Hello I had a super experience yesterday. I've been in several times but yesterday I made my first guitar purchase. Previously I have bought a compressor and some other things. But yesterday I made my very first purchase of a high quality instrument. I've been in guitar stores across the country. Alpha Music is a well led and helpful environment. No one looks down at older music fans who can't play well enough to warrant a high end instrument. I think I read the service people are not on commission. Even if so they are attentive and knowledgeable about the product. I initially thought I was going for a guitar around $1800. When I asked for the next one on my list he gently pointed out it was at a different price point. I appreciated that very much. I could buy a few but he wouldn't know and more importantly he was very polite and had no derision about it. At " the other store" the sales people are rude and pushy. In the end I bought a higher end instrument that was third on my list. I'd been researching and knew what I was going to look at. Thank you to everyone who has assisted me in all my visits. Well done! read more

If you are looking for an instrument for your high school student then this is the place. If you are a serious musician you will find the store is confusing, cluttered mess. The proprietor seem nice enough, if a bit eccentric, but hey, aren't most musicians? read more

I went in to buy an electric acoustic guitar. My salesperson was super professional and friendly and In. Wry happy with the purchase. So glad I found this place. I will be back read more

These guys and gals are great. Very smart and friendly. I have worked at a similar feeling music store but these guys are better. The owner was on it too. She made sure I was looked after and taken care of. But she did it with every customer as well. These guys were busy but quick and thorough and personable as well. I will drive 35 mins one way to shop here. No more guitar center for me. These guys are the best. I highly recommend them! read more

Great selection and service. Everyone working there is super-knowledgeable and eager to help you find the right equipment for you.

This music store looks like it has a good selection of guitars and drum sets. Lots of cymbals too! Everyone in the store has been pretty nice. I started taking guitar lessons. Very reasonably priced! It looks like they teach a lot of different string to instruments, not just guitar! So if you're interested in any type of string instrument, piano or drums, this looks like the place to go! The staff seems very knowledgeable about the equipment. You could buy any old guitar on Facebook but what I do like about this place is, they do routine maintenance for free since you bought the guitar there! That's a pretty good deal. Very large store. They take credit cards. They also have a lot of accessories! Definitely worth the stop and if you're interested in lessons, please give them a call! read more

The staff is always warm, helpful and friendly and not just in the sales department. My daughter takes lessons here with Patrick and he's super knowledgeable, patient and kind. Even Walter in the guitar "shop" was very friendly and optimistic when we left her axe for a few modifications. The lady who always greets us with a smile, top notch and an invaluable personable asset in a world where it's hard to find good service! Enjoy our visits regardless of what we're there for! read more

This place is awesome for its great service and instruments. I bought a Kala Tenor Ukulele with a case and along with it comes with a bunch of service that comes with no fee which makes it feel like you're part of the Alpha Music family. My only suggestion would be to have a wider selection of strings for the ukulele but I understand the depth and range of demand, so it's not that bad. If I could, I'd rather go to a store in person as opposed to ordering strings online. Some string brands to consider: Variety in low G Pepe Romero Worth read more

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Good products, bad service. Alpha Music has the best collection of guitars in the area. Not only that, but unlike many chain guitar stores, the staff is careful to keep all of the merchandise in great condition. If you are looking for a higher-end guitar in the Hampton Roads area, Alpha Music is definitely worth a visit. My experience with getting electric guitar setups here have been positive. Despite the product selection, some of my experiences shopping in this store have left a bad taste in my mouth. I do not like the way I am treated by certain members of staff when I visit. At my most recent visit, I interacted with a long-time sales associate (the one with the dyed black hair). I asked to play a guitar they had on the wall. He took it down and handed it to me. He immediately started acting impatient and irritable when I asked basic questions about the guitar's hardware and held his hands out for me to give it back after about 1-2 minutes of unplugged playing. For the record, the store was almost empty, and he was not busy with other customers. I can't think of any good reason why the sales associate was so eager to dismiss me. I've bought guitars from Alpha Music in the past that were more expensive than the one I was playing, and at most stores, that would have been enough to earn some basic respect as a customer. My experiences with this sales associate in the past were unpleasant as well. I do not expect to visit Alpha Music again. read more

Thanks to Alpha music I'm a proud owner of a set of Rickenbacker's a bass and guitar. I'm in finger heaven! Thanks Alpha

This is one of those stores where all of the guitars are behind a half wall and you have to ask a sales associate to see each one.

