Exclusive selection: The top 20 music shops of Wallingford Center

I love this place. My guitar teacher is awesome and the whole place is like a family. Great teachers and a great atmosphere.

Everyone that works there is amazing. My kids love going and learning to play.

I’m an experienced bass player who wanted to learn to sing well. I signed up for classes about 6 months ago. I’m still not Michael Buble but I can hold a tune way better than I could when I started here and I’m still making regular incremental improvements. The management and staff are all really nice and really supportive of all the students’ journeys. It’s a great place to learn how to make music.

An incredible artist and consummate professional.

Can’t say enough about Ms. Brinkmann! She rented us a very nice antique violin for my daughter and she refurbished a family heirloom. She is an expert on fixing violins and bows and is a wonderful person to talk with. Highly recommended! A+

Ute has been rehairing my wife’s bow and repairing her violin for a couple of years now. She does excellent work and always does it promptly. What we particularly like about Ute is that she always explains very clearly and carefully exactly what needs to be done for the instrument, and why; she also explains what does not need to be done, no matter what others may have said. My wife says she has learned a lot by listening to Ute’s explanations.

I bought a basic cello on amazon, a student one to play on my free times because I used to play on a orchestra and needed to have the bridged and soundpost placed. I called her, and she refused to “waste her time” with me, because I didn’t have an expensive instrument. She was extremely rude and even refused to give me contact of others luthiers around, it’s sad to see that apparently she only wants to help rich people who can afford expensive instruments. Hopefully people with more resources than me will advocate for her to change her attitude towards less privileged people.

Yes, the last time I came in was in 2011 but I sent at least three emails to her asking for information on my grandmothers violin. I would gladly remove this review if I had information on the whereabouts of my grandmothers violin but Ute still hasn’t responded to any on my emails. She can’t even email back to say she has no information. And the John Juzek violin you sold me had a huge crack running along the sound post besides the other cracks along the body of the violin. So no I never received a healthy instrument. I just want information on the whereabouts of my grandmothers violin. I’ll even buy it back from you if you have it. You have my contact information Ute 🙂

For those of you interested in music I highly recommend Pat Russo. You will not only find Pat to be a fantastic instructor, you will find yourself becoming his friend.

Excellent teachers!! Whether you are looking for voice lessons or instrument lessons. CALL THEM! Affordable and fun! So glad I made the call and am realizing my dream.

Pat Russo in an awesome teacher. He has the talent and ability to teach any type of music at any level. He finds ways to help you at your specific level and with the songs of your choice. He makes every lesson informative, friendly and enjoyable.

We have been recording at Trod Nossel for about four years and have put out 3 CD’s and would go no where else. They have been very helpful, professional, honest and we love recording there! We can’t recommend them enough!

Dave and Adam

Excellent staff and great equipment. Plus the staff knows how to use what they have.

