOT of instruments and spend thousands of dollars per year on all sorts of music equipment, but this store has shown me that they don’t want my business and they aren’t interested in having any sort of customer care. I didn’t want to go to Guitar Center anymore, I would like to buy from a local store, but Guitars and More has discouraged me from doing any business with them. My advice to other customers is to go elsewhere. They don’t want your business and they don’t deserve your business.
The people are nice but the stuff you buy here is garbage.
16. McDonald’s
Address: 1309 Forestdale Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35214 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
Briana that works the front and cash registers is an amazing young woman. She went out of her way to help my disabled mother and it really touched my heart with all the craziness going on right now. She stopped what she was doing and came to help her. Really need more like her working with the public. Thank you so much Briana!
Great place
It was great
Its walmart !
This used to be one of my favorite Walmarts.
Í like
Wal-Mart in Adamsville, the casher in lane 3 was going on break we had all our items on the belt already then they decide to tell us that the casher is going on break, which is no problem we understood so we moved over the next register which was # 4 when we started to unload there we were told to move to the next register, so again we loaded everything back up and moved to another register # 5 this time a manger came over and took care of the register because by we were very highly upset, we wanted to just leave and leave $600.00 dollars worth of items there because of the disrespect, unprofessionalism, and yes most of all the prejudice attitude, we had to endure, really can’t believe that Wal-Mart would allow this kind of behavior, we will make sure that this is broadcast to as many people as we can because of course nothing will be done about it when I post this to as many sites as possible maybe then someone will take the responsibility to correct this by removing cashers like this from your store. this review does not even deserve a one star but it was the only way I could post it. really can’t believe people like this are allowed to stay in your store.
Shady asses
They canceled my grocery pickup order due to a store problem 15 minutes prior to my pickup window. I have 2 elderly parents that i am running to doctors and dialysis and don’t have time to shop in the store. Thanks for the heads up. Now i guess my parents can starve tonight, huh.
18. Renaissance Records Inc
Address: 2020 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
These are the NICEST people I have ever met in my entire life. If they don’t have a record you want, they’ll get it for you ASAP! They are always open to music suggestions as well as giving them. I could talk with Mrs. Shirley and Mr. Gary for hours! There are so many great places to buy records in Birmingham, but we choose to only buy from Renaissance because we have been treated like old friends from the first time we walked through the door.
Staff is always great, very friendly and helpful. Wide collection of CDs, DVDs, Vinyl, cassettes and even 8 tracks! I’m able to find things for my little brother as well as my grandmother, they have a ton of cool stuff from and for any generation!
This is the best place to go for musoc around the area
Little guy working there seemed shady
They have a vinyl lovers Haven. I sweat while searching – the genres are ALL.
They had a ton of records. It felt like being in your grandparents attic if your grandparents were absolutely obsessed with music. When I walked in, the gentleman working there was incredibly nice. All of the records seemed to be a good price, most being around $5. There were also CD’s here as well as other things. I saw plenty of good artists. The decor was cool. Atmosphere was cool.
Nothing about this store is good; except for the owner, Gary. His wife is very rude and displays records that she has no intention of actually selling. She also doesn’t like for music to be played in a RECORD STORE. DO NOT GO TO THIS STORE. Charlemagne is much better and has a nice staff.
19. EloywnRastaraynier1aka1DoneMoeINC
Address: 1328 3rd Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35208 , Forestdale , Alabama , United States
Tara amd Bruce are great people and everyone should come here for their musical needs. Drums, amps, guitars, you name it!
Loved this shop. Great selection of instruments and accessories. Very nice staff and service.
Friendly staff they have a few harmonicas
Have a decent variety of all different kinds of cords and instruments and the guitars rule great prices too. And the lady in there is always super sweet
Great people and fair prices. Support your local music store!
I bought a guitar for $2,875 from this shop online and they listed it as mint condition. I had to take it to a local luthier to have the frets polished because they were so dirty the guitar was unplayable. The shop refused to even split the cost ($50), wow! Incredible.
Accused me of taking out a screw, when all I asked was for the value of what it would cost to fix that. I fixed it myself 16$ out of my own pocket for a new screw, set of strings, and labor on my workbench at home. I thought about going to small claims court, for not selling me a guitar in the condition they claimed on reverb. I’d been looking for this guitar for a while, I didn’t want to just return it. I just wanted it in the condition that I saw it in and felt insulted when they instantly made me out to be at fault even after sending pictures moments after receiving it from UPS and to top it off I even have video of when I first opened it on the CCTV at work. Overall poor online experience.
WAS our trusted source for guitars and gear.
Took in a Seagull acoustic to have the battery and strings replaced at the end of December 2020(only having someone else do it because of the value of the guitar).
The battery went dead MUCH faster than normal (usually takes 6 months). We are very aware that leavi g guitars plugged in drai s the battery. That was NOT the case here. We took it out and found they had installed a promotional Progressive Insurance smoke detector battery in it. Instead of what we are used to getting, Energizer or Duracell. I called and was told that we should have told them we wanted a better battery. It cost us more than $30 for the strings and a battery replacement. No offer to replace it. The lady said they just use whatever is “handy”. I don’t pay for what’s handy. So much for being Pro’s. If the lady had simply apologized, that would have been the end of it. I wasn’t looking for anything other than to let them know that a substandard battery had been installed. When we brought it in initially, we asked for the strings to be changed and the battery replaced. No one told us at that time that we weren’t being charged for the battery, just that what we asked for was $30, if I had been advised of that I would have either asked for a better battery or brought my own. I hung up when her tone told me how disgusted she was that I called with a problem. As for my other reviews of other businesses you mentioned, I review honestly and fairly. If you notice, I have many very positive reviews of several companies in the area. I managed customer service depts with 4 Fortune 500 Companies in my career. Again, I wasn’t asking for anything except courtesy, which was unfortunately lacking. The lady I spoke with had a “how dare you complain” kind of attitude. (modified for clarity based on the reply from the company)
