I came into the store looking for a pair of monitor speakers. I had no prior knowledge on what specs I needed.. the sales rep was very helpful. He spent time explaining to me the benefits of the speakers and what I should pay attention to for what my use with them would be. They didn’t not upsell me and I left the store feeling like I made an investment and not just took a huge loss. I will be only going to them in the future for my music needs.
Awesome place
Tom did a fantastic job adjusting my bass.
Awesome music things and great customer service is a plus!!
Way better customer service than guitar center(you could learn alot GC) obviously the only thing I didn’t like was novice guitar players.
The staff are super helpful and friendly. The store needs remodeling, very drab decor not bright or inviting.
Very, very limited assortiment of MIDI keyboards, and very unhelpful staff
Brought a Roland 150w bass amp in for sale and was denied a bid because “it has carpet upholstery and no one will buy it because it’s old” like i bought it myself ? And it took 25 minutes for paperwork to be processed on a pedal they bought from me, same process took less than 5 minutes for me at Orange GC. Never visiting Sam Ash again, Guitar Center(s) have historically treated me much better with instrument/gear trade-ins.
My experience with Sam ash music was very bad there service down right sucks there staff is not business oriented what so ever they have no clue in what there looking at I would strongly recommend guitar center because they are the real deal located off RT 1 orange CT thank you
3. Guitar Center
Address: 50 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT 06477 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
It was a very good experience. The staff are knowlegable and customer service was great.
I’m closer to the southington store,But because the tech there is gone and they currently don’t have one i called the orange store and explained to kyle the tech what issue i was having with a new american strat i purchased.The repair went great and he also helped with a few questions i had.I highly recommend him and this location.
Buenisimo
As musician it is like my second home!
Staff is very knowledgeable especially Chaz! Sometimes the audio department only has one person and you could wait a while for assistance…other than that great customer service!
Poor excuse for a retail store. Useless and lazy employees who know nothing about the gear on display nor the proper value of a trade-in, that is, if you can get one of the elitist employees to even consider your trade. There’s more than one reason GC’s are going down the crap pipe and it’s not just poor corporate management and over inflated price tags. It’s stores like the Orange, CT location being unwelcoming on a fundamental basis. Out of all the GC’s I’ve ever visited, in VT, MA, NC, FL, GA, New Jersey and NYC, this one is the most atrocious by a wide margin. And, with the exception of the NY location, the most expensive too.
Ok
Warranty Service Terrible…. Took my Peavy Guitar Amp back to the store for a warranty repair. Told I had to deal with Peavy directly.. yet if you read the warranty it says to return to an authorized dealer for repairs… They weren’t happy that I actually read the warranty… It’s been over a month since I brought back the amp.. Called last week and told the amp was just sent out for repair and they haven’t any idea as to where the amp currently is or the status of the repair… also all I get is call back or told they can’t get a hold of anyone… Don’t understand how Guitar Center can get a Four Star review rating with almost every review shows a complaint… Not happy at all…
4. All Things Musical Online
Address: online only, 60 Still Wood Rd, Hamden, CT 06518 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
It seems wonderful with confrontations of customers.I would recommend this place to children in bands
An adult learner, I have been taking weekly guitar lessons with George for the past 7 months. George (co-owner and one of the guitar teachers, an expert jazz guitarist) is a great, interesting teacher–very patient with beginners and also able to challenge them to reach further than they thought they could. I came here for lessons because my son took a year of guitar lessons here when he was 10, about seven year ago, and that was a positive experience for him and me. The store is in a charming barn-like building and while a little cramped, I have found it a comfortable environment in summer, fall, and winter. Paula is a very pleasant partner to George, keeping the shop and schedule running smoothly and always accommodating if I need to adjust my lesson time. If you are interested in music lessons (they teach several instruments and voice, I believe), take a set of 4 lessons as a reduced introductory price and see if All Things Musical is for you, as it has been for me and my family.
I’ve been involved with music instruction since childhood. When I sought to renew my involvement with guitar I was recommended to seek out George Raccio at All Things Musical by a friend who had been taking banjo lessons from George. From day one I knew I had found “the guy”. George possesses a wealth of musical knowledge with an understanding of how to pass along his knowledge in an exceptionally patient manner. His musical knowledge base is broad enough to expertly teach a multitude of styles. While I began with finger style acoustic guitar, George was able to transition to electric guitar blues as my musical instruction tastes changed.
The studio/store is charming and Paula, George’s wife, is a pleasure to do business with. She maintains the teaching schedules for the various instructional modalities of which there are many and helps students such as myself to keep track of upcoming lessons. I’ve been taking instruction for close to five years now and consider my instruction at All Things Musical an important part of my life that provides nothing but pleasure inclusive of our annual recital. If you are looking for expert teaching in a warm atmosphere be sure to check them out. You’ll be glad that you did.
