The top 20 music shops in Ullà, United States

Finally got to visit after doing some business over the phone 18 years ago with Pete. Great inventory, selection and people. One of the very best examples of why we need to support local businesses and how great a family can run them!

That was likely the most pleasant guitar buying experience I have ever had. I could not recommend patronizing this amazing store more. Thank you so much!!

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

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!

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!

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.

Very friendly and knowledgeable personal.

The People at Bethal Music Have always been unbelievable in finding any Quest i have been looking for. Super Friendly and Knowledgeable in all catagories. it has been a pleasure working with the the entire staff at Bethal Music.

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Great for helping kiddos when mom and dad are not musically inclined. Highly recommend.

Instrument rentals are great for their prices

Good info from employees

Just stopped by quick. Had a great hour. They are the best

Great service and selection

I took a pedal building class, that was both fun and educational. Instructor was fantastic, and EXTREMELY patient with me. I learned a ton, and came home with an incredible sounding Tubescreamer that I built myself. Can’t recommend this experience enough.

I recently made a significant gear upgrade and Martel really helped me out. If you’re into one-of-a-kind guitars or pedals, this is your spot. The relaxed store environment is conducive to trying out guitars, pedals, amps, ukes, whatever you’re into. It’s a unique store in the way it services both the high-end and beginner areas of the market (and in between). Nothing else quite like it in CT or surrounding areas.

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.

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!

I went to the store to check my new guitar, which I had bought elsewhere, they were very kind and professional, explaining the problem to me and also making some adjustments to my guitar to mitigate the faults that my guitar has from the factory. Bobby and Andras are the kind of people you want to deal with if you have problems with your guitar!

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.

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.

Good service, very nice staff and management!

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.

Music & Arts is wonderful!! Everyone is so nice & helpful. They have an excellent deal going on when you sign up for lessons – you can get $100 off a keyboard or a Free guitar!! I definitely recommend taking lessons here, renting or purchasing an instrument. ★★★★★

Love it

They had plenty of instruments, books, and other things to browse through. The atmosphere was pleasant and the staff was friendly. I will definitely be returning for musical purchases I need to make in the future.

Good music instructors, great service and great staff.

This store usually has my sax needs.

Music instructors are the best.

they were nice and informative, but i returned something and they opted to send me a check. It’s been over a month and i still haven’t gotten my money back

Buyer beware!! They charge you for lessons in advance! Staff up front can be RUDE! They give you give you misinformation and it costs you!

No ukulele’s or song books for ukulele’s even thou they advertise that they have them.

GREAT SERVICE !!!

The best small town music shop! I love how friendly everyone is there. Especially Scott, he is always very upbeat and knowledgeable. He looks out for the customer’s best interest. I would definitely recommend The Music Shop to anyone.

The best service on the planet. These guys are like music stores used to be

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.

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

Very curtious and quick service went to fix guitar ❤

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.

Closed even though the hours said it was open (3 pm on a Wednesday). The place looked like a hoarders attic. Absolute mess.

Sent me a different accordion with no straps and a case that should of been thrown out

This is my go-to store for all things music education related. From private lessons to instrument purchases and repairs, Stewart’s Music does it all! You’ll get friendly, personalized service from Sam and Jim (which you won’t get at the big chain music stores). I highly recommend this store to my students, parents, and all fellow musicians.

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Have had numerous instruments overhauled here. They sound like new! Great selection of instruments and the knowledge and helpfulness is second to none!

Great store! The owners are super helpful and friendly. Good selection of instruments, accessories, and sheet music. Their service can’t be beat.

Absolutely awful owners were nasty and they charged way too much for a simple repair just go to music and arts its easier and cheaper

Simple advise dont scream at your costumers to get business

Terrible customer service. Took my flute to get repaired and instead of just simply fixing what needed to be done to it I was told I shouldn’t have bought an off brand flute. This was all I could afford at the time (as a teenager). I am looking to invest in a new one but honestly it is no ones job to criticize the instrument I have. I waited for the repair to be done and called 3 different times on it. The repair person got sick which is understandable. When I called the last time they said it was finished and I asked why they never called me to let me know they said that I said I was going to come in regardless. Which is true. But still does not explain why no one called me. Overall a bad experience. Was treated very poorly and will not be going there again.

