I love Bill's Music, tbh. The only thing I don't like about Bill's is that they close at 6. I understand why, but it does mean I have to hurry to get there after work. That all being said, I make sure to rush to Bill's when I need stuff because the alternative is going home and then going to...well, another store with an instrument in the name, and that has never been a good experience unlike Bill's. A few years ago I made an online purchase for a used pedal from Bill's. I showed up to get it and as it turns out, they had no idea where it was. They had spend an hour looking for it after I purchased it, and then they spend another 20 minutes looking for it after I arrived. To make it up to me they offered me a brand new version of the pedal at the mid point of the difference between the used one and the new one. I took that offer because it was a great deal. Since then I have bought 3 more pedals from them over the years, a microphone, and a whole lot of accessories. If I want to purchase another guitar at any point, I will definitely hit them up if possible. read more

Stopped in to Bill's this morning looking for a less expensive guitar to set up for slide-only work. I didn't find anything to surpass the Firefly product in bang-for-buck. While there, I recalled I needed a male to male 1/4 inch adapter. I found one and was looking for other similar items for a project I'm working on. Before I got much further, a young man approached me and suggested in was time to check out and he would "escort" me to the cashier. The clear implication was that I was attempting to steal this little item. This young man clearly needs more education in reading people. I was pretty insulted and I will never have a need to return to Bills Music in Catonsville Md. There are numerous other places to purchase their product line without the rude, passive-aggressive treatment. read more

Bill's had it ! Great pricing too -I was looking for a big bag, especially for my Hammond keyboard. I couldn't find anything in the USA or China that was branded Hammond at a good price ! I owned a music store here in Ohio for 25 years and one in California for three years. I know what customer service is like. They shipped it out quickly and gave me a tracking number right away. I'm super pleased with everything and I love the gig bag !!! read more

What a dynasty. Bill was a gem and Tracy and Jamie are wonderful people. I own a recording studio and have worked with them on seven occasions as well as buying gear. Great business, reat people and wonderful store! read more

Bills is awesome!! I needed a Roland keyboard amp right away and they delivered! great price and super fast service!! Thank you Bills!! read more

Stepped in cause I was curious and I was pleasantly surprised. The selection and staff were top notch and the prices were unbelievable safe to say I'm not going to Guitar Center anytime soon. read more

Just a disappointment of a place. The customer service was really bad. I called in and was wondering how much I could get fir my strat. The guy in the line (I want to say Brian) was quite rude. He acted like I didn't really matter, and gave me a low ball for my strat and that my value to them was low. Speaking of value, the instruments there are all marked up for nothing special. I saw one Affinity Strat in bad condition (think paint chips and dents) for 450$! Would not recommend this place. Just stick with guitar center. read more

Service is excellent, selection is huge, value is very good. I hadn't been in a performance music store like this since the 1970s, and I was in awe. This is the real deal, as I'm sure every regional performance artist knows. Valhalla for anyone who lives music. read more

Bought a new practice amp from salesman Brian Liss and he was great. Very knowledgeable and courteous. His attitude and no pressure approach was great. I will always come back!!! read more

Bill's Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

I wish I could give nice compliments about the staff and the inside of the store, but sadly I was never able to actually leave my car. About three weeks ago I was visiting friends in Baltimore. There was a lot of talk about Bill's and I was very excited to go check it out, but their handicap parking made it so that I was unable to. There are two handicapped parking spots close to the door, but someone had parked in between them and I was not able to get my mobility aid out because I could not open my door wide enough. The lines where a bit faded so I'm not sure they parked there on purpose read more

Bill's Music - A snap shot from google of their handicap parking - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

Amazing selection of new guitars. Lots more choice and stock of higher end guitars than what you'll find at Guitar Center. Played a $1700 American Fender Strat that was really nice. Was hoping to see some John Page Classic guitars there but can't find a single dealer for them in the DC area. Suggestion to the owners: Look to stock the newer brands of pedals rather than Boss, MXR, and EHX. The world of pedals has moved forward from the days when those brands were "it". read more

