Manager Tom was able to restring my mandolin the same day. Left two guitars to string tomorrow
Gotta catch the right people in.. but good little music store..
Owner was very helpful. I was looking for a pair of drum sticks. He was kind and explained that this was a shop. Occasionally may acquire drumming items. I appreciated his honesty and kindness. Purchased 2 pairs.
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.
About what you’d expect. Pretentious, unhelpful, and offended that you’d dare shop in their overpriced thrift store. But they’ve been in business forever and they ain’t changing.
I left this store just a moment ago after being asked to leave because I had not yet made a purchase. I had originally intended to pick up a few packs of strings for my acoustic, now I’m glad I had not. I stopped by today with my friend who had told me about this store. He has been a customer of this store before and had always told me the staff here was friendly and that they have great service. We spent roughly 45 minutes in the store before the man at the counter, whom we had previously overheard talking to another customer about us saying, “What’s the deal with these two jokebags?” told us to get out of the store because we had not yet bought anything. We promptly left the store and I soon received a text from my friend saying that he had gone back inside to try to clear things up with the man that was working the counter and he told me that the man said he was not feeling well and is looking to close the store early. So if his goal is to minimize the business they get to close up early, he is doing very well.
3. Lyric Partners
Address: Birmingham, AL 35253 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
We made a purchase from Tom’s Sound a few weeks ago for our church. They had a good selection of gear and I was treated fairly on the price. We will be back for all our future audio and lighting needs.
Muy buena
Cool place to practice!
Reasonable prices
price’s are 2 high
If you buy a turntable from these guys and you are out of town, make sure they disassemble the product before they send it. They sent me one without proper packing and the components and dust cover were broken during shipping. I had to buy a turntable locally. They offered to buy it back. But, I just decided to buy one locally. Cautionary tale.
I went with my fiance and I got a bad vibe off the guy as soon as I walked in the door. He had a lot of stuff but that’s probably because with his attitude they don’t sell much. We drove all the way down there to negotiate a price and he didn’t negotiate, he just said no after two offers then just walked away.
At Tom’s Sound they will lowball you for your used recording equipment and resell it for a premium. They usually don’t have a great selection and will overprice goods.
5. Homewood Musical Instrument Co
Address: 1712 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
Bob and Jason having been helping Homewood & Birmingham with musical instruments for so long ! Great place to buy and learn something new
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!
Fun place – extremely knowledgeable with a great selection of instruments and supplies.
Good product, Good service.
Friendly atmosphere and lots of instruments.
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.
6. Art’s Music Shop, Inc
Address: 4647 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
I had my daughter’s trumpet cleaned and repaired. Everyone was kind, knowledgeable and courteous to us. The quality of work was great and it only took a couple of days.
Helpful staff, decent prices, quality gear, what else do you want?
Great customer service and I bought 2 trumpets from here and their perfect
Always have a good experience at Arts. They work well with the school programs and if they don’t have what we need they are sure to find it
Friendly & knowledgeable but took longer than expected to get instrument serviced. I was told would be called the next day with estimate, & it was 3 days before I received the call. I told them I had to get instrument back by a specific date for a performance, he said “not a problem”, I was calling them to get it back 4 days before performance, & was able to pick it up the day before it. They kept it for a month, & I was never able to speak directly to guy doing service which was not cheap. Don’t be in a hurry when dealing with them!
Wonderful customer service
Was in there for 20 minutes with my kid and wasn’t even acknowledged. Tried to get their attention but employees were in a rather long discussion with each other. We are now at Bailey Brothers which is a block away so we can purchase a bass guitar for my son. Customer service actually exists at Bailey Brothers. It does not at Art’s. Such a disappointment. We had heard good things about them.
This place is a joke. I called and asked about a mellophone and was told that they had several from me to choose from. I get there and they had one that was new and one from the 70’s they tried sell me. I will stay with Bailey Brothers.
Late or Cello repairs, They had my Cello for 2 days to reset the bridge (takes 15 mins) I had to pick it up and do it my self.
7. Steinway Piano Gallery of Birmingham
Address: 2000 Cahaba Rd Ste 100, Mountain Brook, AL 35223 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
Very knowledge salesmen. Spent a lot of time talking and showing different models before settling on a Essex baby grand. They allowed us to sit and watch a few songs played through the Spirio, which was absolutely amazing.
My daughter loves going here to purchase lesson books and play a baby grand.
When shopping for a new piano for my son and daughter, we were so fortunate to meet Jon McClaran at Alabama Piano Gallery. Jon was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and gracious with us. He made sure my children felt welcome, as he encouraged them to explore and experience the pianos in the showroom. He also sought their thoughts regarding their response to each piano. If you are searching for a piano, please give Jon an opportunity to earn your business and to help you find the piano that sparkles for you and your children.
Not really a place I go very often but If you’re in the market for a new piano this would be a good place to start shopping.
Alabama Piano Gallery is home of a limited selection of Steinway pianos and terrible customer service. My wife and I came with the intention of buying an upright piano on 06/04/2020. My mother and 4 month old were with us. The lady in the front office was on the phone for what was clearly a personal phone call. After about 15 min and no one came to talk with us my mom asked for assistance. Apparently the sales man had been out to lunch. Once he arrived we described what we were looking for, specifically an upright piano with electric augmentation similar to the Yamaha Transacoustic. He then spends 15 min trash talking every brand but Steinway only to tell us he doesn’t have anything like that.
We went to Ellis Piano where a sales man asked what we were looking for and our budget, then showed us 5 different pianos that met all our criteria. Dude spent 2 hours with us while my wife played all of them. Then he took her to play their concert grand pianos because when else would she get the chance to play a $150,000 Bosendorfer Imperial or a $200,000 Fazioli? Long story short we now have a wonderful piano and my bank account is $15,000 lighter.
