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.
Gil is a super friendly guy! My son really enjoys guitar lessons with him!
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!
4. Connecticut Music Co
Address: Westbrook, CT 06498 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
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++++++++++
It’s a no brainer, seriously. I’ve been going here since since I was 16, and used to annoy George with my Stephen Stills impressions. He was patient with me, lol. Anyway, this place is and has always been much more than a guitar shop. Yes, it’s a big part of who they are, but make no mistake, it’s also a place to be inspired, and be around people who truly love the instrument. They are the ONLY place I send folks.
Very helpful
Had a guitar cable when I needed it.
Thé Owners are lousy business
No prices listed
Not many mandolins
6. DuBaldo Music Center
Address: 881 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
I’ve never been more comfortable trying out guitars in a shop. I drove over an hour to get here and the customer service made it completely worth it. They have an incredible selection of great sounding instruments and went out of their way to make sure I found the guitar I wanted. Highly recommend this place.
Phenomenal shop that really personifies customer service! Pete is a great guy to deal and talk shop with. My guitar arrived safe, secure AND quickly. I can’t recommend DuBaldo enough, just give them a call or stop by already!
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 service
7. JC Music
Address: 529 W Main St, Meriden, CT 06451 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
JC Music have sold my amplifier, clarinets, trumpet. They are very fair and courteous and works with you on getting the best price. I highly recommend using JC Music for you consignment items. Joe D., Cheshire, CT.
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!
very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly family owned music store
My grandson really enjoyed the music lessons and they are very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend them.
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.
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.
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.
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
8. Rayburn Music
Address: 22B Andover Dr, West Hartford, CT 06110 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Excellent Quality of both service and instruments.
Very friendly fast and efficient service! I love shopping local
Very helpful.
Fast and friendly service
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.
STAY AWAY from this company! I rented a cello early 2019. We returned the cello in Aug 2019 and are still getting billed for it! I’ve called and left messages since no one picks up the phone in the Milford office where I rented and returned the instrument. No call back and monthly payments for the cello are still getting charged off my bank card. Had to file a complaint with my bank to stop payments. Terrible terrible business practice!
9. Music Center of North Haven Llc
Address: 473 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Can’t say enough good things about “The Musical Forest Cafe” !!! The food, service & atmosphere are all outstanding. I’m so happy to have such a great cafe right here in North Haven. I most certainly will be returning till I try everything on the menu.
Sincerely, Jan Milo
The staff is helpful and friendly. So different to the place near by.
Mark and team do a great job, even for an amateur. They make you feel comfortable and their people are good. Glad I walked in and asked for lessons. Just an all around nice experience.
Great place to get music!!
Super friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Great instructors. Great atmosphere.
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.
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.
Guitar tech could not look at my guitar because he busy making egg sandwiches.
10. Goldie & Libro Music Center
Address: 380 Washington Ave #1, North Haven, CT 06473 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Exceptional customer service. Family run and owned for over 100 years says something. Coming from a musical family myself there’s over 4 generations of satisfied customers. Jack even let my 3 month old play the snare drum and even gave her a slide whistle as a present! Needless to say she will be getting all of her instruments from Goldie &Libro when she’s ready. Thank you for everything guys! You truly are the best in the business! Highly Recommend!
Goldie and Libro provides prompt, personal and professional service at level worthy of earning my repeat business over time. For the past few years, they have handled my instrumental product and service needs with precision, expertise, and flexibility when needed. The team at Goldie & Libro listen carefully to your questions and make suggestions as to instrumental product selection and preservation. They also stand by their products and take care of any potential issues that may arise unexpectedly going forward. Ideally, when choosing a music store, you are embarking upon a long term relationship. I recommend this business to you without reservation.
Best Saxophone repair center in the State of Ct !!
Rented my first Instrument from Goldie and Libro back in 1964.
Industry legends !!!
They were absolutely no help. Don’t waste your time.
I do Not recommend this place to anyone. The owner of the shop was very rude. When my card declined for some reason he announced it very loadly to everyone and when I gave them my second card he hoped my card was working this time.
I had a few questions so I called this place. The jackass who answered the phone, I’m assuming is the owner. Made me feel stupid and discouraged me from trying to play the instrument I was inquiring about.