I bought a Fender Twin amplifier online from Bill's Music House and I love it. It was the best possible transaction I could have hope for. It was a floor model and I was a bit nervous that it was going to be in rough condition but they insured me that it was in near mint condition and they were right. Kudos to Bill's Music. And a special thanks also to Jamie who helped me out. read more

Just want to say I had a terrific buying experience and up my review to 5 stars. I walked in this morning intending on picking up a used amp in the 100 to 150 dollar price range with a part of me also worried about getting something that might weight a ton. I had Matt as a salesperson. I showed Matt what I thought I wanted and Matt in return helped me find something better that was not only in my price range, but brand new and very light weight. He happily demoed it for me and showed me all the functions. He even offered me advice about the guitar I had purchased the week prior. Matt not only is a good salesperson, but he knows about the products he sells. On a final note. And this is to anyone reading this who is wondering why they should shop at Bill's over Guitar Center or other chains. I reviewed Bill's with some criticism and heard back from the owner, Bill, within two days of posting. He really cares about his store and happy customers! read more

Bill's Music - Two guitars I purchased at Bill's in the last 5 years. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

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I have been going to Bills for about 15 years. In the beginning to just look around. I the last 2 years I have purchased 2 guitars (one new and one pre-owned) and both times I have had great assistance from staff (Rob & Ernesto) who were very helpful, knowledgeable and never pushy. Every week for over a year I have been taking guitar lessons. When I went in I asked for someone who was good with frustrated adults who want to learn. They paired me with Jeremy Gillis and it has been a pleasure. He understands what I want to accomplish, what I want to learn and the pace and limitations that I have playing. Overall this is a family owned business that should be considered as a Catonsville landmark and a source of pride. Their knowledge and care about their clients is always evident . read more

This place is good for one visit. Their selection of guitars is always the same. There's almost never any used/traded guitars available, and I mean Never. I've browsed the same selection a hundred times hoping for a gem to pop up... if a cool used guitar comes in, it will be priced accordingly to make up for only selling strings and picks for a decade. Bill's is definitely good to browse once or twice though. Chances are you'll walk out empty handed... Unless you need picks. read more

Walked in today bc I have been interested in learning how to play guitar for a long time! So glad I stopped by Bill's today! Mick was extremely helpful in showing me their wide selection of guitars. Settled on the Yamaha Gigmaster Standard package which Mick agreed was a great starter. He sat with me for a while explaining some basic notes, tips, etc while tuning up the guitar for me! Picked up stands for the guitar and music. Excited to go back on Saturday morning for there free group lesson and eventually get some individual lessons. I was impressed with the back area for the group lessons and they have a few smaller rooms dedicated for the individual lessons. I'm a medically retired firefighter with depression/anxiety/PTSD and I was told that music can be great therapy. Thank you Mick and Bills Music for getting me started! Also appreciated the first responder discount! Highly recommend!! read more

The customer service at Bills is horrible. I tried to get past the rude front end staff because I really enjoyed the music lessons there. My drum instructor was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. It's really sad I can't say the same for the other staff members. On my first visit, I was looking for a percussion item. I went to a guy sitting at the front desk, by the door, to ask where this item was. He refused to leave his chair to show me the item. He just pointed in the direction. So pretty much I had to figure it out on my own. On my next visit, I greeted a woman at the front end desk on my way out and she barely uttered a word. Staff members rarely greet you, so don't expect to get really good help if you need it. The atmosphere is not a welcoming one. Overall, they have a decent selection of instruments. I do find some items over priced. Yesterday, I received a call stating that I forgot my lesson. I explained to the receptionist that it was a misunderstanding. In fact, I even rearranged my day off because I thought my lesson was on a different day. I simply asked if anything could be done due to the misunderstanding. Honestly, Im not asking for freebies, so I really didn't care if I lost money for missing one lesson. The way the call was handled is what really bothered me. That coupled with the fact I continuously receive sub par customer service at Bills was honestly enough. So when the receptionist offered to talk to management (after I requested to cancel the remaining lessons due to the customer service), I politely declined. I am just so disappointed. I expected better, as I took lessons at Bills years ago, and the customer service was so much better. The only reason why I'm giving Bills 2 stars is because my instructor was great. I would give my instructor 5 stars if I could. However, the customer service from Bills front end staff needs some work... a lot of work. I'll be taking my business elsewhere. read more

