Went to get my son’s alto sax serviced – quality work done quickly.
The kids and I love it there. We love sampling all types of instruments and the staff has always been helpful and encouraging as we have been coming here for years. Cheers
I’m very happy with the service that I receive from the staff at Long & Mcquade. I find the staff very knowledgeable and friendly. I understand this is a busy location and sometimes they can’t help me immediately, but I am always acknowledged with a greeting, and as soon as someone’s available to help with a product or just question they are always there. I don’t think I could find a better music store than Long & Mcquade.
Good selection of instruments and a ton more online that can be brought in. We found staff are not particularly helpful or interested in walking you through options, more interested in the sale. We experienced some upselling attempts which we didn’t bite on. Website is good to help sort through instrument options and that was a good resource.
Great help. Knowledgeable staff. They were happy to let me take a product home for testing and return it if not up to specs.
One of the staff was REALY pushy and tried to make us spend way more money than we wanted to, it was not nice.
No comment.
Went in to try to find some machine heads and was met with a rude-toned reply of “what type?” I told him and got no reply, he just started walking, so I followed. He took me to the front and relayed my request to someone else, who just looked in the direction of the machine heads and said nothing. At the same time I saw some well-off looking customers being served with a delight. I won’t be back.
Back in 2010 they sold me a mandolin on which the strings where way too high above the fret (and unevenly so too). As a beginner it took me a while to figure out what was wrong, but I gave up on it. Sold it for a big loss as no one wanted it.
Thanks for selling me a lemon, long and mcquade!
2. Tempo Trend Music | Music Store | Victoria
Address: 410 Burnside Rd E, Victoria, BC V9A 1B1, Canada , Victoria , California , United States
My experience with Tempo Trend music and its owner Martin was top notch.
I have always wanted to play the accordion and recently decided to invest in myself and buy one. I contacted Martin at Tempo Trend after watching a YouTube video that featured Martin. I was very excited to find out they where located in Victoria BC as i had exhausted my local music shops in Vancouver with no success. After I sent an email to the shop Martin called me back and we had a great chat. We discussed my lack of musical background and what made me wanna get into accordion. Martin gave me some great advice and tips. He told me he would find something that would work for my budget and size as I’m over 6 foot 5. later that night he emailed me a wonderful video of an accordion that was perfect for me. Less than a week later it was delivered to my house.
If you are looking for an accordion or any musical instrument I strongly recommend Tempo Trend Music. It’s a family business that puts the relationship with its customers first and that’s a rare thing these days. I look forward to dealing with them again.
Thanks Martin
– Edward Braumberger
Your shop is very beautiful and have qualitative items.I have seen on it internet and I want to buy something. How can I contact you. I am from india this is my email [email protected]
Back in 1980 I experienced my very first, and last, banjo lessons at Templo Trend Music on Burnside Road E.
I bought a accordion on line and the seller did not package it properly. I called and spoke with Martin, who was amazing to deal with!! Thank you Martin for helping me and fixing my accordion
Antonio
Wonderful for repairs. Have a Value Village accordin the the wizard fixed up beautifully. Leveled the keys and fixed a reed and put on reasonably priced comfortable straps. Have to go back to fix an air leak after a drop. I’m hopeful she is repairable. The only place that could fix her. My main squeeze is hurt. See yas soon!
Extremely disappointed with the actual service regarding a concertina I brought in to be fixed. I was continually told it was “just about ready” or the parts were coming in soon… for about seven years. As there are very few people who are able to service such instruments in Canada, I was very hopeful and trusting for it to get done. Needless to say, I got tired of waiting and picked it up this last summer. No work appears to have been done on it at all other than a strap has been removed. I would have appreciated the store manager (Martin) being more upfront with me and just telling me that they either didn’t have time or were unable to perform the necessary adjustments/fixes to my instrument. I could have sent it to the original factory (learned after the fact) and likely had it back within a two to three year period. That being said, everyone I talked with in the store have ALWAYS been very friendly and attempted to do what they could in the moment to help me when I came to the store inquiring over the years. Very sad as this concertina was my grandfathers and I had very high hopes of seeing it properly restored here in Canada rather than sending it away. I have waited a number of months to post this review as I didn’t want my anger and disappointment to overshadow some good things I have seen with employees at the store who were obviously embarrassed about the situation. I have also seen other reviews and noted others have had positive results. I am happy for them. At this time however, I am looking to get my concertina fixed again. Cheers! Rod Wagner
Some neat vibes in the place, I’m all for independent businesses. But when there’s a sale with a money exchange and deposit, you let the person know when the product they ordered comes in. 6 months later, still no call. One day I happen to walk in and oh! My item was waiting for me, as if that day it came in… it’s advertised as a music school. Maybe it should stick to what it knows best.
