Roadkill Custom Drum Co does excellent restoration and inspection of vintage and modern equipment. The work is meticulously organized and detailed and the highest level of quality and service is the end result. It’s a good value and fair pricing for top of the line professional gear that is one hundred percent reliable , affordable and ready to suit your needs. There’s a definite passion for what they do and it shows , there’s a very good chance you’ll find yourself going back to visit again and even making a friend !
Let them hear what your needs are , and assist you in finding that bespoke kit just for you , that’s what they are all about and they’re ready to help ,give them a look.
Went to trade some gear!! Great owner, great shop! Awesome decor. Haven’t seen too many unique ways to recycle drum equipment.
5. Carlton Music Center
Address: 308 Ave D NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 , Lake Hamilton , Florida , United States
Outstanding service. Employees extremely knowledgeable and very willing to spend time discussing items with you. Reasonable prices usually matching what you would find online.
Hadn’t been in here in close to 2 decades. Still the wonderful place I remember from my teens when I bought my first of many bass guitars and amps here. They have a great selection at good prices and the staff are super friendly! The man who helped us was an amazing keyboard player who shared some amazing stories with us about his career in music. I came for strings for my acoustic, left, and came back a few minutes later to buy new strings for my bass as well. Didn’t realize how much I’d missed this place. My band probably dropped 7-10 grand here buying our instruments and PA gear back in the day and they always made us feel welcome. Nice to know that the staff still care.
I have been using Carlton Music Center in Winterhaven, FL for the last six years and thought it’s a good time (March 2023) to tell folks what a great place it is.
I’ve been a musical entertainer (guitarist and other stuff) for 50 years, gigging at weekends all that time and professional for the last 11 years.
During Covid lockdown I, like many others, started using on line retailers like Sweetwater. I’ll tell you now, there is really no comparison between on-line retailers and being helped by experts one on one in a shop which carries the same instruments / equipment at much the same prices. Every single person I have dealt with in the Winterhaven shop has been very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about their area.
My most recent experience was when they replaced the neck of a Fender Acoustasonic I bought on-line from Sweetwater. The neck had warped badly. As it was under guarantee I asked Sweetwater for a replacement guitar. They asked me to take it to an authorized Fender service shop, which was Carlton Music Winterhaven. After weeks of back and forward emails with Sweetwater where they wouldn’t tell me if they would replace the guitar (at first they wanted me to also pay for shipment back to them). Eventually they agreed they would replace the guitar – but wouldn’t tell me if the replacement guitar would have the same problem as the first one, which the Carlton Guitar tech had confirmed with Fender was a known problem with a batch of these guitars. Sweetwater had delayed, been difficult, said they knew nothing about problems with these guitars (incredible as I had a problem with this guitar from Sweetwater and Fender had admitted it was a problem batch). They frustrated me by not answering straight questions with straight answers so much that I was concerned Sweetwater would send me another un-adjusted problem guitar. In the meantime Carlton Music received a new neck from Fender. The guitar tech, Marcus (great guy), fitted the neck, and carefully adjusted the action a couple of times, letting me test it after each tweak, until he and I agreed it was perfect. I played a full gig with the guitar on St Patrick’s day last week and it played and sounded great.
I have also had an emergency where I was heading to a gig and discovered the special mic holder I needed was missing, I got in touch with Carlton, they didn’t have one, but they could see on their system that Carlton music in Lakeland (20 miles away) did have four of them and they have a shuttle van each day between shops which could get it to Winterhaven by 4pm that day. As it happened, I was passing by Lakeland on the way to my gig, so I stopped off and right enough, Carlton music there had four of them – and I received the same great, friendly service as I always get in Winterhaven.
I have also had a heavy duty European power supply replaced with a USA one on an SWR redhead bass combo in Carlton Winterhaven. Again they couldn’t have been more helpful and the Electronics technician there is first class, it worked great.
I’ve noticed recently that their guitar selection has widened, prices and price ranges are good and above all, you’re dealing face to face with an expert who will advise you and has your back if you experience any problems afterwards.
If you need a great place for your musical needs, this is it. Online shopping looks attractive and easy, but despite what they promise you, forget it, get yourself into Carlton, physically touch, handle, see and hear what you’re buying, get face to face advice from a professional and be guaranteed of great service.
Mucha variedad en instrumentos musicales.