I personally today only have nothing but good memories regarding the time I spent at Trod Nossel, be it either when I was recording in a band that I was in 25 years ago, or when I took the MRT 1 course 15 years ago or so…..
The one thing I cannot overstate enough is the feel of this studio, it just feels good the moment one arrives, there’s a lot of good vibes and it just feels very nice and relaxed, as opposed to many of the NYC studios I was going to around the same time frame.
One bit of minor criticism though, and this is probably more about me than say a normal musician: when I showed up to record in 1993 with a band I was in, which I now view as being nothing more than a hired gun for…. I recall showing up with my 1960’s Ampeg F Hole bass, a Gretsch Expander B bass head, and a Kustom double 15 cab…. all vintage cool stuff which was almost never seen or heard even back then, and yes I was after a very specific sound – but at the same time – I was very disappointed when I saw a DI box come out because that meant no amp sound was going on tape. This also meant that what I played in the studio bore very little resemblance to what was actually heard on the 7″ we put out
Because the person whose band this was – was in full agreement of the DI box, I had to go with it and bite my tongue…..
Of interest, two years later I did something similar in a studio in Brooklyn NY, and I remember the engineer telling me “well, I can’t say it’s going to sound exactly as what you hear in the room, but I’ll try…” and he nailed it perfectly, which in turn opened his eyes and ears into doing things a little differently when the situation warrents so.
Now – I need people who read this review to realize that I still was very happy with the way everything else proceeded at Trod Nossel, and felt very pleased with how the mixdown process went as well, as the equipment this studio has/had was to me second to none.
I absolutely loved the sound of Sony console and the big JBL monitors [which I hope are still in use !!] and what’s interesting to note is – when we were there, we were supposed to record to an Otari 8 track open reel machine but by accident went to a first generation Alesis ADAT, which in retrospect opened the door for me to start believing in what was then new digital technology.
I also need to emphasize that the sound in that control room was/is very very accurate, as I consider myself a connoisseur of proper sounding vintage hi-fi systems, and what came out on record was pretty much what was heard again through that Sony console and those big JBL’s
I’d also like to state that the MRT 1 class which I took was absolutely incredible, as it opened the door to me regarding the difference between limiters and compression and how both work, etc… and I have to say I would have gladly paid double to take that class a second time, especially since it provided the missing link regarding my own personal studio.
So, I realize this review does have a bit of personal reflection here, which I am hoping may cause the staff today to maybe see things perhaps with a more open mind today if someone were to ask to do things a little differently, unless it is simply not possible.
*Only reason I am not giving Trod Nossel 5 stars is because I was hoping to see on Trod Nossel’s website a list of the current engineers and staff, and little bio’s like I seem to recall seeing years back… as it just makes things a little more personal, and allows one to get a good feel of who’ll they’ll meet prior to showing up.
Overall, an exceptional studio with a great feel, gear, and sound.
Highly recommended for those looking to get the job done.

Amazing selection. Hardcore. Metal. Weirdo. Electronic. Everything….

I remember when these folx opened and they have only become better and more well stocked. Good prices and glad to have walked out with a new record. A+

Lots of unexpected treasures. Staffed by the expected judgemental record store clerks that are silently evaluating you, as a person, based on your purchases and tastes. I’m okay with that in a record store.

Great shop. Lots of records, every genre. Tons of variety. Not one engleburt humperdink to navigate past

Knowledgeable staff. Huge selection of hard to find vinyl.

Needed one record which they had but most everything on the showroom floor are new lps or reissues of old records.

Love supporting local business but the used selection that they store in basement is what a record store is all about. Good original pressings. Next time ill just email a list to do mail order vs an hour drive.

They have a wonderful store but way overpriced

Place sucks BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Bought a brand new record, took it straight home to play it and it and it was warped. No worries, I’ll just return it, right?

I tried to return it and was given a really bad attitude by the man who is always there. Not sure if he’s the owner? He immediately tried to blame me for the issue and when I told him I didn’t appreciate the accusation he said he could just refuse the return, I gave him back the record and walked out, never going back. Keep my 20 bucks.

I LOVE the lessons there!

