always tough to leave this place without bringing something home. Great selection, awesome staff.
Just bought my dream guitar here. The guitar guy, Erskine Milton, Was very accommodating and patient with me. I played several very nice guitars and he was all too willing to help me in any way. I love my new 58 VOS Les Paul Custom. Thank you Erskine for taking the time to help me pick my perfect guitar!!!!
Bought a pop filter and its freaking amazing! Helpful and friendly Customer Service.
Good selection of musical equipment. Be prepared because they strictly enforce the muzzle mandate inside. They make you wear masks.
Helpful and kind! Will be back to see them soon.
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.
Dishonest, and disrespectful. While I’m aware they have an “all sales final” on used gear policy, it is their responsibility to properly inspect the gear they take in and not sell something that is damaged internally (in my case, a guitar amp). Idiot salesman also had a smug grin on his face the whole time my brother and I were having to deal with it (all 5-6 hours) and was making snooty comments back and forth. In a nut shell they sold me a dead amp and then laughed in my face about it. If this is how your business treats customers, don’t expect to be a business for long. I attempted a purchase with Bailey Brothers about 8 years ago. Was not a pleasant experience. This one wasn’t either. Rest assured, that’s it. I will not be back.
Update: Hey the owner called me just to prove they really do not care about customers. Tried to minimize what happened, and basically acted exactly like Keith did. Also a robotic “I apologize but we’re not going to do anything to fix it” does not count as rectifying anything. Gee wonder why the Southside store closed! Oh yeah and if you have a bad experience with them and they don’t own up to it they’ll do like any typical teenager does and tries to badmouth you on Facebook, then stalk your page. Very mature. Screenshots are great though aren’t they?
PS: Oh and buddy, if I were mad and desperate to pay my rent, then why in the heck did I buy a $700 amp from you? Nice try.
No stars really. Not a very good merchant. Let someone use my credit card number without the card! Be careful!
I came in here the other day and they were incredibly overbearing and checked in on me every 30 seconds. From the second I walked in they were all up in my face and insisted on providing an address and phone number whenever I paid which I fully expect to be sold somewhere. I don’t know if they’re struggling to keep the lights on or something but the amount of customer service was way too much and came across as pushy and rude. Literally just let me shop.
3. Art’s Music Shop, Inc
Address: 4647 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Vandiver , Alabama , United States
Service was awesome. They were patient, informative and gave several choices of the instrument.
Big
Very helpful but the instruments are pretty expensive
Very helpful and friendly
I spent $3500 on a saxophone here and when I tried to sell it back they offered me $150 even though it was in good condition just an fyi
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT rent instruments from here. All they want is your $$$. I can’t begin to tell you what a nightmare it had been renting our child’s instrument from them this year for school. I wish I could give negative stars. The breaking point was last week when we returned the instrument but was charged another $90 for the month of June. ITS NOT JUNE yet!!!!!!
Schools have no business partnering with companies like this!
Stay away. They are way overpriced.
4. Homewood Musical Instrument Co
Address: 1712 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209 , Vandiver , Alabama , United States
After taking one of my guitars to ANOTHER music store for a relatively small problem with the nut, their repair made my guitar unplayable. I wasn’t about to take it back to the same place to be fixed, so it sat unloved in its case for almost 2 years.
While this guitar would not be considered a high-end guitar, it’s a very nice Takamine, with considerable sentimental value.
I took it to Homewood Music. After I explained what happened to the guitar, I was asked if I took it a certain music store, and man, it was the one I had gone to first.
I left it in the care of Jason Burns to repair the atrocities. This involved making a new nut, repairing the damage binding at and headstock at the nut, new strings, and overall setup.
While working on it, Jason noticed some other problems with the bridge saddle that he went ahead and corrected with new hand carved bone saddle. He didn’t charge for the additional work because it wasn’t evident and discussed prior. The craftsman in him just wasn’t going to let that guitar go unless it was right.
I can’t say enough good things about Jason Burns and Homewood Music. The workshop is the majority of the space and yes there are very nice inventory of stringed instruments for sale and trade.
I would say it’s a luthier shop that also sells stringed instruments, rather than a music store that sells instruments and happens to do repairs.
They treated me, a hack amateur, and my guitar as if I were a professional musician with top end equipment.
Go to Homewood Music!
This shop is great. Jason set up my 2006 D18 V with a new bone saddle & nut and got everything dialed in just right. She plays and sounds fantastic.
Knowledgeable and friendly. Loved it!
Friendly atmosphere and lots of instruments.
Good product, Good service.
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.
5. Gadsden Music Company – Birmingham
Address: 4524 Southlake Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35244 , Vandiver , Alabama , United States
Great company & anytime my son had an issue or questions regarding his instrument they were more than happy to provide prompt assistance.
We have only used Gadsden for a year but it’s reliable and easy. We got an instrument in less than 20 minutes and the store is small but has most the essentials you need. They do instrument cleanings fairly cheap too. And when we go staff are always friendly and are always here to help. We recently returned an instrument and the process was super easy and simple.
