I was searching for a guitar guy to re-fret my Ibanez JS1200. If you have a guitar that needs…read morework, this is the guy to use! His attention to detail is unmatched in this current business strategy. High communication during the re-fret process, with clear descriptions and many photos. I will trust all my guitars with Robert. I've been playing that guitar for a while now (JS1200 from 2006, autographed and drawn on by Joe Satriani; I asked him to draw something on the front of the headstock and autograph the back of the headstock; whom I met pre-show in Dallas) and I wore the frets out! I had the neck truss turned, the bridge raised, just to make it playable. I got it back from Robert and the neck was arrow straight, the bridge reset and the frets! The frets were smooth and the edges/ends were rounded and very easy to play. The fret work is amazing. They are such a great clean job that I find myself playing this JS1200 more than my other guitars, again! Like an old friend coming home. Robert also did above that which was asked, he oiled the scratchy pots and cleaned the board and body. The care taken to repackage it for shipping is something others need to learn from. He was aware that the sharpie wasn't the best for drawing on the headstock, and he took great care not to touch either the autograph or the drawing. This was a couple months ago, and I wanted to play the guitar for a while to get a feel for it. The cost was very fair. I will send my guitars to Robert every time!

He is the best at what he does, nothing is ever left until it is the best he can do! He works with…read moreall his clients to make sure they are happy! I know because I get to see him in person all the time. And his perfectionism is true gift when it comes to making an instrument work well for its owner. He knows how much it means to his customers to be taken care of their baby! The vehicles to your dreams.

My son's cello bow needed to be re-haired. I called many violin shops in town, but some refused to…read moreservice products not sold from their stores while some charged a ridiculous price that would be more expensive than getting a new bow. The violin shop we purchased our cello recommended Sai Gao to us. Although our cello bow was an inexpensive one from an online store, the violin shop told us that we should find someone with the skills to re-hair and that they would highly recommend Sai Gao. I called Sai as soon as I received his number. The price he gave me was the lowest I could find. With the endorsement of the violin shop, I made an appointment with him to drop off the cello bow. Originally, he told me that it would take maybe 3-5 days to finish, but he called me within 2 days that he had completed the cello bow re-hair. I don't play string instruments, so I don't know the differences, but per my advanced cellist, the quality was great. His bow looked just like new and could produce nice sound. My son is very happy with the re-haired cello bow and is using it to practice all the time.

I came in to Ted Brown Music for the first time to look at guitars and maybe play a few as I start…read morea journey to purchase a new acoustic. Not only did I leave with a little more information, a little more confirmation about the kind of guitars that suit me, but the particular employee working that night was so kind and helpful. First, the store itself. It's tucked away at the end of a plaza that includes a cute dessert place. The store is small and carries a modest variety of instruments, as well as sheet music and accesories. I'm not sure if this was just timing but the guitars seemed more suited toward beginners, and most fell under $500. I found a couple that I wanted to try out and this gentlemen engaged me in a really non-intrusive way, leading to a nice conversation and him offering to plug in the electric acoustic I was playing. Later, I heard him helping a kid make up his mind about some part to his instrument that he needed to replace. When I left he let me know he appreciated me and welcomed me back anytime, and I know many employees say that at places, but he just had that genuineness to him. I will definitely keep this shop in mind as a shop around and encourage anyone looking for sheet music, lessons, or exploring what instrument to get next or for your first one to put this place on the top of your list!

Well stocked, kind, and helpful. Why go anywhere else? Besides Ted Brown has been in Seattle for a…read morelong time, maybe 40 years +. I like to support the classic Seattle stores. Ok, so you could say like Nordstrom, Starbucks, and Amazon? No. Once a store has achieved world domination I give up on it. The rest of the world supports Amazon so why should I? But I do like to stick with the smaller stores like Ted Brown that have managed to hang on for decades.

I recently found one of my old brass instruments, the trumpet in storage and recognized the valves…read morewere stuck after a decade of sitting, never been professionally cleaned ever, just needed a good service and Seattle Sound Repair came through. 1. I called ahead to ask if I can bring in my trumpet for an estimate for services. 2. I got there, got an estimate for services. I was also informed that I would be notified if the cost would be greater. 3. I did get a phone call that the trumpet for the most part was done but there were other issues (which I knew existed when I first had it over two decades ago) which could be resolved but it'd cost extra. I agreed to it. I figured if I'm going to get it serviced, I should just pay to get it serviced in full and the right way. The communications were timely and transparent. Looking around the place reminds you of a music store Mr. Rogers would have visited. I'm happy there is a brick-and-mortar shop that still performs this craft of repairing instruments. Also, out of all the years I've played this old Yamaha trumpet, it never played so great as it does now. It pays to have a professional service. Of note, best time to go here is in the morning if you drive because there's a good chance you'll find free 2 hour parking.

