Fabulous concerts in intimate surroundings. Guitar lovers’ heaven.
This is a wonderful resource for excellent quality guitars and other stringed instruments. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.
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++++++++++
Had a guitar cable when I needed it.
No prices listed
Not many mandolins
Thé Owners are lousy business
2. The Music Shop
Address: 22 Mc Dermott Ave, Torrington, CT 06790 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
Super nice owner. Shared his knowledge about local music scene and programs. I am coming back!!!
Keith took great care of me! I’m a beginner guitar player and broke one of my strings, had no clue what to do. I purchased the strings there and he taught me how to put them on right in the store. He even tuned my guitar, and gave me some tips to keep it maintained. Service like that is RARELY found. TY Keith!!
Throughout the years I have purchased guitars,and Equitment,. We miss Leo. He was the music teacher at Lewis S Mills High School in the 70’s. To ?. I graduated in 72. Great music shop. Get just about anything musical.
3. The Music Shop
Address: 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
I’ve been taking saxophone lessons at The Music Shop for a couple of years at this point, and I can’t say enough good things about them. I’ve had a few different instructors here, all of whom have been friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. The lesson times are convenient and the pricing competitive. I often say that learning a new instrument as an adult is one of the best things I’ve done for myself, and I’m glad I chose The Music Shop for this purpose!
I’ve been doing business with Scott at the music shop for years, he knows about the needs of musicians and great on any repairs or just info on your current instrument. Will hopefully be doing many more years here.
I’ve taken several guitars and basses here for setup and parts installation. The work is always top notch and they stand by it if something happens to go wrong. I’ve known Scott since I first picked up a guitar when they were at Caldor plaza (now Walmart). He actually helped my mom and I pick it out. I took lessons at the shop with an instructor named Mark right after that purchase. I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone.
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.
4. Martel Music Store
Address: 1 Whiting St, Plainville, CT 06062 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
This store is really nice! I was impressed with the selection of instruments. The staff was really nice and friendly! Go check it out.
Corey is fantastic, he’s installed pickups on 2 of my guitars now and has done a remarkable job. Also, the best pedal selection in CT by far, highly recommended.
Martel has lots of effects including everything Strymon makes! Nice people.
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. DuBaldo Music Center
Address: 881 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
Prompt and professional! Recently purchased an SBMM Majesty guitar online and it came in perfect condition with Dubaldo only upgrades, Will definitely recommend them and will be making more purchases in the future. Thanks Dubaldo team!!
Fantastic service, fast shipping, and competitive pricing.
That was likely the most pleasant guitar buying experience I have ever had. I could not recommend patronizing this amazing store more. Thank you so much!!
Great service
6. JC Music
Address: 529 W Main St, Meriden, CT 06451 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
They got my elec. piano working again with a quick turn around and updated me throughout the process. Pro the whole way!
We love it here! My son has been taking drums here for a couple years and just loves his instructor! The staff is great, really helpful and knowledgeable. We have also bought instruments and accessories here at great prices. They offer just about any kind of music lessons and have great inventory.
We have been looking all over for piano books and they had a fantastic collection all at reasonable prices. My daughter is playing from one of our purchases right now!
Would like to obtain some nice brushes and some type of top hat set used and very sturdy since I break percussion instruments all the time when I perform?
My son, Roberto Luis and Rosa live in Meriden. Are you far from the mall? I have spent a lot of time jamming in Puerto Rico to salsa, merengue, etc but my favorite is funk like Buddy Miles.
My grandson really enjoyed the music lessons and they are very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend them.
This was a horrible expierence. They need to get their stuff together, they had already-sold instruments on shelf. They had an amazing guitar sale and when I went to buy, it was already sold! They got my hopes high and let it down and I will not give them my money any longer.
Completely disappointed. I placed an order in store on a instrument that was never placed with JC music. The customer service was poorly displayed and the options they gave us was not acceptable. I asked to speak to the owner several times and would not get on the phone and made his new employee talk to me. I ended up going somewhere else that was amazing
Never have any of the literature or instrument parts I’m looking for. Took 3 months to repair a trombone. I tried to return an item and they wouldn’t give me back the cash to go to another place. The owner has blatantly disrespected my mother on several occasions and doesn’t have much knowledge of much of anything outside of rock music. As far as i’m concerned, this is the worst music store i’ve ever set foot in and would not recommend to anybody.
