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.
2. Martel Music Store
Address: 1 Whiting St, Plainville, CT 06062 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
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 can’t say enough positive things about Martel Music. The people here truly care about what they are doing. Fantastic selection of stuff that you won’t find at those big chain stores. They also host cool events like jam nights and pedal building classes. Doesn’t get any better than this!
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.
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.
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.
3. The Music Shop
Address: 22 Mc Dermott Ave, Torrington, CT 06790 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Keith took great care of me! I’m a beginner guitar player and broke one of my strings, had no clue what to do. I purchased the strings there and he taught me how to put them on right in the store. He even tuned my guitar, and gave me some tips to keep it maintained. Service like that is RARELY found. TY Keith!!
Keith was very open and helpful during his purchase of my son’s used drum set. He explained everything clearly and followed through on his statements. Courteous and respectful throughout, he helped make the transaction pleasant. I would definitely return to his shop.
Hello James louchen looking band together starting my own band made last add more songs looking music musicians each position play. Dums led ELC getdr keebord 3 Man two ladies like at one more bongls need your help changes this band songwriter add more purduers equipment management upgrade my dumset songwriter band manager back up singersEffects sounds E Yvet all call
4. Turnpike Music Garage
Address: 1485 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield, CT 06825 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Extremely nice guy and definitely knowledgeable. Went in for a guitar set up, and he got it to me in a quick time and even spared me a few dollars when I went to pick it up. Definitely recommend!
Hi Donny
My son has been taking guitar lessons with Don. He has been introduced to many artists and looks forward to his lessons. We chose the Music Garage because we wanted our son to learn the basics and build a foundation for playing guitar.
A little hard to find, but owner was very helpful in my search for a solid-woods Classical guitar. Looked at a very nice A/Yari. Has some nice guitars, but he is limited by space constraints. If the f-ups in Washington and the greedy sob’s on Wall St would all drop dead, this store would have a good chance of growing.
Had an excellent selection of strings. Plan on visiting again soon.
I got My sons cello at this store and the bridge was broken and the stand
5. The Music Shop
Address: 405 Queen St, Southington, CT 06489 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Been going to this store for over 20 years. Great service, friendly staff and they do the best repairs around. Scott is very knowledgeable and always takes the extra time to help you out. Prices are great as well. There’s a reason they are still around in a time of superstores and online shopping.
My kids have been going to The Music Shop for 8 years and their experience has been flawless. The ownership and instructors are very professional. The instructors personalize each lesson to keep the kids engaged in wanting to learn and practice on their own. There is no other place to go, stop here.
We had a great experience at the music shop in Southington. We went in to buy a guitar for our son. Tyler was really helpful and answered all our questions patiently. Thank you Tyler!
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.
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.
6. Windsor Music Centre
Address: 95 Poquonock Ave, Windsor, CT 06095 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Very helpful and patient. Went to do an instrument rental and they sized everything and had all the necessary items in stock. Happy to support a local music store!
Got the book I was looking for and awesome customer service!
Go there… support local music
It’s okay.
Nice guy and great service so far!
My grandma brought two ukuleles here to be repaired before she passed away. They were from the 1940s and held a lot of sentimental value for me, as they were the first instrument I ever learned to play on. After she passed away, a family member went to retrieve them and the store conveniently had “no record” of them. Scammers and low lifes.
Rented a violin during 2012/2013 school year. Throughout the school year violin needed numerous repairs, therefore, I did not rent from them the following school year. Low and behold as reviewing my bank statements I noted a monthly charge from them. Upon calling and speaking with “Joe” I was told that even though the violin was never returned to me after the last repair, I did not officially return the violin. and the charges can not be or won’t be refunded. Duly note that the violin is and has been with them since June of 2013 and the owner acknowledged this fact. I now know why they were not listed as a rental place by the school system. I would never buy from them again or refer any business their way.
terrible repairment
7. JC Music
Address: 529 W Main St, Meriden, CT 06451 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly family owned music store
Definitely would recommend this store, I’ve bought a few instruments and books from them and I put a guitar and some accessories up for consignment which sold relatively quickly. It’s a great store and I’ll continue to shop there for as long as I live in Meriden.