Bought a guitar in July for my 10 year old daughter. Paid $300 plus $20 for new strings. The sales guy was very nice. We decided we wanted something a little different. Trade in offer... $125. So somehow the guitar is worth 2/3rds less than 6 months ago or I was completely naive when I bought it. I knew I wouldn't get back what I paid for it, but that's ridiculous for a trade in. Cash price was even lower! You go to this store bc it's not a big box store but it turns out they're even worse. read more

If you're selling used gear here they will give you about a fourth of what it is going for on the market. If you're desperate to sell they'll take advantage of you. If you're not desperate to sell just sell it yourself on Craigslist. read more

I bought my first guitar yesterday and am so pleased! Brian helped me and he was obviously very knowledgeable on guitars. With my attention span of a 6-year old, he was able to get me everything I wanted in a swift manner. I know myself, i would have never made a purchase unless the place I went understood my personality. It was a great experience! The guitar is beautiful and sounds great! Thank you Brian Lis! read more

Two floor employees out of the staff have been very decent and helpful, but generally there's a lot of indifference, and even being ignored. Today just made me not want to return. When I bought my not inexpensive guitar, the salesman suggested I not talk with the manager about a further discount. I will say that personalities aside, the GM did offer a fair deal, and I accepted. At a later point, salesman didn't respond to an e-mail, and in the store showed total disinterest in post-sale assistance. I understand that retail stores don't buy used equipment and instruments as a free service, but I've experienced similar very low offers, as described by other reviewers. Lastly, Bill's does allow liberal access to playing the instruments extensively, first, which is appreciated; but overall, I'll think hard about returning, unless I have to for a warranty issue. read more

Guitar service department thinks they are doing you a favor! I don't think Gib could be less friendly. He needs to find a job where he doesn't interact with people. I will do my own guitar work with a hammer and chisel before going here. I did find the floor sales people fine to deal with and I actually like the pawn shop atmosphere. There are too many service places around to be treated like a second rate citizen. read more

Bill's Music - Magic - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

I went to this music store yesterday looking for a top-of-the-line electronic keyboard. I'm a professional composer who owns two Steinways. After getting no help at all in the keyboard section and having to listen to a lot of children pound on the keyboards, I asked to make an appointment to see someone who really knows the subject during a quiet time when I could hear the instruments. No one in the store was willing to help me. I called from the parking lot and again asked for an appointment during a quiet time with the top sales person. The woman on the phone was rude and ignored my request, telling me I could speak to any sales associate. It is my experience that the average sales associate cannot answer my questions, that they are are on too deep of a technical level. I can't consider this store a place for professional musicians. I'm glad to see that others have had similar problems. Needless to say I will not be coming back. read more

A warehouse style store with too much attitude for me. I've bought stuff here before - like maybe some weird cables or patch panels or other stuff I needed on short notice for a gig, but knew I couldn't find other places. I guess it's okay for these "commodities." But I've never done well looking here for new "toys" - like some killer vocal effects, or a new mixer, or a new guitar, etc. Prices are pretty bad, and the help has seldom been much better. read more

I went to Bill's for the first time last night hoping to trade in some old amps for something new. Despite all the negative reviews I read on Yelp, I had a great experience. I thought the selection at Bill's was pretty good, and the prices were on par with any of the big national chain stores. I found the staff pretty friendly, and I would definitely recommend Jason the salesman in the guitar/amp department. He was really helpful with setting me up with different amps to try out, and worked with me to get the best deal possible for my trade-in. A quick word about trade-ins in general - look, no store is going to give you the "eBay value" for your gear. If you want to break even or turn a profit by flipping your gear, by all means try Craigslist, Reverb, or eBay. The whole point of trading in gear at a store like this is that you get to move on from your old equipment quickly and without the hassle of managing listings and dealing with packing and shipping. I came into Bill's with a pretty clear understanding of this, and I wasn't disappointed with the value I got out of my trade-in. Skip Guitar Center and support your local businesses... based on this experience, I'd recommend Bill's for sure. read more

