Very friendly and professional service. I bought a used saxophone and the salesman took me back to the repair man who looked it over and played it for me. A few weeks later I had a question about the octave key and the repair man checked it out and adjusted it. I am a very satisfied customer.
Amazing place with a fabulous staff. I went there in a panic over lost audio recording gear, and Ben ‘talked me off the ledge’ in a calm and ever-helpful manner. He showed me some options for replacing the lost equipment. He also helped me install the related software on my computer, made sure I knew how to use it, and followed up after to make sure everything was going okay. Any time I’ve needed help, the Sam Ash staff has been more than helpful. This all speaks to the benefit of shopping locally– nothing like hands-on help from people who know what they’re doing!
I enjoy going to Sam Ash in New Haven, Ct because it is a more personal shopping experience compared to bigger music stores.
As a drummer they have alot of different name brands in stock and the staff actually know what they are talking about
The reason I’m giving Sam Ash a 4 out of 5 is because my choice of items were not in stock.
I noticed an exaggerating amount of guitars and everything else but I headed to audio and it looked dry. Not many interfaces to choose from.
But Dan from Pro audio took care of everything and helped me place some orders from the store online.
Very friendly guy also extremely patient with me please give em a raise will you!!!
Naw but seriously the guy was very cool about everything.
Usually if I have to order something, I’d do it on my own but he was really cool about assisting me. Thank you SamAsh
Everyone was super helpful until I cordially opted to not provide a phone number at checkout. Jordan was helping me and claimed he needed an address or phone number to process the transaction. I pointed out that Radio Shack usually enters a fake number and he ended up doing the same but his entire demeanor had already changed. He set my card and then the pen (to sign the receipt) down on the counter rather than hand them back to me (seemed deliberate but of course I don’t know for certain). I said “Thanks, have a good day” as we finished up but he turned away and didn’t say anything in return. He definitely seemed to take the fact that I didn’t want to provide any personal information way too personally. Pretty silly, if you ask me.
No one greeted me and asked if I needed help.
I called to find out if they had a certain amplifier. The salesperson told me everything “but” what I asked for. Lost a $1,000 sale.
5. Brenton Evans Pianos
Address: 963 State St, New Haven, CT 06511 , New Haven , Connecticut , United States
My kids have been taking piano lessons with Thomas for the last 2 years and love him. He’s a great kids teacher. He expects them to work and pay attention but keeps it fun, and he doesn’t talk down to them. They have learned so much from him in all aspects – technique, theory, composition etc. We highly recommend him!
Thomas is a very encouraging teacher which is very nice. Very positive experience
7. Elm City Sounds
Address: 24 Fountain St, New Haven, CT 06515 , New Haven , Connecticut , United States
Great small record store, especially if you’re looking for jazz records. The owner is super nice, and people are always searching and talking music.
Great selection of experimental and modern electronic music! Owner is super cool. Stop by!
One of the better shops I’ve been to in the New England area.
Store is small with no filler. Good selection of jazz, psych, prog, hip hop, etc.
Chris is knowledgeable and is obviously doing it because he loves it.
Prices are great.
Cool place, hands on owner, great selections in vinyl. Prices start about $5.00, and up. This is where you might find that rare or off the worn trail recording, as well as main stream. Check it out and see. Just leave my bike alone,
Don’t trust the posted store hours. Tried to visit on my way through New Haven (Thursday 9/7/2023 around 1pm) but the stored was closed (store should have opened at 12pm). Waited 30 minutes, but had to get back on the road. Quite a disappointment as I went out of my way to drop in and support this store. What a waste of time.
Very cool small record shop. I enjoy visiting record shops in cities I visit and this was a nice addition to my list. Not sure if they just opened as they has tons of records still in boxes but that is the fun in crate shopping! I thought the $$ were going to be high considering it being so close to Yale but they were super affordable! Will visit again!
Came down from Groton, CT. Place looks great from the outside, but not open despite hours stating they’d be open. Disappointing.
Probably my least favorite record shop in the state. Heavily scratched records are priced at collection levels. I would not personally shop here, especially with Redscroll so close. If you want to check out a good small shop in state, Records The Good Kind is a MUCH better quality store.
The guy who owns this shop is a decent dude. He likes to talk music and that’s cool. Be careful not to let him gas you up on records you’re looking at, though. He will absolutely tell you that albums are cleaner than can easily be observed.
I buy/listen to/ review hundreds of records a year so this is not coming from a place of lack of knowledge of the industry. Also be very sure to check for bootlegs as he has them unmarked in shop. Remember that the most important component to quality sound when listening to vinyl is the quality of the disk. There is very little quality in this shop.
We came all the way from New York just to see this record store since it had been recommended to us. However, when we got there, it was closed even though it should have been open. We waited for another 30 minutes (Wed, 9/6/23, 12-12:30) before we left without having even gotten inside. Calling didn’t help either since no one answered the phone. Very disappointing experience…
8. Neighborhood Music School
Address: 100 Audubon St, New Haven, CT 06510 , New Haven , Connecticut , United States
The best place to learn about music, listen to any kind music and attend a wonderful event that supports good cause, which is to fulfill a child’s wish to play music.
