Had one of the best shopping experiences I’ve ever had. Knowledgeable. Passionate about music. Really took the time to show me the nuances of the guitars for sale. Can’t say enough positive. A++++++++++
if you play guitar and enjoy finer instruments you got to stop in…. the best selection of quality acoustic guitars and a few electrics too for those who like to plug in. They will also match Sweetwater as well. So if you need a new instrument stop in and support a local shop.Very knowledgeable staff as well.
Had a guitar cable when I needed it.
Thé Owners are lousy business
Not many mandolins
No prices listed
2. The Music Shop
Address: 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489 , les Borges del Camp , Connecticut , United States
My kids have been going to The Music Shop for 8 years and their experience has been flawless. The ownership and instructors are very professional. The instructors personalize each lesson to keep the kids engaged in wanting to learn and practice on their own. There is no other place to go, stop here.
Very helpful staff and kids get to play the demo keyboards which only sparks their creativity and musicality and that’s a bonus in my book. They also offer lessons here and have a huge selection of guitars and instruments can be rented or purchased. Will be visiting again that’s for sure!!!!
Why is a guy in Melbourne, Australia giving a music shop Southington, Connecticut a five star review? Well I grew up in nearby Bristol and got a number of the guitar books I still use from the Music Shop about 20 years ago. But the real reason I’m giving a high rating is for the help they’ve offered my mother. I left my Les Paul behind in Connecticut and during Melbourne’s Covid lockdown got back into guitar. I asked my mother if she could send me my LP, and, having no idea what to do, she went to the Guitar Shop. They helped her pack it up and told her exactly what to do to make sure it arrived safely, and it did! Then, a few months ago, while cleaning out my late grandmother’s basement, my mother found an old parlour guitar. She went back to the Music Shop and they gave her advice about whether it was worth fixing up and shipping. That guitar just arrived at my door today in great shape.
Thanks so much guys!
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.
3. The Music Bureau
Address: 1 New London Rd, Salem, CT 06420 , les Borges del Camp , Connecticut , United States
Great lessons for all ages, good gear, super friendly teachers.
Personal and attentive, knowledgeable and professional. You’re not getting treated like a faceless wallet in a warehouse shop here!
So I have been battleing this in my head for awhile so I just happen to notice this little shop walked in knowing very little, was super friendly, and answered all my questions, by the time I left he had me set to buy one, So today I’m going to go buy it, I. So excited !!!
This business has changed hands a few times. But still has a great selection of core instruments and accessories. Also offer lessons.
4. Martel Music Store
Address: 1 Whiting St, Plainville, CT 06062 , les Borges del Camp , Connecticut , United States
I took a pedal building class, that was both fun and educational. Instructor was fantastic, and EXTREMELY patient with me. I learned a ton, and came home with an incredible sounding Tubescreamer that I built myself. Can’t recommend this experience enough.
Wow what a cool place. My favorite Gretsch guitars were in evidence and I got to play a Brian Seltzer Hot Rod . I used it to try out my new purchase of Source Audio reverb pedal. Thanks to the Martel’s for making me feel welcome and for a terrific deal. I’ll be back!
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.
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.
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.
5. Crescendo Music
Address: 351 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820 , les Borges del Camp , Connecticut , United States
Crescendo music is a fantastic music store! Jason and the kind folk that work there helped me get my dream guitar. And will forever be thankful.
We love our teachers at Crescendo and find the whole place to be inviting of musical exploration.
Our son has played guitar for several years but was wanting to quit – arguing any time we asked him to practice. Someone suggested Crescendo as they have a daughter who loves going there. We went and from the first lesson with Dale, our son was back in love with the guitar. He practices without being asked and is excited to show us new songs he’s learned. Dale has a great way with tweens and gets their respect because he plays regularly in a band. Dale also works on music that our son loves – nothing “boring” about music in our house anymore. Highly recommend Crescendo.
Do not believe a flute that was dropped off to be cleaned and refurbished was even touched. Paid for the service and when opened, it remained unpolished and keys were still sticking to the pads. Unprofessional.
Do not rent from them. Had a few issues – just now with the return of the instrument. Returned a cello on 5.20, and still received a charge for another forward month on 5.22.
I called them, and manager Jason told me it is my job to call their provider of instruments and take care of this situation. That they only provide pick up and drop off and cannot be on the phone all day trying to reach their supplier. I was also offered to come and get the cello from the store again and personally take it to their supplier.
Very bad. Obviously, they do not get that when a customer rents from them, it is Crescendo’s store the customer rents from and not some obscure supplier. It is also their brand/store image that suffers.
6. Brian’s Guitars
Address: 453 W Main St, Cheshire, CT 06410 , les Borges del Camp , Connecticut , United States
Knowledgeable and friendly staff with an awesome selection of high quality guitars, amps, and pedals.
Dan and the rest of the crew at Brian’s were a pleasure to work with. I live out of state and they made working a deal with them remotely as easy as possible. Super happy with my purchase and I hope to shop from them again. 10/10!
Brian is a great guy to buy from and Corey the guitar tech really knows what he’s doing. Brian’s has a large selection of brand new and used guitars, amps and accessories. He has a direct connection with the PRS factory and can help get spec out a custom built guitar!
BUYER BEWARE: If you’re shopping used online, call ahead and ask them to send you updated pictures of the instrument before you buy.
I just purchased a used guitar online, from Brian’s Guitars. It sounds and looks great.
HOWEVER: the pictures and listing posted online were not accurate. The listing said “near mint” condition. The pictures showed all the tags and plastic seals on the components still intact. When I received the guitar, all the seals were gone. There were scuffs on the pickguard, and there was a screw completely missing near the volume/tone knobs. After an email exchange, I learned that the pictures were posted from when the guitar was new. Still, why was a screw missing?
I may have scored a guitar at a sweet deal, but now my confidence is shook. Even though everything sounds fine, I’m left wondering if a screw was removed to mess around with the internal components. I’ll get that checked out, but given the inaccurate listing, I’m not sure if I would buy from Brian’s Guitars again.
I recently had a vintage bass repaired and appraised here. I left it with them to have the electronics fixed and a general setup done. I got a call that the guitar was ready to be picked up a few weeks later, but had to remind them to also do the appraisal.
I get the bass home and the jack is incredibly noisy. I called and was told that they would make it right at no cost. I take the bass back and the tech puts a new jack in. They still charged me $10 for the jack, the making it right part only included the labor (about ten minutes). I couldn’t care less about $10, but making an extra trip out (about half hour from my home) to have something fixed that should have been done in the first place, guarantees I will never go back here or recommend it to anyone.
Love the layout and they have beautiful guitars. However, customer service is lacking. I advice those that are interested in buying a high-end guitar and enjoy collecting these musical art pieces to look elsewhere as I was told so rudely. Especially if you are a minority. The stereo typing is real!. If you think this is a rant of someone that is not able to afford this level of guitars, well, think again. I have a small collection that keeps growing of high-end to medium range guitars, bass guitars , and amps. I Hope this helps someone that does not want to be profiled while shopping for their next piece of happiness.