Everything a student needs to sharpen their craft.
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.
Probably one of, if not the best music store in the Birmingham area. They market towards musicians of all kinds – beginner to semi-professional/professional. Very clean establishment and helpful/knowledgeable staff. If you’re looking for a great place to fill most all your music needs, look no farther, you’ve found it here!
Good. place to shop for all your. music. needs.
Wonderful customer service
It’s nice that stores like Art’s are still around.
SCAM! Just buy an instrument off Amazon with Affirm or some other if you need to make payments. The markup isn’t justified by the TERRIBLE and antiquated policies and customer service.
AVOID! THIS IS A SCAM!
Very overpriced! I understand small business vs online shopping and major companies, but come on!
Arts is overpriced.
4. Homewood Musical Instrument Co
Address: 1712 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Great inventory and reasonable prices, and the shop is run by friendly and knowledgeable staff. Found a hidden gem of a guitar while I was there with my dad and love it very much!
I needed some acoustic guitar strings and I called and they had them in stock , and they had so much more , great service .. I was pleased
Bob Tedrow is the best. From repairing my grandfather’s family heirloom guitar, to helping my daughter pick out a ukulele, Homewood Music is the perfect local music shop.
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.
5. Highland Music
Address: 3000 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Guys in the store were knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
Sign is difficult to see from the road.
Great selection, very reasonable prices. Picked up a wonderful amp at a price that can’t be beat. Highest recommendation!
Got a good deal on a used Vox guitar amp. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I fully intend to return.
Great selection of vintage guitars and amplifiers. New equipment also.
Staff very knowledgeable. Looking forward to going back Monday to see if I can trade my mandolin for an acoustic electric guitar I’ve been looking for.
As a local of BHM I’ve been to Highland Music many times over the last 10 years or so. They’ve always had an interesting selection of gear. You’ll see the usual flow of second-hand gear pass through. It seems like a popular place to sell your guitar or amp on consignment. Highland also has some neat vintage stuff. They have several vintage CBS era Strats hanging out behind the counter. They have always managed to have a few other vintage Fenders too. They even have a literal wall of vintage Fender Champ amps that include tweed, blackface, and silverface era examples. So why the low score you ask?
The problem with Highland music is the people working there consistently give customers a negative experience. These guys are unknowledgeable in the gear they carry-not the biggest deal. That would be easily forgiven if it weren’t for their habit of just making up stuff to sound smart when they don’t have an answer. What’s worse than this is their attitude toward customers. Don’t bother asking to play one of those cool vintage guitars. You will only be met with a snide remark about how you probably can’t afford it. Both myself and friends have experienced this kind of rude talk from Highland Music, and it’s honestly lead to our decision of willfully not spending our money there.
I do not intend on bashing this store. I am not an angry internet troll, and this is not that kind of post. I genuinely want to see Highland Music succeed. Despite the faults I have complained about, I think it is the coolest guitar store we have in BHM. I would love to see these sort of things change.
Let’s just say that my kind ain’t welcome
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.
6. Higher Ground Studios
Address: 1279 Glenridge Dr, Bessemer, AL 35022 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Great sound equipment stuff. There is no better studio in all of Alabama! There is a set of drums.
I have recorded several times at this studio doing vocal work and recording my own songs. The owner, Bud, is such a great guy and the results he gets in his space are second to none. Would recommend to anyone.
Loved it. I truly camt say enough about that outfit they have there.
(Bud, I came up with this, but when it came to me posting it, there was not highlight space for me to do so. How can we work this out?)
I participated in several recording sessions as a composer and musician at Higher Ground Studios, 1279 Glenridge Dr, Bessemer, AL, culminating in two quite quality recordings. With worthy instruments (well-set mikes on the drums, good piano keyboard; stellar fender Rhoads keyboard), quality engineering and ample enough editing by Bud Brown, making it a more successful musical project. Moreover, Bud has a mellow assuring way of making necessary suggestions towards achieving better musical ends by providing such a relaxed and personable environment. By taking the edge off, it was easier for us to work.
I say this for myself, David Higgins, and on behalf of fellow participating musicians/composers Leslie and Richard Shepard
7. Bailey Brothers Music Company
Address: 4673 US-280 Suite # 7, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Great selection of quality guitars and a staff that is knowledgeable about what they sell.
These guys are the best! Ben is very knowledgable, honest, responsive and personable. He is very easy to talk to and work out any potential sales with. He has helped me out a lot and I have bought a few products with them including a Gibson and some Boss pedals. The customer service experience has been outstanding and the site is also very convenient given it has a live chat agent. Can’t recommend enough! Check them out! Thanks Bailey Brothers Music Company!