Very disappointing, my husbands check has supposedly been sent three times in the past three months.
3. Guitars Plus
Address: 1118 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC V8W 2H6, Canada , Victoria , California , United States
This place is excellent. I came in to brows and ended up asking a few questions about a three way selector switch and tremolo add ons for my guitar. They where very knowledgeable. I ended up getting a few things for my guitar and they worked perfectly.
Kurt’s shop has become the only independent choice in Victoria! Broad range of new and some stellar vintage!! Best parts wall I’ve seen in ages, great collection of pedals too!
I bought my dream guitar here for a very fair price – Kurt was more than helpful; he seems to have an instinct for pairing instruments to players, technology to instruments and success to business – a rare combination these days!
guitars plus what?
Great selection; knowledgeable helpful staff
Very helpful staff, and very knowledgeable with the products sold.
I think the person that is running the store is actually racist or i don’t know just not a nice person. I am middle eastern. I went there once and guy was helping the white folks there very nicely in a good manner. However, when I ask my question the very first thing that he mentioned was the price range of their guitars ( Our budget for a guitar was actually more than that) right after he started giving life lessons about how I shouldn’t surprise any one in life and I actually making me feel bad about my question. I actually don’t recommend going this store especially if you’re looking for experts to ask questions about guitars and absolutely don’t go there if you’re a visible minority.
In trying to tighten the jack input on my custom built baritone ukulele, Kurt the owner carelessly left permanent scratches on my beautiful instrument. Unbelievable. DO NOT TAKE YOUR INSTRUMENT THERE FOR REPAIR.
Rudely asked to leave the store for “browsing” because another customer was waiting outside.
We are actually looking to BUY a guitar, which would require said browsing.
It is not a good idea to ask a customer to leave the store to have another customer come in.
Definitely not buying the guitar from here.
4. Tom Lee Music Victoria
Address: 2401D Millstream Rd #105, Victoria, BC V9B 3R5, Canada , Victoria , California , United States
Staffs are kind and helpful, explain things for me well.
Gary was great to deal with today when looking for a small amp to mess around on at home. Will be purchasing more items from this great location and hope to win that shopping spree! 😉
Feels like home every time I walk in, unbelievable hard working staff who know their stuff! Financing always with them has been great as well.
Great selection, no customer service
Great service
Great helpful staff. Good selection
In the digital era there is only one reason why instrument stores are still in business today: Customer experience. You want to experiment, ask questions, get involved before you buy. When I went there the only time a staff member approached me was to rush me out, because the store was about to close. I told him I wanted to buy something, the rep clearly annoyed picked up the item I was looking for and then greeted me with the following sentence: “Do you have card, because I closed the cashier already and we are not accepting money anymore” safe to say I’m never buying at a Tom Lee anymore.
Had been a pleasant customer of Tom Lee for the last 11 years; unfortunately not anymore, at least in Victoria…. I leave out the majority of the staff; but a couple, including one from the management team, do need a Customer Service 101, so unfortunate….
The dark haired older gentlemen might have the worst customer service skills I’ve ever experienced. I asked if they had any fender strat pickups, he shook his head, and continued to play the ukulele and virtually ignored me. If I could leave a zero star I would. I have spent thousands of dollars over the years on amps, guitars and accessories. I will gladly use long and Mcquade or Amazon from now on.
5. Guitar Center
Address: 12479 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 , Victoria , California , United States
Great place for all of your music needs .
Thanks guys .
Nice place to jam, a little to demo anything musical. I like to try used cymbals, as a drummer, its a good deal for a used one, sometime!
Great service but some of the employees are pushy with selling a product.
Would it kill GC to have a 50% off Sale? Used to be you could negotiate on price. Lots of guitars; no meaningful discounts.
The shopping experience was okay, the shop did not have a varied selection of ukuleles, I called to ask if they had 40$ ukuleles, they said they had multiple but had one of them. The one 40$ one was very bad quality.
Placed an order online on 10/23. The website said that the item was in stock and ready to ship. I was told that it would arrive approx 10/26. I checked the status today and it shows it will be at the store on 11/3. I tried to cancel the order but they wouldn’t let me until the store receives it. Very disappointed with the customer service.