Never been here i wanted to write a review for no reason
5. JC Music
Address: 529 W Main St, Meriden, CT 06451 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
Thanks for the easy transaction and the great horn.
My daughter has taken piano lessons with Brian at JC music for two years. It has been a positive experience all around. We have been very impressed with Brian’s knowledge, ability and patience with teaching young children. I would highly recommend him!
My son and daughter both took lessons here. They have outstanding teachers. They also sell and rent instruments
Would like to obtain some nice brushes and some type of top hat set used and very sturdy since I break percussion instruments all the time when I perform?
My son, Roberto Luis and Rosa live in Meriden. Are you far from the mall? I have spent a lot of time jamming in Puerto Rico to salsa, merengue, etc but my favorite is funk like Buddy Miles.
My grandson really enjoyed the music lessons and they are very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend them.
Completely disappointed. I placed an order in store on a instrument that was never placed with JC music. The customer service was poorly displayed and the options they gave us was not acceptable. I asked to speak to the owner several times and would not get on the phone and made his new employee talk to me. I ended up going somewhere else that was amazing
Never have any of the literature or instrument parts I’m looking for. Took 3 months to repair a trombone. I tried to return an item and they wouldn’t give me back the cash to go to another place. The owner has blatantly disrespected my mother on several occasions and doesn’t have much knowledge of much of anything outside of rock music. As far as i’m concerned, this is the worst music store i’ve ever set foot in and would not recommend to anybody.
This was a horrible expierence. They need to get their stuff together, they had already-sold instruments on shelf. They had an amazing guitar sale and when I went to buy, it was already sold! They got my hopes high and let it down and I will not give them my money any longer.
6. Martel Music Store
Address: 1 Whiting St, Plainville, CT 06062 , Horta , 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!
Great place, my son takes guitar lessons here . He loves it. And the Jam night’s on the first Thursday of every month is great fun!
Went by the store today awesome selection of really cool guitars that aren’t available anywhere else in CT!
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.
7. The Music Shop
Address: 22 Mc Dermott Ave, Torrington, CT 06790 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
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
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.
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!!
8. The Music Shop
Address: 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489 , Horta , 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
These guys helped me get the perfect Christmas gift. The staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and pleasant to work with.
So during this pandemic we are dealing with I felt myself wanting to start jamming again. So with almost every retail store being closed and having to rely on online and waiting, (I’m not patient,lol) I took a shot to see if any guitar stores were possibly doing curbside in Ct. Found the music shop in southington,ct was doing curbside. Upon calling I spoke with Scott, great customer service!! After talking to Scott about my music style and and what I was looking for, within 20 mins I had received pictures and fell in love with what scott suggested. Normally when I buy a guitar, its multiple guitars i play and usually takes a couple hours to choose. Let me tell you scott nailed it!!!! The guitar, an ibanez art120 and a 75watt peavey amp with effects and cab sounds built in…and let me tell you both products are hands down amazing!!! On top of that within 20 mins he threw a new set of strings on and did a full setup!!!! Totally worth the hour and a half ride!!!! These guys rock, thanks again scott!!!!!!!
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.
9. Bethel Music Center – Instrument Sales, Rentals, Lessons and Repairs
Address: 273 Greenwood Ave #101, Bethel, CT 06801 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
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.
Staff is excellent! Highly recommend!!
Instrument rentals are great for their prices
Just stopped by quick. Had a great hour. They are the best
Good info from employees
10. Connecticut Music Co
Address: Westbrook, CT 06498 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
Great customer service. Friendly and knowledgeable. I purchased a guitar online. George promptly answered numerous e-mails and was very flexible with different methods of payment. The guitar was shipped out immediately and I received it the next day, (I live a few States away). I have to say the Guitar arrived in mint, right out of the box condition and plays like a dream. Georges music also carries higher end guitars that will not be found (if even carried) at the average Guitar Center.
Wayne S Cooper
Buying from the online shop was fast and easy. My fragile item was shipped quickly and packed well. The item was photographed and represented correctly.
I called to verify the item and spoke to the owner, George himself. He was very knowledgeable and down to earth, a good person. I hope to do business again.
There’s the place that has a right equipment for professionals.
If you’re not looking to go too far to get musical instruments. Look no further. Expensive though. But if you don’t care about prices, go for it. Not much of a selection though.
Meh
Nice shop
After going to this place; I must say I will never go back there again. The owner is so rude and disrespectful. Its not even funny. The owner needs get off his anthropocentric state of mind.
This place is just awful. The owner is so rude to us that i will never go back. We rented an instrument from him because our normal music store didnt have the instrument and when the instrument broke he said it was our fault and that it wasnt covered and then bad mouthed our local music store.
12. Stewart’s Music LLC
Address: 171 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
Great store! The owners are super helpful and friendly. Good selection of instruments, accessories, and sheet music. Their service can’t be beat.
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Have had numerous instruments overhauled here. They sound like new! Great selection of instruments and the knowledge and helpfulness is second to none!
