So much to see. Very friendly . I could spend the day looking at everything under the sun.
Nice place, nice staff. Nice assortment
Love the items and the ppl. They have everything and prices were lower than a thrift store . Will definitely be back again!
Great place
This is a Huge awesome antique/thrift store with a little bit of everything. I have been several times and I find something new everytime. But there is just one drawback to it. I worked retail for years and you would probably triple your sales if you take the time to price your items. Having to ask for a price over and over isn’t fun for anyone. Just my opinion.
2. Love’s Travel Stop
Address: 905 Steele Station Rd, Steele, AL 35987 , Steele , Alabama , United States
Always has been clean, organized & friendly employees.
Clean bathrooms. Short lines. Very accessible!
Clean store, great service, great prices!
I’d give it a 5 star if it wasn’t for that pot hole in the parking lot, i saw a truck almost loose his bumper.
Good food
Clean and the staff is friendly
It is the worst love’s I ever stop at for losing time guess I won’t be coming back unless I want to waste time
I will never stop at this location again and have anything repaired their mechanics grossly overcharged me on a small job replacing the trailer power box They have lost my business forever no no more tires no more fuel I’ll go somewhere else
Toilets were not working! Temporary facilities were not clean.
3. Gadsden Music Company
Address: 607 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901 , Steele , Alabama , United States
Skip to the bottom if you just want the review. I was apprehensive going to a Music Store with my Dad’ guitar. He had given it to me a few years back, and I had done nothing with it. I didn’t even look up the maker. The day I visited Gadsden Music, was the day before the 2-year anniversary of my Dad’s death. I was feeling guilty, ashamed, and that my neglect had ruined his guitar. BUT, I was welcomed by Amanda who looked at the guitar and exclaimed “Wow, what a interesting guitar!” She identified the brand and size, and to my relief, she said it could be cleaned and brought back to life.
Review: Gadsden Music Company should be the first place you visit for all things Music. They are Musicians and therefore extremely knowledgeable. All the staff, Amanda, Tyler, Brian… are customer interactive, whether you have no knowledge, like me, or a Proffesional, I saw several being helped, they love Music and love their work!
Restringed guitar in a very timely manner for a good price, also got a nice digital tunner.
Had two guitars repaired there.
Super friendly staff helped me find the equipment I needed! Just wished for a better selection of tuba mouthpieces, hopefully including a few more advanced mouthpieces.
It’s just ok
To high
My son’s band director recommended this place. Staff was nice, and allowed my son to try out a couple of instruments. However, when I mentioned we wanted to do rent to own, they said they no longer do that. We could essentially only purchase outright or finance. When I asked about discounts, I was told they don’t do discounts, but it would be cheaper to just buy the instrument outright. As of today, they still have the rent to own program advertised on their website, along with discounts and advantages of the program, which is the main reason we made the 1.5 hour drive. I also found the exact same instrument for over $200 cheaper somewhere else. People seem nice, but this was really disappointing. Please don’t advertise if you can’t offer it.
Rediculously expensive
We were overcharged for a high hat cymbal that we ordered. When they refunded the difference, they did not refund the taxes on the difference.
We try to support local business as much as possible. But when they are not considerate of the value of our money, it’s time for us to find another store.
4. West End Music & Recording
Address: Bud Umphrey Rd, Altoona, AL 35952 , Steele , Alabama , United States
5. Art’s Music Shop, Inc
Address: 4647 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Steele , Alabama , United States
Service was awesome. They were patient, informative and gave several choices of the instrument.
Nice; they’ll order in for u
Very helpful and friendly
Always have a good experience at Arts. They work well with the school programs and if they don’t have what we need they are sure to find it
BEWARE!!!!! ALL THEY WANT IS YOUR MONEY. My son was suppose to attend a camp. I rented the merchandise on May 31. Was told he would not be able to attend. Called the shop back June 2 explaining how he would not be able to attend. They would not let me speak with management. Took the merchandise back to the shop on June 3. The staff stated that I could not return unless I pay the minimum rental fee of 4 months before I returned. The instrument was never used or open. Brought back in 4 days and still received poor service. I will not be referring this music shop to any parents. Now I’m out of thousands of dollars and my child hasn’t even touched the instrument.