Had repairs performed on my bass guitar. Was happy with the results. Was worried about the neck being warped. Their luthiere was able to resolve my issues, set it back up and stay within original verbal estimate over the phone. Would absolutely go back.
Great service and selection of equipment.
I purchased a 3/4 violin from them for $417.00. My son is no longer interested in playing so I took it in to sell back to them. When I bought the instrument it was classified as good condition and I was told at the store it is still in good condition. They offered me $40.
The man who met us at the door asked if we were there for a music lesson. We explained to him no and what we were in search of. He explain rather in a short mood to us, that they do no carry that to check Best buy or someplace else. He asked if we needed anything else. I said no my daughter has her own instruments and plays well.
Nice selection of vintage equipment, bought a Twin Reverb… sweet!
Great selection of guitars and amps. I dont buy anything online. Nice to be able to try things out in a comfortable place, and not feel like you’re being rushed. Selection seems to grow more and more.Big box stores, such is not the case.
“One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”
I love coming here and looking at Jimmy’s inventory. It’s ever revolving. He sold me an awesome beat-up Fender Hot Rod Deville tube amp for cheap. I love my gear to have a very worn relic’d look, and this amp fit the bill. Jimmy even offered to hold the amp until I could find a place to put it so my wife wouldn’t discover I bought another amp. ( yes… I have a problem with Gear Acquisition Syndrome).
Jimmy’s pricing is fair and competitive with other places who are also selling used equipment. Hell… even the great Joe Bonamassa has been to the store… so that has to say something about Jimmy’s knowledge and expertise and sharing to the people of Central Florida great used guitar gear. I would totally recommend this business. If you don’t agree, you can keep buying junk at Guitar Center.
Keep up the good work, Jimmy.
Great selection of guitars. Some stuff you will never see at guitar center.
Pretty neat shop, some of the stuff is dusty but in good conditions.
Quaint shop. Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. Easy to get to.
I felt like I was bothering the owner because I was interested in guitars under $500……..
Im never buying from this store ever again. I bought a Tele and when I took the tele to my guitar tech for a setup he found out some frets were not even with the rest. I told Jimmy that I wanted to change the tele for another one in his store that was the same price. He tells me that he takes the guitar back but I needed to give him $100. I tell him that Im not selling the guitar back to him for a trade.. Im returning the guitar and I was gonna get another guitar that was at the same price. He then started to ask me about my guitar tech.. assuming my guitar tech was the one that damaged the guitar. I ended up paying to get the guitar fixed. Very unprofessional and it speaks volumes when an owner of a store is willing to loose a client over $100. Never coming back.
I used to like this place but none of the employees or customers are wearing masks. Pretty messed up to wilfully endanger the community but that’s Auburndale for you.
I love this place and the family friendly environment. I believe they have the best music instructors!
The staff is great and I take lessons here so I am there every week. Prices are good and affordable. Also all the instructors are very good at what they do.
Very friendly place, good people…family environment ..the open mike (music show) on the first Friday of every month is really cool to see their students perform..if the served beer and food they would get 10 points. hint! hint!
Rick was warm & friendly & it seems to have a nice stock of instruments. Tucked in the corner of the Staples building so it’s easy to drive right by without seeing it. Very little sheet music for vocalists so if that’s what your looking for don’t bother. They have an open mic night every 1st Saturday so I will come to one & see what it’s like.
Helpful, knowledgeable, affordable
Left them guitar to glue the neck, the estimation was way above market, that’s OK. I’ve decided to go to other store but during pick up I found scratches here and there. Lucky me-made a video when I did bring a guitar the 1st time. I am just disappointed- waste a month and no result. They did polish and removed scratches (not all as I found out in another store). Not a bad store with various instruments new and used, I even bought a bass, but I do not trust their guitar master. Rick is a good guy but the master is a 3rd party that occasionally appears and takes guitars home, where I guess and damage mine.
Does not open at 10:00
Would like to see the in side but I guess not today
I dropped off my instruments for a tuneup. I was quoted $280 and I said of course! Never had a problem until I went to pick them up! Two individuals whom I’ve never seen before were at the counter. My instruments were sitting aside ready for pickup. I told the man who asked how much I was charged $280. He goes to the back, gets someone else and she never addresses me but questions him in obvious skepticism $280 for all of this? She proceeds to go in the back, as if she’s out of range of my hearing, to call the owner and verify if I was telling the truth. Why would I lie? $280 is not a little bit. Then she proceeds to say we just wanted to make sure because we weren’t told. I should have been able to come in with my tickets, ID, and money and pick up my instruments! Not have to wait because of whatever PREJUDICE these people feel! That exchange alone is why I’ll NEVER return here! I’ll pay whatever for my instruments.
