Ordered a beautiful mint Pink Paisley ’69 RI Telecaster from the shop on Reverb. Very fast response and amazing customer service. Sent a message around 11am, Corey responded very fast with detailed photos I asked for and details about the guitar. He also set up the guitar before sending it out(all in the same day!!) and I gotta add, they do great work. Guitar came safe and sound. After tuning the guitar played smooth as butter with the action just how I like it. Amazing experience overall, I am so happy with the guitar. Will definitely do business again whether online or if I’m in the area, thanks Corey and everyone on staff at the shop!
Bought a pre owned Gretsch 5191 lefty from Martel music. love the guitar. Shipping was fast to Canada, packed well, and it was an overall very good experience with this shop.
It’s not everyday you see a guitar store that carries custom built boutique guitars and amps. It’s a guitar store for actual guitar players. Friendly people too.
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.
2. Sam Ash Music Stores
Address: 95 Amity Rd, New Haven, CT 06515 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
I went to Sam Ash today to purchase a Les Paul.I had been to my local guitar center several times and they were unable to sell me a guitar for lack of a good guitar in stock.
At Sam Ash I was helped by Allen. He was friendly, knowledgeable, very helpful. I told him what I wanted to do and he brought me a perfect example of what I was looking for. ( a Gibson Les Paul for less than a grand)I tried several guitars over more than two hours. The first one he showed me is the one I went home with. He gave me a set of strings , did an intonation and straightened the neck, put the guitar in prefect playing condition. I will always go back to this store for this kind of service. Thanks Allen.
Great service, knowledgeable staff and a Huge selection of instruments.
Just bought a new Roland RD 88 keyboard here. Shout out to Dan, the pro-audio manager, who was not only patient but very helpful during the whole process. He took time to explain the ins and outs of the keyboard and was able to give us a great deal on it and a nice stand. I would recommend coming here for all of your music needs! They’re knowledgeable and very down to earth!
Always a solid selection of guitars. Knowledgeable staff that will approach and acknowledge you. For a chain, this store is consistently very good.
la atención del personal es un poco pobre en verdad tienes que buscar tu mismo lo que deseas fui a preguntar por un micrófono él me dijo que no lo tenía y cuando yo revisó por la tienda ahí estaba el micrófono y en cantidades deben orientar un poco al personal para que puedan ayudar a los clientes
The only thing I can actually complain about doesn’t even involve the staff or product. It’s hearing stairway to heaven…the breakdown…leading to no solo…if i have to sit listen then lets hear the solo! Anyways yeah…there’s other songs too. Very patient staff. Kind helpful and a sense of gratitude for the shared passion. Next to an an liquor store, need I day more? Hah nah there’s good burgers adjacent. Wow what a review right? Should be able to review reviews… gg
No one greeted me and asked if I needed help.
Very, very limited assortiment of MIDI keyboards, and very unhelpful staff
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.
3. Turnpike Music Garage
Address: 1485 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield, CT 06825 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
I have taken my guitar and bass here to be setup a few times. I was very happy with the time it took and the results. It averaged about a week for the turnaround and the playability was great. I can’t speak for the lessons or major repair work, but for simple things this guitar/music shop is perfect.
All ways the best
A little hard to find, but owner was very helpful in my search for a solid-woods Classical guitar. Looked at a very nice A/Yari. Has some nice guitars, but he is limited by space constraints. If the f-ups in Washington and the greedy sob’s on Wall St would all drop dead, this store would have a good chance of growing.
Had an excellent selection of strings. Plan on visiting again soon.
I got My sons cello at this store and the bridge was broken and the stand
4. Phil’s Guitar Shop
Address: 255 Main St S, Woodbury, CT 06798 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
Mike is a fantastic music teacher! He is so talented and knows many instruments. He has taught several family members and they are all excelling.
This place is great. Their instructors are knowledgeable, funny. It’s a warm, active place. My boyfriend has had guitar lessons with Phil (owner), and been taking singing lessons from Pat for years. His kids have been taking guitar and drum lessons from Phil and Gary for at least 10 years. I take singing lessons from Pat periodically.
The review by “A google user” that starts out “I called the store” and ends with “Go see East Coast Music’ was likely written by an East Coast employee – note it was written FIVE years ago. And by the way, they went out of business…..while Route 7 has thrived.
Bought several guitars here and became a student and friend.. Always feel welcomed and appreciated.
Do not follow hours on door or website, very dissapointing 🙁
5. Matty’s Music LLC
Address: 654 Enfield St, Enfield, CT 06082 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
I had my month-old acoustic guitar set-up by Matty. He lowered the strings, put lighter-gauge strings on, and rubbed a little oil on, too. All in one day, at a great price!!! It feels and sounds great! Also, he plays the guitar really well, and I’ll most likely take lessons from him.
awesome place good affordable prices allowing my band to play in the jam room, and he is a very nice and funny person, if I could rate more than 5 stars I would, I definitely recommend Matty’s music
Knowledgeable and honest. If something isn’t in stock they make ordering easy. So much better and personalized service than chain stores. Support local businesses!