Very nice place! Loved it. Found everything we needed at an affordable price.
Nice little music store for concert students. Not much in store selection but they can get what you need. This is not a guitar center type store.
Fantastic friendly service at a reasonable price
I was easily able to drop off my trumpet for repair.
I have an account with this company and when I arrived to drop off an instrument, I was immediately told
“Do you have a repair? Can you leave it at least a month? We’re that backed up and that’s just the way it is.” I have no problem with businesses having business but I do have a problem with being a loyal customer and being spoken to so rudely. I will not be returning for any new future transactions. What an unfortunate example of bad customer service.
I would give this Gadsden music store no stars if it was allowed. The store representative, Jason Duren, had a bad attitude and was not helpful. He did not want to hand me my receipt and when I said something about it he told me I had an attitude. Jason must have a problem with women or it maybe people of color in general. Don’t waste your time here!! Fine a real music store who welcomes paying customers.
The rent to own program is an absolute scam. Staff is rude and misogynistic. Buy used on Facebook before you agree to whatever shady deal your school band director serves you from Gadsden Music. The “resale” on that 1400$ trombone is $200 and you’ll pay $600 in interest. Scam scam scam.
6. Highland Music
Address: 3000 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205 , Vandiver , Alabama , United States
Guys in the store were knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
I’ve been a patron of Highland Music since 2005. Almost 20 years later, I’d still rather drive 30 minutes for any of my musical needs rather than visit the Guitar Center within walking distance of my house. Don is a great guy and honest business owner. He will beat amazon’s price on anything in stock. Highland Music has two of the best music repairmen I’ve ever encountered: Harold, who works on guitars, and Sam, who works on amps (and also builds Samamps, one of which I have used exclusively for over 10 years), have been providing me with the best customer service I could imagine. They fix everything and they do it quick and for a very fair price. I took music lessons when I was a kid with Robert, which prepared me for majoring in music in college. All the people who work there, including my good friend and extremely talented guitarist Mark Kimbrell, are just good people and always a pleasure to see. This store is local gem and Birmingham would not be the same without it. I would recommend you support local small businesses and go there for all your music shop needs whether its buying, selling, lessons, repairs, etc. Whatever you need, they can help you.
Really cool spot, found some really cool old gear…… owner doesn’t seem to want to part with any of it though.
This store has a modest inventory with some great guitars in it. They are “priced at market” with almost no flexibility on pricing. The only issue I ran into was pricing guitars and amps at the high side of Reverb and Ebay regardless of condition. If the listings are $600 for sale online (but selling for $450 in mint condition) and Highland has a similar item in good condition but missing a knob or backplate, the Highland price will likely still be $550-$600. That said, the employee was nice and fairly knowledgeable when he had time for a quick question. Overall, a good place to check for 1-off and unique guitars but don’t expect a “steal” or to haggle. That just ain’t gonna happen here.
Got a good deal on a used Vox guitar amp. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I fully intend to return.
Pretty darn rude staff, including the owner, Don. After 40 years in business I guess they’ve earned the right, though.
Tried to get my guitars worked on here multiple times. First time was an 8 string, guy said “I don’t like black guitars they scratch too easily” and then rubbed a cloth with steel wool fibers over it and scratched the guitar. GEE I wonder why! Had a pickup swap done on another guitar, put a scratch on it that went through the paint. Not only that, but he took it upon himself to do a full “set up” when I did not ask him to now I have buzz everywhere and it plays worse than it did before, then charged me for it. Oh and the pickups are also out of phase. Sorry, but that’s it. No more chances. Goodbye.
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.
7. The Music Room
Address: 8028 Parkway Dr, Leeds, AL 35094 , Vandiver , Alabama , United States
The people in this place are very nice and knowledgeable. They have many beautiful instruments to choose from and Al you need for them.
Ron and his wife were both so friendly. From the moment we walked in the door. I had taken my 13 yr. old grandson there to buy some picks and strap for his guitar. We talked a bit and found out he gives lessons. When we got ready to pay Ron asked my grandson when his birthday was. He answered and Ron said Happy Birthday! He gave him all the picks he had selected! Super nice people!
It’s a shame places like this will be going out of business soon. If they would have what I needed or was interested in like certain pickups or more interesting pedals and better guitars this would be an awesome place the last time I went in there the walls were filled with Nashville guitars and they had a couple good electrics but literally every acoustic guitar hanging on the wall was a Nashville guitar and I was looking for a Taylor or Martin but I’ve never seen anything like that in that store I go there to buy picks and strings but that’s only because they don’t have a guitar store in Talladega. When they don’t have pickups I need they asked me if I want them to order it but in this day and age I can just do that myself and get it for cheaper because looking at the price of the looper pedals they’re not buying them wholesale they’re buying them straight off of a website and marking the price up.. The people are super nice I hate giving a three-star review but I’m just being honest.
