Exclusive selection: The top 12 music shops of Rochester

Love this place! High end equipment, good prices, good staff

I went in a couple days ago, looking for bass guitars; the selection of which was, unsurprisingly, limited, but what else can you expect? I walked out with an acoustic electric bass (with good strings and perfect intonation) for a fair price. The experience was pleasurable overall, and, next time I’m in the market for a new instrument, this is where I’ll go first.

Love these guys. Best in town.

Friendly,has most anything

Slightly expensive, but very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Nice store plenty of gear in stock , staff was pleasant , prices were reasonable and they even had some used instruments for cheapskate s like me hahaa I will go back and give them some business, even though online shopping may save you a few nickel s or couple bucks shopping local and having our local business s right down the street is well worth it to me .

I hate doing this because I want to like music stores but if service is gonna be like this, everyone myswell DIY at home and heed this warning. I’ve had a few guitars setup there which is what I’m always needing done, new guitars etc, well I happen to be changing the strings on my Chapman that I had setup there and the low E saddle of the Floyd Rose came loose and the saddle screw fell out and that’s strange as you tighten them down. Well here’s what I discovered. Either dude lost the original saddle screw or he broke it somehow, but sitting in place of the original saddle screw is a too small saddle screw from a different bridge! It had been set in there and the string was tightened until it held the saddle in place! Like magic no screwing required! This guaranteed that as soon as the string tension came loose the saddle and screw would come loose every time NOT like it’s supposed to. Soooo sad service especially since luckily here at home I have many of those saddle screws laying around. It would have been better service to call me/order the correct part than to wait for me to get home figure out that I have the wrong part and have to deal with it myself. Smh.

I am giving two stars because Matt Waldhoff took the time to speak with us in the store. Other than that, I’m not impressed. We were going to consign an expensive Clavinova with them. Upon looking at the contract emailed to us they wanted 40% of the price it sold for, which was satisfactory with us. What was not satisfactory was even thought they only charged $100 to pick-up the clavinova it appeared from the contract they wanted $100 to deliver it to the new owners. Also, they would take no responsibility for any damage that may occur to the unit while it was in their hands. As we had questions regarding that contract we contacted Matt Waldhoff two times via email, asking him to clarify certain aspects of the contract. He never responded back so I assumed they did not want our business. I ended up selling the clavinova on my own and kept the 40% they would otherwise have received. It is inexcusable to not return emails to clarify a contract and I can only assume he took offense that we had questions regarding a contract where they took the profit, but absolutely no responsibility for damage.

The guest experience was alright, but after going in, and returning my item the staff took my return and assured me it was completed, I left and enjoyed the day, more than a week later and I have discovered the staff I talked to must have processed my return improperly since I have never received my refund on my bank statement and when I tried to call in to get the situation corrected I was told they could not find my transaction. Edit… The owner has personally reached out to me and has worked to correct the situation.

went to get my guitar set up and it came back out of tune, disappointed to say the least, reading other reviews it appears the staff might need more technical experience or organization

Friendly and just a great place

I ordered a Gibraltar 9608 Drum Throne on ebay store site and received it in 1 day! Called same day – luckily, store was on holiday Sunday schedule – and spoke with Ian about memory lock issue. He was able to receive pics on digital store text system and help me resolve the issue lickety-split!! Excellent communication and pro customer care! I Highly Recommend The Music Shoppe !!

Very polite and helpful

Every single time I come here it’s nothing but problems. Being misled by an employee on a price of an instrument. After calling the day before getting one price, to going there getting another price, and then her calling back and giving me yet another price. To finally I had to just sign up for something because I was told they didn’t have any available. Was told today they have books and now they don’t have any available.. They basically couldn’t tell me when or where they could get another. I highly suggest going to another store.
*update*- the owner took care of all of my issues and is addressing the problem. Nice to see people still care!

Very helpful staff was able to guide me right to the different snare heads needed making it a quick and easy stop!

Staff is helpful and they have lots of instruments to view. One bad thing is that they always seem to make you feel like they are waiting for you to steal something. I realize there is lots of theft that happens but you don’t need to follow me around while I browse.

This place will go the way of the rock shop if they keep treating customers like suspects.
It was not like this at the Stevenson location.

I brought my Getzen 3062 Bass Bone to Carl’s with a dented slide and a few minor scratches. They were able to repair/clean/inspect my horn in 1.5 days! I swear my slide feels better now than when I bought the horn. They definitely have my business for as long as I’m in/near central Illinois.

The best!

Always helpful and pleasant! Top notch instruments and repair quality.

Very knowledgeable very friendly. They treat us beginners with the same respect concert veterans

Super helpful and upfront with tactful explanation of options for the work needing done

Great customer service! He was very polite and helpful. He took me to exactly what I was needing! I will be back.

Great people helping you out to try the equipment. Jay was particularly nice and helpful. He also plays a mean guitar!