I have been going to JC Music for many years and will continue to go there for my musical needs.I find that I am able to find and buy whatever I need at reasonable prices and quality.The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and my experiences there are always enjoyable.Thanks guys ,You rock!
Would like to obtain some nice brushes and some type of top hat set used and very sturdy since I break percussion instruments all the time when I perform?
My son, Roberto Luis and Rosa live in Meriden. Are you far from the mall? I have spent a lot of time jamming in Puerto Rico to salsa, merengue, etc but my favorite is funk like Buddy Miles.
My grandson really enjoyed the music lessons and they are very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend them.
Completely disappointed. I placed an order in store on a instrument that was never placed with JC music. The customer service was poorly displayed and the options they gave us was not acceptable. I asked to speak to the owner several times and would not get on the phone and made his new employee talk to me. I ended up going somewhere else that was amazing
Never have any of the literature or instrument parts I’m looking for. Took 3 months to repair a trombone. I tried to return an item and they wouldn’t give me back the cash to go to another place. The owner has blatantly disrespected my mother on several occasions and doesn’t have much knowledge of much of anything outside of rock music. As far as i’m concerned, this is the worst music store i’ve ever set foot in and would not recommend to anybody.
This was a horrible expierence. They need to get their stuff together, they had already-sold instruments on shelf. They had an amazing guitar sale and when I went to buy, it was already sold! They got my hopes high and let it down and I will not give them my money any longer.
8. DuBaldo Music Center
Address: 881 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
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!!
Fantastic service, fast shipping, and competitive pricing.
Great store! Love the selection of Ernie Ball Music Man instruments.
Great service
9. The Music Bureau
Address: 1 New London Rd, Salem, CT 06420 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Great lessons for all ages, good gear, super friendly teachers.
Great lessons, friendly environment, incredible music. Highly recommend.
So I have been battleing this in my head for awhile so I just happen to notice this little shop walked in knowing very little, was super friendly, and answered all my questions, by the time I left he had me set to buy one, So today I’m going to go buy it, I. So excited !!!
This business has changed hands a few times. But still has a great selection of core instruments and accessories. Also offer lessons.
10. The Music Score LLC
Address: 2315 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Quality music school with a professional and trustworthy staff.
The Music Score is now at 2315 and under new management. The store offers lessons for all instruments (including vocal), rentals and purchases on all instruments (including pianos.) The Music Score includes workshops and classes, like Music Together for toddlers, Music Fun Time for small children, and more. Jazz Band is held on Wednesday nights, Open Mic every last Friday. Other fun times are held, like Karaoke, Music Movie night, and Game night. Events are held about four times a year like The Frozen Spring Thaw, Open Houses, Christmas parties, recitals, new years for kids, and more. This store has a little of everything and caters to people from newborns to senior citizens. When you walk in the door you are part of the family and the teachers, associates, and owners take pride in caring and educating. A true mom and pop shop who are part of the community and helping it grow.
Came here for some guitar strings and the employee was super awesome
Very knowledgeable and friendly.
My daughter is signed up for lessons and her teacher is great (I hear the others are as well). Just try not to deal with the guy that owns it.
Arrived at 10:00am (they open at 10am, but not today). I waited and they finally arrived. All I needed was guitar strings, but they had none. What a waste of time.
I tried to return my daughter’s Viola due to the school no longer providing classes. It was a total nightmare to get an answer in regards to my credit. They are very irresponsible and I am very disappointed by the lack of care towards my return which was even misplaced! Mom and dad are not helpful at all and he should really look at keeping them home, they make things worse!
11. Westbury Music
Address: 686 Main St, Watertown, CT 06795 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Mike, owner, is knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Instruments, music sheets and lessons at affordable prices. Repairs also done in house. Drop in to day hi and take a look around.
Informative staff
For the past 18 months, I have been taking weekly drum lessons from Gary, who is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher. I have been bringing all of my guitars to Westbury music for re-stringing and repairs since they opened shop several years ago..I bought a beautiful bass guitar and amp from them a few months ago. Their prices are very reasonable and the gear is top notch. And Michael is a really great guy.