7. Middlesex Music Academy
Address: 440 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
My husband has taken music lessons at MMA for awhile now, and is very pleased with the instructor. He has also brought several instruments there for repairs or to evaluate for purchase, and has been really pleased with the owner, Matt, who does the repairs. Matt is very knowledgeable & thorough, and is a great help to determine whether instruments on eBay or craigslist are truly worth it. His repair rates have been extremely reasonable too, and he’s even made some repairs for free just because my husband is a student there. All in all, we highly recommend Matt and MMA.
Great service, Matt and Jim and the rest of the crew there are wonderful.
The sales team made it possible for me to afford a piano for my son
I paid $80 for a setup on a guitar and got it back with the strings a mile off of the neck and the floyd rose studs so high out of the body I could park a car under it. The bridge pickup was raised until it was practically touching the strings and the neck pickup was lowered to below the pickup ring. The tech then told me that 10-52 strings don’t exist. They’re light top heavy bottom and aren’t even uncommon strings. Every time I go there they give bad advice and clearly don’t know what they’re talking about. My friend tried to buy a tubescreamer (basic overdrive) and they tried to sell him a phaser instead (completely different thing).
I signed up for a piano lesson trial online. Their site is very confusing and it’s not clear if the lesson is in-person and online. I called them, left a message but they never called me back. In the day/time of the lesson, I called them 3 times because I was having problems to contact the teacher. The guy who works there, Jim, clearly doesn’t have any customer service skills. He was rude and unpleasant. He didn’t make any effort to help me, told me a was confused and nobody else had problems. I just canceled the future lessons there. It’s easier just hire a private piano teacher. Hopefully I will never have to deal with this guy again.
I would give Middlesex Music Academy a 0 if I was able to. I called to inquire about a $150 charge when I haven‘t been confirmed by John the guitar teacher. I made a request to Matt that Tuesday was my preference but John was booked so he scheduled Thursday at 6pm. I received a text and email from John yesterday that he had a conflict for Thursday and offered Friday. I responded via text/email that would not work and inquired if this was temporary or permanent to which I did not receive a response. I let John know this may not be a good fit then. I called today to have the charge refunded and Jim proceeded to call me names, saying I was yelling & screaming over the phone and I was being rude. No need to go into the dramatics but Jim needs a lesson in manners, telling the truth and understanding that being a manager does not give him the authority to behave poorly. Never once did I raise my voice but did correct Jim several times throughout the conversation all because i asked for a refund. Extremely unprofessional and a bad look for Middlesex Music all around. I will be taking my business elsewhere. Inexcusable & theater worthy performance by Jim today folks!!!
8. Music & Arts
Address: 99 Executive Blvd S, Southington, CT 06489 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
The desk staff are welcoming, very nice, and patient.
My son meshes well with his piano teacher. She lets him play the kind of music he wants to play which I believe is important for helping to maintain interest and desire to play. His skill has improved greatly with her.
Marissa is wonderful to work with. She is very helpful and knowledgeable – she is willing to go the extra mile for you.
I whould l8ke to buy aking or yamaha euphonium
9. Woodbury Music Shop
Address: 766 Main St S, Woodbury, CT 06798 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
Woodbury Music is the best shop around of all of your instrument needs! The shop owner Dave, is both friendly & knowledgeable! I have gotten both common things done (fixing of saxophone keys) as well as unusual things done (fixing of a dulcimer bridge) and everyone has always been great! I have also taken lessons for almost three years now, and my teacher Mike is not only a dedicated teacher, but also a very talented professional. Stop by and check it out!
A hidden gem UPSTAIRS. Don’t miss it. Dave the owner is great, and talented. Patrick Gill is the PREMIER guitar TECH in the whole northwest CT region. He works miracles at a very fair price. Excellent teachers, Will for piano and keyboards and Mike for guitar and bass. Better check them out. I only trust my guitars to Dave and Patrick. Won’t go anywhere else. Seriously.
Great honest shop here. Had a great online interaction with Dave via email. Want to know why I trust them? Because they talked me out of a purchase. Ha! Thanks again!
10. Connecticut Music Co
Address: Westbrook, CT 06498 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
Purchased an accordion from Rob very professional and a great repairman
Everyone is helpful.
They have rare vinyl records.
First, the employees were excellent; friendly and helpful. I was extremely disappointed in the store itself. This was basically a dark, messy pawn shop, not the store I was familiar with from years ago. My only reason to go back would be to pick through dusty items to find something I might be in search of, more of an adventure.