The Music Shoppe always has great service! Quick on repairs or offer loaner horns. Very knowledgeable. Been going there for over 40 years. Would definitely recommend them.

Nice place to check out instruments. Staff was friendly.

They have good rental violins. The strings are overpriced compared to the internet, understandably. Their violin selections for $1000-2000 is not great and overpriced for their quality compared to other violin shops I went to before. I have played for over 9 years.

Very helpful staff, good selection of music and instruments.

Us as parents made a mistake about payments on my son’s sax so they did what there Right was and got it back so we went in and bought one from them paid it full out that same day we bought it they informed the music teacher to take it they were picking it up the following Friday so my son had it removed from him in front of his classmates just before his Christmas concert he was crushed at something he was looking forward in doing
we had receipt for sax which we paid cash for so with them doing this my son no longer wants to do band or music just because the people at the music shop if I could give them negative 5 star I would who would tell a music teacher to take away a sax that was paid for from a child for no reason at all I hope u go out of business?

They’re expensive, the cables and accessories they sell will usually cost nearly twice in price, just go on reverb or guitarcenter and order online instead. Saving customers money. The place is fairly quiet for a music shop and they have great service and employees though, I just wouldn’t suggest buying any accessories or equipment stuff like cables for electric instruments.

Best guitar store ever..its up there with the music outlet in Sevierville Tennessee. Great people i can’t wait to come up this weekend and see whats new..could they have a badlander this week..well see

Went in to check out I’m new to learning guitar and have only been going to guitar center. Soon as I walked in was greeted ASAP and when asking questions it was immediately answered and the one one time of answering my questions was awesome. The staff make you feel welcomed. My experience is I will be spending my money on guitar needs from them for here on out.

these guys are the best

Nice music store.

Pros: I just moved here and was told by a guitar center employee that Flores music down the road has the best guy around to diagnose a problem I have with my very expensive guitar. Three shops had tried and failed at this point. I wish I could remember the technicians name; it started with a “j” I know, he takes one look at the guitar and checks a couple things. He then tells me that the problem is easily fixed. I tell him I’ve heard that before. But while I waited he fixed the buzzing problem and even corrected a couple other things that were bad. I’ve never had a guitar play this well ever! The con is when I was done thanking the savior of my taylor guitar a man from the store got mad at me for peeking my head in the shop to talk to the technician who I am trusting with my guitar. Sorry Flores music for bothering you with my business. Great repairs and lousy customer relations.

It was awesome na Kevin Gray Is such a good drum teacher

When I was unhappy with the 5th string banjo capo they sold me, they didn’t offer any kind of refund or even a discount on a new installation. Instead, they reacted in what I thought was a rude and unhelpful manner. Come on people… this is customer service 101!

Ripped off a 15 year old gave him 250$ for a 700$ guitar that was 3 months old would never go here for anything, also had a les paul fretboard gauged and fixed here done terribly wrong it buzzed at most lower frets dunno how they are still in business besides the fact they are the only ones with mesa boogie

Do not visit if you have brown skin. Clearly has a preference for whites only…. cannot believe this place and the racist service exists in 2014!!! Had a horrible experience. They would rather not serve me or take my money….. beware black and brown people of Peoria!!!

I had to get my guitar restrung while I was in Belleville today. The gentleman who waited on me was very personable and knowledgeable about guitars. He strung my guitar quickly and efficiently, This shop is well stocked with all kinds of books and music for all instruments. I will be coming back when I am in the area.

They were very helpful and offered great advice for new musicians.

Miller Music has a nice selection of music, pianos, and other instruments. Come, check them out. They are friendly, helpful, and prices are very reasonable.

They appear to no longer be in business.

I took my niece to Miller Music to see about having an issue fixed with her flute. The guy working looked at it for a few seconds and said he didn’t notice any issues (leaks) visible to the eye. I then asked if it would be okay for her to play the instrument for him so that he could listen, and hopefully make a diagnosis that way. He responded with, “Yeah, hurry up.” Needless to say, the instrument is still having an issue. When we purchased the couple of instruments we have, he was polite. Now that there’s an issue, “Mr. Nice Guy” left the building. I’d never recommend anyone to buy anything else from them again.

Simply call to find out the brand of acoustic guitars they sold when I mentioned name brands the lady was set off very rude on the phone and hung up on me her name was Sharon

Do not put an item on consignment with this business. You will never hear from them again. Disgraceful business tactics + no communication regarding the issue. I will do everything possible to discredit this business.

Affordable instruments, associates that are both knowledged and caring in tge musical empathies, and lessons. Great place.

Bought several instruments from them. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Before you buy that cheap flute off craigslist. Give these guys a chance. They might be able to help you out.

GREAT PLACE TO VISIT, BUY, AND STAY A WHILE

Good prices

The website says its open till 5 on Saturday not 3

Average music store

Good stuff just could be better with details and price

I had to have my horn sent to Alton because this tech in Centralia is discriminatory against people with disabilities. Had to drive two and a half hours 200 plus miles and no discount for a simple repair I will never use them again thinking about taking legal action.