Great service.
Dirty, stuff everywhere, completely disorganized.
6. Bethel Music Center – Instrument Sales, Rentals, Lessons and Repairs
Address: 273 Greenwood Ave #101, Bethel, CT 06801 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
Ordered a Kala Baritone Ukulele in from them and they got the order in right away and for a very good price. The one that initially arrived from the manufacturer was damaged either from the start with or during shipping to the store so they immediately sent for a new one. The next one that came was spotless. The store handled this incident very well and I love my new instrument; the customer service was excellent and I cannot recommend this place enough. If you are in the area, buy from here and not from Amazon!
Staff is friendly and helpful! Bought a used violin for my granddaughter, brought it back to trade it in, was given a fair trade in price, will be picking out a new used one!
Very friendly and knowledgeable personal.
Just stopped by quick. Had a great hour. They are the best
Good info from employees
Instrument rentals are great for their prices
7. DuBaldo Music Center
Address: 881 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 , Pontils , 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!!
Great store! Love the selection of Ernie Ball Music Man instruments.
Fantastic service, fast shipping, and competitive pricing.
Great service
8. The Music Shop
Address: 22 Mc Dermott Ave, Torrington, CT 06790 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
Our 13 year old son has been taking private saxophone lessons at ” The Music Shop” for over 4 years, starting with Leo Liddle. Keith Wilson, a very talented musician took over as his teacher and we love his dedication and perseverance to help expand our son’s musical knowledge with the sax, while also making it fun. The expansion of his new location makes the updated atmosphere a wonderful learning environment, and also has great on site repair service.
Keith was very open and helpful during his purchase of my son’s used drum set. He explained everything clearly and followed through on his statements. Courteous and respectful throughout, he helped make the transaction pleasant. I would definitely return to his shop.
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.
9. The Music Score LLC
Address: 2315 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
My daughter’s piano teacher in East Hampton recommended this store for the purchase of a piano. Thank you Gil for your help selecting one of your pianos. We purchased our piano several days before Christmas as a gift for my daughter. As it can be challenging to find delivery at the holidays, the store owner went out of his way to deliver the piano personally on Christmas Eve. The piano sounds wonderful and my daughter was thrilled. Thanks for the excellent service, wonderful piano, and beautiful music that now fills my home.
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.
I didn’t come to purchase any thing but the employees were more than happy to show me their selection and teach me about the purpose of the parts on the guitars/bass.
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!
10. Rayburn Music
Address: 22B Andover Dr, West Hartford, CT 06110 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
Very friendly fast and efficient service! I love shopping local
Very helpful.
Excellent Quality of both service and instruments.
Fast and friendly service
trying to reach the store for the past 5 months. they are not responding to email or phone call. The phone service is also disconnected now.
we are left with no response and no refund.
We rented a viola from Rayburn. The first viola wasn’t put together right (something to do with the bridge). after switching to another viola we realized the bow doesn’t quite fit with the viola.
we rented from the music store in the center and it was a great experience but pricier. though Rayburn isn’t cheap either
they will be replacing the viola once more, lets see how it goes this time…
In store service is good but can never call the Hartford Rayburn Music. Electronic voice prompts to dial 0 for an attendant but when do so it says “Your call cannot be transferred” been a customer for about 3 years. Never could get done anything over phone. Have to visit store for everything.
11. Woodbury Music Shop
Address: 766 Main St S, Woodbury, CT 06798 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
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!
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.
12. Guitar Center
Address: 50 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT 06477 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
Great service from audio department on my piano ,quick and caring !! I have gotten most of my instruments from this store , very well managed and I love the different departments it’s like going into different worlds of music !!
Very attentive and helpful staff they did not have what I needed but one of their members referred me to another company that can hopefully suit my needs
Nice selection of musical items! Nice staff.
Mediocre store in general. I have always gone to Sam Ash over Guitar Center. I give it 3 stars for their large selection but that’s it. Some days you come in here and it’s a mad house with kids everywhere and just overwhelming…
Ajentes ventas mal trato al cliente
It’s not what it used to be. The inventory is lacking and the guitars need setups.
This place is a mess. It’s in total disarray. They really need to clean the place up.
13. Pat Russo Music LLC
Address: 424 N Colony St, Wallingford, CT 06492 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
My 8 year old son has been taking electric guitar lessons with Pat for just over a year and a half now. I am truly amazed at the progress he has made with Pat. His previous teacher had him learning children’s songs but Pat uses music that is relevant to today and my son’s interests to teach him. Pat is so patient, friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. Pat’s process is perfect for all ages. I recommend Pat Russo to everyone looking for lessons!!!