Ordered ahead, curbside delivery(as curbside is offered), arrived, no curbside designated, waited 20-30 minutes in handicap. Finally called and was told my wait would be longer as they were short staffed. Employee came out the first time to check id(mind you I have an account) took longer than normal to look at my id, came out again (finally with my order) and asked for more verification as I already verified. Other employee didnt even acknowledge when he cane out and helped other other customers. This place was unorganized, rude, and ridiculous. Not to mention, I gave car details via app, via chat for this particular store (#121). And yes, I have screenshots of the chat.
6. Roll Over Beethoven Music Stre
Address: 16130 Main St, Hesperia, CA 92345 , Victoria , California , United States
I’ve been coming to this store for a very long time. And every time I’ve never left this store dissatisfied. The staff here are extremely kind, very helpful, and overall, they care. I love this store, and it never fails to have what I need.
Love the people that work there always. Went in to pickup up some guitar strings for my daughters Fender and as usual we had a pleasant experience.
For the only music store in the high desert it’s ok. They only had one pair of monitors and they had buzz right out of the box. It’s not ground buzz though.
Great place to start music and lady and personal friendly and good helpers
The man I spoke to about replacing pads on my Clarinet was knowledgeable about the Clarinet. He impressed me.
High prices. Low selection. Too bad they are the only local music store. Worth driving to guitar center
Incompetency at its best, don’t even know the difference between a 12″ resonant head and a 14″.
Not much in stock. Selection of no name instruments. In the ghetto.
7. Music & Arts
Address: 3560 Riverside Plaza Dr # 408, Riverside, CA 92506 , Victoria , California , United States
Great customer service! They offer great deals and are very knowledgeable about their products. I bought my guitar and amp here! If they don’t have a certain item in their store, they will order it for you and you may get a better deal too.
This is a neat place to check out. They have a great variety of instruments and they’re very friendly and knowledgeable.
Very helpful but need cheaper price on some clarinet reeds.
Nice people and very informative. Prices are reasonable and a good collection of instruments.
Probably the best customer service that I’ve gotten in a music store. The only reason why I’m giving a 3 stars is because they outsource there guitar repairs to someone who has absolutely no concept of quolity assurance or even knowledge of how to do a standard set-up.
IN SHORT go to the store for lessons and to buy stuff while feeling really welcomed, BUT for the sake that is all holy with electric guitar repairs; DO NOT TAKE YOU’RE GUITAR THERE FOR REPAIRS.
Send my guitar for set-up and never see and talk to the technician and tell the salesman about the problem and they said they will fix it and took the payment. But when i got my guitar the problem still exist.they to send it back twice and never fix the problem. I will never again to send my guitar without seeing a technician and a work shop in a store. I learned my lesson. Beware!!!
The employees were very nice and helpful (for the most part), but I spent a month waiting on an instrument to get shipped to their store so I could rent it. The guy who was supposed to be in charge of it would never call me back. I’m not sure whether it’s the store’s fault or the warehouse’s fault that every time I ordered an instrument, it would “ship” and then never show up because it was never actually shipped. Either way, I have auditions and couldn’t wait anymore so I took my business elsewhere.
They wont give back my deposit of $35 for fixing my guitar but they never touched it. My guitar just sat there for 4 days. They kept telling me it would be ready in a day. Then a week. Then a week till he could get to it. It just took it back. I will figure out the $35 later. The really tried to hold my guitar hostage and were rude as rude gets
8. Nick Rail Music
Address: 1770 Orange Tree Ln, Redlands, CA 92374 , Victoria , California , United States
All the staff members were very friendly, and helpful. Ms. Erm was especially a god send. She really helped make it possible for my daughter to rent a violin. Thank you sooo much!
Had some leaks in my tenor saxophone they fixed me right up ! replaced a few pads made a few adjustments I’m back thanks
Very helpful and very nice
What words can adequately express my disapproval with this place? Two months ago, my violin bow required a rehairing, so I sent it to this place, as it was the cheapest. Turns out, it was cheap for a reason. Upon taking it home, the hairs fell apart within a week, and I had to send it in again. Concurrently, my brother, also a violinist, sent in his bow to be rehaired as well. A couple days after he received it back, it collapsed during his violin lesson. When I received mine for the second time, the hairs fell apart yet again in merely two days. So, as if we had not yet learned from our prior mistakes, we sent it in for the final time, hopefully. When we gave it to the associates, who had assurred us that they would not charge us, they insinuated that my brother and I had been mistreating our bows, asking, “Have they been sword-fighting with these?’ It was amazing that never once did they apologize; instead, they chose to shower us with condemnations, as if we were the culpable ones. Well, I learned a valuable lesson, to be sure: When it comes to Nick Rail’s, dispense with quality, bring in inadequacy. You would do well to never frequent this place.