I needed 2 wireless mics for our church’s old PA system. They are so helpful! They want to make sure that what you purchase from them will work! Nothing like good customer service!
Good service. Knowledgeable staff. Wish there was one closer to us!
It was my first time in the store and I had an excellent experience. David was very helpful and friendly as well as the other staff present. The online site lacks a lot of the guitars they have in stock because they get new guitars a lot so I would advise actually going into the store to see their wide selection.
This place is awesome, need customer service? DONE! Need a repair? DONE! Need to place an order? DONE! The only thing I did not like was the lack of extended range instruments. You will not be finding fanned fret, 28 fret, tap guitar, etc. You want those go to WARR guitars or order them off of a musicians website.
manager and owner very racist!
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.
Dishonest, and disrespectful. While I’m aware they have an “all sales final” on used gear policy, it is their responsibility to properly inspect the gear they take in and not sell something that is damaged internally (in my case, a guitar amp). Idiot salesman also had a smug grin on his face the whole time my brother and I were having to deal with it (all 5-6 hours) and was making snooty comments back and forth. In a nut shell they sold me a dead amp and then laughed in my face about it. If this is how your business treats customers, don’t expect to be a business for long. I attempted a purchase with Bailey Brothers about 8 years ago. Was not a pleasant experience. This one wasn’t either. Rest assured, that’s it. I will not be back.
Update: Hey the owner called me just to prove they really do not care about customers. Tried to minimize what happened, and basically acted exactly like Keith did. Also a robotic “I apologize but we’re not going to do anything to fix it” does not count as rectifying anything. Gee wonder why the Southside store closed! Oh yeah and if you have a bad experience with them and they don’t own up to it they’ll do like any typical teenager does and tries to badmouth you on Facebook, then stalk your page. Very mature. Screenshots are great though aren’t they?
PS: Oh and buddy, if I were mad and desperate to pay my rent, then why in the heck did I buy a $700 amp from you? Nice try.
8. Mason Music
Address: 2903 Cahaba Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Me and my family had a great experience at Mason Music! The instructors are always so nice and welcoming and very helpful. I especially want to thank Anna Lynn for her great attitude and kindness towards my daughter. She always looks forward to seeing her. Highly recommend this place!
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.
Cool
9. Bates Brothers Recording
Address: 3427 Davey Allison Blvd SUITE 101, Hueytown, AL 35023 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Great selection of name brand pianos and organs including Yamaha and Hammond. Their prices are very reasonable for what they sell.
Beautiful piano selection with very friendly personnel. If looking for a good piano this is the place.
Excelente
my experience was questionable. they decide who they want …
Nice, helpful staff
The staff was friendly, and they have tons of pianos and other equipment to choose from. The space is enormous, and is fun to just browse. They also do repairs. Call or stop by for any musical needs. Would go again.
11. Music & Arts
Address: 4673 US-280 Suite 7, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Excellent customer service! They were so helpful with fixing my son’s guitar and went above and beyond to make sure his guitar was fixed and tuned! Adina and Tim both helped us so much and were especially kind!
12. Family Dollar
Address: 4341 Bessemer Super Hwy, Bessemer, AL 35020 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Store is always stocked employee very friendly know me by name I would recommend highly of this store
Great i always go to this family dollar the employees are great and are fun to joke around with
Convenient.
Friendly fast service!
Great Service
I was there at 9:40 and they kick me out says close kinda rude so what time is close ? 10 pr 9:30
Long lines!
As of 01/03/22 around 1-2 pm the cashier was rude. I had to speak twice to get her to speak back. When my transaction was done instead of her giving me the receipt she gives to my grandchild. Why?
Overall the store is clean and well stocked.
13. Guitar Pro’s LLC
Address: 224 Main St, Trussville, AL 35173 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
I just went in to browse the guitars. This place has a very amazing selection and the guy that greeted me was super friendly. I’ll be going back for lessons soon. 5/7 (10/10) would stop by again!
Had a 1980 Electra guitar worked on at Guitar Fx and man did it come out great. They straightened out the neck put new strings on it adjusted the pick ups fixed the tuners and now it plays like new again. Thanks Chris and staff. I highly recommend your store to all my friends and family.
Very nice shop with nice owners. Helpful and kind. They also have some keyboards, drum stuff, school band parts. It’s a small shop but lots of heart. I picked up some strings and pics. I would go back.
Friendly staff they have a few harmonicas
Nice selection of new and used guitars. Needs a jam space though..