I am in awe every time I want to learn a new technique /song in any genre, and Pat either already knows it or can figure out an arrangement in no time flat! Any question I have about playing ( and I have a lot) Pat seems to have a clear and concise answer to. The only negative is he’s so busy I can’t make impromptu appointments at will lol..But Pat does work very hard to accommodate my and everyone’s crazy schedules . Doesn’t matter the genre Pat seems genuinely into getting you playing along with your favorite music. You can’t go wrong with the friendly , helpful , fun environment at Pat Russon music.
Pat is a phenomenal guitar teacher, he is always upbeat and puts everyone around him in a good mood
14. Connecticut Music Co
Address: Westbrook, CT 06498 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
Stopped in store for first time to get a couple guitar related things. Super friendly and knowledgeable
Mi tienda favorita tiene excelente precios de instrumentos musicales y son muy generoso y amigable se la recomiendo a todos
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.
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
Total waste of my time
16. Windsor Music Centre
Address: 95 Poquonock Ave, Windsor, CT 06095 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
Great people and Gene is an amazing guitarist & teacher!
We had them repair/resurrect an old flute for us. Great work at a great price. I recommend the business to all.
Nice guy and great service so far!
It’s okay.
terrible repairment
My grandma brought two ukuleles here to be repaired before she passed away. They were from the 1940s and held a lot of sentimental value for me, as they were the first instrument I ever learned to play on. After she passed away, a family member went to retrieve them and the store conveniently had “no record” of them. Scammers and low lifes.
Not bad.
17. JC Music
Address: 529 W Main St, Meriden, CT 06451 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
Great establishment with a helpful staff and reasonable prices. I was here last week, and JC was very helpful walking me through all the options for a new set of coated strings for my acoustic guitar — they have a large selection of strings, so the guidance was useful. I hear the lessons here are high quality, and I plan to return here to get my violin ‘tuned’ up.
Great customer service! Came in for a repair a month ago and the same piece broke again and I thought all hope was lost. I came back hoping I’d just be able to get my money back and left with a fixed guitar without having to pay again! So happy!
Overall great service and people, I’ve had countless positive experiences whenever I had to have something repaired or modified or had to sell something with their consignment program. Very straightforward and easy. Highly would recommend to anyone!
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.
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.
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
18. Giuliano’s Music
Address: 406 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
I got a great deal on a pre-owned Gibson that was being sold on consignment. Bobby took care of me and the guitar is in FANTASTIC condition, as described. I am very happy with my purchase. Thank you!
Bobby fixed a complicated BC Rich for me when other guitar repair shops scratched there heads.Hes real easy to get along with and I know from experience hes the best your gonna find.
Awesome little shop. My favorite bass hadn’t had a proper set up in 14 years. I dropped it off with Bobby and he worked his magic on it. It plays better than it did when I first bought it. Definitely my go-to place for instrument repairs now.
I went needing a pack of guitar strings to find out that they were closed. Their hours online say 12-4 on Saturday. Their door said the same. Lights off no one answered the phone. The time I went you ask? 3:25. EDIT:I have since gone back and they have been very nice and kind. Which has let me to update my rating.
Good service, very nice staff and management!
Everyone was insanely helpful from who I spoke to on the phone for customer support, to the guy that helped me out when I came to pick up the amp in store. Giuliano’s Music takes care of its customers. Will definitely be returning for anything else I need in the future.
19. Music & Arts
Address: 413 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
Good prices and very friendly and professional people working there. I’ll always check them when interested in buying something
I bought a new guitar at the store. I dealt with Chris who is very helpful and knowledgable. The customer service and overall experience were great.
Friendly and talented staff. Watch Ashley and Gabriel in this spontaneous performance!
Had a horrible experience renting with this store, they refused to help and to give me a refund even though it was their fault, and they did not processed the return properly. DO NOT RECOMMEND!
Disappointing experience with stringed instrument rental. Picked up an instrument, brought it home for child (experienced player) to try and a string immediately broke, likely wound too tight or already compromised at the store. Brought it back the very next morning and was told I needed to buy a new string and have someone else attach/retune. Poor way to treat a customer.
20. Creative Music Center
Address: 701 Main St, Monroe, CT 06468 , Pontils , Connecticut , United States
The older guy really helped me with my guitar! He was so nice!
Nice music store in Monroe, we bought a cute ukulele here!
All of the staff, from folks at the register to the instructors to the director of music education, are professional and knowledgeable, with a warm welcome to boot!
Came here with my son they were very rude to my son and not very knowledgeable… wouldn’t come back here again and don’t recommend it.
Scheduled a guitar lesson here, spent $45, arrived on time, the teacher I was assigned to never showed up. At least they were nice enough to give me my money back the next day.
Terrible, definitely wouldn’t recommend it to anyone in this planet or another. I originally paid through Groupon just to see if the classes worked out for my son. I paid for 45 mins and they only gave me 30mins classes for my son ,that should of been the 1st red flag. But then they make you sign a paper and they ask you to put a credit card info even though I paid for the 1st month in full. So we tried that 1st month and decided it wasn’t for my son,he didn’t like it.so then I thought I was done with this establishment and they kept charging me even though I was done with them clearly, scammers.terrible customer service!