I called in advance and asked if they had specific items I needed that night, they said they did. When I got there they didn’t have anything I asked about in advance. The employees are uneducated about musical instruments and accessories. Go to another music store.
Do not go here. They wanted to charge 57.00 for cello strings that cost $10 online. They told us that they would love for us to show them where there were cheaper cello strings. They also said that normally they charge $114 dollars and they discounted it 40%. We looked online and saw that the same cello strings were only $10. They somehow couldn’t think of a cheaper string set that. $57! And that was discounted! If you want to get ripped off, then this is the place to go!
9. Snowmen Music
Address: 11030 Redwood Ave, Fontana, CA 92337 , Victoria , California , United States
The people at this shop are very helpful. They have nice instruments and are competent at giving good consultations for choosing the right instrument that you need. They are all very friendly and really give time and effort. (=
sabrba
They have variety of guitars but hard to test high end guitars as they are not available in the store. They can order it for you..
Music and Arts Center has very low quality products, and terrible customer service. For instance my instrument case lasted maybe 4 trips before all the zippers fell off and it completely ripped to shreds. Highly recommend you visit a locally owned music shop, or Sweetwater for online shopping.
I went here to get my clarinet fixed and they said it would take $60 and they would have to ship it out to Anaheim, which would take 2 weeks. If this is labeled as in instrument repair shop, they should fix them in the store. Also, they would have to repair a simple key and it should not take that much. Absolutely disappointing.
I’ve been a customer here for over 10 years and have had both guitar and voice lessons from the wonderful teachers here. I’m so incredibly saddened to hear that two incredible teachers who were so very knowledgeable and kind have lost their jobs because they fought against policies that were immoral to Music and Arts students and teachers. Know that if you decide to support this business you are supporting a corporation that fires teachers who are fighting for the best for their students and a corporation that has increased the charges of their studios for teachers and students. What a sad, sad day for Alta Loma Music and Arts.
11. Steve Swan Guitars
Address: 1519 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010 , Victoria , California , United States
If you’re into playing bass, this is where you want to shop. Steve is extremely accommodating, and I spent two and a half hours there trying different basses with different bows. Steve’s approach is solid. He provides information, and then leaves you alone so that you can hear the bass that you’re playing… Finding and purchasing the right bass or bow can be a time-consuming experience. Steve’s approach makes it much easier, and I will definitely shop there again!
Fine instruments in person and on the web
Looking for an upright bass? This is the best place to go in the Bay Area. No one has the selection and stock that Steve does. He’s knowledgeable, easy to talk to and just a generally cool guy. The prices are fair, he has new and used instruments that span the price ranges and there simply isn’t this kind of opportunity to A/B instruments and really get a feel for options unless you go down to LA bass works. Just go here and feel confident in your purchase.
Plus roger is a sweet little dog.
I put my guitar on consignment with Steve about 2 years ago. He lent it out for long spans of time without my permission and eventually sold it without informing me. Then he said he needed the money for his own bills, so he couldn’t pay me. He’s obviously got problems that should keep anyone from trusting him. I’m taking him to small claims court over it.
12. Mountain Music
Address: 4444 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611 , Victoria , California , United States
awesome! really cool selection of synths in the very back
I’ll return for help with an acoustic/electric ukulele that is rattling. I purchased new and it wasn’t rattling in the store. Thinking about changing the strings too. Was told it is a common problem – but I’m sad about it.
At least I feel okay returning for help. Just nervous about it all for being an anxious person.
Anyway – some tips?
double check ur “policy” preferences.
Come back a several times to try out instruments on different days.
The goal was to support local.
What’s really cool about this place is they have parts. I always need some doodad or whathaveyou for guitar mods and they never disappoint.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great place for music lessons.
This is our neighborhood used and new instrument store. Same for amplifiers. Come here for strings and electronic tuners. They facilitate all kinds of music instructions and sell printed materials. Last time we went in I waited for my sons on the couch as they got lost on keyboard and other toys.
I’ve enjoyed each visit and was assisted with my needs with courtesy and professional experienced staff.