Have a decent variety of all different kinds of cords and instruments and the guitars rule great prices too. And the lady in there is always super sweet
I bought a guitar for $2,875 from this shop online and they listed it as mint condition. I had to take it to a local luthier to have the frets polished because they were so dirty the guitar was unplayable. The shop refused to even split the cost ($50), wow! Incredible.
Accused me of taking out a screw, when all I asked was for the value of what it would cost to fix that. I fixed it myself 16$ out of my own pocket for a new screw, set of strings, and labor on my workbench at home. I thought about going to small claims court, for not selling me a guitar in the condition they claimed on reverb. I’d been looking for this guitar for a while, I didn’t want to just return it. I just wanted it in the condition that I saw it in and felt insulted when they instantly made me out to be at fault even after sending pictures moments after receiving it from UPS and to top it off I even have video of when I first opened it on the CCTV at work. Overall poor online experience.
WAS our trusted source for guitars and gear.
Took in a Seagull acoustic to have the battery and strings replaced at the end of December 2020(only having someone else do it because of the value of the guitar).
The battery went dead MUCH faster than normal (usually takes 6 months). We are very aware that leavi g guitars plugged in drai s the battery. That was NOT the case here. We took it out and found they had installed a promotional Progressive Insurance smoke detector battery in it. Instead of what we are used to getting, Energizer or Duracell. I called and was told that we should have told them we wanted a better battery. It cost us more than $30 for the strings and a battery replacement. No offer to replace it. The lady said they just use whatever is “handy”. I don’t pay for what’s handy. So much for being Pro’s. If the lady had simply apologized, that would have been the end of it. I wasn’t looking for anything other than to let them know that a substandard battery had been installed. When we brought it in initially, we asked for the strings to be changed and the battery replaced. No one told us at that time that we weren’t being charged for the battery, just that what we asked for was $30, if I had been advised of that I would have either asked for a better battery or brought my own. I hung up when her tone told me how disgusted she was that I called with a problem. As for my other reviews of other businesses you mentioned, I review honestly and fairly. If you notice, I have many very positive reviews of several companies in the area. I managed customer service depts with 4 Fortune 500 Companies in my career. Again, I wasn’t asking for anything except courtesy, which was unfortunately lacking. The lady I spoke with had a “how dare you complain” kind of attitude. (modified for clarity based on the reply from the company)
14. Lipscomb Charity
Address: Lipscomb, AL 35020 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
15. Lisenby’s Music Shop
Address: 831 S Memorial Dr, Prattville, AL 36067 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Lance is the coolest guy I’ve ever dealt with in music gear. Very knowledgeable, very fair, and super hospitable. Done business here for several years and will continue to do so. Most amazing shop around by far!
Super knowledgeable guy that Mr Lisenby. I’ve known him since I moved to the area and he has always been a key asset to the local music scene. He just keeps getting better with age!
My son has loved his drum lessons here. I couldn’t have asked for someone with more patience and encouragement to teach him. What I love the most is that my son can have lessons during the weekday since he’s home schooled. If your child wants to learn an instrument, no matter what time of day you want to schedule lessons, this is a great place for it!
Lance and Tracy are nice folks. They have a good selection of strings and accessories. Neat place for obscure instruments.
16. Dollar General
Address: 3011 9th Ave N, Bessemer, AL 35020 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Its clean and a good place for quick convenient shopping
Good Employee
In and out and very close to home.
75% (seems to me)of merchandise always blocking aisles-
The dollar General located on Bessemer super highway in the Lipscomb area needs changes. I usually don’t use this location but wanted to try it. I have to start off with in today’s time cleanliness is top priority. Making sure customers are safe. I found this location to be anything but. I went for some juice and realized I had touched something really sticky and dirty. This was true for the rest of my visit. Thing’s in the floor blocking isles. There supplies were limited and in such disorder I wasn’t able to find anything. I’ve always used dollar General to purchase make-up and this was literally impossible. Between the lack of cleanliness and disorder I wasn’t able to purchase anything. I really felt hand sanitizer was a must as I left. Keeping customers safe and supplied is lacking cleanliness should be TOP PRIORITY! THE DANGERS THAT COME WITH THING’S IN THE FLOOR IS REAL. THESE THINGS ARE IMPORTANT.