Very overpriced! I understand small business vs online shopping and major companies, but come on!
They have good instruments, but when I walked in, I walked straight past about 3 or 4 employees who were unoccupied at the moment and nobody said a word to me. I will never visit or buy from them ever in my life.
6. Bailey Brothers Music Company
Address: 4673 US-280 Suite # 7, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Steele , Alabama , United States
These guys are the best! Ben is very knowledgable, honest, responsive and personable. He is very easy to talk to and work out any potential sales with. He has helped me out a lot and I have bought a few products with them including a Gibson and some Boss pedals. The customer service experience has been outstanding and the site is also very convenient given it has a live chat agent. Can’t recommend enough! Check them out! Thanks Bailey Brothers Music Company!
Excellent customer service and very friendly. They threatened me with a lot of respect. They gave me the best price I could possibly get. Thanks guys!!!!
These guys are always super helpful.
Usually get good service, but I took my guitar nut to be repaired after my guitar took a spill. I let them know the guitar had fallen and hoped they would fix. The nut was replaced poorly but the guitar had a buzz. Took it back 2 more times. The last visit, the person in charge of the repair (2 weeks later)said I had heavy fingers and raised the stings to a height that made the guitar unplayable. I took to another repair shop and they repaired the nut replaced by Bailey Brothers found a couple of uneven frets repaired the frets adjusted the neck and had to re-setup the guitar from the disaster repair at Bailey Brothers. If in need of repairs I will never return to this store.
good staff well organize not bad products
This place is awesome, need customer service? DONE! Need a repair? DONE! Need to place an order? DONE! The only thing I did not like was the lack of extended range instruments. You will not be finding fanned fret, 28 fret, tap guitar, etc. You want those go to WARR guitars or order them off of a musicians website.
I explained to them thoroughly what I needed and they sold me the opposite! It all about sells and f**k the customers needs! Stay away from the southside location!
manager and owner very racist!
I would use profane language, but it would not adequately describe the crap this company pulled. Basically, I took my brother to trade a PRISTINE first-owner amp, and we could prove it, in for a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, used, which is of equal value….and my brother coughed up $100.
I took off work to take him to initially buy the thing. I took off work to bring it in for repair when we discovered sticky crap on the power tubes, and I ended up working until 10PM thanks to these guys. They wanted me to take off work again, after having spent 5 hours in their store. I basically spoke up and said, he might be the customer, but I’m the wheelman, and I’m furious. I mentioned the fact of the wasted gas, wasted trips, and the at least 6 hours of driving they were expecting of me.
They checked OUR amp out very thoroughly, and even treated my brother like a criminal, saying they are getting his DL in case he stole it. SERIOUSLY people….
I tried to talk some business sense with them, asking them to do something for the trouble, and it would not have taken much. They said no. Then I asked if they can just reverse everything since ALL of the stuff was still in the store…. The guy made up a story of a law, which actually doesn’t exist, then claiming he has to charge extra to reverse it all. Guitar Center evidently doesn’t know about this (fake) law.
Not ONLY that, but the smug, d-bag attitude that the guy gave me when pushing my brother, his CUSTOMER aside to say “you don’t think we’re trying to rip you off do you?” He did this to put me on the spot, and tried to make me look like the bad guy.
In the end, my brother spent another $170 to get a new model. In the end, he got what he wanted, but we are both appalled by how the guy behaved to our faces. Beware, their used gear has NO warranty, but they represented at sale that they would ensure the gear works if something went wrong like the day we get it… Well… it did.
You don’t take someone’s $700 amp + $100 and then give them junk, and not try to do something proper after dragging someone thru hell. That’s the bottom line. I tried more than the guy at this store. You won’t catch us in that place again.
Considering the tens of thousands that my brother spent with other companies, Bailey Brothers missed an opportunity… Not good business. Dishonest, rude, and outright condescending. Smiled at us when we expressed our frustration with the runaround….
