Top-13 of music shops in Kensington

Excellent staff and a great place to do business with

Awesome Owners and staff!

Top quality, world class laminates. Best in industry.

Miss it already

Tom has been putting his expertise and love into my guitars for years intonation and action and repairs compares to none he always goes the extra mile to make sure your satisfied Thanks Tom!! Also I’ve had a gift from my wife a studio les paul that was unplayable strings buzzed intonation way off from the factory after Tom worked his magic out of 15 guitars one of my best can’t say enough about what Tom puts into his work thanks B

The best day of my musical life was when our paths crossed.

Tom is now in his own shop, around the corner from the old place. You never know who you will see, or what you might find.

After 5 years, the old guitar i got from him still makes me smile, and I give little prayers of thanks.

You want it, he will find it … or help you find it.
I treasure every visit.

I wouldn’t go back to this music shop. I was looking for a used guitar, but Tom was unhappy with me trying out his guitars, or would try to coerce me into purchasing them after I played them. Also, he wouldn’t let others use his equipment without vowing to buy from him. It was a bit ridiculous, and totally defeated the purpose of a music shop. Really disappointed with his service, only 1 star from me.

ima trumpet player and came here to look around and poss get a new horn. HE WOULDNT LET ME PLAY THE HORNS UNTILL I BOUGHT THEM!!!!!
BAD COSTUMER SERVICE
WILL NOT COME BACK

I’ve been doing business with Scott at the music shop for years, he knows about the needs of musicians and great on any repairs or just info on your current instrument. Will hopefully be doing many more years here.

Absolutely amazing, kind, and genuine people. Was going to drop off my guitar for a repair. Did not need to drop it off, the gentleman at the counter took my guitar apart and fixed it on the spot, under charged me and would not take more money. Truly an exceptional experience. Highly recommend

Brought in a trumpet with a stick mouth piece. They were very nice and were able to remove the mouth piece quickly. Great customer service!

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.

Very helpful.

Excellent Quality of both service and instruments.

Very friendly fast and efficient service! I love shopping local

Fast and friendly service

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!

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.

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…

Good guys

Was super helpful and welcoming

Good but misleading name, they also have keys, drums, live sound etc

The service is not very good. Mostly in the guitar seccion. When I got a question is hard find somebody.

Looks almost empty compared to 3 years ago. Not many guitars on the wall, and not much wiggle room on price; which is surprising with all the online competition.

Helpful but not very stocked on equipment

I personally have had Nothing but bad experiences with g.c over the years, will not be spending anymore of my hard earn money at guitar center

Extremely frustrating experience. Bought a keyboard piano here as a gift and brought it home. Usually I wouldn’t check the box but with warranty that expires I took a look inside to see there was no AC adapter for the keyboard. I called the store back after I had just purchased the piano maybe an hour before, and was told there was nothing that they could do for me. The fact that it didn’t have it included leads me to believe the piano was used in some way, because I’m sure it is included when it is originally packaged and shipped out, yet it was sold to me as new. I asked if they could even ship me the adapter separately and was told that they could not and could instead give me in store credit for the adapter. Now I have to order a third party adapter to put into the box to package up as a gift. Would not recommend purchasing anything with their poor customer service.

Unable to coax staff into showing interest in finding string action gage in their stock – made me feel like I was imposing by even asking. Went to Manchester- very friendly and helpful- got what I needed

We are new to the area and we’re pleased to have found this music store just around the corner. The customer service by telephone and in person was excellent; I spoke to a Chris and a Ruben, both of whom were gracious and helpful.

I had my 40-year-old folk guitar re-strung and re-conditioned for $25! To boot, Ruben was kind enough to tune my guitar on my way out of the store.

It’s rare to find a Music store these days. It’s even more rare to find a store whose staff provide such professional customer service. Will definitely bring our other two guitars in for servicing.

Great store and affordable items

Quality store, professional staff, and especially helpful with younger students. Good programs for renting instruments, and they host lessons as well.

Limited retail space, but the staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Music lessons are offered on site.

I have condensed my original rant down to the following- we really like our children’s teachers- but the front desk needs saving

Yeah it’s good!