Edit–Response:
Rick B.,
You are correct–you were NOT there. I am aware that you are the owner and as the owner you FAILED to communicate with your employees. Either way, there were failures through no fault of my own. I shared MY experience, which you were not present for and you have ADMITTED was your fault. SHAME ON YOU! This ought to be a learning lesson in communication so that these FAILURES do not happen again in the future! DO BETTER!
Long drive for nothing…called in advance to ask if they had what I was looking for available, “yeah, come in and check them out” is what I was told. I even looked online to see what was available. Got to the store and the music was Soo loud! The guy finally came over to help and actually had no real knowledge what so ever about the product he was trying to sell. I went out of my way to avoid a big box store and shop local..a MUSIC STORE and I knew more about the product from what I had scoured on google/Amazon.
Ended up ordering something on Amazon as a shot in the dark at least it had data I could go off of.
Would never suggest stopping in for any music needs. Sad.
13. Space Ape Studios
Address: 1920 Verano Dr, Haines City, FL 33844 , Lake Hamilton , Florida , United States
I love this studio they have everything you need all in one place! want to take photos, create a Podcast, get your music mixed and mastered here is the perfect place.If your debating you shouldn’t Book your session right now!
This studio should be your first option. It’s very comfortable and professional. I feel safe and know that I will get the best work whenever I use Space Ape Studios
Came up to this guys door trying to sell pest control and he gave me water and a bag of chips and told me about this studio so I thought I would give it 5 stars
14. Lake Wales Care Center Dundee Thrift Store
Address: 29696 US Hwy 27, Dundee, FL 33838 , Lake Hamilton , Florida , United States
Some items may be overpriced. However if you speak with the management they are more than fair at negotiating a fair price. Love this store!
Realmente soy cliente de esa tienda, consigo muy buenas oportunidades. no comparto que si compras un articulo Ej. una furnitura y en ese instante deseas devolverlo porque pensaste que no te convenia. ellos no te devuelven el dinero. te dan un store credit y aun no han transcurrido ni 24 horas.
Not open on weekends as stated on their web sight. How disappointing.so can’t give a rateing only can give one star becauae. A lady had told me who don’t even work there..
I would not recommend this place for someone who is bargain hunting. They have taken to eBay to inflate their prices for what it would cost on an antique market not at a thrift store. That being said they do have a good variety of vintage items just expect to pull out your wallet and pay for them! It was my first time there and it will not be worth a second trip for me!
Wasn’t impressed
15. CornerStone Music, LLC
Address: 798 W Montrose St, Clermont, FL 34711 , Lake Hamilton , Florida , United States
Brought my niece here for lessons, small shop, but big selection and anything they don’t have they are willing to find for you. Pete is our instructor and very patient and calm, plus flexible on lesson times and last minute changes.
These guys are awesome! Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and just really cool.
My go-to place for repairs. Quick and knowledgable with a very good selection of guitar/bass strings!
For the several thousands of dollars my family has spent at this business, I expect Pete to be friendly/pleasant towards us(at the very least), for life, but he clearly can’t maintain that. He started acting rude towards my mom some years back, and now me. For no apparent reason. I hope that keeping that sour attitude of yours is worth losing 20+ year customers who often went out of their way to spend money at your establishment and stay local. Weird way to treat people who earned you money. Avoid. He’s one of those guys who thinks everyone is a “democrat”. Super solid reason to push customers away.
16. Leesburg Music
Address: 1607 US-441, Leesburg, FL 34748 , Lake Hamilton , Florida , United States
Amazing store… they always greet you and make you feel like family. And they have a very clean store and a great selection of guitars.
Excelente servicio y es una tienda donde encontrarás todo lo que necesitas para tus instrumentos o si deseas comprar instrumentos
If your looking for music equipment and great customer service you MUST check out Leesburg Music they are SO helpful and SO honest it’s strange and refreshing to see in this day and age. Joel was so patient with my dad and walked him through every equipment option and then after all was said and done Joel recommended the cheaper option for my dad’s needs…You sir are a hall of famer in my book
Nice little music shop! Their in-store selection primarily covers the beginner-intermediate range, with many b-stock guitars at reduced prices. Good deals on amplifiers, good selection of mid range basses and guitars. Great deals on amplifiers — considered an SVT350H that they had in stock. Will definitely go back and keep checking the place out every so often!