7. Homewood Musical Instrument Co
Address: 1712 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209 , Steele , Alabama , United States
I’ve never dealt with someone so rude over the phone. The owner tried to guilt me with sarcasm and acted like victim when I questioned a price. Full story: I asked to order a cello string. All was going well (owner answered questions about speed of shipping and availability of the string), but then he quoted a price ($81) that was far above what other shops charge. I said respectfully that “I’ve purchased the string for $45 at other walk-in shops” and he became sarcastic and argumentative with me, claiming he was “holding my hand” through the process, and said “Well, I have to pay $35 for this string so what do YOU think is fair for ME to make? $15? What is 35 + 15, huh? Ohhh, maybe $50 is more than you can afford?” A simple, “well this is my price” would have been fine as a response from him, but I felt disrespected so I hung up and decided I’m never going to spend a dime Homewood Musical Instrument Co. I advise everyone else to steer clear of this shop and the guy who owns it.
8. Highland Music
Address: 3000 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205 , Steele , Alabama , United States
Great shop for used gear and repairs. Owner will work with you on trades.
Great selection of guitars! There are some great speciality pieces here too. The employees are all very humble and helpful. I dig the vibe for sure. I mean…that pink guitar is amazing.
Bought a guita there yeRs ago. Just visiting the store ‘off Highland’ for the first time. Nice array of guitars !
Hard to imagine this town without Highland Music. It seems like it’s been here forever, and it impresses on so many levels. Need a tech? See Harold. Need a custom-built amp or guitar? They can fix you up here. Want a new Fender or Gibson? They have that. Need lightly used gear? It abounds here. Strings, parts, accessories…all the stuff you need, they have. This is THE place traveling musicians stop by when they are in town, and there’s a reason for that. You should shop there, too.
I left this store just a moment ago after being asked to leave because I had not yet made a purchase. I had originally intended to pick up a few packs of strings for my acoustic, now I’m glad I had not. I stopped by today with my friend who had told me about this store. He has been a customer of this store before and had always told me the staff here was friendly and that they have great service. We spent roughly 45 minutes in the store before the man at the counter, whom we had previously overheard talking to another customer about us saying, “What’s the deal with these two jokebags?” told us to get out of the store because we had not yet bought anything. We promptly left the store and I soon received a text from my friend saying that he had gone back inside to try to clear things up with the man that was working the counter and he told me that the man said he was not feeling well and is looking to close the store early. So if his goal is to minimize the business they get to close up early, he is doing very well.
About what you’d expect. Pretentious, unhelpful, and offended that you’d dare shop in their overpriced thrift store. But they’ve been in business forever and they ain’t changing.
I guess they have some unique items which is cool but the folks behind the counter really seemed like they were annoyed to put their conversation on hold in order to help me and were also EXTREMELY condescending and pretentious. I’m a fairly experienced musician and these guys spoke to me as if I was completely ignorant and always would be.
9. Guitars and More LLC Gardendale
Address: 1128 Main St, Gardendale, AL 35071 , Steele , Alabama , United States
If you are looking for a guitar, this place rocks. Quality stuff at a fair price. My son takes lessons now, and I hope to take bass lessons soon.
Love my bass I bought here and truly enjoy taking my lessons here as well!
Great Place
Great sales,super repair work!
Great inventory and excellent friendly service from a fellow named Ken. Very knowledgeable
Great local guitar store. Eric does a great job running this store.
I went in yesterday and asked about a Gretch open back banjo on the back wall that didn’t have a price tag. The reply I got from the bearded gent behind the counter was ” I don’t know, probably $300 or something”, and then he walked away like I didn’t exist. The vibe I got from him was “I dont want to help you. I won’t help you”. I buy a LOT of instruments and spend thousands of dollars per year on all sorts of music equipment, but this store has shown me that they don’t want my business and they aren’t interested in having any sort of customer care. I didn’t want to go to Guitar Center anymore, I would like to buy from a local store, but Guitars and More has discouraged me from doing any business with them. My advice to other customers is to go elsewhere. They don’t want your business and they don’t deserve your business.
The people are nice but the stuff you buy here is garbage.
10. Guitar Pro’s LLC
Address: 224 Main St, Trussville, AL 35173 , Steele , Alabama , United States
Wonderful people! The in house repair is fantastic- they take a lot of pride in their work and are always fair. My son has taken guitar lessons here and he has has improved so much in a short period of time. Im truly thankful for this local guitar shop and the personal investment the owners make in every individual that walks in the door.