It’s the little things a local music can offer that matter. In-person testing, advice when you need it, good selection of “emergency” accessories, and as I can tell, well-equipped and skilled instrument repair. They also sell used items, which I found helpful. Gives me another reason to check on stock periodically. But the main difference that I personally enjoyed is the owner (Rick) was not pushy at all, very accommodating to let me test things out, and gave the space I need to enjoy the instruments in his shop. And that is really what a guitar shop should be. A place to get to know the feel of an instrument. My only pondering (not really a complaint), is they did not have any keyboard gear out and ready to try. But I would much rather enter a place that fills a specific niche really well, rather than try to be too many things poorly. For this choice to stick to their expertise, applaud them.

These folks were very helpful for me and getting me started with lessons for my 12 year old son to get a guitar and everything these folks were very helpful for me I’m getting me start it with lessons for my 12 year old son to get a guitar and everything

Set up was done quickly and the job was that of high quality. Very satisfied with the customer service and will be a return customer.

Make sure that you buy your merchandise from inside the store !! Do not get it from EBAY because you will end up with trash..

Horrible service the owner ignored me when I asked to play

owner is arrogant. store is filthy. selection is limited. looks like the music section of a pawn shop.

Knowledgable staff and an amazing stock of guitars. The most impressive set of archtops I’ve found anywhere!

This is a wonderful resource for excellent quality guitars and other stringed instruments. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.

I love this store. Ian and Dan are very knowledgeable and made my shopping experience one to remember. I was able try many different guitars and was able to find the guitar that was right for me.

Had a guitar cable when I needed it.

No prices listed

Thé Owners are lousy business

Not many mandolins

Honest people work here and they do a good job repairing or maintaining gear. Inexpensive as well.

Very knowledgeable and helpful, willing to tell you how it is rather than take your money

Great job setting up my DIY bass. Also leveled, crowned and polished the frets. At a great price.

Staff is very friendly and knowledgable.

Ordered instrument for my son, was told to pick up the next day, went the following day to pick it up and it wasn’t there. Also bought a box of reefs for the instrument and was given the wrong kind. The gentleman that waited on us was polite, although he didn’t recognize us even though we had just been in the day before!

excellent store, good Fender Selection, nice acoustics, lessons, and school instruments.

Never actually making a purchase i have been able to turn to Bellers for the most knowlegable information and service in regards to my instruments. With $20 per 1/2 music lessons and Instrument rental specials Bellers can not be beat!!! recommend to anyone in the area!!

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Helpful, great selection, no pressure. Excellent local business.

This is my go to place for everything doubles bass related.

Customer focused attitude – came in with two young kids and I think I was more nervous than they were. Jack let me try a bunch of bows while he talked to my kids with respect and genuine interest. Left the shop with a new bow and much appreciation for the Upton family.

Upton Bass is an excellent outfit. They go the extra yard to satisfy their customers’ needs. Their sales department is personal and extremely helpful in all transactions. I will continue to buy my acoustic bass strings from them in the future.

I purchased a ply bass that had issues out the door. The geometries where all wrong (e.g., the neck was too thin and was not pitched to the back of the bass) and it had a buzz coming from the fingerboard and bridge setup. They were unable to resolve the buzzing sound and I took it it to a local luthier to have the problem resolved. I ended up donating the bass our school district and purchasing a Shen.
Also do not purchase bows from Upton. I purchased a $2000+ bow made by J.R. Silva, Brazil, which developed a splinter just above the frog within 6 months and Upton would not warrant the bow. I now have a $2000+ paperweight.