Very poor service. I had gone few days ago to order a rental violin size 1/16 according to my son teacher recommendations, and a violin for my wife. This week I received a call letting me know that the violins were ready for pick up.
First thing I was told when I arrived was that the violin 1/16 was not there, after I told the associate I have received a phone call, he went to check again and sure enough he found it.
He mentioned that the violin ha a tag outside saying it was 1/32, but that it was a size 1/16 because it has been measured.
He proceeded to fill up a rental contact that I signed, however I suspected the violin was indeed a 1/32, I then open the violin box and inside the violin there was a mark for 1/32 size.
I mentioned to the associate that I thought the violin was a 1/32 not a 1/16. He was visible frustrated and said that his manager had I don’t remember what degrees in music and that he had measured the violin ant it was a 1/32, he then told me that I could check online the dimensions for a 1/16 violin, which I did, and sure enough the violin was a 1/32 according to the measurements they have online. I told the associate that I preferred to wait, he replied that the contract was already done, I said that I did not care, because I wanted the right size violin. All along this discussion the associate attitude was extremely rude.
I would not recommend this store, however unfortunately there aren’t too many options available.

Absolutely horrible service by the staff. Our son took lessons for two years and store failed to call when teacher couldn’t make it to lesson and even refused to acknowledge that his instrument had been returned when it was sitting in front of them. Sadly, these small shops are disappearing and so it is hard to walk away from one but the staff and management is really just that bad.

My child joined band program at her school in West Hartford. Using their online system, I placed an order for instrument rental and a book for the program. The date I placed my order, they charged my credit card.

However, they never delivered the instrument until I called and confirm the status. The book was never delivered with the instrument. A week later, I called them to confirm about the book. They told me that it was back ordered. Since the book was available in Amazon for next day delivery, I asked Music & Arts to cancel my book order.

After few weeks, I still did not have my credit back for the book. I called them to ask for the refund, and the customer service told me that I have to return the book (which was never delivered!) in order to get the refund and hang up on me. I used the chat function on their website to explain the situation. Here, the customer service told me that they would never charge the credit card unless the item is delivered, and conversation did not go anywhere. (Again, my credit card was charged on the date I placed order!) Not knowing what to do, I called the store in West Hartford, left my phone number with an employee so the manager can call me back. No one called me back. I sent polite email to the manager, and also emailed the customer service. No response from anyone.

I will NOT order anything from this business in the future.

Quaint coffee shop with good drinks and friendly staff

Great coffee during our stay in New Britain.

Delicious coffee, huge selection of flavor shots, and wonderful pastries. Haven’t tried the crepes yet, but I will soon. Very friendly staff too.

Nice place.

Great little new location in town. One of the great things about Berlin is that we support our small business owners. Large franchise stores won’t last in this town but the townies support. Great menu of crepes, gelato and coffees to choose from.

Great gourmet coffee and the jazz style cover music sets a nice ambiance to sit back and enjoy a good cup of joe.

Was not able to get coffee because their system “wasn’t accepting” mobile pay.

Update on New Britain location; I use to really like this place but recently I went in and had a very scary and strange encounter with an employee. He surprised me from behind and scared me while also physically embracing me as I was waiting at the counter patiently for someone to come out. Needless to say I didn’t get a coffee but literally what in the world was that all about? Ive tried reaching out to the owner but haven’t gotten a response. The employee really scared me and had no reason to touch me or do that, I don’t know him. How is that the only person working?

The only reason this place has so many good reviews is because there are no other boutique cafés in the area and everyone is desperate for one! The coffee here is terrible and the baked goods have no flavor except sugar. Also they don’t offer anything organic, which seems like a fail considering that they are not corporate. After a few bad experiences I’ve decided not to waste my time here anymore no matter how appealing the thought of it is. It just isn’t.

The coffee was extremely bitter and burnt tasting. I got a flavored drink and could not taste any of the flavored syrup they added because the coffee was so burnt it overpowered everything else. I regret getting a large and paying $8 for coffee that is exceedingly worse than your average Dunkin or Starbucks basic coffee.

I love most small cafes I’ve tried in CT, but this is not it.

Small shop but has any parts you’d need are probably there and the staff were helpful.

Our competitors think writing bad reviews is the best way to earn a customers business Buyer beware

Fred Pedemonti no longer works there,that is why the 5 stars. Fred is scum.

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.