When my family had moved back to New-Haven my son wanted to continue to play violin. The school he was attending in New-Haven didn’t offer string instruments.He was recommended for the Instrumental Impact program. He received 1/2 hour lessons once a week from a wonderful violin teacher Mark. The only issue I have is because my child is in this Impact program he Cannot change his instrument “EVER”. I think this is absurd! why force a child to continue with an instrument when he wants to venture and try other options. My son is discouraged now and doesn’t want to continue with the program. Music was a very big part of his daily routine and I feel bad that I cant afford to pay for the piano lessons that he wants. He told me not worry about. I did leave a message with the director Mr.Bloom and someone from the office called me and told that there was nothing Mr.Bloom could do about it. I really wish my sons school had a music program because it is a very important part of his life as it is for all children. So, sadly my son will not be apart of this program anymore. I urge parents to make sure they know all the information and ask more questions when enrolling your child in a program at NMS Impact program. I wish I had known this before he enrolled 3 yrs ago so he wouldn’t have to be discouraged now. As a parent ,when a child has a positive interest , you try to do everything you can to encourage and support that interest. Its very hard when the Odds are against you !!
Horrible teachers. One of the violin teachers would yell at me for not able to catch up like her other students. She would also dis-encourage me telling me that i wasn’t meant to play violin. Then she would tell me that i was the worst student she ever had and i should just quit. The other staff is very friendly so i will give it a 3 star.
Ask for Craig Hartely for private Piano lessons. he is a touring artist
The school is located in the arts district in NHV.
They give Fin Aid to students who need, and they also love when people support them
The have a awesome Concert Band who plays at battel Chapel in New Haven
9. Dual Stage Amplification
Address: 319 Peck St Building 2 Studio I Mail:, 315 Peck St STE C9, New Haven, CT 06513 , New Haven , Connecticut , United States
Donato knows his stuff. Top notch work, quick turnaround time, and a really nice guy to boot. He’s helped me with everything from new tubes, transformer replacements, to new pickups and guitar setups.
Finally found my go to guy. Thanks D.
-ZR
I Brought a vintage amplifier to be completely overhauled and couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out. Donato took a poorly maintained family heirloom amplifier and restored it to its former glory, now I can’t wait to buy one of the amps he builds! With extensive knowledge and care and a quick turn around I officially have an “amp guy”
Dual Stage is the best! My Peavey 6505+ head was acting up after a water incident in my home (volume drops, static, noise)> I called GC, and the rep gave me the number for Dual Stage. WOW, they saved my 6505, brought it right back to new. The owner Donato is great, knowledgeable, personable guy; has very reasonable prices, and I was impressed with their tools, gear, professionalism and of Corse, the outcome. Special Thanks.
Very knowledgeable owner. And super nice. I don’t know much about music. We went to his shop to get a replacement cello bow for my son. We are very impressed by his service. Highly recommend!!!
Mr. Chapin is very passionate for his job. I have trusted him my violin for over a year and he always have done a very professional job.
His store is a colorful dream! House of a variety of violins, violas, cellos ,and bows.
He is also very kind and will guide you in what you need.
Thank you so much Mr. Chapin. I wish you the best!
Siboney Music
Kevin and his family have been absolute gems in our lives. His attention to detail, care and love for instruments could not be more clear. He is honest, thoughtful, and genuine in his approach with his clients. I can’t recommend Kevin and his shop enough!
Nice shop. Repairing cost seemed reasonable.
We found Kevin Chapin’s violin shop because my daughter really needs a set of new violin strings before her senior recital. I visited his workshop, which is amazing, and got the strings. Kevin was really helpful describing the difference between the strings that were available. He is very skilled and knowledgable.
13. Shoreline Home Music
Address: 44 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06510 , New Haven , Connecticut , United States
A MUST-SEE MUSEUM!! Anybody who love music, this is your place!!! With friendly staffs, they show you the past and history of their collections of old original musical instruments!! Definitely would come back here!
Lots of cool old instruments and staff was very helpful.
Awesome place to tour; especially for those in strings & flute…
Unfortunately it is closed for renovations, but this was not noted on it’s Google listing.
15. Pleasant Podcasts
Address: 139 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06510 , New Haven , Connecticut , United States
Fast,friendly and knowledgable. We knocked out a 30 Second radio ad in under an hourand it came out great. Thanks Gino!
Pleasant Podcasts is professional, a pleasure to work with, and provides quality production value with attention to detail and speedy turnarounds. Overall a great experience.
Working with Pleasant Podcasts has been a FANTASTIC experience! Gino is a wealth of knowledge, he’s professional, and provides his clients with top notch customer service. If you are thinking about launching the podcast, Gino is the guy for you!
I had a great experience recording at Pleasant Podcasts.
Gino was professional and laid back. I felt comfortable and taken care of.
It was a great a experience and affordable.
16. Melody Music Studios (Music Lessons In-Home or Studio)