Our son started taking lessons with Ms Sandie when he turned 3. He was as playful as a little mouse (well obviously at that age!!) so Ms Sandie started presenting the very concept of music, beats and rhythms through various elements and technics. In no time, his weekly piano lessons turned into this exciting opportunity for him to see his very favorite teacher and try to be best at what she taught him! Ms Sandie’s patience in particular is everything a kid needs when learning at a very young age. Through her creativity, she’s always been able to find a way to get my son’s attention back to music when he’s distracted and make their session valuable and worthwhile. In a few weeks, his classes extended from 15 mins to 30 mins which to me was considered a MAJOR developmental milestone for a hyperactive little boy with short attention span that could barely sit in one place at a time. As far as learning, he’s been making a steady progress, not too fast not too slow. I see some parents look for tutors with fast learning results but what they don’t realize is the faster the learning is, the higher the time commitment on the family’s end NEEDS to be hence the bigger the challenge it might become. This could simply ruin the learning experience if the family doesn’t have the resources while at its best, it might compromise other aspects of social/physical or emotional development of the little child. Practicing piano currently is my son’s daily ritual and none of this would’ve been possible if it wasn’t for Ms Sandie. I’ve also been doing my best in keeping him motivated through accumulating points and reward system in return of his daily practicing. All in all, what you give is what you get. While a great tutor to a young kid is someone who’s knowledgable, kind, patient and creative, the end of learning equilibrium is the FAMILY to reinforce the teachings in between lessons at home and help kids stay motivated by respecting and sitting for their daily practices.
No tutor has “the magic stick” to make things happen for us when we lack consistency as parents. But as far as Ms Sandie, she’s got ALL it takes to a get little brain engine started in exploring the very best in the World of Music!!

It’s been a joy going here. Being in my 30’s, I thought that learning a new skill like the violin would be a difficult thing to do. Miles has made the experience fun and I am learning and applying lessons that go beyond playing an instrument. If you ever think that learning stops after you leave school, stop thinking that and try something new.

Our five grandchildren have been part of the wonderful musical experience at The Music Center of North Haven. It is a life changing program for us and a chance for them to grow individually and as a group as they play together. Their teachers are incredible, very talented, patient and professional. It is an investment in our youth which is very much needed. They can learn responsibility, a sense of accomplishment in achieving goals, positivity, accountability, confidence, commitment, work ethic, creativity, morale, overall uplifting and safe experience. They perform in concerts and in front of other audiences, which enhances self esteem. They also perform for friends and family and enjoy doing it. Everyone should check out the variety of musical programs offered at the center. Owners Mark and Mary are great, as is the entire staff. Just a little note from the Miller Family.

Very friendly and helpful staff. Both of my sons have been taking lessons here since Sept. 2016 and have thrived with patient and attentive instructors. Thank you!

I walked into the store on a mission to see if any ukulele sheet music was there, to give to a friend of mine. I walked out with a brand new LUNA acoustical guitar.
Jared (?) at the register gave me much advice. Part of the purchase was a sort of “tune up” given by the owner. The owner was not there on the day of purchase but gladly accommodated me a few days later. He tweaked the neck a little which gave the guitar some unbelievable action.
Nothing but great service at this place!

Great instructors. Great atmosphere.

First experience here, but guy greeted me immediately and helped me pick out a capo. Nice feature to have a cafe inside.

Super friendly and knowledgeable staff.

UPDATE: To clarify, the small bag of “trash” was a small bag of shirts and pants that were out grown and not trash which the owner stated several times and now denies. He also forgets that I was sitting there in my car for several minutes trying to figure out what the poorly sprayed wording actually stated or if it was just covering up something and i even took out the clothes in the bag and showed it to him but he didn’t care and continued to argue with me. Again, I had donated to this location before it was deemed abandoned and was accused repeatedly to get my trash out of there. I did go down the street and donated the clothes to Goodwill. The issue I have is how the owner handled the situation and the accusations that were thrown at me even when confronted with the proof that they were wrong and I was clearly trying to donate a small amount of clothes and left when asked. Move this very prominent former donation bin to the back our your lot or put a proper sign up, chain close the handle or just politely tell someone its closed.

This music center used to have a clothing donation bin out front which I have donated to many times before. It has since been painted over with illegible spray paint saying bin closed. I was standing by the bin trying to figure out what the writing said and employee came out and screamed at me to take my trash somewhere else and was extremely rude shouting at me like I was doing something illegal. He told me to bring my trash to Goodwill. Would never bring my kids here for their music needs with staff like this.

I came in for my introductory ukulele lesson. The place was a mess. The chair I was told to sit on had metal pieces sticking out the side. The AC was not on. The instructor informed me he had been playing uke for about 3 years. I was charged $50 and it was the biggest waste of money. I was highly disappointed.