Closed even though the hours said it was open (3 pm on a Wednesday). The place looked like a hoarders attic. Absolute mess.
Total waste of my time
Was a dj for 30 years and bought and sold equipment all over Ct . I stopped in at lasalle music in east hartford it was a nightmare . Equipment from the seventies store a mess and the staff looked like a Grateful Dead fan with colored hair . So glad I moved on with my teaching at a high school
14. Music & Arts
Address: 315 W Main St, Avon, CT 06001 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
Fantastic store and wonderful staff. Thanks Andrew for all your help in renting a cello!
I am learning to to play cello from my sister and needed a decent quality instrument on a reasonably fast timeframe. I called about 15 storescand received miserable service over the phone. I was looking at cheaper cellos at pawnshops vs buying lower quality student one. The minute I was referred to this store- I called and spoke with Justin and I was thoroughly impressed with his knowledge sound advice and professionalism. He walked me through process of yearly rental helped me tune and sold me accessories in a hassle-free friendly manner! If you are looking for a fast easy and top notch experience at a great price make this place your first stop!
We just went there to purchase a Synthesizer.
Very very friendly staffs. Even We hung on with them long time, they made us so happy.
Thank you.
An error in judgment when I decided to place an order for them to send out my two guitars I STILL to this day can’t string myself worth beans. Decent store for the most part but what really got me sore was the fact that the clerk said that they send their instruments out to a repair tech in E. Hartford but then found out that for whatever reason they have to send the guitars to a tech in BOSTON and the woodwind and brass instruments are the only instruments they ferry back and forth for repairs to EH. Misleading and wonder if it were intentional or whether or not someone else over there neglected to tell him that the different instruments get repaired at different locations. Not my fault I didn’t get the right info but certainly my fault I opted to not take my precious guitars back before the start of business last week so I could either try once again to string them myself or have someone else nearer to me I’d forgotten momentarily about do it for me instead. Ideally I’ll see if I can learn the proper way to string them from now on to save on the cost and also to not feel helpless and at the mercy of someone else whose repair shop happens to be out of state yet.
Dont try guitar lessons in this location.piano teacher may come for quitar lessons and teacher may change soon, we may work 3 months for refund.
The rude little slug working there was too bothered with his piano concerto to help us. Apparently, going through a whole rigamarole online is now “easier” than just showing up and renting what you need. Yeah, we won’t be coming back. Thanks!
The details pertaining to the boxes in and around the location are not what I am interested in anymore. Absolutely in poor taste to remove something biodegradable without thinking. I’d give it a 5 star if the app let me!
15. The Music Score LLC
Address: 2315 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
I have been taking piano lessons with Gil Flores @ The Music Score studio for the past 2 years and have had an excellent experience. Gil brings a wealth of musical experience and teaches in a very understandable, nonthreatening manner with reasonable expectations and positive feedback. Relates well to all age groups.
The Music Score is now at 2315 and under new management. The store offers lessons for all instruments (including vocal), rentals and purchases on all instruments (including pianos.) The Music Score includes workshops and classes, like Music Together for toddlers, Music Fun Time for small children, and more. Jazz Band is held on Wednesday nights, Open Mic every last Friday. Other fun times are held, like Karaoke, Music Movie night, and Game night. Events are held about four times a year like The Frozen Spring Thaw, Open Houses, Christmas parties, recitals, new years for kids, and more. This store has a little of everything and caters to people from newborns to senior citizens. When you walk in the door you are part of the family and the teachers, associates, and owners take pride in caring and educating. A true mom and pop shop who are part of the community and helping it grow.
My daughter is signed up for lessons and her teacher is great (I hear the others are as well). Just try not to deal with the guy that owns it.
Very knowledgeable and friendly.
Arrived at 10:00am (they open at 10am, but not today). I waited and they finally arrived. All I needed was guitar strings, but they had none. What a waste of time.
I tried to return my daughter’s Viola due to the school no longer providing classes. It was a total nightmare to get an answer in regards to my credit. They are very irresponsible and I am very disappointed by the lack of care towards my return which was even misplaced! Mom and dad are not helpful at all and he should really look at keeping them home, they make things worse!
16. Westbury Music
Address: 686 Main St, Watertown, CT 06795 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
Great job setting up my DIY bass. Also leveled, crowned and polished the frets. At a great price.