Large selection!! Beautiful instruments!!
It’s a standard small music store. There aren’t a lot of new high end instruments here, but they are all very nice folks.
I read reviews for this shop and thought it was an honest place to sell my gear. I walked in with an Epiphone AJ 220, with an Epiphone molded hardshell case I bought seperately, and an Epiphone “Snake Pit” 15w practice amp. ALL in like new condition. She plugged the guitar in and it was only the fourth time it had ever been plugged in. I never put the guitar in the case without wiping it down first. Look everything I listed up for yourself, and you’ll see what I lost. I messed up and let the lady know that I was in dire need of money for my family. The old guy asked where I bought it, and when I told him, he said he’d lost alot of business to “places like that”. No. I looked around the shop, and all he had was used gear that had been repaired and put up for sale. Junk. My guitar was the nicest instrument there! The reason he’s losing business is because he’s trying to sell junk and beating people in need out of what their instruments are worth. The lady acted like she was on Pawn Stars! If I hadn’t had needed the money really bad, I would have told her where she could stick her $200! That’s all they gave me for everything I brought in. Look up the items I listed, and you’ll see I did my part to support this business! The reviews I read must have been friends of theirs, because they definately misled me. Not fair at all.
Walked in today to look around and from the moment I walked in the door, the older gentleman (I guess the owner?) had his eye on me and was watching me like a hawk, made me feel unwelcome to be there. He asked if I was looking for anything in particular and when I told him very politely he didn’t have what I was looking for he arrogantly told me “I opened this store in 1973 and everything you see in the store is priced the same as you’d get it online” like ok bud I wasn’t complaining about the price you just don’t have what I was looking for. When I told him I wasn’t looking to buy today, and was just looking around he made a sarcastic comment about “well if you’re not buying, we can just put this back on the shelf” ??? I continued to walk around and look at some more product and he continued to watch me like a hawk until I got in my car and pulled out of the parking spot. All of my musician friends have recommended I don’t frequent this store, and I can honestly say, after that experience, I will not and will tell anyone that asks not to either. Lousy excuse for customer service.
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.
Worked with Cory who had watch my wife and I come in a few times over the years. We finally narrowed down our options in the price range we were looking to spend. Couldn’t be happier with the purchase. Delivery and setup were perfect and we had no issues. I would buy from them again!
Some of the friendliest people around!! Great selection.
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.
my experience was questionable. they decide who they want …
Nice, helpful staff
12. Gadsden Music Company
Address: 607 Broad St, Gadsden, AL 35901 , Vandiver , Alabama , United States
Brought my son’s instrument to be looked and and we were in and out in less than 15 minutes.
Great knowledgeable and friendly staff. Great prices and always helpful
Very friendly and kind staff. Good selection of instruments.
Good music shop. Most everything you need . Just not the same feel since Danny Moon passed away. Still good folks.
Nice store. Super staff.
Rediculously expensive
Rip off & don’t know measurements for nuts/ saddle’s probably anything just a store that takes suckers for a ride
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.
13. SAM Productions LLC
Address: 2034 Forest Lakes Ln, Sterrett, AL 35147 , Vandiver , Alabama , United States
Lots of nice instruments to choose from. New and used. Knowledgeable staff and very helpful.
Good customer support. Great selection.
Great shop had lots of stuff new and used !! Good people great store!! A must stop kinda place !!
Typical music store. Teachers are always booked to waiting list.
Over priced needed Reed’s and I can get them 10 for 28-32 dollars any where. Theirs was 10 bucks as. And I had to have them that day. Nope I’m done with them
Seems like some decent prices but very stale service.the blonde at the front desk acts like it hurts her face to smile r speak someone done told her she cute 1 to many times
18. Fretted Instruments
Address: 2906 Linden Ave, Birmingham, AL 35209 , Vandiver , Alabama , United States
I’ve been going to see Herb at Fretted Instruments for the past 33 years. Simply put 33 years should tell you something. Herb is straight froward, honest, great banjo player and an all around great human begin. There is absolutely no other shop that comes close to what Herb has to offer. Go there, sit down, chat and pick and grin for a bit. You’ll become part of a family of musicians.
Best place for guitar
Quality establishment. Good people
19. Hustle & Grind Coffee Company
Address: 1210 6th St #2145, Leeds, AL 35094 , Vandiver , Alabama , United States
Easy drive up to get a caffiene fix! Big fan of the brown sugar lattes!
Coffee was delicious and such friendly owners.
The best coffee truck owners! Stop by for a great coffee experience; taste and service.
I wouldn’t have known this place had existed if not for google. Little coffee cart in a gravel lot. I got a iced chai latte but honestly wouldn’t get it again. My friend got a frappe and it was really good. I’d come back and try something else for sure. Friendly service + they have oat milk
I’ve asked many times for them to get almond milk, so now I will not go back.
My wife and I detoured by for coffee and it was closed. It wasn’t obvious they are still in business despite google maps saying it was open.