This place has been in business for over 40 years and it smells like it. 2 buildings next door to each other full of crazy weird vintage stuff. They have an in house repair shop with knowledgeable people in it. You can still shake hands with the original owner, Bill. He and his family run the entire operation. I have purchased a lot of misc. stuff here, a couple mics, some lighting stuff, recording gear, a couple vintage guitars. The guitar sticker prices were high- but if you are willing to take a little time they will make you a better deal. One older guy told me that when used stuff sells- commission is given to the salesperson that bought it. So if you can get helped by that person your odds for a sweet deal are in your favor! Stay away from Don, Josh? and Bryan. All of them either blew me off, made me wait, forgot about me or just plain scared me (hello tweeker). Lou, Keith, Jesse & Brandon are great- but Mikey is my favorite person to deal with hands down. He's a no BS kinda salesman and he's been there forever. If you need help- it's best to ask the person right at the front door. They call someone up. Otherwise you just kinda wander around trying to find someone. They also pay cash for used equipment but they don't pay much. Try to sell on craigslist first! read more

Not amazing, not bad either. Prices are pretty high, but they have some interesting stuff. I wouldn't recommend buying drum heads here.. they probably expired and dried out ten years ago. Decent selection of guitar pedals. I ended up buying a Martin acoustic from these guys, although haggling down the price (marked well above retail) was a pain in the ass. read more

Bill's is great. They have tons of stuff used and new and if you look around you can find some really good deals. I got a great Gibson SG here that was on a really heavy discount because it was part of a limited 50th anniversary run the year before and had just been sitting around collecting dust. I've also used their service department for adjustments on my guitars and they do a great job and charge a fair price. The sales people here can be pushy, though. When I bought the SG I mentioned above, the salesman had a hard time understanding I didn't want him hovering over me. I'm an easy customer when it comes to things like this: just leave me alone and let me play with it a while and I'll come to you when I'm ready to buy. Also, if you go with their financing option, there is a $200 "financing charge" that is in the fine print that they don't tell you about. Next time I get something big there, I'm bringing cash. read more

Shopping at Bill's Music House was an absolute pleasure. I was driving through Maryland when I found them. It's a family run business, owned and operated by family members. The staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and well versed on all the gear. The best part was their inventory!! Especially during this crazy time during Covid, Bill's had worked so hard to ensure that their store was well stocked. It was the only place I could find to get the gear I needed. In the future, I'll be calling them to order the stuff I need. A special shout out to Leni, who was willing to stay late for me! read more

WOW, came into Bill's today and tried to sell a 1980 Fender Standard J-Bass, they wanted to give me almost half of it's worth. I totally understand that they need to make a profit but half? Also, notices they were selling effects pedals that cost the same amount they are charging for used ones 5 years ago. They have a lot of OLD inventory, but buyer beware....they do not have the best of quality of wears. IT is pawn shop quality at best. As bad as I hate going t oGuitar Center, I will be heading over there to ensure I am getting the best and most current equipment. read more

The winds are changing.... I used to avoid Bill like the plague mainly because of their poor customer service. I would only go there if it was an absolute emergency. Well, recently I had an emergency. I needed some bass strings for my 6. They had them, I got waited on immediately - in and out in 5 minutes. But here's where it gets good. When I got home, there were only 5 strings in my 6 string pack. "Crap" I thought, "knowing Bill's this is going to be a huge hassle". Well lo and behold about a day later I got an email from Bill's customer service asking about my experience... I figured, here's my chance. I responded in sort of a sarcastic rant about my missing string thinking no one was even going to read this automated email. To my surprise I got a quick and apologetic response from Jamie Reese at Bill's saying that she would take care of it. Next thing I know I'm cc'd on an email to the Rotosound Rep explaining my situation. A few days later a package shows up at my door with a hand written note from Jamie along with my missing string. I don't know who's idea at Bill's it was to start taking customer service (client relations) seriously but they need a raise. If they continue like this they will overcome internet competition quickly. That's what we musicians really want at the end of the day - client relations. Someone to recommend a good brand of strings, patience to allow us to endlessly try instruments, even if it takes years to actually purchase - good service. Problems happen in every business, it's inevitable... it's how you handle them that builds relationship with your clients. Bill's seems to have figured it out. I'm happy to be able to support a local business again instead of driving for an hour. read more

