George Youngblood is incredible. If you instrument deserves the very best in repair craftsmanship and luthiery, he’s your man.
This guy is the Only person I would even consider let touching my guitars for a few decades now.. I bring them from Providence just to have him work on them… He is second to none.. If I say make it like this he always does it just right. I know if it’s a wire issue or a pickup or just a neck and bridge adjustment or whatever, it will be done Right.. thank you.
George is the best!
2. Audubon Strings. LLC
Address: 17 Water St #5, Guilford, CT 06437 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
We have been customers at this New Haven store for over three years and have had a good experience. The staff is always friendly and helpful. We needed to update our son’s viola to a larger size and the transaction was timely and courteous.
Long time customer. Loved their service through the years, and they’re always helpful & friendly.
I’ve been renting a 1/10 size violin for my six year old daughter. The Audubon staff has always been friendly and helpful. It’s a wonderful store, full of beautiful instruments and knowledgeable people–one of several cultural gems on Audubon Street in New Haven. I’m really glad it’s there. If there are problems with online or mail-order business, I’m sorry; but my experience with them is entirely positive.
They are pleasant at the shop. However, they billed us for a cello we returned a year ago, and since they have limited hours, it took 3 messages and an email before they sorted it out.
I ordered 2 Pirastro Oliv violin strings online from this place on Oct. 6, 2016. It is now Nov. 4, 2016. I still have not received them. These are not obscure strings and usually readily available at most places. I have called Audobon Strings numerous times during business hours. They do not answer their phone during business hours. I have left voicemails. No answer. I also sent 2 e-mails. I finally got one reply at the end of October saying they had to backorder these strings and would get back to me on the status of the order by the following week (which never happened). They list items on their website as ‘in stock’ that they do not carry. This to me seems very disingenuous and misleading. This is by far the worst customer service I have ever experienced anywhere. I get better service at a McDonald’s in all honesty. You can count on me to share this review to all of my friends and many followers on social media. Judging from reading the other reviews here and on Yelp, I am not the only person who has experienced problems with this business.
Edit: regarding the reply posted below by the owner, Audubon Strings never offered me a discount of any kind due to the delay. That is a complete lie. I had to call my credit card company to file a dispute and have my money refunded to me
Based on my own 2 experiences and those reported by others I believe they sell products that they don’t have in stock, and then invent excuses when the customer inquires or complains about the inevitable delivery delays. My order was made right in the end but it took a lot of time and considerable frustration.
It took 8 days for them to get my item ready to ship. It’s a piece of sheet music that was in stock. I could have ordered the same exact thing for the same price from Shar and probably would have received it well before this even shipped out. My mistake, and I won’t make it again.
3. Fine Band Repairs
Address: 185 Whitfield St, Guilford, CT 06437 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
If you are a saxophone or clarinet player in Connecticut, you should know Jim Gebler’s name. Jim is a talented and meticulous repairman who has worked on dozens of clarinets and saxophones for me and my students over the years. If something is not right with your instrument, he can find the problem and fix it, no questions asked.
Dedicated, knowledgeable folks, who really care! I am impressed with the professionalism and time that I was given when speaking with Fine Band Repairs recently about an instrument repair. Would not hesitate to bring all our band instruments to them!
Love the experience there. Had my sax tuned up there for a couple of years. Judy Gebler is very knowledgable on what needs to be done. Prices are worth it.
Great burgers
4. DAVID ALPERT
Address: 800 Village Walk #253, Guilford, CT 06437 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
Chuck is a real music enthusiast as well as a great helper. He gives personalized, speedy service to parents haranguing their kids into getting their instruments. Reasonable, fair prices.
6. Charles Magby Fine Violins Ltd
Address: 948 Moose Hill Rd, Guilford, CT 06437 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
I was trying everybody to restore the sound my violin once had but Charles was the only one who finally succeeded. I’ve since seen him make many other instruments sound far better than their owners ever thought possible. He explains things carefully and clearly, never any pressure and never charges more than he says he will or cuts any corners. Every instrument and bow he’s ever showed me for sale has been identified accurately and certified when appropriate and any condition issues are disclosed immediately. He has demonstrated his honesty and skill repeatedly. Highly recommended.
He is an expert Luthier with a lifetime of experience. He was able to adjust and tune my daughter’s cello (which before we sent it to him, we would nickname it “FireWood”). He made it sound so much better. We now have to come up with a better name for her cello.
