One of the best shops I’ve been in gave us free shirts and let us jam. Highly recommend
A Great music store I love it
It kind of feels like grandpa’s basement here, in a good way. Lots of interesting gear to browse through, plenty of it gently used and ready to be rocked again. There are some Strats hanging here that anyone would love to own, plenty of great options for tube amps, replacement speakers and even an eclectic assortment of used pedals that are worth picking through.
Pricing for everything is slightly higher than online for same items, BUT, you get to support a local business and take it home today. It’s the kind of place I’d stop in to a couple times a year if I lived here. Character.
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.
Tried to get my guitars worked on here multiple times. First time was an 8 string, guy said “I don’t like black guitars they scratch too easily” and then rubbed a cloth with steel wool fibers over it and scratched the guitar. GEE I wonder why! Had a pickup swap done on another guitar, put a scratch on it that went through the paint. Not only that, but he took it upon himself to do a full “set up” when I did not ask him to now I have buzz everywhere and it plays worse than it did before, then charged me for it. Oh and the pickups are also out of phase. Sorry, but that’s it. No more chances. Goodbye.
I guess they have some unique items which is cool but the folks behind the counter really seemed like they were annoyed to put their conversation on hold in order to help me and were also EXTREMELY condescending and pretentious. I’m a fairly experienced musician and these guys spoke to me as if I was completely ignorant and always would be.
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!!
3. Homewood Musical Instrument Co
Address: 1712 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209 , Jefferson County , Alabama , United States
Jason and crew were incredibly helpful and kind to me when I needed to repair my Amp head and my guitar cabinet’s input jacks.
If you’re in a touring a band or a musician in town, I highly recommend you visit the shop!
Very cordial and constructive.
I was referred to Jason from a different music store in town, which should really tell you everything you need to know. He is truly “the man”, an acoustic instrument whisperer. Everyone is extremely friendly and professional and the work is other-worldly. If you have a beloved acoustic instrument or definitely if you are a pro and pro-level work this is the place.
Friendly atmosphere and lots of instruments.
Good product, Good service.
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.
4. True Vintage Guitar
Address: 2301 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 , Jefferson County , Alabama , United States
I found John on Instagram. I was thinking of selling a vintage guitar that I had from my father. Once I sent him a message he was extremely polite and very responsive. I can say that not only did he make me comfortable and he was trustworthy, he was super knowledgeable. He answered all my questions and was honest and open about everything. I can tell right away that he’s very passionate about his work and love for vintage guitars. He took care of all the shipping info and packaging. It couldn’t have been easier. I would give him a 10 star rating if I could. I’m also happy to say I met a new friend. Thank John.
John was incredibly knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. He helped us identify and determine market value of my father’s guitar collection. Highly recommend!
John was super easy to work with and helped us figure out exactly what we had! From the time I messaged him through the website it wasn’t even 24 hours before he had the guitar and the transaction was done! So professional and overall great guy!
5. Russ’ Drum Room
Address: 800 Olde Towne Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 , Jefferson County , Alabama , United States
We aren’t musicians, and they didn’t run us out when my wife put her lack of talent on display when she strummed the banjo. For that, I give them 5 stars.
Very friendly and professional staff.
Great store. Good selection. Knowledgeable staff.
Very helpful and friendly
Big
Wonderful customer service
No se los recomiendo, es mejor comprar en online
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.
No words!
8. Guitars and More LLC Gardendale
Address: 1128 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071 , Jefferson County , Alabama , United States
I haven’t bought a guitar here yet, but the staff has been very courteous and knowledgeable. I have visited several times and the most I’ve spent is $60. Even though I haven’t laid down a lot of cash, the salesman recognizes me and greets me with a smile when I walk in.
Excellent music store.
Great shop with a great staff! I’ll be going back
Great sales,super repair work!
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 .
Great inventory and excellent friendly service from a fellow named Ken. Very knowledgeable
The people are nice but the stuff you buy here is garbage.
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.
9. Toms Sound
Address: 4013 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35222 , Jefferson County , Alabama , United States
Fast friendly polite people.
Unfortunately they don’t have the products I’m searching for.
Otherwise a great store.
Great
I always have a good experience there. I travel from out of town and always stop through and end up buying something
I been dealing with Mr.Toms for 20 yrs service is great the equipment is very reasonable and he will work with you thanks a lot for helping me on my equipment repairs I still have that 8-10 ampeg
Mucha variedad y calidad
They good
Used Tom’s Sound rentals for a friend’s wedding. Had to bypass the mixer that was rented entirely because the main output of the board was going in and out, like it has a dirty connection somewhere.
When I called the employee who dropped off the equipment for setup he blamed me and said there wasn’t any issue with the board, and I never got a response from the store when I e-mailed to followup on the issue and ask if they would at least partially refund the bride & groom for the issues with the rental equipment.
I had good experiences w/ Tom’s rentals previously, but for setups and rentals with a bigger budget and for a week or more. For a small one day rental I felt like the issues I had were ignored, or not believed.
They dont fix anything
I was in this store for all about 3 mins… The tall male clerk looked at me and I was the one to speak first. Mind you I had to speak twice before he gave me a dry hey. He’s really showed me that your money is no good around these parts…. I’m big on customer service and the customer service was a -20…. I’ll take my money elsewhere.
10. Bailey Brothers Music Company
Address: 4673 US-280 Suite # 7, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Jefferson County , Alabama , United States
Great experience at Bailey Brothers Music. Highly recommended.
These guys are always super helpful.