CLEANLINESS
SUPPLIES
DANGER FREE ISLES ARE IMPORTANT. THIS STORE NEEDS WORK. IF I HAD 5 ITEMS TO PURCHASE I WAS ONLY ABLE TO BUY 2 ITEMS DUE TO NOT UNPACKED STILL IN BOXES IN THE FLOOR. OTHER ITEMS I NEEDED I WASN’T ABLE TO PURCHASE DUE TO DISARRAY. IF I WAS ASKED TO RATE THIS LOCATION I’D GIVE IT A 2 BECAUSE THIS TIME THEY WERE ACTUALLY OPEN.
I wont even go here anymore. My last visit was 4 weeks ago. This is because the lines are ALWAYS ATROCIOUS. Dollar general thrives off of the idea of being a convenient place to shop but you cannot expect to shop here and be out the door for at least 15 minutes. That’s if you grab a drink and get straight in line. This is obviously due to poor management and communication. I worked at DG for almost 3 years both as an associate and a manager. I am very well aware of the guidelines for calling for back up. While it can be noted that most DG employees dont like to call for back up, I always promoted the idea. Word is that the new district mgr is not very well liked and tbh its started to trickle down and show among the store staff. To shop here I’d have to be desperate.
17. Dollar General
Address: 2911 Dartmouth Ave, Bessemer, AL 35020 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
I had the handle of a broom to break. I went to exchange it, but I had no receipt. The employee stated she unable to make that call. I need to speak with the store manager. I understood. I called customer service explained the situation to them. So, they can relay my concerns to the store and the future interactions go smoothly. The district manager advised to go and speak with the store manager. I go and he’s unavailable. The employees aren’t sure when he would be available. I’m very agitated – as a result. My time is valuable. Normally I wouldn’t worry about it. Especially, if it was an old broom. The broom is practically new with very little to no use. I could’ve just replaced the handle – hadn’t the screw tip of the handle broken inside the broom. No to mention, the broom isn’t even in-stock.
[Dollar General of Bessemer]
Closes ahead of designated time
There is nothing on the shelf. I ask for something and i was told i would have to come back in two days for them to bring it out the back. Not not customer service.
18. Big Saver Thrift Stores
Address: 2331 19th St N, Bessemer, AL 35020 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
There some people that work there that does not like there job that talk about each other and don’t want to help you find what you need
✨Best advice go to the foundry thrift store!
More of the profits actually go to those she need it, they employ people in recovery which is great, they have fitting rooms and better prices/selection.
❗I’ll gladly share my experience. For one
anyone looking for employment here run the other way! They have screwed me about four other adults causing one single mom to lose their place to live. The hiring manager is a miserable human who loves to hire someone, train them and work them until its time to put them on as full time instead of temp; which she then fires you without any reason or warning. I literally was walking three miles a day to work id leave before dawn to get there on time and they didn’t even have the decency that day to call and tell me not to come
Also as far as shopping there expect to pay more than other thrift stores. They don’t have dressing rooms either and good luck returning anything if it doesn’t fit. All you get is attitude and store credit. Seriously go to the foundry! I hope the evil woman running this place gets the karma she deserves. It’ll come back around lady it always does.
Beware. I used to shop at this store when it was in Roebuck for many years when it was clean and well kept. Last few years it was still there I noticed roaches in the store. I went to the Bessemer store in 2021 and saw signs of bedbugs on bedding items. Did some research on this store, it is not a non profit store. Sales of items and donations are 90% profit and the most to charities is 10%.
19. McDonald’s
Address: 3633 Jaybird Rd, Brighton, AL 35020 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Hot fresh fries and thanks to the lady at the window,,,super courteous and professional
This McDonald’s was very fast and everyone was friendly. I noticed that the parking lot was very clean and to go line moved very fast.
The food is good.
Good location
It gooy food
Hot Quarter Pounders
Drink was flat, Fries was cold, and Bread was hard
Bathroom was not clean.
The service has never been fast or friendly and almost every other visit they get my order wrong and have an attitude with me when they are the ones who messed up.
20. Steve Rayborn Music Services
Address: 1967 Grey Hill Rd, West Blocton, AL 35184 , Lipscomb , Alabama , United States
Great place to learn a musical instrument. Steve is a great person who wants to take care of you or your child’s needs when it comes to music. He even DJs for social events such as weddings across the USA.
I would highly recommend Steve Rayborn for any of your special events. He was our DJ for our wedding this past weekend, 10/28, and was blown away by his professionalism and knowledge.
Not only a DJ, he can play several different instruments.
Steve Rayborn is a talented artist with the ability to teach beginners to advanced learners, adjusting the experience to fit the individual needs of his pupils. He has been patient, energetic, and flexible to our schedules. My child loves piano lessons with Mr. Steve. He even DJs weddings and other events!