He is a master craftsman.
7. A Sound Choice
Address: 267 E Main St UNIT 3, Branford, CT 06405 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
A Gem. The Owner Ken is hands on and very helpful.
I brought in a Bass a couple weeks ago for a neck adjustment and he set it up so well and finished the same day. I was amazed at the adjustment job. It felt like A brand new instrument and played like one too. I will bring all my basses to him for set ups.
I bought my first guitar from him when I was in middle school in the mid 90’s using piggy bank coins. Very nostalgic times. Great memories and still great service. A classic store through and through and we’re lucky to have him in Branford. Support local.
Great local place. Go to them for all my guitar needs.
Ordered a guitar on Reverb and Ken always answered the phone and was very helpful throughout the process. I ordered a Larrivee OM-40 and it was listed as brand new but definitely had a dent and 2 scratches which was disappointing but overall a good experience with the process.
The guitar however has a terrible extreme buzzing noice, especially when playing on the first 7 frets of the 4th, 5th, and 6th strings…even when playing a single note and strum lightly…a terrible buzz. I can’t seem to figure out where it is coming from. I will have to take to a luthier which is unfortunate given that it is a brand new guitar. He did say he sanded the saddle down before shipping to lower the action, suspicious that is the problem.
Update: Took it into a luthier. The saddle had been sanded down, action too low, poor job with the setup. Had to build me a new saddle. New strings, and adjusted trust rod as well. Buzzing gone. Sounds and plays like a dream!
When I can I prefer to spend my money at mom -n- pop businesses and A Sound Choice is a great guitar shop. Knowledgeable and they have a great selection of music making products. The corporate guitar stores don’t always hire staff that even know what a treble clef is so my advice is spend your money here.
Very convenient
8. NOMAD FIDDLES
Address: 500 Opening Hill Rd, Madison, CT 06443 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
Great venue… good acoustics.. need more bar space .. takes to long to get a beverage or anything for that matter.. so get what u need so u don’t miss your favorite preforming artist
11. Rob Lacey Guitars
Address: 106 Deepwood Ln, Northford, CT 06472 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
Haven’t been here in a while but had a delicious lunch today!
Great service at a little coffee place in the center of guilford. They have great outdoor seating as well!!
First time, the best breakfast in town
Good coffee. Lots of breakfast & lunch items to choose from. I used to come here when it was Java Hut & I would get egg nog iced lattes during the holiday season like every week. They seem to have the same menu so I hope they keep that going this year!
I was trying to support this place as I liked the vibe when we first walked in but then when our server was delivering our food she knocked over my drink and spilled it all over me and my brothers feet. She only uttered the words “whoops”, and not only never apologized but proceeded to be fully aware of the mess she created but did not grab napkins or anything to help clean up her mess. Nevertheless get another drink for me since she spilled most of mine. In addition to this catastrophe, my eggs were rubbery and unpleasant to eat.
Had a coffee and quesaunt after a hike nice place and relaxing
I liked that they have keto friendly options and a nice menu . The staff when cooking should wear hair nets because my egg sandwich came with hair which throws off the entire appetite. Won’t be back because of that.
13. Cilantro Specialty Foods
Address: 85 Whitfield St, Guilford, CT 06437 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
Nice place! On Guilford Green. Coffee, tea, goodies or sandwiches. Eat there or walk on Green
Love this place. Best espresso beans I’ve found that come close to the espresso I’ve had in Italy.
Very nice place ,well organized and the food was very good and the coffee was also very good
Good grab and go items from paninis to wraps to salads. Nice selection of baked goods too. I really like the interiors here.
Me gustan mucho sus postres y ensaladas.
They have great coffee! The food is ok but honestly nothing impressive… the atmosphere is nice, I will come back for coffee and get my breakfast somewhere else
I used to be a fan. It’s unfortunate that if you’re in a wheelchair or have a stroller you can’t get in or fit in. Quite tacky.
Ordered an espresso with light ice and almond milk
Received a paper hot cup instead of a plastic cold cup filled to the top with ice you must opening a little refrigerator with crafts of milk was definitely not given expresso but regular coffee beans were used my stomach cannot handle regular coffee I was sick the rest of the day will never go to this place again
14. Mike and Dave’s Antique Shop
Address: 588 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
Probably one of my favorite thrift/antique stores ever. Will be back.
