Repair shop – especially the woodwind tech, Brian, since I’m a sax player – are fantastic. Very knowledgeable about the workings of the instrument and willing to work with you on modifications. I’ve taken several saxophones for full overhauls and they are lightyears better than before. Even when I move I will try and get work done here if I can.
Great people
Art’s is a lovely music store with a huge selection, and everything they had in stock was very high quality! Jay, Taylor, and Stan were very helpful and very hospitable; the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming!
Nice; they’ll order in for u
Very helpful and friendly
changed to 4 stars because service isn’t as good as it used to be. It is now only ok. Was also very expensive.
If you drop your instrument off for an estimate get it in writing with a signature from the manager that they will not work on it.
I walked in to pick up my trombone from an estimate, started walking out and was told I owed money. For what? I did not authorize anything.
It’s too bad this shop is the only option in Birmingham. Check out Bailey Brothers to see if they have what you need first.
You should think about buying an instrument from another source, this place is a money pit, will find ways to charge you more than you should have to pay. They have in-house repair but will charge alot for any normal wear and tear, when you turn in a rental instrument after just 4 months rental. Ended up spending around $500. Should have bought an instrument elsewhere and would have owned it for that amount. Wish I had listened to my intuition. Lesson learned.
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!
6. Homewood Musical Instrument Co
Address: 1712 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
Bob runs a great shop that is centered around the customer and the instruments (in that order). Though he is busy about rebuilding or retooling and instrument he never allows his responsibility to distract from the customer. And once you by an instrument from him you are in the club and community that he has built in and around the store.
I needed some acoustic guitar strings and I called and they had them in stock , and they had so much more , great service .. I was pleased
I was referred to Jason from a different music store in town, which should really tell you everything you need to know. He is truly “the man”, an acoustic instrument whisperer. Everyone is extremely friendly and professional and the work is other-worldly. If you have a beloved acoustic instrument or definitely if you are a pro and pro-level work this is the place.
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.
7. Lyric Partners
Address: Birmingham, AL 35253 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
We love Mason Music! Best lessons for our son to get started with an instrument. Thanks to Theo for making it fun!
I have absolutely loved taking lessons through Mason Music. I was worried that it would be weird to take lessons as an adult, but it is a wonderful environment and the staff go above and beyond!
We have utilized lessons with Mason Music MB with both of our children. We love the flexibility and convenient location. Our teachers have been wonderful and provide the perfect introduction to music exploration!
9. Ellis Piano & Organ
Address: 1550 Montgomery Hwy suite a, Birmingham, AL 35216 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
We loved Ellis piano! They go above and beyond and far as customer service! Very kind people!
Fantastic family-owned business! I was in the market looking for a new digital piano, and decided to check the place out. Got to talking with one of the family members named Jason about all sorts of piano-related topics. He showed me around the place, helped me get familiar with the layout of the store, answered questions I had about their keyboards, and overall was extremely helpful. Extremely passionate about what he does as well — I enjoyed discussing some of their piano history with him. Ended up purchasing a Roland FP-30 along with a stand and bench for a fantastic price! If you’re in the market for anything piano-related, I would highly suggest Ellis Piano!
Beautiful piano selection with very friendly personnel. If looking for a good piano this is the place.
my experience was questionable. they decide who they want …
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.
Nice, helpful staff
10. Bailey Brothers Music Company
Address: 4673 US-280 Suite # 7, Birmingham, AL 35242 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
We always go here for our musical needs. I love the place. They are always friendly and helpful. I would recommend any musician to this place.
Super friendly and helpful staff.
Amazing service, nice place, and amazing condition instruments. They have mint condition products.
good staff well organize not bad products
Good selection of musical equipment. Be prepared because they strictly enforce the muzzle mandate inside. They make you wear masks.
Great customer service. Great selection. However, I was NOT thrilled to see their logo custom printed onto the snare head I bought. Would have received 5 stars if not for that. Going to remove it with some acetone.
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!
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.
Waited 15 minutes for someone to help me but instead was ignored. Ended up leaving empty handed. I literally just needed drumsticks and the person at the front was aware. Will never go back.
11. Music Alley, Inc
Address: 2211 Victory Ln, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
The guys were outstanding in the customer service. This is why they have my business.
Team was awesome in helping me purchase a PA system.
They have everything that anyone wants to buy instrument wize.
Great
Good phone conversation.
By far the worst customer service I have ever experienced in my live by any retail or service provider. Not necessarily Guitar Center but this particular store sucks.
Purchased used gear and had trouble understanding it initially, I was treated as if I was lying. You got a couple of humble dudes. The rest are douchebags thinking they’ve made the next step in their music career just because they work at guitar center.
Very rude and disrespectful employees
13. Highland Music
Address: 3000 Clairmont Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
Professional touring guy out of nashville. Bought tons of equipment from Highland. Great place with friendly service. 10/10 would recommend.
Friendly staff. Best value if you need a guitar setup.
I dont know
Great selection of guitars. Staff is knowledgeable !!!
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.
Staff very knowledgeable. Looking forward to going back Monday to see if I can trade my mandolin for an acoustic electric guitar I’ve been looking for.
Very condscending and not friendly to younger people. Im not a know it all but some of the stuff the man was talking about wasnt correct. Rather go to bailey brothers theyre friendly and very nice
Pretty darn rude staff, including the owner, Don. After 40 years in business I guess they’ve earned the right, though.