8. Bailey Brothers Music Company
Address: 4673 US-280 Suite # 7, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
My daughter has taken drum lessons at Bailey Brothers for over nine months now. We could not be happier. The customer service we receive from the front desk is wonderful, and her teacher, Leif, is so nice and is an excellent drummer and instructor. The price for their lessons is very competitive, and they are conveniently located. I couldn’t ask for more!
Purchased a Les Paul Bass here years ago– still enjoying it.
Thank you BB Music.
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!
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.
Good service. Knowledgeable staff. Wish there was one closer to us!
Great customer service. Great selection. However, I was NOT thrilled to see their logo custom printed onto the snare head I bought. Would have received 5 stars if not for that. Going to remove it with some acetone.
Waited 15 minutes for someone to help me but instead was ignored. Ended up leaving empty handed. I literally just needed drumsticks and the person at the front was aware. Will never go back.
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.
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.
9. True Vintage Guitar
Address: 2301 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
I found John through the internet and was relived to know almost immediately that I had found the right guy. Everything from the initial contact to the shipping (handled by John) to the transfer of funds was done in a completely professional not to mention timely manner. I would totally recommend him to anyone looking to buy or sell a vintage piece.
Thanks so much for making what could have been a nightmare into a dream come true. I cannot say enough about the service and communication that was present throughout this entire experience!
Thanks again John!
Very knowledgeable and excellent communication regarding a vintage guitar appraisal. Thank you John.
John takes his work very seriously and was a pleasure to work with. He communicated well with myself and other family members and was direct and upfront in the sale of a family guitar. Would highly recommend John for any purchase and/or sale!
10. Mason Music
Address: 3187 Cahaba Heights Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
Our son has enjoyed voice lessons with Ryon for about a year and recently added piano/chording to the lesson mix. He looks forward to lessons and is building great confidence. Thanks Mason Music CH!
Mason Music Cahaba Heights has been a wonderful experience for my child. She has taken voice lessons and most recently drum lessons. David Roberts at Cahaba Heights is an amazing teacher who has given my daughter so much confidence and knowledge about drums. The staff is always so kind and accommodating.
11. Russ’ Drum Room
Address: 800 Olde Towne Road, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
12. Renaissance Records Inc
Address: 2020 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
Great experience!!! Large variety of recorded music. Owners very knowledgeable in their music and inventory. I will return !!!!!
This is the best place in Birmingham to buy new and used vinyl. The staff can hold a conversation on just about any and all artists out there. I love this place.
If you are looking for music in CD, LP , lots of movies they have it or can get it. Very nice people.
Some nifty revolver’s in ere’
Had a lot of records, but what I looked at were scratched.
Gary is knowledgeable of a variety of music genres. He’s made excellent suggestions and helped me find what I was looking for
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.
Well in 2012, I asked Ben Trexel to help my record a song I wrote. He did a wonderful job for the right price. I took guitar lessons from Sam Pointer. Sam is a musician that teaches stringed instruments….guitar. I took many lessons from Sam. I wrote the lyrics to 58 songs and Ben Trexel was right in time with the guitar and studios programming to make each song presentable. Ben Trexel is a wonderful writer co author and producer….I enjoy the days over the years we recorded a song a month and took a break 2020…we released one song.
17. birmingham violin
Address: 428 Poinciana Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
I recently started taking Violin lessons and just wanted to say she is a fantastic teacher! The lessons are progressing at a very manageable pace, she is also very personable and pleasant during each lesson. I’m really looking forward to each new lesson!
i call whay no answer
18. Seasick Records
Address: 4420 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
Thanks for helping me to replace my turntable stylus Saturday. Seasick staff is Awesome and Super Helpful!!!
Awesome place to find a new album and they have an online store!
Great record collection, record’s are not organized the best but are not bad and some records are pricey
Nice enough small record shop, not the largest selection and just IMHO not the best priced but I am so used to and likely spoiled by $4 and $5 mint used albums from my local North East Florida shops.
Nice record store over in the Crestwood area of town. No gripes here, but don’t go expecting to shop if they have somebody performing in store. My first experience happened to be on record store day and it was loud with tons of people standing in the way at each of the bins. This store isn’t huge and the selection isn’t massive, but that’s ok. There’s used, select genres in new, 45s, comps, and a cd listening station and everything is organized alphabetically. The store’s vibe is pretty cool as they tend to spin some of their personal favs. If you like what you here, ask em about it. Also, they will order anything you don’t wanna order yourself. There’s an in house barber as well. I’ve never gone in and not seen somebody get their hair cut. May be a good sign!
Go check out the store if you’re into records and such!
I wouldn’t send my friend here because they’re not going to leave your friend or they just never were and your trying to get rid of them, you know I’ll give it ⭐⭐ because if you want to get if someone in your life it’s definitely the place to send them, definitely!!
Made the mistake of walking in and asking if they take walk ins. Response was “Nope, it says so on the door.” Good luck with social skills like that.
19. Fretted Instruments
Address: 2906 Linden Ave, Birmingham, AL 35209 , Mountain Brook , Alabama , United States
simply the best… most knowledgeable and highest quality fretted instruments…guitars, banjos, mandolins, and more
The most honest and helpful folks for new players. I remember getting six strings for the little money I had. Sometimes it was two for one Monday or Wednesday or Tuesday. I recently bought several used guitars from Cobb County, GA. I planned on selling them to make a few bucks. I wound up giving them all away to young people who just wanted to play.