My son, a neophyte to the music world, has been drawn into the beautiful, intricate art of learning to play the cello. Although only 9 years old, Adam exhibits the curiosity and passion to learn this regal instrument.
His soaring success in a few short months can be attributed to his instructor, Justin, who has the patience, and concern to teach young minds, and he imparts both the physical skills as well as the theory and rationale for everything he teaches, which my information hungry son devours and internalizes.
Justin is the reason my son will continue his endeavor to play the cello, when many kids start then get bored and quit musical instruments.
Kudos to this fine, accomplished instructor who himself has written books on playing cello as well as played in philharmonic orchestras, and knows the subtleties of teaching this instrument.

Very helpful. Good selections.

Kidders is an amazing place.

Friendly and helpful staff!

Friendly staff and had just what I was looking for

Great lessons. Decent store for beginners.

Have issues taking money off cards don’t say why just say sorry we can’t help

This location and the Edwardsville location are amazing! The staff is always friendly and informative. Lessons are very reasonable price wise. I highly recommend

Screw Guitar Center, Dude here actually helped me

Highly recommend for music lessons excellent teachers

A good old school music store.

It’s a really good place. Sorry, we were the ones that crashed intk the building

My experiences their have been very bad. Only 2 people in the store know anything. The owner who name is Art is a complete and total jerk!!! Don’t expect him to respect you unless you are spending loads of Cash. His workers are nice. The store though just feels dusty everytime I walk in their. This has been my experience. Use to like them now Im just fed up with customer service. They do have rare gear tho. Which for me is why I liked visiting their.

They hate drummers. Lost a sale because they were condescending to a young man I was with. We’ll be taking our business elsewhere.

This place is so bad I’d rather go to guitar center and I hate guitar center. They are fine if you’re just going for lesson but if you’re doing any type of business seriously save yourself the trouble and go to any other local store or guitar center.

I stopped in today 2/14/2020 and was very impressed!! Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming store!! Curt helped me with everything and I will definitely be giving them all my business in the future. It’s also great to deal with a family owned business, Curt’s daughter, who also works there was very kind. This place just makes you feel welcome and at home with people that are ready to help with anything you need. It’s was also great to hear Curt play, one of the best guitar players I’ve ever heard, he’s played for 50 years and makes it look effortless!! Stop in and see them, you’ll be glad you did!

It was awesome , great service !

This is an awesome local store with a good selection of musical instruments and the store has an amazing staff that will help you with any and all problems you have.

Very friendly and helpful. Nice to still have a brick and mortar music store in the area.

Really nice people, just very overpriced

Had everything we needed.

They sold me a violin for 2,000 and when I had it appraised the specialist said they cost $100 for a set of three. I will never do business with them again and I urge anyone to go elsewhere

Just wanted to say what a great guy Randy is to deal with. I wasn’t sure about a purchase and he was willing to work with me and try to figure something out. This is customer service at it’s best. If you are local make sure you do business with this guy. He deserves your business and won’t pressure you or let you go home with something that you’re not satisfied with.

Excellent experience shopping here! First time going in as my daughter expressed an interest in piano lessons so we found ourselves in need of a piano or keyboard. We felt zero pressure as we looked at their large selection and had all our questions answered. We ended up finding something that we were comfortable with in price and were so excited to have it delivered right away. Honestly could not have had a better shopping experience. We look forward to visiting there again!

I have dealt with dozens of music stores over the years and Randee’s Music is by far my favorite. Lot’s of places offer the same merchandise at decent prices but Randee’s people are what make the difference. They are unbelievably accommodating and personable and willing to make things right. I have dealt with them almost exclusively over the last 8 years due to their attention to detail and customer satisfaction. Their prices are always the best as well. Even though I live in South Carolina I still use Randee’s Music for literally all my music needs. They blow away their competition in my estimation. Thanks for continued great experiences.

Great place for all of your guitar needs!

Very knowledgeable and helpful.

Well, I purchased a Gibson guitar on line from Randee’s. It came somewhat damaged, but it had to to do with Gibson. The nut on the guitar was bad.

Here is the catch, this was bad from the get go, so the either did not inspect the guitar, or just past the problem to me.

I had to pay 2 in shipping to get the repair. I am waiting to see how good the repair will be.

Yet, to be satisfied.

Not a bogus review. You guys did a GK-3 pickup install on my guitar and your tech left a passive aggressive note complaining about the install. Such a weird reaction to claim it’s a bogus review, glad I don’t go here anymore.

Extremely rude, I called with just a question and got my call sent to two different people the latter that was rude and was just ushering me off the phone by saying he was busy. Good luck ever getting my business!

Randees has great pianos,however they hire cheap labor to deliver those great pianos! and drag their feet when it’s time to pay the worker!