Update, 10/28/2023:
… as to your reply, yes, I initially thought this was a great bass until I started using it for rehearsals and the buzzing appeared. I thought it was something I was doing or even due to the new bow. I drove 4 hours one way to your location to have your staff address the buzzing issue and they shaved a high spot on the fingerboard near first position and the buzzing did not appear while I was there. When I returned home and started using the bass again for rehearsals the buzzing reappeared. I wasn’t about to drive an other 8 hours to give your staff a second chance at addressing this. Instead, I took it to a local luthier who fixed the buzzing through a combination of reshaping both the fingerboard and bridge (the bridge was set up for jazz, even though I had told your staff that I play mostly orchestral music). While working on my bass, the luthier pointed out the other issues that I mentioned in my review. I am not a luthier, so I would not have necessarily recognized these issues except that through pro-longed use I might have developed muscular issues.

It also wasn’t until your staff responded last week that they could not help me with the issues with my bow that I decided to post this. I don’t like to post negative comments, but I wanted to warn other potential customers of my experience. Your staff could not even help with how I might get in touch with Mr. Silva. If you sell someone’s product, I would think you would have some form of contact information. I spent a lot of money on this bow ($2000+) and NO I DID NOT CAUSE THIS SPLINTER TO APPEAR. I do not appreciate you implying so by your comment. Had your staff handled things differently, I would not have posted this review.

You, as an owner, could have handled this differently as well. You *could* have contacted me by phone about this, instead of responding to my review in the manner that you did, and I might have considered removing this review. You could have even contacted me directly before I posted this review, as several days had lapsed between my speaking with your staff and my posting this review. At this point, based on the content of your reply, I will not remove this review.

Great place to learn how to play, excellent repair shop, and good prices on gear. Can’t ask for a better independently owned music shop.

love it

Highly recommend for instrument repairs. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful. Got my sax playing like new again for a very reasonable price in 4 days. I will be back here.

The sales team made it possible for me to afford a piano for my son

I signed up for a piano lesson trial online. Their site is very confusing and it’s not clear if the lesson is in-person and online. I called them, left a message but they never called me back. In the day/time of the lesson, I called them 3 times because I was having problems to contact the teacher. The guy who works there, Jim, clearly doesn’t have any customer service skills. He was rude and unpleasant. He didn’t make any effort to help me, told me a was confused and nobody else had problems. I just canceled the future lessons there. It’s easier just hire a private piano teacher. Hopefully I will never have to deal with this guy again.

I paid $80 for a setup on a guitar and got it back with the strings a mile off of the neck and the floyd rose studs so high out of the body I could park a car under it. The bridge pickup was raised until it was practically touching the strings and the neck pickup was lowered to below the pickup ring. The tech then told me that 10-52 strings don’t exist. They’re light top heavy bottom and aren’t even uncommon strings. Every time I go there they give bad advice and clearly don’t know what they’re talking about. My friend tried to buy a tubescreamer (basic overdrive) and they tried to sell him a phaser instead (completely different thing).

I would give Middlesex Music Academy a 0 if I was able to. I called to inquire about a $150 charge when I haven‘t been confirmed by John the guitar teacher. I made a request to Matt that Tuesday was my preference but John was booked so he scheduled Thursday at 6pm. I received a text and email from John yesterday that he had a conflict for Thursday and offered Friday. I responded via text/email that would not work and inquired if this was temporary or permanent to which I did not receive a response. I let John know this may not be a good fit then. I called today to have the charge refunded and Jim proceeded to call me names, saying I was yelling & screaming over the phone and I was being rude. No need to go into the dramatics but Jim needs a lesson in manners, telling the truth and understanding that being a manager does not give him the authority to behave poorly. Never once did I raise my voice but did correct Jim several times throughout the conversation all because i asked for a refund. Extremely unprofessional and a bad look for Middlesex Music all around. I will be taking my business elsewhere. Inexcusable & theater worthy performance by Jim today folks!!!