Sent me a different accordion with no straps and a case that should of been thrown out

Went in to sell my cello, the woman that was working there was amazing and very professional. She had to call the owner to ask about the selling price. He had her look up what my model last sold for on eBay (it’s 2021 my dude) and there were no matches so he had nothing to go off of. I paid $1400 for it, I was looking for around $500. He wanted to give me $50. An absolute joke. I’m not looking for top dollar but I’m also not looking to get completely ripped off.

Total waste of my time

Thanks for the easy transaction and the great horn.

Great customer service! Came in for a repair a month ago and the same piece broke again and I thought all hope was lost. I came back hoping I’d just be able to get my money back and left with a fixed guitar without having to pay again! So happy!

JC Music offers wide selection of products at very reasonable prices. They also have a great lesson program. Whether your a beginner or a more advanced student the teachers can tailor your lessons to that of your needs. I have been taking voice / guitar lessons at JC Music for a little over a year and could not be more satisfied. In addition to the lesson program they also rent instruments so that you can find what best suits you with out the expense of buying an instrument outright. Or if your looking to buy or sell any used instruments you can take advantage of their consignment program. Overall it is a great place with excellent products and a variety of services that are hard to find elsewhere.

My grandson really enjoyed the music lessons and they are very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend them.

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.

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

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.

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.

I’ve been a patron of the Middlesex Music Academy for over a decade. This is the place. THIS, is the place. If you’re looking for a tutor, repair or an expert opinion/guidance about music, THIS, is the place. You are not going to get the same care or interaction elsewhere; THIS, is the place.

For instances, their “repair guy” Joe Stereo, is the best. I have trusted him with my most beloved gear and he has treated my gear as if it were his own. He is aces. He’s always gone above beyond the call of duty in every conceivable way. Joe has worked on more than a dozen of my
instruments and I have never been dissatisfied in anyway.

Matt, the store proprietor, is a seasoned musician. He and his dedicated staff are generous with their knowledge and willing to work with anyone on any budget or otherwise to achieve their goals. I can’t say enough about this homegrown and beautiful establishment.

The bottom line, if you’re looking for a music store where you can build a lasting and worthwhile relationship with, then look no further than the Middlesex Music Academy. THIS, is the place.

Highly recommend for instrument repairs. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful. Got my sax playing like new again for a very reasonable price in 4 days. I will be back here.

I had a last-minute emergency repair needed for my flute right before a performance, and the staff at Middlesex Music Academy were all so kind and helpful. They fixed my flute in record time, and walked me through the whole process with the highest of professionalism. Thank you so much!

The sales team made it possible for me to afford a piano for my son

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).

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.

Great coffee, even better people!

Such a nice locally owned coffee shop. The spicy lattes are absolutely delicious! This place well worth your time.

Can’t get enough of this place. Best coffee, best food, best people.

Super cute coffee shop, staff was very friendly and they have plenty of indoor& outdoor seating. The latte was basically milk though 🙁

A very solid cup of coffee 8/10 (today they had a medium Guatemalan roast). Small selection of baked goods and plenty of seating. Will definitely visit again

Great place to go for a cup of coffee. They have a patio where you can have your drink outside. Great for a quick meet up/date. There’s plenty of parking. Also good for families. I tried their hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies which were very good. They were holding a fund raiser for the highschool special education class, which is a huge plus because they give back to their community.

This was a regular spot during the week for me to study because it was spacious and clean. Unfortunately, a latte was made with milk when I requested oat milk. I have a severe lactose intolerance (thankfully, not an allergy) and was able to deal with it privately in their single-use bathroom. The experience was quite painful, left me in a cold-sweat on the floor, and very weak and pale once I gained my strength back to get up. Not feeling well, I gathered my things to leave and mentioned it to one of the employees who apologized. From my understanding, the owner was present and aware of my complaint and situation, but chose not to address it. I have not gone back to this coffee shop.

Unfriendly person taking my order –
acting like she couldn’t be bothered to help me. Iced coffee has no taste. Wouldn’t recommend.

Underwhelming. I’ve been here multiple times hoping that the next is better. I think I’m done with it for good. It’s the same underwhelming experience every time I go. The people working there are moody, like you’re bothering them to make a black iced coffee. The baked goods are small, expensive and not that good. Ultimately, the coffee is pretty subpar. I’m a coffee lover and it’s like they are going cheap on the beans or adding water to the coffee after its brewed.

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.

Great store! Love the selection of Ernie Ball Music Man instruments.

Fantastic service, fast shipping, and competitive pricing.

Great service