This is more about the lessons I get at Alpha more than Alpha themselves but I will review them as well. I take drum lessons once a week from Powell Randolph and he's an excellent, patient teacher. I used to play percussion in high school back in the late 80's to mid nineties but I stopped. Life. So a friend from work told me her daughter was getting lessons so I was like. "Hey why not, it's good exercise and I love music!" So she gave me his number and I've been drumming ever since. I've learned several songs. Some I've picked up on myself just by listening on the radio. I have a good ear. So if you need drum lessons see Powell. There's another gentleman as well, don't know his name but I heard he was great too. Now Alpha has a friendly staff. They're always smiling. They seem to know about their instruments and if you want to buy I recommend seeing them. When I buy my own drum set (using husbands right now) I am definitely coming here to buy. read more

Refreshing to walk into a music store and not feel like I just walked into a KKK meeting. I needed an RCA cable with right angle connectors for a reverb tank (something that's nearly impossible to find, they're all straight barrels), and the dude at the counter actually searched around their amp repair room and found one for me. The folks that work here still have a passion for music, and I think that's what makes this store feel so much more inviting than the competition. read more

June 07, 2023 I have dealt with Alpha music for a couple of years now. As well as being a customer of another music store in the same boulevard. However it was a very disappointing and insulting experience for me today when I had a question about a microphone inaddition to an acoustic piano. The manager Micha was very helpful when I initially called but before hanging up the phone he informed me that I needed to go back to the store that I purchased the mics from and answering questions on the phone that I made from another store was using up his time. Wow. I have never known Micha to be rude and unprofessional like this. I personally feel like past purchases are just as important as ongoing future potential purchases, As a manager to make insulting remarks of this sort even mentioning how many guitars I had purchased from the other store. My intentions was to purchase my last Hardbody guitar from Alpha music little did he realize. However making references as to what your purchases are from another source is very disrespectful insulting and should have been none of this concern. Who clocks you like this. I'm going to honor and respect his advice because what I had planned to do was take the microphones back to the store that I'd purchased them from and repurchase the mics from his store. I realized that my patronage will not make or break them. However after speaking to me in that manner I no longer want to do business with them because he spoke so disparagingly and showed no appreciation for the business that I had brought to his store in the past. as I stated he was helpful in the beginning, I do not fabricate false stories on people. However he showed his true colors by letting me know he did not appreciate me calling him asking him any questions about a microphone that I purchased from another store and I think that he should have kept that comment to himself because I viewed myself still as a potential customer of the Alpha music store as well. I expressed my gratitude by saying thank you for the questions that he did answer. I did not insult or return any insulting remarks in return. I just said thank you and hung the phone up. however I was left with the feeling of when a person shows you who they really are believe them. many people know how to wear the face as long as you are patronizing them but they really do not appreciate nor want your business. As a manager. He could use a lot of character building, but that comes from the heart you don't learn that in school you learn how to fake being nice, however you will eventually demonstrate who you truly are. People will come to recgonize you for who you really are on the inside. Perhaps he was having a troublesome day. I will mention him in my prayers and one Social Media. bringing this to the attention of Eric Burgess is most likely a matter of one-for all & all-for-one. So no stress there. I will just pray for Micha's character. I am confident that he can change. Ms V. Hargraves read more

The best guitar store in the 757. Great selection of guitars, amps, drums, and related equipment. And, very experienced guitar techs.

This place is for musicians; beginners on up - they are so helpful and they have used equipment which is always amazing to get a good deal. Highly recommend - love this place! read more

Always came here back in the day for drum stuff. One of the few music stores that caters to us. Been almost 15 years since I've been in. Same great selection! Will be coming back. read more

They're so helpful. They'll legit do anything to make sure you know the right info for your amps and guitars.