Awesome store. They are super friendly and know their stuff. It’s great for buying new or used guitars as well as accessories. They will also fix your old one up to sound new again. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Great place people very friendly and willing to help.
Great people and fair prices. Support your local music store!
Nice people. Nice selection of guitars and gear. They have a lot of strings to choose from.
Have a decent variety of all different kinds of cords and instruments and the guitars rule great prices too. And the lady in there is always super sweet
I bought a guitar for $2,875 from this shop online and they listed it as mint condition. I had to take it to a local luthier to have the frets polished because they were so dirty the guitar was unplayable. The shop refused to even split the cost ($50), wow! Incredible.
WAS our trusted source for guitars and gear.
Took in a Seagull acoustic to have the battery and strings replaced at the end of December 2020(only having someone else do it because of the value of the guitar).
The battery went dead MUCH faster than normal (usually takes 6 months). We are very aware that leavi g guitars plugged in drai s the battery. That was NOT the case here. We took it out and found they had installed a promotional Progressive Insurance smoke detector battery in it. Instead of what we are used to getting, Energizer or Duracell. I called and was told that we should have told them we wanted a better battery. It cost us more than $30 for the strings and a battery replacement. No offer to replace it. The lady said they just use whatever is “handy”. I don’t pay for what’s handy. So much for being Pro’s. If the lady had simply apologized, that would have been the end of it. I wasn’t looking for anything other than to let them know that a substandard battery had been installed. When we brought it in initially, we asked for the strings to be changed and the battery replaced. No one told us at that time that we weren’t being charged for the battery, just that what we asked for was $30, if I had been advised of that I would have either asked for a better battery or brought my own. I hung up when her tone told me how disgusted she was that I called with a problem. As for my other reviews of other businesses you mentioned, I review honestly and fairly. If you notice, I have many very positive reviews of several companies in the area. I managed customer service depts with 4 Fortune 500 Companies in my career. Again, I wasn’t asking for anything except courtesy, which was unfortunately lacking. The lady I spoke with had a “how dare you complain” kind of attitude. (modified for clarity based on the reply from the company)
I will never set foot in this place again. Not that they will care. Thought I would give it another chance after several years. Nothing has changed so now I know for sure.
11. Steele
Address: Alabama 35987 , Steele , Alabama , United States
12. The Fret Shop
Address: 309 Jordan Ln NW, Huntsville, AL 35805 , Steele , Alabama , United States
I went in needing a repair on my electric bass thinking I would have to leave it for a few days. Instead they had it fixed within 30 min for half the price I expected. Great friendly staff and lots of cool gear and instruments.
Nice folks and a quaint, decent size of a guitar shop! Unfortunately the service didn’t blow me away. I dropped off a guitar to have it cleaned up and checked for intonation. I don’t think any of the saddles were even moved. I ended up having to intonate the strings myself when I got a decent tuner in front of me.
Wide variety of stringed instruments. Helpful but not pushy staff. Only saw one acoustic\electric bass. Good deals to be found from a local business but do your research.
Would’ve been 5. Almost everyone was great, especially the guy that rang me up, and my experience was mostly enjoyable, but grey goatee was rude when I asked for his opinion on some Marshall amps.
I won’t shop there anymore. I needed a small screw for a PRS truss rod cover and the luthier wouldn’t even take the time to speak to the young man helping me, or look through his box of old screws to help. Bad customer service.
I’ve always tried to buy from The Fret Shop vs. Guitar Center and have often made purchases there. Including a Martin guitar. Good thing he stays in the back. He cost the store future sales, with his attitude.
Guy that kinda looks like Santa clause is so rude
$10 for a used box. I could understand that but saying you can’t spare 50 cents of bubble wrap because you ship too much? Sad. Next time I’ll go to the big box who said they’ll give me a box for free.
13. Guitars and More LLC. Cullman
Address: 103 2nd Ave SW, Cullman, AL 35055 , Steele , Alabama , United States
My main man at the front desk was able to diagnose the fret buzz in my bass and fix it it a few minutes flat. Great shop, fantastic selection of instruments, tools, and supporting items.
Eric was very helpful and friendly. He took me straight to exactly what I wanted for less than what I was willing to pay. He also helped me get everything I needed without trying to pressure me into buying something I didn’t want or need. It was a great experience and I will definitely be a repeat customer.