I mean come on it’s Bailey Brothers. Excellent service better people.
Good service. Knowledgeable staff. Wish there was one closer to us!
Good selection of musical equipment. Be prepared because they strictly enforce the muzzle mandate inside. They make you wear masks.
Usually get good service, but I took my guitar nut to be repaired after my guitar took a spill. I let them know the guitar had fallen and hoped they would fix. The nut was replaced poorly but the guitar had a buzz. Took it back 2 more times. The last visit, the person in charge of the repair (2 weeks later)said I had heavy fingers and raised the stings to a height that made the guitar unplayable. I took to another repair shop and they repaired the nut replaced by Bailey Brothers found a couple of uneven frets repaired the frets adjusted the neck and had to re-setup the guitar from the disaster repair at Bailey Brothers. If in need of repairs I will never return to this store.
No stars really. Not a very good merchant. Let someone use my credit card number without the card! Be careful!
I came in here the other day and they were incredibly overbearing and checked in on me every 30 seconds. From the second I walked in they were all up in my face and insisted on providing an address and phone number whenever I paid which I fully expect to be sold somewhere. I don’t know if they’re struggling to keep the lights on or something but the amount of customer service was way too much and came across as pushy and rude. Literally just let me shop.
I left my guitar with this store in February 2012 for a simple repair. In June it was still hanging waiting for them to repair. I had been told on multiple occasions that it would be ready in just a few days. I picked it up today June 24, 2012 and no repair has been done and I was still charged a bench fee. This place sucks. I will never go in there again. Good luck if you do.
11. Gadsden Music Company – Birmingham
Address: 4524 Southlake Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35244 , Jefferson County , Alabama , United States
Repaired my son’s trombone. Excellent work! Quickly done!
Very friendly staff
Did a wonderful job on repairing my trumpet. Highly recommended.
No Gibson guitars.
Mm masomenos
Fantastic friendly service at a reasonable price
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.
I would give this Gadsden music store no stars if it was allowed. The store representative, Jason Duren, had a bad attitude and was not helpful. He did not want to hand me my receipt and when I said something about it he told me I had an attitude. Jason must have a problem with women or it maybe people of color in general. Don’t waste your time here!! Fine a real music store who welcomes paying customers.
Had what I needed but staff was very unhelpful I asked for help and it was not given to me so I had to struggle to find what I needed
12. Innovative Music Concepts
Address: 233 Garden Dr, Gardendale, AL 35071 , Jefferson County , Alabama , United States
I’m not gonna take away stars for your struggles. It’s sad and I’m sorry for you guys. I appreciate you being open at all
Went in to get guitar strings. Tried out a guitar. Bought Earnie Ball Earthwood guitar strings. Some strings I merely tolerate to put on my guitar. Dean Markley strings work best for my playing style. I need strings that have the degree of durability that Dean Markley strings provide. Guitar Center use to sell Dean Markley brand strings. These days I’ve not found a music store that sells Dean Markley brand.
The employee that helped us was outstanding and went above & beyond to get a piece of equipment we needed on short notice. It was delivered on time, in 2 business days. I highly recommend Guitar Center for all your music needs.
It’s hard not to be in awe when you walk in to a wall of guitars and amps but it seems like your experience is mostly dependent on who’s at work that day. First visit was a 5, last week was a 1.
Have done business with g.c. since opening in Atlanta years ago. Since then have been to many others in the country. Consistent In prices and services. Just try some others,you’ll see.
They have most things you’d need for music
Guitar store that absolutely hates selling guitars. Or guitar services. This place ought to be replaced by something actually useful. Like a Staples!
Limited selection amps and guitars. Dissapointed. Went in to buy. Should have known better when I pulled up and 2 employees are out front smoking and no customers in the store.
I always enjoy the impersonal service that I receive from Guitar Center no matter the location. I was told at the cash register that it’s all about the numbers and that I am a number and it depends on what time of the month that number comes up as good or bad for him and me. I also mentioned a coupon that I received thru email but failed to print out from Dillon Fiorre the manager at this Guitar Center location, it was not applied. I was told that was just the corporate coupon and it was also impersonal because alas I am but a number. Come back and buy more stuff so we can send more impersonal coupons. really enjoyed my visit.
15. Souf Syde Records
Address: 524 20th Street Ensley, Birmingham, AL 35218 , Jefferson County , Alabama , United States
My ten year old is so happy to be receiving music lessons at Mason Music. His music teacher Ben is so sweet, talented and very patient with my son. Every time my child has music lessons, he always comes out learning something either it be big or small. His teacher is definitely leaving an awesome impression on him. And that speaks volumes, for a little ten year old who struggles to keep focus or interest in something more than one day. And the company itself is so welcoming. When you first walk in you are immediately greeted with a smile, kind words and a welcome bag for your child, which brings a big smile to them. Thank you Ben and Mason Music for all you do!
My son has really enjoyed playing electric guitar with Bret here! He always looks forward to coming and he has made steady progress. It is a highlight of his week.
My oldest son has been taking voice and guitar lessons, with Mason Music, for over 5 years. The quality of teaching he continues to receive is second to none. As a parent, I’m grateful for the positive relationships he shares with his teachers. Mason Music is a fun learning environment with quality people making sure both the students and the parents have a top notch experience.
Wonderfull people, great atmosphere, amazing music and literature selection
Amazing!
Great selection good prices helpful staff
Gary is knowledgeable of a variety of music genres. He’s made excellent suggestions and helped me find what I was looking for
Had a lot of records, but what I looked at were scratched.
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.