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!
Staff is very friendly and knowledgable.
excellent store, good Fender Selection, nice acoustics, lessons, and school instruments.
12. Matty’s Music LLC
Address: 654 Enfield St, Enfield, CT 06082 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Matty is knowledgable and always willing to help. This is also a great place to take lessons on your instrument of choice, whether you’re just starting out or already have some experience.
Matty’s has great service and was my first choice for lessons.
When my 10 yr old wanted to start an instrument, I only thought of Matty’s Music, and my daughter is so happy. I was unable to take her to look into the Baritone Horn, so my mother did. She explained how Matt was beyond helpful and informative in making making the right decision about the instrument. My mother is a hard one to be patient with, but Matt answered all of her questions and concerns. Even the ones my daughter said were silly! Thank you Matt!
Great service.
Dirty, stuff everywhere, completely disorganized.
13. La Salle Music & Sound
Address: 993 Main St #2233, East Hartford, CT 06108 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
They have fair pricing and will often give you a discount. Mark and Eric are great to work with at their East Hartford, CT location. You pay cash…they give you a better deal too. Tons of vinyl records for Beat Makers and Producers. All Genres to flip through.
Everyone is helpful.
They have rare vinyl records.
Great service.
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.
Ordered lugs for my snare. They sent me receipts and invoices and never shipped my lugs. I called and emailed multiple times and never got a response back after leaving numerous messages. Been 2 months and I still don’t have my lugs and am out $60.
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.
Was a dj for 30 years and bought and sold equipment all over Ct . I stopped in at lasalle music in east hartford it was a nightmare . Equipment from the seventies store a mess and the staff looked like a Grateful Dead fan with colored hair . So glad I moved on with my teaching at a high school
14. George’s Music Center
Address: 905 New Harwinton Rd, Torrington, CT 06790 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
We recently decided to have our 13 year old son take drum lessons here. He loves it so much we bought him a Ludwig four piece set. Just installed it and he’s having a blast jamming out! Great atmosphere and quality service. Highly recommended.
Great music store, helpful staff & if they don’t have it in stock, they can get it for you. It’s nice to have access to local shops versus Big box stores.
Super helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly staff. Large selection of guitars on premise. Easy to get to. Had a great experience.
Meh
If you’re not looking to go too far to get musical instruments. Look no further. Expensive though. But if you don’t care about prices, go for it. Not much of a selection though.
Nice shop
This place is just awful. The owner is so rude to us that i will never go back. We rented an instrument from him because our normal music store didnt have the instrument and when the instrument broke he said it was our fault and that it wasnt covered and then bad mouthed our local music store.
After going to this place; I must say I will never go back there again. The owner is so rude and disrespectful. Its not even funny. The owner needs get off his anthropocentric state of mind.
15. Main Street Music
Address: 264 Main St, Monroe, CT 06468 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Great expertise and enthusiasm. Had everything we needed. Highly recommended.
Randy Kemp is a true professional in the music industry, and his expertise spans the gamut: theory, composition, live performance, production, engineering, and lessons.
I’ve known Mr. Kemp since 2000 and he never ceases to impress me. I can’t recommend Main Street Music enough.
16. Music & Arts
Address: 315 W Main St, Avon, CT 06001 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
My son broke a sting on his viola tonight and we had to run down to Music and Arts for a quick repair so he would be ready for school tomorrow. Scott and Noah were both super helpful and took great care of my son and his viola. He’s now all set for school tomorrow. Thanks guys!
Great place to work with. Eric was helpful, and able to answer all my questions
I used to come here as a kid when I was learning guitar. Came back after all these years and they still give good vibes and friendly, helpful staff.
An error in judgment when I decided to place an order for them to send out my two guitars I STILL to this day can’t string myself worth beans. Decent store for the most part but what really got me sore was the fact that the clerk said that they send their instruments out to a repair tech in E. Hartford but then found out that for whatever reason they have to send the guitars to a tech in BOSTON and the woodwind and brass instruments are the only instruments they ferry back and forth for repairs to EH. Misleading and wonder if it were intentional or whether or not someone else over there neglected to tell him that the different instruments get repaired at different locations. Not my fault I didn’t get the right info but certainly my fault I opted to not take my precious guitars back before the start of business last week so I could either try once again to string them myself or have someone else nearer to me I’d forgotten momentarily about do it for me instead. Ideally I’ll see if I can learn the proper way to string them from now on to save on the cost and also to not feel helpless and at the mercy of someone else whose repair shop happens to be out of state yet.