Great place to do business…cant beat Eric on customer service
Stopped in to get some strings, great store good selection, Eric was awesome. Stop by and check it out sometimes!
I’m sorry I was in a hurry and tapped in the wrong place.My granddaughter actually was the one that came in your store and was very pleased.That should have been 5 STARS.My bad I,m sorry
Not a good experience at all, they have rescheduled my grandson twice, mind you we did not miss any sessions, they rescheduled us and then just took us off the schedule period. Carried my Grandson anyway thinking he was on schedule and Sage came in 10 minutes late and finished 5 minutes early…making it a 15 minute session instead of a 30 minute session as paid for. Spoke really negative to my Grandson and then refused any refund for missed sessions that THEY canceled. My Grandson loves everyone but does not want to go back, I’m saddened that because someone is a child that they are treated with less respect.
14. Ellis Piano & Organ
Address: 1550 Montgomery Hwy suite a, Birmingham, AL 35216 , Steele , Alabama , United States
I recently purchased a Yamaha gc2 from Ellis Piano. Mr. Ellis and Cory were fantastic from showing me their inventory all the way to purchasing. Very approachable and down to earth people. Fantastic people. They could not have made the buying experience any easier. Piano also arrived quickly and I could not be happier with the purchase. Highly recommended.
These guys really made my dream come true of owning a Nord Piano the customer service is outstanding ! Thank you guys! They are out doing their competition
Talk about a class act organization. My wife and I purchased a baby grand piano from this loving and welcoming establishment in September of 2017. After having the instrument in our home for 4 months 2 keys at the very far end of the piano were sticking. I called Mr. Ellis told him the problem and he sent out a professional to fix it in a very timely manner. Not only did they fix the 30 second minor problem Mr. Ellis had my piano tuned at no expense to us. If that is not customer service I don’t know what is. If anyone who reads this post is contemplating purchasing a piano please please please rest assure from the time you meet Mr. Ellis, his sons, and the staff that work there, you will be well taken care of. These people are genuine from the word go. They will assist you if you know absolutely nothing about a piano to help you find the right instrument for you. Words cannot express how wonderful this business is. Thank you, thank you, thank you Ellis Piano & Organ for being who you are.
my experience was questionable. they decide who they want …
Nice, helpful staff
The staff was friendly, and they have tons of pianos and other equipment to choose from. The space is enormous, and is fun to just browse. They also do repairs. Call or stop by for any musical needs. Would go again.
15. Hallman’s Music
Address: 1920 Sparkman Dr NW #2, Huntsville, AL 35816 , Steele , Alabama , United States
Nancy Hallman is a patient, funny music teacher. She motivates my young teen to practice and play to her highest potential. She is an amazing teacher and my daughter thinks very highly of her.
I got my sax from hallmans and they have been every so kind! I’m in 7th grade and have been taking lessons from Mrs. Nacy, and I’m going to midstate this year. I’m the first every in my school to go,and thanks to Mrs.Nacy and everyone there I am improving every day. I recommend this store to anyone who is looking to bye an instrument for there child!
Very kind and helpful!
I appreciate that the owner works with a college student’s budget when tuning instruments.
By far the worst experience of my life. My daughter joined Beginners Band at her school to play the flute. Hallman’s was suggested by the band instructor so we went there for her flute. Upon arrival they quoted me a $1200 flute and when I said we would not be purchasing a new flute because she was not 100% sure if this was her passion I was told about the lease to own program. What a mistake? I paid first and last month payments and returned the instrument within 2 weeks and was advised that my request for my last month payment would be considered a refund. This company is a scam and wants you to pay for a service that is not rendered. I was even told that the instrument had to be sent off for cleaning and inspection and that costs them money however this is something that they do in-house. When the report comes back is when Mr. Hallman will determine if I am entitled to a refund!
I HATE this place. They are very rude. When I came in they asked me things like “have you ever dropped your flute” in a very rude tone. I was tempted to just walk out of there and go to Southeastern. All they did was fix a leak and charged me about 60 dollars.When I picked up my flute they played it without my permission and basically told me I had a bad flute. The next time I needed a repair I took my flute to Southeastern and they did a wonderful job. Yes, both stores are a little over priced but Southeastern does a flawless job and is very polite.