11. The Music Shop
Address: 22 Mc Dermott Ave, Torrington, CT 06790 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Hello James louchen looking band together starting my own band made last add more songs looking music musicians each position play. Dums led ELC getdr keebord 3 Man two ladies like at one more bongls need your help changes this band songwriter add more purduers equipment management upgrade my dumset songwriter band manager back up singersEffects sounds E Yvet all call
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.
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!!
12. Madison Music Center
Address: 200 Boston Post Rd STE 7, Madison, CT 06443 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
So glad to have found this place. Super helpful service to help me dial in my guitar. He can get anything but more importantly helped me understand the right style and kind guitar for me.
Excellent place for rentals and purchases!
Chuck is the best for any type of music gear. He pulls strings with his suppliers to meet your needs. Over the years I’ve purchased from Chuck a hard-to-find Telecaster model, guitar/bass cases, microphones, accessories of all kinds. If you have a spare half hour, stop by Madison Music to “talk story” with Chuck!
13. Music & Arts
Address: 989 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Quality store, professional staff, and especially helpful with younger students. Good programs for renting instruments, and they host lessons as well.
Went in just to look around and the guy working ended up teaching me a ton about what to look for when buying a piano and was super fun to talk to. Shoutout to whoever that was!
Service was amazing. My son plays contrabass and I don’t know much about the needs. The manager was really knowledgeable and helped us choose mid cost strings and a new bow suitable for a young but not brand new player. I appreciate that they didn’t do a hard sell with more cost than I was comfortable with right now. The things came in promptly. When we came in C. handled changing the strings and helping my son with the new bow. He was fantastic. I will continue to use their store! Really happy!
Limited retail space, but the staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Music lessons are offered on site.
Yeah it’s good!
I have condensed my original rant down to the following- we really like our children’s teachers- but the front desk needs saving
Very poor service. I had gone few days ago to order a rental violin size 1/16 according to my son teacher recommendations, and a violin for my wife. This week I received a call letting me know that the violins were ready for pick up.
First thing I was told when I arrived was that the violin 1/16 was not there, after I told the associate I have received a phone call, he went to check again and sure enough he found it.
He mentioned that the violin ha a tag outside saying it was 1/32, but that it was a size 1/16 because it has been measured.
He proceeded to fill up a rental contact that I signed, however I suspected the violin was indeed a 1/32, I then open the violin box and inside the violin there was a mark for 1/32 size.
I mentioned to the associate that I thought the violin was a 1/32 not a 1/16. He was visible frustrated and said that his manager had I don’t remember what degrees in music and that he had measured the violin ant it was a 1/32, he then told me that I could check online the dimensions for a 1/16 violin, which I did, and sure enough the violin was a 1/32 according to the measurements they have online. I told the associate that I preferred to wait, he replied that the contract was already done, I said that I did not care, because I wanted the right size violin. All along this discussion the associate attitude was extremely rude.
I would not recommend this store, however unfortunately there aren’t too many options available.
Imagine spending your life blowing air into a piece of metal. Unbelievable
Absolutely horrible service by the staff. Our son took lessons for two years and store failed to call when teacher couldn’t make it to lesson and even refused to acknowledge that his instrument had been returned when it was sitting in front of them. Sadly, these small shops are disappearing and so it is hard to walk away from one but the staff and management is really just that bad.
14. Woodbury Music Shop
Address: 766 Main St S, Woodbury, CT 06798 , Portland , 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.
15. George’s Music Center
Address: 905 New Harwinton Rd, Torrington, CT 06790 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Guys are knowledgeable, friendly and well-informed. Have made a few major purchases here and am always satisfied!
Great shop! I went in with a list and was helped very efficiently.
Meh
Nice shop
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.
16. La Salle Music & Sound
Address: 993 Main St #2233, East Hartford, CT 06108 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
They have fair pricing and will often give you a discount. Mark and Eric are great to work with at their East Hartford, CT location. You pay cash…they give you a better deal too. Tons of vinyl records for Beat Makers and Producers. All Genres to flip through.
Great service.
Fred Pedemonti no longer works there,that is why the 5 stars. Fred is scum.
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.
Went in to sell my cello, the woman that was working there was amazing and very professional. She had to call the owner to ask about the selling price. He had her look up what my model last sold for on eBay (it’s 2021 my dude) and there were no matches so he had nothing to go off of. I paid $1400 for it, I was looking for around $500. He wanted to give me $50. An absolute joke. I’m not looking for top dollar but I’m also not looking to get completely ripped off.