A good store for young music students. Has a variety of entry level books and instruments. The person working in the store was very pleasant to deal with, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Mike the owner is one of the nicest guys. This is a great place for equipment, supplies and lessons.
excellent store, good Fender Selection, nice acoustics, lessons, and school instruments.
Staff is very friendly and knowledgable.
Ordered instrument for my son, was told to pick up the next day, went the following day to pick it up and it wasn’t there. Also bought a box of reefs for the instrument and was given the wrong kind. The gentleman that waited on us was polite, although he didn’t recognize us even though we had just been in the day before!
17. Music & Arts
Address: 50 Main St, East Hartford, CT 06118 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
Lots of great instruments to buy. I got a nice 88 key electric piano here. It shipped within a week, if not less.
Also a great place with lots of different music books for many instruments.
Easy, reliable, timely and great communication and customer service.
Our go to place for strings, sticks, and whatever else we may need!
Cool place, very expensive
Good selection and price
Rented a saxaphone for 2 years. Summers were free. Returned the sax in the fall and was charged for the summer. 300$ which is the yearly rate. No notification or change of contract. Its a scam. Free summers not part of the contract, just a gift to you until you return it. Hours spent on hold to corporate as the local manager has no power.
I had been taking lessons at this location since March 2019. One of their instructors stopped teaching in June 2019 and took the summer months off. The store called me in August to say the instructor was not returning in the Fall and my account would be closed but if I wanted to begin with a new instructor I could. To my surprise upon starting with the new instructor, my account incurred a new student fee of $30 which is out of order since I am a continuing student; I asked the store to provide a credit and they recently did so. The new student fee is inappropriate due to no fault of mine.
I recently went to the Music & Art store and asked about my child’s school instrument payment plan. We leased the instrument two years ago; but due to COVID-caused remote schooling and summer breaks, there was little use of the instrument despite monthly charges including insurance and fees.
The store manager told me that I can pay up from lease to own, but refused to give me the payment breakdown, saying everything “in their computer”. When I asked for my contract copy, he didn’t have it. I remember the contract sent from the school was very complicated with different group plans and unfamiliar billing terms, and the store ended up filling up the paperwork over the phone for us. The contract has carbon copies and the store told us they would send us our copy but never did. Now they were telling me that they didn’t have the original copy of the contract for me either.
I decided to pay up the rest to own the clarinet. Just be aware that the receipt won’t have details of what portion is for the instrument and what is for insurance and fees, and no information about the original price and the final total payment. I ended up paying more than $200 just in insurance and fees up to now. I also found out that I had overpaid >$500 for a beginner instrument that the store billed for an intermediate model, as I compared the market price for my exact model. Since I don’t have the pricing info. nor the contract, I cannot really do anything at this point.
I have since found other online complaints against Music & Art regarding the rent-to-own school instrument plan. The lack of transparency and their practice of overcharge and under-report seem to be common experience of their customers. I feel that there is an element of complacency on the school and parents ends since the service is “for our children”, but where is the accountability?
18. George’s Music Center
Address: 905 New Harwinton Rd, Torrington, CT 06790 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
Best guitar and amp. store I been to yet.
Owner George is the most knollegable guitar and amp. Dude I’ve ever met, that’s saying something since I’ve been a pro. guitarist for 51 years now.
He carries PRS. Suhr, and has MANY pre CBS. Fender amps as well carries Messa Boogie!!
Great guy, great store, what more do you need?
Norm Cote
George is knowledgeable and friendly. He did a wonderful job adjusting the neck on my guitar. I am happy to support this local business. If you need any instruments or gear, this is the place to go.
Great shop! I went in with a list and was helped very efficiently.
Nice shop
Meh
If you’re not looking to go too far to get musical instruments. Look no further. Expensive though. But if you don’t care about prices, go for it. Not much of a selection though.
This place is just awful. The owner is so rude to us that i will never go back. We rented an instrument from him because our normal music store didnt have the instrument and when the instrument broke he said it was our fault and that it wasnt covered and then bad mouthed our local music store.
After going to this place; I must say I will never go back there again. The owner is so rude and disrespectful. Its not even funny. The owner needs get off his anthropocentric state of mind.
19. Route 1 Guitars
Address: 189 Bridgeport Ave, Milford, CT 06460 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
They have everything one can need and even a student discount if you take lessons the people are very kind and polite and far cheaper than guitar center
Awesome lessons and equipment!!!
What a gem !
The energy was wonderful!