I took my trumpet in to get a dent out of the valves, and without my consent the trumpet was chem cleaned. Any of the crud that was on the inside was gone (that could’ve been fixed by me washing it at home) and the debt was gone, but the cleaning stripped the lacquer off of the trumpet. Hallman’s refused to re-lacquer it unless we paid for it. I haven’t gone back since…
16. Walmart Supercenter
Address: 973 Gilbert Ferry Rd SE, Attalla, AL 35954 , Steele , Alabama , United States
Great experience, nice staff.
Fast Efficient online order & pick up
Always love me some walmart!!
A mess sheffs empty and store feed stock
Jesus f Alva …….But I asked the deli guy if he could warm up a chicken for me and he said no.
Convenience.
Quick and easy
Clean with great staff but ALWAYS low on inventory of numerous items. Takes months, literal months for them to restock common items. Every visit is a disappointment as a result.
not a good place to shop.always out of the things you need.
i ordered a hamburger and it wasnt even cooked, i ended up getting really bad food poisoning and threw up for like 4 days. never going here again ):
17. The McWatering Hole
Address: 36245 US-231, Ashville, AL 35953 , Steele , Alabama , United States
Excellent little coffee shop! My cold brew was great and the blueberry muffin was delicious. Everyone there was very friendly and the service was fast.
18. AFFORDABLE FURNITURE, Hargett music
Address: 2301 US-31, Hartselle, AL 35640 , Steele , Alabama , United States
The staff was so helpful and very sweet! The store was neatly kept and organized and the prices were amazing i would recommend Hargett Music Center to any musician.
Love going here
It’s a great shop. The people that work here are very nice. The only problem was that it’s hard to find the right time to go there for trading because they are always doing lessons. But it’s a nice little shop and it’s fun to go look around.
They do not like you to play the guitars unless inquiring about purchase, but nice people nonetheless and you should always support local businesses.
I went in with my boyfriend to get some guitar strings etc. The lady who helped us was polite but wanted us to hurry up and leave. We’ll probably be making a trip to AB Stephens next time
The hours listed are not accurate. I hardly ever see this place open.
Closed on a Saturday at 3oclock….
Ladies, you need to get into this decade and get products available. And seriously, your prices are insane. You obviously own and don’t rent the building.
19. Shoals Guitar Boutique
Address: 511 Woodward Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 , Steele , Alabama , United States
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!! Don gave me a great deal on an amp, and let me play it as long as I wanted with every pedal in the store. I can not say enough about how great these guys are. If you want great tone at a great price, Don is your man.
Beautiful selection!
Great locally owned vintage guitar store. If you are in town and play guitar stop by and check it out.
Helpful and friendly
If you were looking for a vintage guitar, look no further.
Nice place. Good people and guitars. If you play or just interested in guitars check this place out.
Well we drove all the way there and they were closed
SUCKED!!!!
It had moved from the address that I was given
20. Family Dollar
Address: 35360 US-231, Ashville, AL 35953 , Steele , Alabama , United States
Very good , clean and well stocked…I had 2 teens with me and they enjoyed shopping, as did I.
Love this store every time I’m in town I visit it they have they cutest Tshirts.
This storehas everything. The people and cashier are really nice . They have great deals. Love this store in Ashville Alabama!!!!
Most of the time I can find what I need without having to go to Walmart. There’s considerably fewer people here than at Walmart. I like that! I can find sugar free candy here and can not always find it at Walmart. I like and need that!
Great Inventory, more in stock in general than the local dollar generals. This location in particular have quite a bit of home decor options, as well as having the HomeGoods section.
Freezer section is similarly large, larger than the local dollar generals as well, although they do not offer fresh produce.
Employees at this location have been nothing but helpful and nice, although I do wish that they had a self check out.
Pricing at this store can be hit or miss by a few percent when compared to other similar locations.
Well, it was ok I guess considering I could get a pizza at Walmart for $6, and here they were $8 for the same pizza. The prices are more than Walmart and that’s saying a lot. They must believe that they are in the same league as target or Publix.
Bathroom wasn’t clean at all
Nice combination store, but they are slacking on a lot of the dollar tree items.
