I did not know Laura very well at all. I met her the day Rush Limbaugh died. She was sitting behind her counter crying. We struck up a conversation about Rush and became great friends. I have not been able to visit her store in a long time but I saw online that she had unexpectedly passed away. I hope that is not true but if it is she will be missed. She is a great human being and luthier {self taught} and just a lovely person to get to know. She has done amazing things with the store which I am told had a very bad reputation. but she did wonders with the painting on the walls and all the eclectic homey touches she put in to the place. It is truly like stepping into another world, perhaps a trip into the past, or maybe the future but either way it is an experience! read more

Sometimes, you find places that surprise you. Big Hat Larry's is one of those places. This place has one groovy vibe, man. This is the kind of place you just want to kick back on the couch and just chill while talking with the owners about music, old vinyl, and guitars. I enrolled my daughter in guitar lessons there and she's loving it. They are patient with her, funny, and makes her feel great about her lessons, even when she misses a note (or a string, or a whole chord). I seem to have a problem just dropping my kid off there for lessons. I tend to hang around and browse through the thousands of classic vinyl albums that line one wall of the shop (adorned with dozens of guitars for sale hanging above). I usually end up leaving with one or two new gems to add to my record collection. Recently, I took in my old Telecaster to have it cleaned and repaired. (One of the pots had seized up and wasn't turning.) Laura repaired my guitar and cleaned and restored it to it's former beauty. In short, this place is great if you're looking for old vinyl, need lessons, a new guitar, or to give new life to an old guitar! read more

I asked a professional musician friend for a recommendation for a place to fix up my guitar, and he suggested I take it here because "Laura's the best". That may be true, so I drove up from Huntersville to take my guitar here where it'd hopefully be taken good care of. When I arrived at 3:25 on a Friday and saw the sign on the door saying "be right back at 3:45", I figured I'd already driven more than a half hour to get here, so what's a little longer of a wait? Well I ended up waiting till nearly 5:00, and finally left when there was no sign of anybody coming back despite all the lights-- including the open sign-- having been left on. The phone number on their website doesn't even work, and the other number I was able to find just kept going to Laura's voicemail all day, including this morning when I tried calling just to make sure they were open today. I watched 8 people try to go into the store while I was waiting, most of them after 3:45. How incredibly unprofessional!! How could I ever trust them to take good care of my guitar in a timely and professional manner after that?! I'll find somewhere else to take my instrument. Don't waste your time here. read more

First time in this store. What a fun place. We are from Florida and up here visiting and stopped in to this cool record and music store. We met Laura ( maybe Lauren). Either way she is awesome. There is records and collectibles and she also fixes guitars and gives music lessons. She also paints and has done done great musical work. Only drawback is at least on her bi up records, her prices are way to high. I know when u look prices up in the book, it says one thing but that is not reality especially when trying records and covers are not mint. Other then that, great place. I am sure if u r interested in vinyl she will give a better price. I will visit her again next time we are in the area. I did by a few items and she did give me a small discount. read more

I was in Mooresville just kicking around, and heard about Big Hat Larrys, I went in and met Laura the owner, she was very nice, thanked me for coming and invited me to hang and stay as long as I wanted. I liked the store, its everything a small town music store should be, great service, local feel and a great vibe. Keep up the good work! read more

Did not follow through on payment for item. Will not respond to emails. Not very nice indeed.

Bought an item from him online. Accepted payment. Never shipped it. Would not respond to emails or calls. Had to file claim with eBay and Paypal. read more

This place is awesome. Laid back atmosphere, cool place to hangout and check out the music. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, my son really enjoys taking guitar lessons here. Chris is a great teacher. read more

Great vibes at this place!! Really great atmosphere with friendly staff!! They also seem like they are knowledgable. I only give it four stars because of the ridiculous pricing. (Ten dollars for a set of UNTREATED standard Di'addarios.) read more

Big Hat Larry's is a terrific place for music! Laura and Chris are wonderful teachers. The store is so unique and comfortable, it's like hanging at a friends. I went by on a recommendation from a friend looking for a first guitar for my daughter. Laura was so patient with me and explained all the different choices. My daughter was thrilled with the gift and is now taking lessons with Chris and loving the experience. Thank you!! If you are looking for music, instruments or lessons, Big Hat Larry's is the perfect choice. * * * read more

what a music store use to be and should be.awesome atmosphere,great selection of instruments,and never a dull moment!and the owner chris ....well lets just say you can always tell when someone loves there job! read more