Small, mom and pop with limited supplies; but in cahoots with the local schools so always has what the teachers need the students to have. They are quite knowledgable if not a more than a little stuck up and sick of dealing with parents that aren't experts in musical instrument maintenance and repair.
That said. They mark up about 175% or more over average retail. I can buy RETAIL for at least 50% off their prices ANYWHERE. Like around the corner at the guitar center...( if they have what I need. which they rarely do) But if My kid breaks a string the day of the concert, I can buy one there.
They rent Chinese made instruments with german names for a school year based fee of what you would pay to purchase that instrument outright at any other store. They will tell you that they (the strings anyway) are "german" because they have a german name, but they are not. They are german named chinese instruments. Same manufacturer as you'd find on ebay and amazon for $45 in the $60 satin finish with a different set of strings. We had a bit of a polite argument about this, they wouldn't accept the company's website explaining this as proof.
With old stuff they (the husband anyway) is a very knowledgeable repairman who does very good work. I wouldn't give him my perfect finish antique brass, but for players, he's fine. Really ruined the finish/patina on one of my instruments because he insisted on giving it a bath to sterilize it.
Anyway. Good in a pinch. But absolutely unbearable unreasonable prices. They're probably being screwed by their supplier, but still. Not worth it. read more