The staff at Alpha are awesome! Ryan Brown and Walter Wright were really helpful in showing me a more effective way of changing my guitar strings. read more

Update: Came by due to a manufacturers defect in the amp. Again, great customer service! They contacted the manufacturer, and we left with a new amp. This place is great. Excellent selection and customer service. Brought my son in and was immediately helped. He got the guitar he has been saving for and a great little amp all within his budget. He'd been saving for months... Plus free setups for life. The folks were great and the price was right. A lot of knowledge and experience here. We will be back often. Highly recommended. read more

I think that Alpha is a GREAT STORE! Their selection, and prices are "hard to beat." The only problem that I had was that the salesperson had the personality of "60 Grit Sandpaper." If their sales staff could work on their "people skills," I would have given Alpha the 5 Stars that it truly deserves. read more

Micah was supremely helpful and knowledgeable. This is the store if you want top notch service, great selection, and fair prices. Have been using them for years...since the Southern Shopping Center days. read more

Alpha Music Inc - My new toy recommended by Micah - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Rude and unhelpful staff. Mediocre selection with bad prices. Did not feel welcome or wanted, definitely recommend ANY other music store around here. read more

I dont recomend this music store.Staff not friendly.If they say you HELLO you are lucky.I spent more than $600 there.They did not give me good information.I wasted money.I will dump in dumpster .They dont return.They made me so regretful.I dont recomend Alpha Store. NOT FRIENDLY STORE.I wanted give 0 star .I think I have to give 1 star for show rate. read more

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Plus free setups if you buy a guitar from them. Lots of Stratocaster/Telecasters.

I've been playing music for over half my life. Bass, guitar, cello, piano, viola... I've even recently picked up on ukulele, the first "new" instrument to me in about 10 years. I have toured, played alongside some of my favorite musicians, and even my stepfather is in the industry. With that said, I am not expecting any special treatment, however I want to be helped out without being spoken to like I'm a baby. I feel extremely belittled here and I know it is because I am a girl. I really hate to say that because I want to believe that people have stopped acting as if we are aliens or idiots, but unfortunately that is not the case here. I've noticed over the years, the staff has become less approachable, less knowledgeable of the products, and overall my experience here is lackluster at best. I even had one of their employees ask me for my number while we small talked as I browsed. I immediately left. How unprofessional is that? They do have a pretty good deal with the lifetime setups and hard case with purchase, however I have not exercised said deal since I've tried to get my bass strings changed there and was declined with them asking me "can't you change them yourself?" Uh yea, but I paid a bit extra than I would've at GC or online for you to do so... If you're going to be lazy, don't offer the deal. They then quoted me ~2 weeks for it to be ready. If you need something done, bring it in with plenty of time. If time is not on your side, bring it to Ron down the street at Guitar Center. He will help you. Or I don't know, maybe be a boy and they will better assist you. Upsetting, because I do remember Alpha seeing better days and I really want to support the local shop. 2 stars instead of 1 because they carry more boutique brands which is nice. Damien rules and is an excellent instructor, Thomas is a nice guy and has done sound at some of my shows, and Wesley is a good guy, but I can't say whether or not they still work there. (pretty sure Wesley moved to Philly) It sucks my experiences have hindered me into coming back because they all deserve to be recognized as great employees. read more

Reasonable guitars with plenty of selections mainly Taylor brand. They have talented team members who knows their instruments. Prices are what you expect, it comes with lifetime maintenance and free hard case. They have other string instruments too. read more

Best Guitar Shop in Va Beach. Sales and Tech staff are the very best! This is no cookie cutter Guitar Center these folks know what they are doing. Don't go anywhere else for your music / instrument needs. Love this place!! read more

These guys are extremely helpful and knowledgeable! Great customer service and pleasure to work with!!

Oscar here. I took my MTD Bass in for some upgrades (Bartolini Pus and Aguilar OBP3 Preamp. Walter is hands down the best Luthier in the 757. Although Alpha Music is known for being extremely overpriced, the Repair for instruments are fair. Walter brought new life to my Bass. I can't begin to describe his unparalleled level of knowledge. The tone I get out of my Bass is nothing short of a Boutique bass sound. Just massive sound and clarity. Thanks Walter. You'd do well starting your own business. I'd help you. read more

I bought my bass back in 2014. Ever since, I've gotten great treatment from the team, and I am grateful for the help that they offered along the way. Very low pressure when helping me with the sell! Thanks guys! read more