Marie does great work, in timely fashion, and charges a very fair rate…read more This is the only shop in town that I trust with my horn.

Incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff, highly recommend! I'm so appreciative they were able…read moreto accommodate me by bringing a chair and instruments up to the main landing since I can't do stairs. Dusty Strings is a legendary gem.

The world needs more guitar shops like this. Damn fine selection of Acoustic Guitars, Electrics,…read moreBasses, Harps, with a curated selection of amps and fx. Also probably one of the best Ukulele selections you'll find; not the cheap toys...real ones made in Hawaii and even some Japanese models that I've only ever seen in Tokyo. There's accessories and instructional books too. I did really want to see a few lap steels but I can't fault them for that...they did have a selection of finger picks and tone bars at least! Worth popping in even as a visiting tourist like me.

Good people with great knowledge and willing to work with you on pricing, buying, selling and…read moretrading.

Go here!!!! Very very helpful and friendly staff. They…read moregenuinely wanted to help me get the best deal and did not try to upsell me on anything, which was a relief. They weren't condescending to me as a beginner either, and gave me the information I needed. Great atmosphere, super chill and laidback. Incredible prices too. I got a fender amp for half the price of what it would be at other shops.

Last-minute invitation to join a friend resulted in one of my most memorable experiences for 2026…read more They are celebrating their 10th year as a sound temple. It was confusing because the address indicates a restaurant so you have to walk to the back of the restaurant and look for a gate that takes you into an enclosed garden-like area with prayer flags and lights. Inside t space was very comfortable: the temperature was comfortable with more than a dozen mats neatly laid out and prepared for guests. We were invited to be cleared with Rosewater spritz and feather energy. It was very intentionally and thoroughly done like an initiation into the space. It helped us feel like we had arrived and could be very present to ourselves in the space. When everyone had arrived we were oriented to the kinds of sounds we might experience as well as the state of mind, everything from moving into it transported space to falling asleep as, she pointed out, it is sometimes the thing we need the most. We were not rushed, we were invited to write our intentions. When she began, Karen was very skillful at making the Crystal bowls sing. For an hour we were transporte. It was an extraordinary experience...so said all of us. Several asked about alternative sessions including private sessions and private events. It will be a joy to return.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Sound Healing Level 1 class that Irene and Karen taught. The class was…read morelike moving through a beautiful ritual, with intention, ease and beauty. Both teachers conveyed the information in both a practical manner and an embodied example. If you are looking for a deeper experience and understanding of vocal toning and sound healing, I highly recommend!

Helpful, knowledgeable, good selection. It's been in Seattle for over 40 years for a reason.read more

Rosewood has an incredible classical guitar selection. It's great that such a specialized store…read morelike this exists in the neighborhood.

Only five stars available here. I'd give them 10 stars if that was possible. Lovely people! Clean…read morebright shop, extraordinarily helpful and with a level of knowledge that I've not seen anywhere! I had bought a violin with the intent of relearning the instrument after nearly 60 years of absence of playing. The "well regarded" violin shop in my little town raved about at local teacher, who was said to be an expert in helping former players. Seemed all she wanted to do was sell me an expensive "custom made" chin rest - it wasn't "custom made' and an expensive shoulder rest while suggesting that the violin I had wans't all that good and that I should buy one from her. After three visits and $300 without any lessions, and a violin that hurt to put on my shoulder - wonder if this was her way of shaking my confidence in my instrument and buying one from her? Anyway. I gave up! Enter discovering Olson's. In 20 minutes and a little fine turning I've got a new shoulder rest and chin rest for about 1/4 of what I spent at "Brand X" and a violin that I can now nearly effortlessly hold on my shoulder. I drove a 50 mile round trip for a first visit. WELL worth the time ! Like I said - 10 stars!! Laurence Lance

Went here to get a violin for my 5 year old. They were so helpful and it was very reasonable for…read morethe rental.