Lee in brass repair is a gem. Fixed my son's instrument in an emergency. Good place for repair. Thanks Lee My rating is based on Lee. Prior to that my experience was about a 1. read more

I live near DC, and found a wonderful music store near Baltimore. I recently purchased not one, but two guitars from Bills and BA Carr was the expert salesman. I originally went to Bill's in August 2017 just to get a feel for the place...the people. And BA showed me around even though I told him upfront that I was NOT interested in buying at that time. No trouble at all....very informative and eager to show me Been playing a 12 string for about 40 years, and felt I needed to purchase a six sting electric to compete with my Rick 12.ba showed me some PRS, Les Paul and a Epiphone Sheraton as well as others. Over an hour and a half of talk, feel and comfort. Felt I was in my home. Good feeling from everyone there.... Late in September, I went back, and BA and I went through a couple more, finally settling on a Gretsch semi hollow, which was hundreds under what I was originally looking at. It was just the comfort with the neck, and BA found it...not me. He was interested in setting me up to succeed, not to just sell me a top dollar item. Very impressive.... BA also offered to set up the guitar to make sure everything was good, and Ron in their repair shop souped the Gretsch up and am very happy with the way it plays and how it sounds. I was picking up the Gretsch the following week, when I looked around and notice a beautiful Guild mahogany acoustic 12 string. BA, pulled it down and we jammed together for about 40 minutes. The only hesitation I had was it was not an acoustic/electric...again, Ron and the service Center at Bill's to the rescue. You cannot see the controls and the pickup is in the bridge. Beautiful work....really. Look, no matter what you're looking for....and amp, electric, acoustic, percussion, pedals, whatever....Try Bill's Music in beautiful, downtown Catonsville first. Ask for BA, he'll be glad to help you like he assisted me. read more

I really can't speak to pricing, since I'm no expert - but as far as selection goes, this is an impressive mix of new and used musical instruments. Guitars, keyboards and ukes are strung up and able to be played. Prices are clearly marked - and I've heard rumors can be negotiable on some items. I've come in a few times, trying to get an idea of what makes a good electric guitar and if I want to spend the money. The last time I plugged one in to play - badly. A staff member approached me, and rather than stopping me or hard selling me, handed me a guitar cable and informed me I was using a speaker cable. "This will sound better". Both times I've been in, I've seen the same guitarist jamming out on a multiple thousand dollar guitar. This time, he had foot pedals set up. The downside to this set up is... well anyone can play. I'm slightly self conscious of the fact that I only barely play acoustic and know I know nothing about electric. The twenty something who just cranked up the amp and is playing even worse than me... yeah, he doesn't care. Same with the 12 year old slamming on the keyboard. It can be noisy and chaotic... but oddly most of the time it isn't. Just be prepared that it might be. The other issue - with all the instruments, they aren't cared for as they sit there. Inexpensive guitars will often gather dust, and strings will show aging (some rust, or discoloration). Nicer guitars are cleaner and in tune... but I think it's just that they are played. My thoughts are - if you're looking for a high end acoustic instrument, you can do better down the street. A high end used electric guitar - there's another place that. If you want to get a mid-level or entry level guitar and play a whole ton of them, and not feel guilty about negotiating the price - this is a great location. read more

Truly love this place ! You get more than training on voice or a musical instrument -you learn a lot about yourself too and I've had a phenomenal experience. Craig is a fantastic teacher! When you walk in Mary greets you-it's like the show Cheers-she knows everyone's name! She's so sweet and always calls to remind you of your class time! You can't find a more caring, organized and dedicated team! Love love love it here!!!! read more

Multiple visits over last several years. Friendly service, wide selection, community vibe. Can try out instruments with no pressure to buy.