Grant did a great job assisting in a keyboard purchase.

The desk staff are welcoming, very nice, and patient.

My son meshes well with his piano teacher. She lets him play the kind of music he wants to play which I believe is important for helping to maintain interest and desire to play. His skill has improved greatly with her.

Great people, extremely helpful and friendly

I whould l8ke to buy aking or yamaha euphonium

The staff in the DJ department are much helpful always.

I purchased my son’s first guitar – a Taylor two years ago here. I took it in to get tuned up and new strings after covid isolation playing. The technician took me right away, advised me on strings and restrung and then tuned it, and played it before and after so I could hear the difference and appreciate how beautiful it could sound when played by a professional. I absolutely appreciate the outstanding customer service and the quality of support given in this store. At this store by this staff, a person just getting simple guitar maintenance is treated as well as getting a new sale. That is customer support!

First time @the New Haven store, was very pleased with the service. Eric was great. Will definitely go again.

Good selection of instruments

Good store, they low ball on prices for buys thou.

Great place. Zach Stout is an amazing and knowledgable saleseman!!

I was considering buying a guitar, bass and an interface. I was completely ignored by all employees while I was one of three customers in the store(a pair of young men who were clearly there to buy were also ignored). Not even a greeting or goodbye. Find a mom and pop, or even a pawn shop. Don’t support these miserable people. They have a terrible selection, high prices, they profile and are miserable people to be near. I could have bought but wanted nothing to do with them after finally procuring the ‘attention’ of someone for a fleeting moment. I won’t be back.

Employees are not interested in serving customers.

Edit: This review was written over ten years ago but a small edit and it has now posted as recent. Not sure why but that’s not why I’m writing this edit here. This review being posted prompted a manager from Sam Ash to contact my father (who has the same name as me) to try and address whatever issue prompted the negative review. My father called me to let me know and told me the manager would like me to call him. Well… I’ve called around 6 times now and can’t get through, it simply hangs up on me after pressing #2 for a manager. I decided to give the 1-800# a call to see if they could connect me to the New Haven store manager because it kept hanging up on me. Guess what? Twice I called the 1-800#, twice they hung up. At this point it’s comical. I don’t even really remember what my issue was when I wrote this review but things must not be any better down there at Sam Ash since I can’t even contact anyone. Keep up the great work guys.

Original Review:
“You want a real review then look no further. When you walk into Sam Ash it is like walking into a garage sale. Used products trying to be pawned off with brand new retail prices. Almost everything I purchased from Sam Ash had to be returned or replaced. Customer Service hah! Forget about it. Some preemie-punk band wannabees who know only what their 1978 computer programmed screen tells them on how low they can go without making a commision. If you are a novice they will clean your wallet without even blinking! Do not buy into their trade-in program HUGE let down. They will not take anything!! You are better off going to the local pawn shop with your gear. I brought in a workstation worth triple what I was trying to trade for and they looked as confused as George Bush at a press conference and still would not trade. Do not waste your time with this Flea Market! Do yourself a favor and make the extra trip to Guitar Center or if you need orchestra instruments see your local music shop you will be 100% better off. I am a 25+years musician and HAVE NOT and DO NOT work at any music store so what you read is the truth do with it what you want.”

Needed a ukulele capo and they had it in stock. Very friendly and also great assortment of guitars, ukuleles, drums and other instruments. From what I can tell by pricing it’s very reasonable. Would definitely recommend if in or near Greenwich.

I bought an EVH Wolfgang Special from Joe at Greenwich music that was used that they listed on Reverb. Joe is a stand up guy and was honest about everything and loyal to the customer. I Would definitely buy from Greenwich Music again!!

So thankful to Greenwich Music! I went in to “rent” a drum set for our musical at Riverside School last weekend. On a limited budget I went in hoping for a “deal”. Joe, the owner, did not hesitate to loan us the drums for our practices and all three performances! Peter Pan was a wonderful performance- the music added to the greatness!