I purchased two bell covers at the end of August, chose store pickup, but they never called me and then the charge show up on my credit card statement on Dec 04 (after 3 month?). The credit card company helped to credit $19.12 back, but then the case went to debt collector. I had wasted too much time calling different phone number, waiting on line, so I decided just paid this 20 bucks and tell everyone about my experience. I also had our clarinet maintenance done 4 weeks ago here, but again, they are supposed to call me but they never do!!! I had to drive to the store, asked them to check the status, and realized that everything is in pending. The phone number on file is correct, they just never call. I guess shopping in the store is ok, but never expect them to call you for anything..
The details pertaining to the boxes in and around the location are not what I am interested in anymore. Absolutely in poor taste to remove something biodegradable without thinking. I’d give it a 5 star if the app let me!
Was told my contract goes through June. Beware! They end your contract in May and charge $45 more for June. So you will not make it through the school year with the agreed contract, however, you will not be made aware of that information.
17. Sam Ash Music Stores
Address: 95 Amity Rd, New Haven, CT 06515 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great place for all your music needs.
Great variety and good service!
Nice people, good prices,!
O hope I can work there as a greeter some day
la atención del personal es un poco pobre en verdad tienes que buscar tu mismo lo que deseas fui a preguntar por un micrófono él me dijo que no lo tenía y cuando yo revisó por la tienda ahí estaba el micrófono y en cantidades deben orientar un poco al personal para que puedan ayudar a los clientes
Too noisy for me. Got a gift certificate for my grandson, and was happy to leave.
Used to be a great place to go browse.. now it’s like walking onto a used car lot.. within ten minutes I had 6 people asking if they could show me anything, one guy asking me twice.. I was only planning on buying a guitar stand, but was so annoyed I went elsewhere….
Drove 25 minutes to the store only to find out it doesn’t open until noon. Utterly rudiculous! Just close your doors for good if you’re going to have such restrictive hours!
18. Bethel Music Center – Instrument Sales, Rentals, Lessons and Repairs
Address: 273 Greenwood Ave #101, Bethel, CT 06801 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
Staff is friendly and helpful! Bought a used violin for my granddaughter, brought it back to trade it in, was given a fair trade in price, will be picking out a new used one!
Thanks to Sarah, I was able to get a mouthpiece while being 2.5 hours away from home on a gig where I left my mouthpiece pouch. Came through in the clutch for me with a shew lead piece.
Good info from employees
Instrument rentals are great for their prices
Just stopped by quick. Had a great hour. They are the best
19. Creative Music Center
Address: 701 Main St, Monroe, CT 06468 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
I love this place, i go in just to look at the product and I always end up buying something.
The older guy really helped me with my guitar! He was so nice!
All of the staff, from folks at the register to the instructors to the director of music education, are professional and knowledgeable, with a warm welcome to boot!
Poor customer service.
Scheduled a guitar lesson here, spent $45, arrived on time, the teacher I was assigned to never showed up. At least they were nice enough to give me my money back the next day.
I just went to this store with my violin wanting the sound post set and to re-hair my bow. When I walked in there were two ladies at the counter. As I opened my case asking the the lady in the white turtle neck with straight brown hair if they re-hair bows? She snapped that they didn’t. The nice girl next to her chimed in as said out loud “She re-hairs bows?” Then the other lady gave a look and said I would need to buy a new one! She then picked up my violin and started to point out things about my only violin that were not good enough for her to re-set my sound post! I then asked “How much to just re-set the sound post?” She refused me service and said “Good Luck!” AVOID THIS PLACE IF YOU CAN! I think I didn’t fit the “type” they prefer to give services to?
20. Music For People
Address: 275 Bunker Hill Rd, Watertown, CT 06795 , Viile , Connecticut , United States