Been coming to Bill's for years. I remember getting my first '84 Silverburst Gibson Custom electric guitar with my dad Dr. Alonso from the original location (the building right next door across from their parking lot) Jim sold it to me. I still have the guitar. Bill's still has Jim - now that's amazing Bill's Music House is a staple in the area as well as in the music community. Sure the prices might be a little higher than the chain stores, okay maybe the people behind the desks upfront could find a personality and not just say hi but smile now and again when you walk in, yes it would be nice if the guys on the floor actually came up to you and asked if you needed something versus you looking to get an associate who's just walking by not making eye contact or texting on his phone. But whatever. Bill's has a great selection of new and used everything. They even have used accordions (I don't play the accordian but im sure someone does out there) I wish they had more used vintage gear especially vintage amps and guitars but that's whatever comes in - comes in and I get that. Still a great selection of new and used to choose from. They offer music lessons of all kinds, service guitars, have a classroom for tutorials, and have band rehearsal spaces you can rent across the lot. Now that's very L.A. and I dig that. Again the inventory is good - I've had my eye on that Vox bass amp in the window display, its been in the shiop for years. Its pricey for a solid state amp but it looks awesome. Maybe I'll talk to Jim about it the next time I'm there. Through out the years I've purchased acoustic and electric guitars, amps, p.a.'s , monitors, mics, bass guitars, drum accessories, guitar accessories etc. Still one of my fave places to get music equipment when in the area. Coming from an actor/musician working in L.A. Bill's is def reccomended. read more

Bill's Music - Finally got around to writing a review for Bill's Music House. Tune in :) - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

*******Update****** 9-23-2016 To my pleasant surprise Brian reached out to me upon learning that my experience with less than pleasant. He offered to exchange the bow and assist me to gather anything else that I needed to get my daughter going for her string season. I made the trip today with the children and I have to say I am so glad that I did. This go round was a great experience, I had the opportunity to engage with Brian and I think he's a great guy. I have to admit that I regret not reaching out to them myself but the no refund policy seemed pretty stern and ultimately deterred me from taking further action, however I have since learned that Bills strives to ensure that their customers are 100% satisfied that is a quality that I appreciate. Today's trip with my kids left them inspired musically and I can see myself returning for any future musical needs. Thanks for all your help Brian ********************************************** The experience I had left a bad taste in my mouth. I was greeted pleasantries when I arrived , I was told to await for assistance with the issue I had and the gentleman (BA) I was working with was a pleasure, issues I had arises when multiple clerks in the store (one of which was the son of the owner) came over to push it along, during which time my needs were re-explained but the responses were kept very curt, they were apparently quite irritated that I was still there at closing time and instead of offering valuable assistance they were talking at him instead of with him. At the end of it all I was unhappy because I did not get everything I came for and the some of the items I was able to obtain was not in great condition. The bow I purchased was the only one available and it had hair is hanging from it and crimps throughout, I didn't have a chance to assess this because it was taken right from the shop to the cash register (the gentlemen I'm dealing with is also feeling fire breathing dragons circling us) and is now making it a point act accordingly to get me out of the store soon as possible... even before he reach the register he was told that he was being clocked out... I felt terrible about the employee that was helping me the most was being punished for doing so. Upon closer examination in my car and some research on the Internet I learned that the bow was not to par and what stung even more is that I could get the same quality bow much cheaper online. I regretted making the thirty minute drive the moment I walked out the door and heard it locked behind me. I expected a helpful staff that was willing to take a moment to explain what was needed given that they been in business for years but instead I was left with this is what I got do you want it or get out feeling. And now I'm stuck with a crap bow because they have a NO REFUND policy. read more

Bill's Music - Great experience :) Loving this place .. we are all bubbling with musical inspiration - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

Just called to find a simple part for my Fender acoustic. Disinterested, the guy on the line acted bothered, and could not wait to shuttle me off the phone. Besides, it's like a museum, filled with things you can't afford. Overly eager, but courteous sales staff. Bought some strings that were twice what I pay at other places; but I needed them. So, if you want to see and fondle lots of great instruments, by all means, go; but leave your wallet home. If you do choose to buy something, be prepared for their impossible return, non return policy. I'm glad to see Bill's still open, but it's a new world we live in, so service and price, still matter. read more

This store has arrogant staff and cheap terrible selection. You would think for being a sorry a^^ store they would be more friendly with their approach. Terrible first experience. Not coming back. If you are thinking of making the trip visiting from out of town, don't waste your time. read more