It’s a nice place! It’s a bit small but otherwise it’s nice.

We were kindly helped in the store, but we were buying a guitar for our son and we don’t live in the US. We were having problems with internet so we couldn’t research correctly at the moment, but they assured that the amp could be used in 220 current. We arrived home and we connected the amp and it didn’t work. So the amp was burned. Apart from that the price was a bit higher than the same thing in other stores, it’s not nice to pay 50 dollars more, but that is just business and anyone can charge what they want. It was our fault that we didn’t do a good research before buying. But the very kind person that assured us that it would work because he used to be an electrician, and it only needed a basic adapter, was totally wrong and now we are home and we lost an amp, so we paid extra for the set and it didn’t work. You were very kind indeed, but please if you are not sure about something, don’t sell it. Because we lost money and we can’t go back because we don’t live there.

Rudest customer service I have ever encountered. The man I spoke to on the phone yelled and hung up on me. When my daughter went in person to drop off the instrument for repair at the agreed upon time, he remained upset and kicked my daughter out of the store. Strongly encourage anyone looking to have their instruments fixed to look elsewhere. Disappointing experience to say the least.

Their hours aren’t very convenient and I was having a guitar strung and I dropped it off and I didn’t get a call before the store closed and then they were closed the next day Sunday so I didn’t get my guitar until Monday and that was extremely inconvenient. They also have a very small selection of basses.Update, they aren’t even open a couple hours on the 4th of July so I won’t get my guitar till Tuesday I am very upset with this store.

Terrible customer service. Called and said I would be by in 10 minutes for an emergency repair. Guy was nice on the phone. When I arrived 5 minutes early they had closed up and locked. Super helpful…

I recently rented for both of my kids’ instrument needs…the service was terrific and the rent-to-own program was so great that I actually purchased outright. Can’t go wrong with these guys!

Great staff!! AAA has a great selection of instrument rentals!!

Just want to give a quick shout out to everyone at AAA Band Rentals. Last year they had a quick turn around time on ordering a bass trombone for our son and Michael was so helpful in helping him decide what instrument he needed. Now our son is off at college, joined the band and needed his instrument right away. The instrument was evaluated, cleaned, lubricated and ready to go the same day! Entire case cleaned too! We already brought it to our son and he is ready for practice this week. Did I mention AAA has bell covers for all instruments too? Thank you Michael Jr. and Michael Sr., Josh and Rick for all your help and always such a pleasure to work with and talk all things music related. Highly recommend. Thanks again! Lisa

One of the better instrument rental locations around. Other competition use cheap generic brands. My granddaughter’s clarinet was given to her in like new condition.

Good people

Fast and efficient. Our instrument had a minor repair performed overnight. Only 4 stars though because yesterday I was given a $20 rough estimate for the work to be done “it certainly won’t be more that $20” and today the bill ended up being $47 “material has gone up”…it certainly has …overnight!

Awful, awful company. Sent me threatening letters in the mail demanding $30 long after the trumpet was returned to Ridgefield Music. The letter actually threatened to have me arrested if I didn’t pay their fee.

Great service!!

I like this place because Fred Pedemonti does NOT work there. Fred is scum.
However everyone here is polite and talented.

Customer Service. Period. Chris, Alex & staff are dedicated and attentive. Prefer this place to others because of personal feel/vibe. They are knowledgeable and not forceful. Great stuff here.

I have condensed my original rant down to the following- we really like our children’s teachers- but the front desk needs saving

Limited retail space, but the staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Music lessons are offered on site.

Yeah it’s good!

The worst company in the world!!!! If I can give anyone advice it would be to stay away from this place. Their thief’s and I will never do business with them again.

Being a Deaf mother of hearing 9 years old child that has no knowledge in music, I asked if this is drumsticks is good for him. This man just gave me a cold look and said I don’t know it’s fine. He was rude. Definitely not a Deaf friendly store for those Deaf parents with hearing child who wants to join the band.

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.