Ordered lugs for my snare. They sent me receipts and invoices and never shipped my lugs. I called and emailed multiple times and never got a response back after leaving numerous messages. Been 2 months and I still don’t have my lugs and am out $60.
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
17. The Music Shop
Address: 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Absolutely amazing, kind, and genuine people. Was going to drop off my guitar for a repair. Did not need to drop it off, the gentleman at the counter took my guitar apart and fixed it on the spot, under charged me and would not take more money. Truly an exceptional experience. Highly recommend
We had a great experience at the music shop in Southington. We went in to buy a guitar for our son. Tyler was really helpful and answered all our questions patiently. Thank you Tyler!
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!
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.
18. Arrigoni Winery & Cider Co.
Address: 1287 Portland-Cobalt Rd, Portland, CT 06480 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Our server Lilliana was excellent and will definitely recommend her and the winery !!!
First time to a winery and this place is a must visit! Staff is so friendly and the live music is a plus as well. Definitely will come again!
Stopped here as part of my sisters birthday winery extravaganza and it was lovely and the staff was amazing!
scenery is beautiful. Wine tasting was different
Slushies are really good. White wines from premier listing are very good. Flat bread pizza just OK. 12 to 13 dollars for a glass of wine, slushie, or small strip of mediocre pizza a little too much in my opinion. Wait staff very personable and quick turn around with orders. Sunday had entertainment and was nice to under the outdoor tent. Will come again, but will bring my own food.
Great outdoor space. A bit weird set up that there is a “wine tasting area only” but then if that gets full they break the rules and let anyone sit anywhere eventually . You can bring your own food and have a picnic
Wine and cider flights were definitely over priced. You got a sip for 16 dollars, where you can go to a better winery and get half pours for much cheaper cost and better quality. The ciders are the worse ciders I’ve ever had. They are basically sour
apples with maybe a hint of articial flavoring. Cannot recommend.
Efficient service, nice location. I enjoyed the live music, the flatbread, and the gift shop. I did not enjoy any of the wines on the sampler.
Unlike the many New England vineyards my family and I have visited. I recognized the business location from years before it became a “vineyard.” My Gen-Z and Millennial sons were turned off my the rustic yard decor. The restriction of the samples/flights to only the wines they list in their small subcategories? Never saw that anywhere else. You’re usually able to pick ANY wine you want for flights/sampling at vineyard.
The sad/old John Denver music inside, in addition to the country singer outside, as well as the cheesy wine bottle openers and related for sale all made us wish we skipped this place. That yard decor, the music, the cheap items for sale = redneck.
19. Guitar Center
Address: 839 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Love the staff and the awesome input given each time I go there. Thank you
Just wanted to shout out Rob who helped me out as best he could today with sort of a difficult task I asked about. Thanks for being patient much appreciated.
Ray is great he always helps me with whatever i need and is always welcoming and so is everyone else
Not as large as the Manchester store but we’ll stocked and organized with helpful staff at each area.
I’ve had to go here for things for my boyfriend that I swear don’t exist but the girls that have helped me find what he needs are great they know exactly what I’m talking about every time even when I have no idea! Amazing customer service I just wish I remembered there names!!
Need more djing equipment options. Most options are very limited.
I wish I could give 0 star. The store associate gave me wrong information about their finance options. He told me its 24 months. After I opened the credit card, he said I’m sorry its 6 month. I didn’t want to open a credit card for 6 month. The manager wasn’t nice one phone after I called them many times. I ended up calling the credit card bank for further investigation.
Gamestop for guitars. Sold mine, gave me 25% of orginal cost. RIP off.
Great store, great people, corporate on the other hand. (I’ve personally spent thousands over the years) But buyer beware, as the closer to the holiday, the higher the prices climb. Buy early or pay more.
20. Turnpike Music Garage
Address: 1485 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield, CT 06825 , Portland , Connecticut , United States
Extremely nice guy and definitely knowledgeable. Went in for a guitar set up, and he got it to me in a quick time and even spared me a few dollars when I went to pick it up. Definitely recommend!
Friendly staff and good price for instrument rentals.
I signed up through a coupon website for my four children. They enjoyed it very much!! I felt like my kids were in good, capable, knowledgeable hands and I would have continued lessons except for the distance, we live about 30 minutes away. Thank you Turnpike Music Garage!!
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