And good prices
Knowledgeable staff, in addition to guitars, keyboards, etc… They have school instrument rentals
Nice staff
Sent my guitar (Fender Jazzmaster) for connection electric issue. After roughly a week and a half guitar was done just for it to have the same issue. What a disappointment
Absolute joke of a store.
Call before visiting the store. They say they’re open at 12:30 but don’t show up for hours after the fact. I get it, they’re a small operation, but wasting your local customer’s time doesn’t breed repeat customers. I needed to be in the store three times. All three times, my time was wasted because the store wasn’t open during their own published times of operation. Just rent your kid’s instrument from somewhere else.
20. Music Center of North Haven Llc
Address: 473 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 , Olot , Connecticut , United States
Our five grandchildren have been part of the wonderful musical experience at The Music Center of North Haven. It is a life changing program for us and a chance for them to grow individually and as a group as they play together. Their teachers are incredible, very talented, patient and professional. It is an investment in our youth which is very much needed. They can learn responsibility, a sense of accomplishment in achieving goals, positivity, accountability, confidence, commitment, work ethic, creativity, morale, overall uplifting and safe experience. They perform in concerts and in front of other audiences, which enhances self esteem. They also perform for friends and family and enjoy doing it. Everyone should check out the variety of musical programs offered at the center. Owners Mark and Mary are great, as is the entire staff. Just a little note from the Miller Family.
We’ve been going to the Music Center for years, and the owners are consistently great people. They also have incredibly trained and talented teachers.
I walked into the store on a mission to see if any ukulele sheet music was there, to give to a friend of mine. I walked out with a brand new LUNA acoustical guitar.
Jared (?) at the register gave me much advice. Part of the purchase was a sort of “tune up” given by the owner. The owner was not there on the day of purchase but gladly accommodated me a few days later. He tweaked the neck a little which gave the guitar some unbelievable action.
Nothing but great service at this place!
Great place to get music!!
First experience here, but guy greeted me immediately and helped me pick out a capo. Nice feature to have a cafe inside.
Great place. Definitely stop in.
UPDATE: To clarify, the small bag of “trash” was a small bag of shirts and pants that were out grown and not trash which the owner stated several times and now denies. He also forgets that I was sitting there in my car for several minutes trying to figure out what the poorly sprayed wording actually stated or if it was just covering up something and i even took out the clothes in the bag and showed it to him but he didn’t care and continued to argue with me. Again, I had donated to this location before it was deemed abandoned and was accused repeatedly to get my trash out of there. I did go down the street and donated the clothes to Goodwill. The issue I have is how the owner handled the situation and the accusations that were thrown at me even when confronted with the proof that they were wrong and I was clearly trying to donate a small amount of clothes and left when asked. Move this very prominent former donation bin to the back our your lot or put a proper sign up, chain close the handle or just politely tell someone its closed.
This music center used to have a clothing donation bin out front which I have donated to many times before. It has since been painted over with illegible spray paint saying bin closed. I was standing by the bin trying to figure out what the writing said and employee came out and screamed at me to take my trash somewhere else and was extremely rude shouting at me like I was doing something illegal. He told me to bring my trash to Goodwill. Would never bring my kids here for their music needs with staff like this.
I came in for my introductory ukulele lesson. The place was a mess. The chair I was told to sit on had metal pieces sticking out the side. The AC was not on. The instructor informed me he had been playing uke for about 3 years. I was charged $50 and it was the biggest waste of money. I was highly disappointed.
This is a review for the musical forest cafe. I wish I could have enjoyed the food at this place, but this business is a mess. I came here a month ago on a Tuesday and they were closed out of the blue, so they granted me a 10% discount coupon for my trouble. I decided to give this place a try once again today so I called in advanced, but no one picked up the phone. I then googled their hours and noticed it said they opened at noon (I tried calling at 11:00 a.m.) but that they were opened today. To be completely sure about that, I checked their facebook page that stated, in fact, that they were open. When I arrived to the restaurant the owner greated me and stated that they have been closing on Fridays for the past 9 months and that I should have checked their facebook page prior to coming in here (REALLY?!). After explaining to him that I DID checked facebook he apologized and said he will change the facebook hours for his restaurant and offered to give me another discount coupon. I didn’t even bothered to take the coupon and left very disappointed by the lack of reliability and professionalism of this place and won’t ever be coming back. Places like this just reinforced my belief that going out of business is a conscious effort and wouldn’t be surprised if this happened to this cafe in the near future.