This is a review for the musical forest cafe. I wish I could have enjoyed the food at this place, but this business is a mess. I came here a month ago on a Tuesday and they were closed out of the blue, so they granted me a 10% discount coupon for my trouble. I decided to give this place a try once again today so I called in advanced, but no one picked up the phone. I then googled their hours and noticed it said they opened at noon (I tried calling at 11:00 a.m.) but that they were opened today. To be completely sure about that, I checked their facebook page that stated, in fact, that they were open. When I arrived to the restaurant the owner greated me and stated that they have been closing on Fridays for the past 9 months and that I should have checked their facebook page prior to coming in here (REALLY?!). After explaining to him that I DID checked facebook he apologized and said he will change the facebook hours for his restaurant and offered to give me another discount coupon. I didn’t even bothered to take the coupon and left very disappointed by the lack of reliability and professionalism of this place and won’t ever be coming back. Places like this just reinforced my belief that going out of business is a conscious effort and wouldn’t be surprised if this happened to this cafe in the near future.

What a great find!! This shop is appropriate named. If you’re looking for stones, teas, oils, herbal and natural remedies, books, jewelry, or a special gift look no further! Not just a fantastic shop full of wonderful metaphysical goodies, but they also have classes to relax or improve your spiritual, mental, and physical quality of life. Simply amazing for a what appears to be a cozy little place from the outside looking in. Don’t judge this book by it’s cover. And, the best part is the owners are absolutely fabulous! So down to earth and knowledgeable. A must visit in Wallingford.

Wonderful place, great products and services. Lovely owners and skillful providers ❤

Amazing- Ed & Julie are awsome. Energy is amazing. Lots to choose from.

Lovely store & blessing ball class was nice

I need to find more time to explore this great find. Hidden Gem is the perfect name.

This adorable place is tucked behind the main street with it’s own parking area. It has herbs, tinctures, candles, and many other items. The items change regularly and make it worth visiting again.

I read another review similar to this one. There were many workers crowding the store during my time inside some of which without masks on which is completely rude. Along with their blatant disregard for others by not wearing masks, the prices here are a lot higher than many of the other shops I’ve been to. Definitely won’t be returning here again.

I happened upon this cute little shop and decided to check it out. But then I saw a sign that made it clear the owners don’t care about the community because, in a pandemic that has killed 800,000+ Americans, they choose not to “discriminate” against people because they do or do not wear a protective face mask. The owners are free to run their business as they choose, even if people are harmed, and I am free to deny them my business.

Multiple employees with no mask on or would take it off during shopping experience, other customer sitting also had no mask on. Felt rushed into checking out. Felt weird vibe in general. Have been in multiple gem shops and they had the same gemstone trees but overcharged them by alot.

Been doing business with Goldie and Libro for over 35 years. They have exceptional customer service. My most recent purchase was a violin for my daughter. The violin is a beautiful piece. It came in fast, he supplied extra strings. And gave my daughter a music book to go with it, he called to make sure that she was enjoying her new instrument. I had a great experience with this store and i look forward to doing business with them in the future.

They are a top notch company that explained everything in detail and called for approval before doing any additional work. I will be using them in the future for all me music/ instrument needs and services.

Amazing service over the many years I’ve used their store for my music students. Jack and Carole are so helpful and great people. Highly recommended for anyone that needs help with quality instruments.

Steer clear of this place!
They were supposed to call me with the cost of the repairs to see if I would authorized them. It took them 12 days to call me back and tell me that they have repaired the instrument. They made repairs WITHOUT authorization, then I had no choice but to pay for the work. The service was terrible, it took too long, they went ahead without my authorization and I got stock with the bill.
If possible, will NEVER again do business with this place. I am already giving my business to the “Music Center” near by.

I went to this place this morning ,the owner no nice to us ,because we are first time here ,we need somebody help , we won’t come back in the future.