13. Guitar Center
Address: 925 E Hospitality Ln, San Bernardino, CA 92408 , Victoria , California , United States
I had a awesome experience i purchased a jbl srx835p from them excellent service. I will be back for more equipment soon
Staff was very helpful from security to the person that helped me. Definitely will be going back.
Ya…..My Candy Store
Was looking for phonograph needles and cartridges. They had nothing under $100. Too expensive!
It’s guitar center…50% of the stuff doesn’t even work (amps, guitars, setups) but where else are ya gonna go to get a shiny guitar.
Nice store, way overpriced.
Even though there were more people working then customers they still didn’t help anyone. When i was able to actually get someone to help, they looked for the guitar i wanted and left it in the hallway and disappeared. Terrible customer service.
Prices in house are way expensive compared to online. Employees never greet customers, or ask if you need help! Employees act like they are too cool to interact with customers. Been a few times and always the same old story.
Not my favorite location at all…
14. Loud and Clear Music
Address: 8000 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati, CA 94931 , Victoria , California , United States
We love this place! The guys that work here are helpful, knowledgeable and very friendly! It’s a great place to shop or just hang out.
Best music store in The Bay! These people are AMAZING!
Highly recommend. Neville and his entire staff at Loud and Clear are always friendly and helpful. They listen patiently to what the customer is interested in and are more concerned with helping you make the right decision to fit your needs, rather than leading you towards the biggest possible sale.
I once bought a beautiful ElectroPhonic guitar there that was on consignment. A great deal. Back at home, I discovered that one of the pickups was cutting out. I brought it back and even though it was an “as-is” sale with no warranty, Neville was kind enough to approve repairing it without charge. Happy customer.
That’s one of the reasons why I keep coming back.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff, relaxed atmosphere.
Great little music shop. Lots of electric guitars, sheet music. Knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Helpful service and some quality gear.
They’d rather make $50 or so than lose a customer and get a negative feedback. Not sure that’s a winning business strategy in the long run, but best of luck.
So, I’ve been in here twice since I’ve moved from East Bay to Rohnert Park last year. On both separate occasions the staff watches me like I’m going to steal every item in the store somehow. Very, very, very uncomfortable to look up and have every worker in the store staring at you from across the room, yet not one word of helpfulness or a ‘hi’ or anything. I wont be stepping foot in ‘this boy’s club again’.
15. Alta Loma Music
Address: 7900 Haven Ave #26B, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 , Victoria , California , United States
Too bad 10 stars aren’t on here. He’s not five stars. He’s ten stars. Played at my cousin’s funeral and also at a jaz concert I went to. Awesome both times. Very Reliable. Definitely plan to hire him in the future and recommend him to others.
Great music
J. Boykin is simply amazing. He and his wife have huge hearts. His talent is unparalleled.
17. Roxana’s Music
Address: 9773 Sierra Ave., Fontana, CA 92335 , Victoria , California , United States
Open Mics and shows are always awesome! Go Check it out now!!!! The staff is obviously full of awesome-sauce!!!!
Love this place! The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. They have good prices on instruments, equipment, etc. They will definitely help you find what you need.
Had a layaway that was canceled. Can’t seem to get my refund. Management say they sent me a check in June it’s now September nevered recieved a check been going back n forth between store and customer service about $32.31.went in store Tuesdays after speaking to customer service stating the store is to refund my $32.31 spoke with Brian the store manager he say he cant refund me my money because the store will be in the negative $32.31. DAH…… So I ask do you rather have a dis satisfied customer or be in negative $32.31. Brian say there’s nothing he can do and he’s the store manager. Very unhappy customer!
Do not rent from Music and Arts. This business is horrible. I have rented from them twice and both times it was a nightmare to get them to stop billing me after I returned the instrument.
19. Cruz Violins & More
Address: 4124 Sunnyside Dr, Riverside, CA 92506 , Victoria , California , United States
Very friendly, recognized the problem with my violin immediately! Many stringed instruments to choose from as well as all other musical essentials. I highly recommend this string specialty store!
The owners are experts and know exactly what they’re dealing with when you bringing the violin. Mr. Cruz can fix or adjust any violin or cello and even other types of string instruments such as guitars. This is an excellent venue for professional artists as well as students.
Very kind and helpful customer service. Love the dog too!
There was to many people around while he was explaining things to me than I was comfortable with. There wasn’t a private area to receive instructions.
This man can Tech you something new every time you go see him he is an amazing man
20. Musical Instrument
Address: Westminster, CA 92683 , Victoria , California , United States