As a local of BHM I’ve been to Highland Music many times over the last 10 years or so. They’ve always had an interesting selection of gear. You’ll see the usual flow of second-hand gear pass through. It seems like a popular place to sell your guitar or amp on consignment. Highland also has some neat vintage stuff. They have several vintage CBS era Strats hanging out behind the counter. They have always managed to have a few other vintage Fenders too. They even have a literal wall of vintage Fender Champ amps that include tweed, blackface, and silverface era examples. So why the low score you ask?
The problem with Highland music is the people working there consistently give customers a negative experience. These guys are unknowledgeable in the gear they carry-not the biggest deal. That would be easily forgiven if it weren’t for their habit of just making up stuff to sound smart when they don’t have an answer. What’s worse than this is their attitude toward customers. Don’t bother asking to play one of those cool vintage guitars. You will only be met with a snide remark about how you probably can’t afford it. Both myself and friends have experienced this kind of rude talk from Highland Music, and it’s honestly lead to our decision of willfully not spending our money there.
I do not intend on bashing this store. I am not an angry internet troll, and this is not that kind of post. I genuinely want to see Highland Music succeed. Despite the faults I have complained about, I think it is the coolest guitar store we have in BHM. I would love to see these sort of things change.
14. Starbucks
Address: 700 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
Nice location with drive thru. Opens up early. Order was correct served right away.
Nice store, not too noisy or crowded. Employees are friendly. Popular location for studying.
Never miss a beat!! Always get my order right in the knick of time to make it to work!!
Always get the Americano
One single handicapped parking space away from SBUX with accessible curb. Usually quiet with okay outdoor seating. Drive-thru available. Pleasant staff.
Lakeshore Starbucks lost a regular customer today…lately everytime I go to the Lakeshore location the trash is always running over with occasional flies and the floor is always trashed. When I brought the issue to the manager’s attention her response was “Well, we’re short staffed.” Well Lakeshore cleanliness and 1st impressions matter…you can’t just make lattes all day and forget about everything else. Thank you Vestavia for your service, I’ll be back! # Vestavia
1/8/15 @ 6:30am, I ordered a flat white through the drive through. I did not taste it when I received it as it was very hot. When I got to my job just down the street, I tasted it and immediately knew that it wasnt correct. I had also ordered a latte, and figured I had the drinks swapped. I looked at the other drink and could tell immediately that it was correct both from the label that was on it and the cinnamon on the inside rim. The Flat White drink that I was supposed to have was a latte at best. It tasted like nothing but frothed milk. There was NO taste of espresso- ONLY milk. I took the top off and it was clearly the color of a latte and not the flat white (I had one the day previous). This drink was made incorrectly or I was given the wrong drink. there was no label. I called the store and spoke to the person who answered the phone and mentioned that I thought I had been given the wrong drink. He asked what I had and stated that I had been given the correct drink. I tried to go through the details of what I was experiencing- the color, the taste, etc- he interrupted me and said “Well it’s a coffee drink with milk so it supposed to be creamy”. I told him that I was familiar with a flat white and that I had one the day before and knew what it was supposed to look like and taste like. He contended that he made a flat white. I became irritated because I felt like he was arguing with me. I asked him ‘isn’t it possible you handed me the wrong drink? I know what this is supposed to be like” He answered with a NO. At this point we had been on for several minutes and at no point did he offer to remake the drink or refund the money. After a few more minutes of him explaining to me that it’s a COFFEE drink with milk, he stated “I mean, I can try and remake it”..very flippantly. Then said “I am new”.
At NO point did he offer to refund the money. His offer to remake came FAR too late in the conversation. At that point, I didnt feel comfortable going back to the store for ANY reason much less to have the same person make my drink.
I ended up going to the SBUX down the street and getting the correct drink.
Went in to order a cup of coffee. I was instructed to go to the end of the counter to order. The barista was texting on the phone and wouldn’t look up. After awhile I left and got a cup of coffee at the gas station nearby. The service at the gas station was great.
Takes way to long and always out of everything.
15. Birmingham Music Club
Address: 1313 Alford Ave #204, Birmingham, AL 35226 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
We really enjoy the ease of taking lessons at Mason Music in Cahaba Heights. Studio communication is excellent and staff are always friendly. My daughters teacher, Gray, is organized and efficient. She enjoys taking drum lessons from him and can’t wait to go every week.
My daughter is taking guitar lessons at MM in Cahaba Heights and she loves it! She adores her instructor, Neal!
Bri is the best! A million stars!
17. Village Violins of Birmingham
Address: 3201 Lorna Rd, Birmingham, AL 35216 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
Thank you for sharing Music with Joseph Biden. Please support him by supporting the affordable care act. Joe Biden recently had a fall on a plane and he was injured wholly. Please ask Alabama children born on February 1, 2004 to send get well cards and sacred medals.
Great violin shop with great service. Highly recommend!
18. King of the Jungle Productions
Address: 1018 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 , Vestavia Hills , Alabama , United States
Did a great job on repairing my daughters flute. Very friendly staff and, knowledgeable.
Not as big as some of the other stores but I like the smaller more personal feel. Attentive staff.
Very nice place! Loved it. Found everything we needed at an affordable price.
Got what we needed
They fixed my trumpet well. A probably what is scored 5 stars if the repair was the same day.
No Gibson guitars.
I usually do not write reviews but feel a need this time. My purchase was made at the Gadsden Music location on Southlake Parkway Hoover Alabama. The store associate/representative was borderline rude!!
The man working the front desk was not friendly at all. Never made eye contact. Made me feel like I was not welcomed in his store. He probably didn’t know was I am renting an instrument from him. Hopefully I will never have to walk back in his store.
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.