I buy from no one else, especially since Eric and Ginny took over. Alpha has become family to me over the last decade or so. I'm a Fender guy and have purchased countless guitars from them over the years, taking advantage of the free setups often. These days, it's mainly pedals, and no one is more knowledgeable than Micah! Thank y'all for the many years of enjoyment. read more

From my 10th birthday when I started taking drum lessons here, to my 24th when I decided to pick up a guitar and learn, I have always loved Alpha Music. The employees are awesome, knowledgeable people with a real passion for music. I've spent hours and hours just talking to the staff members learning from their expertise about drums, guitars, amps, etc. No pushy salesmen, just a great environment where you can find exactly what you're looking for. Never going to give my business to anyone else! read more

This place must think everyone who comes into a store is a shoplifter. Everything is locked down behind counters, even picks and capos. Go to Guitar Center for retail purchases. Friendlier atmosphere. It's no surprise which parking lot is always full and which one is close to empty. read more

My Church had authorized me to spend up to $5k on our audio upgrade. So I thought I would buy locally? As I entered the live sound room at Alpha, the man behind the counter didn't acknowledged my presence let alone offer to help me at anytime while I was there. Every question I ask about the products that I was interested in, he responded without any eye contact, and with a total lack of intrest. He was more concerned with whatever was on his computer screen and something he was chewing on than with me. So I left and bought through Sweetwater.com. There I received great coustumer service. Soon after I paced the order, the Sweetwater Rep called me about my purchase, and we had a great conversation. He also was able to answer the same audio questions that I had for the Alpha person. read more

COME ON ALPHA, I'm all about turning a profit, making a commission and selling quality but there's got to be some passion and not act like the guys down the street (guitar center) pumping out poor quality. If you are looking for set-up, strings, and cleaning I am no longer going here. I was told a week granted it was during the holidays, so I gave it a few mores day and called.. When I spoke to the rep he said it would be two-three more days, I than told him not to worry about it that I would come and pick it up cause I'm going on vacation. He apologized and that was that, I thought so when I pulled up to the shop in about two hours or so I was getting a call from alpha saying it was done. Confused... Cause he didn't have time I walk in looked at my guitar saw it strings on it, he explain he put washers on and that had a very nice guitar.. So let me just say I brought in a 2011 Gibson led Paul gold top with p-90's custom a $4000 guitar and I was in awe on how dirty it was when I came to pick it up. Now mind you I was told he didn't have time do it (which I was fine with) just wanted to pick it up.. I mention to the cashier (also one of the reps) I prob wouldn't bring another guitar here due to this.. He asked about the set up which was fine but of the list of stuff to do to the guitar the "set up" isn't the only thing you get for 85$.. He cleaned a little bit off the pic guard and to be honest I was so upset and I'm not one to cause a scene I was over it.. So why would I bring my Taylor custom to the shop if they are going to give out shitty quality of work.. If you have a cheap guitar that you need done by all means take it there but if you have nice things take it to Moes if you believe in local business or guitar center of you don't care at least there it will get treated good and the end result will be what you expected read more

Just bought a Martin from here, they didn't carry it in the store anymore so I had to special order it. They were extremely informative and helpful, even when my guitar came in damaged from shipping they went to bat for me with the Martin rep and my replacement came within two days. Thanks guys! read more

i've bought 2 guitars in the last 2 years from Alpha Music. Got great deals both times. Sales people are friendly and knowledgeable. Free setups for life. Forget about Guitar Center and actually have a great experience buying musical gear. read more

These guys really know their stuff. I found the perfect guitar for my honey. It was a little overwhelming to come in and see so many guitars to choose from. The staff listened to what I wanted and gave me some great suggestions. I went home did my research and came back to buy. While I was there I thought I recognized the music playing as a local band....sure enough Alpha plays only local music in their store. Ya gotta like that! read more

I've always had a great experience at Alpha. In a response to the previous rating, unfortunately a lot of people are shop lifters. To keep the pricing low, you have to protect your products. You can't be mad at a retailer, you have to mad at your fellow humans who have sticky fingers. Alpha has a great selection and if you want to check something out, just ask. I would much rather deal with a store like Alpha than a box store like Guitar Center. read more