They were absolutely no help. Don’t waste your time.

My son and daughter both took lessons here. They have outstanding teachers. They also sell and rent instruments

We have been looking all over for piano books and they had a fantastic collection all at reasonable prices. My daughter is playing from one of our purchases right now!

Great customer service! Came in for a repair a month ago and the same piece broke again and I thought all hope was lost. I came back hoping I’d just be able to get my money back and left with a fixed guitar without having to pay again! So happy!

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.

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.

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.

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

Can you guys be 24 hours again

The bible says forgive

College Shopping was great for my daughter

You can check yourself out now here

Clean and large store with really good prices.

Feels like a lot scum go here whereas they have to always check receipts

Don’t bother calling this store. After ringing for over 4minutes, a woman answered and put me on hold to see if they carried a specific paint. I waited on hold again for her to return, but finally hung up after waiting 17minutes and 42 seconds!

Worse Walmart ever for online pickups.

It was late at night and they were stocking new merchandise. I have no complaints, I just wanted my items. But, I will return another day

I’ve gotten coffee and breakfast a few times here and the service and employees are amazing! It’s very clean, great environment, and the food and coffee is delicious!

They use high quality espresso and make their lattes not too sweet, which is how I prefer.

I visited on opening day, and though they were just learning to get in the groove of things, they did amazing for such a busy start! I am a coffee lover, drink coffee everyday, and hate Dunkin and Starbucks regular coffees the taste is very bitter. Cafe Luca Belle has delicious roasts that I can easily drink black, it’s not bitter at all. I have many dietary restrictions and because of their diet friendly options that did not keep me from getting a delicious coffee. I also tried a cold brew with their sugar free pumpkin syrup and almond milk, and the flavors were so tasty for sugar free! The cold brew is VERY STRONG, even for a coffee drinker like myself. I felt so good being able to have a delicious and healthy cup of coffee. ❤️ I would highly recommend this place if you love coffee and if you have dietary restrictions. Cute place to sit down and do work, I stayed for several hours doing just that. They have lots of little snacks too like croissants, muffins, bagels and more. Unfortunately I couldn’t have any of these, but they looked delicious and people seemed happy with them. I will definitely be back.

Dietary restrictions: Sugar free, dairy free, gluten free

Bagels were fresh, atmosphere was loud and the coffee was very bitter.

Wheelchair accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Pretty ambience, pretty cafe! Has beautiful paintings decor! Coffee was good, just wish they served in a porcelain cup rather than disposable cup. Otherwise macchiato was good.

I enjoyed my latte and the shop is cute and cozy but staff wasn’t very friendly.

Regrettably, I didn’t receive a greeting when I entered the cafe. Despite the lack of customers, Dana, the lady who took my order, was impolite and seemed reluctant to take my order. As a new walk-in, I had to continually ask for details about the menu instead of her offering proactive details. This experience left me feeling unwelcome, and I have decided not to return to the cafe in the future.

Super cute lil shop! Lots of nice natural light and they had a good playlist going. My “Sweater Weather Latte” was super yummy and had great foam. Happy there’s a place like this nearby.

Wonderful cute little coffee shop.

The most delicious fall specialty coffees and great service!! We’ll be back for sure!

A cute place with green interior. Coffee is good and they have some seasonal menu as well. Staff were friendly and they have public wifi too. Located in a quiet street.

Tried this cute little coffee shop out. Ordered a dirty chai tea and croissant it was good. However the dirty chai tasted like chai only no espresso, the artwork in the foam was beautiful! My main disappointment comes from the pastry. Don’t get me wrong it was delicious…. Just not worth $8. I did not like how the pastries were not labeled and that they were more expensive than the beverages. I still paid the $14 just to give this place a shot, maybe in time little adjustments can be made.

Great coffee and tea- they offer a coffee/tea flight combo so you dont have to choose just one!

I don’t have anything nice to say. ‍♀️