Great service, wonderful selection!
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
13. Greenwich Music
Address: 1200 E Putnam Ave, Riverside, CT 06878 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
Needed a ukulele capo and they had it in stock. Very friendly and also great assortment of guitars, ukuleles, drums and other instruments. From what I can tell by pricing it’s very reasonable. Would definitely recommend if in or near Greenwich.
I was considering the purchase of a guitar for my grandsons birthday. I found the staff at Greenwich Music very helpful and courteous. They even offered a free lesson with the purchase. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a musical instrument and/or music lessons. I did purchase a guitar, and his first”free” lesson is next week! Great place to shop.
We were kindly helped in the store, but we were buying a guitar for our son and we don’t live in the US. We were having problems with internet so we couldn’t research correctly at the moment, but they assured that the amp could be used in 220 current. We arrived home and we connected the amp and it didn’t work. So the amp was burned. Apart from that the price was a bit higher than the same thing in other stores, it’s not nice to pay 50 dollars more, but that is just business and anyone can charge what they want. It was our fault that we didn’t do a good research before buying. But the very kind person that assured us that it would work because he used to be an electrician, and it only needed a basic adapter, was totally wrong and now we are home and we lost an amp, so we paid extra for the set and it didn’t work. You were very kind indeed, but please if you are not sure about something, don’t sell it. Because we lost money and we can’t go back because we don’t live there.
It’s a nice place! It’s a bit small but otherwise it’s nice.
Terrible customer service. Called and said I would be by in 10 minutes for an emergency repair. Guy was nice on the phone. When I arrived 5 minutes early they had closed up and locked. Super helpful…
Their hours aren’t very convenient and I was having a guitar strung and I dropped it off and I didn’t get a call before the store closed and then they were closed the next day Sunday so I didn’t get my guitar until Monday and that was extremely inconvenient. They also have a very small selection of basses.Update, they aren’t even open a couple hours on the 4th of July so I won’t get my guitar till Tuesday I am very upset with this store.
Rudest customer service I have ever encountered. The man I spoke to on the phone yelled and hung up on me. When my daughter went in person to drop off the instrument for repair at the agreed upon time, he remained upset and kicked my daughter out of the store. Strongly encourage anyone looking to have their instruments fixed to look elsewhere. Disappointing experience to say the least.
14. Music & Arts
Address: 22 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
I have only had positive experiences with Music and Arts of Greenwich at 22 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 – specifically with Marc Perler, the manager, and specifically with Charise Turner, the manager at the Wesport CT location, 413 Post Rd E.
Marc Perler and Charise Turner go out of their way to make sure you have all of the components of your rental or purchase and answer all of your questions with a smile. The rest of the staff are very knowledgeable and kind. The music teachers are top notch, too!
Very professional. Very friendly. I would HIGHLY recommend this store to anyone as the first place to purchase or rent string and other Musical instruments and supplies and especially to take music lessons with top notch teachers..
This is one of my Fav places to get all of my musical needs taken care of! friendly and knowledgeable staff! Great Rentals to btw
Excellent customer service even before I was a customer. They really went out of their way to be helpful, unlike the music store at the other end of town. Definitely worth visiting.
15. DuBaldo Music Center
Address: 881 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
That was likely the most pleasant guitar buying experience I have ever had. I could not recommend patronizing this amazing store more. Thank you so much!!
I’ve never been more comfortable trying out guitars in a shop. I drove over an hour to get here and the customer service made it completely worth it. They have an incredible selection of great sounding instruments and went out of their way to make sure I found the guitar I wanted. Highly recommend this place.
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!
Great service
16. Middlesex Music Academy
Address: 440 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
I’ve had my son’s saxophone serviced here a few times, and not only do they do an excellent job, they also go above and beyond to be helpful. These people are compassionate about music! I’d never go anywhere else.
love it
I needed small studio monitors for a Yamaha YDP 323, so that I could record it without wearing headphones. Matt recommended PreSonus Eris E4.5’s. What a great set of speakers! No hum or distortion and completely accurate. The price was also great, no more than online while shopping local. Great store, great staff. Thank you!
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 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!!!
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).
17. Martocchio Music
Address: 1 Massaco St, Simsbury, CT 06070 , Horta , 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.
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.
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!
19. La Salle Music & Sound
Address: 993 Main St #2233, East Hartford, CT 06108 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
Stopped in store for first time to get a couple guitar related things. Super friendly and knowledgeable
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.
Mi tienda favorita tiene excelente precios de instrumentos musicales y son muy generoso y amigable se la recomiendo a todos
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.
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
Sent me a different accordion with no straps and a case that should of been thrown out
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.
20. Beller’s Music
Address: 881 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 , Horta , Connecticut , United States
My daughters and I take music lessons here. The teachers are knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The store is stocked with everything we need for our lessons. They rent out instruments as well.
Workers are always very kind and helpful, you always walk out happier than when you walked in.