Quiero un pad electrónico de percusión y un subwoofer
Great service and great people. Highly recommend.
We called before making the 45 minute trip to purchase a guitar, strings and a case, only to be turned away because I brought my little service dog. It was 88 degrees so she did not have her Service Dog Vest on. I offered to go back to the car to put it in her. That wasn’t good enough. We were there less than 2 minutes. I had brought my 16 year old foreign exchange student there and he sure got a whiff of good old American culture today.
So embarrassing. Shame on them on all accounts.
Lack communication skills and people skills
Rude staff who didn’t seem to be interested in my business. I won’t be back.
17. FDF RECORDING STUDIO
Address: N Scenic Hwy, Lake Wales, FL 33853 , Lake Hamilton , Florida , United States
One of the nicest Antique stores I’ve ever been to. Got to go for the first time in early March before everything closed up. I don’t live very close by but do plan to go back when everything opens up again. The lady that worked on a Saturday was very friendly and helpful. If you love Antiquing you gotta stop in and check this store out. Prices are reasonable for the most part and not filled with junk.
A great place!! So many different booths with so many different items!!
There was alot of nice stuff. The staff was very nice.
I purchased something I Love, it was on sale too!
Air conditioning in building is nice. Well organized. Overpriced.
Cute tiny place. Owner is nice lady.
Disrespectful people I didn’t know what I was doing with an old camera and some lady saw me struggling and didn’t even offer to help.
This place is high priced, way too much stuff crammed into booths.
Very rude folks.
19. Music & Arts
Address: 1673 WP Ball Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771 , Lake Hamilton , Florida , United States
Marc did an awesome job repairing my guitar. Highly recommend.
This store is fantastic!!!!! Rebecca and Cesar were absolutely professional, knowledgeable and helped my son upgrade to a better quality violin. Very patient!! 5 stars isn’t enough.
Nothing but positive experiences with Benny and his staff! They are always friendly and professional.
It going to be cool
They would not return some unopened items we purchased while trying out an instrument. I had to return for a manager and push to get some of the items returned. All I wanted was credit toward a different instrument and even that was a challenge. Make sure you want to keep what your buying.
They are exceptionally nice!
I was not allowed to shop at this store because I didn’t have a mask. I really feel discriminated against. All I wanted was some guitar picks. That would have taken like five minutes. I guess I am going to find another music store that will not discriminate against me just because I’m not wearing a mask.
My child and I went here first before going to another local music store on recommendation. I dont usually post bad reviews but thought i must for anyone else having their child starting band. This place will try and pressure you into trying to buy whatever it is they have to sell for the week. the employees are rude and wont give you the time of day if you are there with just questions. not to mention the arrogance felt from them. save yourselves the time and find another store.
Was a 5-star establishment previously. Unfortunately, with a new manager, Shane, loyal, long-time customers are no longer valued. Unfortunate.
20. Matthew Baynes School of Music and Music Central
Address: 605 S 14th St, Leesburg, FL 34748 , Lake Hamilton , Florida , United States
Awesome store great people great service..just came in from Michigan and they helped me get what I needed to jam away from home..highly recommend!! Stop in today!! I highly recommend it..
Wow never thought so manny choices in music the people r the most helpful an suggestive iv ever dealt with
Always inviting and fair prices!
This was a fast and friendly store provided lots of information and gave us a very good deal for my son’s first guitar thank you guys it’s been a real nice guitar for us
Much interesting new find,. I will return when I decide to buy a guitar
Nice staff ….. clean store …..l shop there again
I brought my amp and speaker cabinet to this store to put on consignment. It is a Mesa Boogie single rectifier. It work perfectly before I brought it there. It didn’t sell and 7 months later I picked it up. Brought it home and I didn’t use it at all for a few months. Tonight someone was coming to buy it. I went to plug it in and no power. Fuse was blown before I even turned it on. Was told by tech that the 6L6 tubes were toast . I had the tubes replaced and p gone over by an expert. Tubes had about 10 hours on them. Obviously someone at this store swapped out. Never going back to this dump EVER!!!!!
If i could give it less if I would. You claim your open till 6 on Saturdays. Nobody was home. Tisk tisk.
Never paid me for a guitar and case left on consignment. One excuse after another. It’s only $120…they must be struggling…so beware