What a great place, so much to see. Great variety of antiques and curios. Can’t wait to go back.
Love Mike and Dave’s Antiques and Consignment Store! With multiple vendors it is constantly changing. Definitely a must see!!
Multiple vendors with a wide variety of inventory. Pricey but quality options
It’s your usual antique store with a variety of consignment sections. Very cool movie memorabilia.
Lots of good stuff.
Nice place. but workers gossiping about old people not knowing how to use a card reader is rude. There’s lots of things they probably don’t know how to do. For instance…nope won’t list them. I walked out. You never know who is hearing your conversation.
They are a great band!! Saw them at Casa Mia and everyone was dancing!!! I’m now hiring them for my wedding!!! They are easy to work with and very accommodating!
Great old school used and new cd/vinyl store. I always find something delightful in the rambling racks.
Great place to shop
Great record show. Great service.
Usually when I walk into a record shop, it smells a little musty. This place did not! Nice record selection.
It was ok I wish there was more music I like
I found some fascinating things here, both on CD and vinyl. Found an album I had 40 years ago…..so happy to have it again! Will definitely be shopping here again!
Here at 20after 4and they are closed web site said open
Website says store was open at 10:00am and door was unlocked. We’re human and things happen. Could have politely asked to give him a few moments. But instead he was rude. A shame because it looked like the store had a good vinyl collection.
The don’t carry a lot of country which is fine and told me they could order something for me and get it the Thursday before Christmas. (I went in the week prior to that). I said ok gave my name and phone number for the order and left. I called the Saturday after it was supposed to arrive to confirm I could pick it up and was told oh sorry we couldn’t get it. It was supposed to be a Christmas present and they knew that when I went in asking. I can’t find it anywhere to get it in time for Christmas now. A courtesy call to say we couldn’t get the record would have been appreciated seeing how I could have ordered it on amazon and had it in time but wanted to support a local business instead. Guess I learned my lesson.
18. Guilford Art Center
Address: 411 Church St, Guilford, CT 06437 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
The portrait course with Scott Paterson was terrific. I’ll be back.
Great place. Bought numerous Christmas presents.
Friendly people. Definitely coming back
A wonderful teaching art Center that also has a great gift shop.
Exceeded my expectations
Customer service at the gift shop left me feeling like another visitor and I were just dealt with, but not actually welcome. The other guest was interested in joining a community of other fiber craft artists, but it seemed like talking to her was a bother until other staff came out to actually help. When I asked about pottery, it was suggested I try a Big Box store instead. There’s lots and lots of dangly earrings if that’s your thing. Skip if you’re looking for local art.
19. Ahlberg III Edwin C
Address: 50 York St, Guilford, CT 06437 , Guilford Center , Connecticut , United States
I really enjoy being part of the Music Center of North Haven. Mark, his wife, and the staff are very friendly and accommodating. They make you feel like you are part of a family.
A refreshing ,fun atmosphere.
Mary and Mark are professional caring proprietors.
You won’t be disappointed.
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.
First experience here, but guy greeted me immediately and helped me pick out a capo. Nice feature to have a cafe inside.
Great place to get music!!
Super friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Guitar tech could not look at my guitar because he busy making egg sandwiches.
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.
UPDATE: To clarify, the small bag of “trash” was a small bag of shirts and pants that were out grown and not trash which the owner stated several times and now denies. He also forgets that I was sitting there in my car for several minutes trying to figure out what the poorly sprayed wording actually stated or if it was just covering up something and i even took out the clothes in the bag and showed it to him but he didn’t care and continued to argue with me. Again, I had donated to this location before it was deemed abandoned and was accused repeatedly to get my trash out of there. I did go down the street and donated the clothes to Goodwill. The issue I have is how the owner handled the situation and the accusations that were thrown at me even when confronted with the proof that they were wrong and I was clearly trying to donate a small amount of clothes and left when asked. Move this very prominent former donation bin to the back our your lot or put a proper sign up, chain close the handle or just politely tell someone its closed.
This music center used to have a clothing donation bin out front which I have donated to many times before. It has since been painted over with illegible spray paint saying bin closed. I was standing by the bin trying to figure out what the writing said and employee came out and screamed at me to take my trash somewhere else and was extremely rude shouting at me like I was doing something illegal. He told me to bring my trash to Goodwill. Would never bring my kids here for their music needs with staff like this.
