This is a review about the in-store experience, not any transactions or trades…read more We stopped in one September afternoon while we were wandering around the Alberta Arts District and wow - what a selection of guitars. My partner has been playing for nearly 25 years, and really enjoyed getting to try out different instruments. I have less interest in guitars, but even I loved walking around to see every shape and style, plus ukuleles. The shop is pretty huge, you feel like it just keeps going. The store is laid back and gives you a lot of space to try things out. Another customer was there and was chatting up everybody, telling stories about his time in bands and how his guitar teacher was Tom Morello. The store employee was very chill and welcoming, and chatted with us as well.

I had to downsize, which included finding someone to take my old folk guitar, to hopefully benefit…read morea new owner. They paid me $50.

Cool shop, great selection of gear and super knowledgeable and helpful staff members. Highly…read morerecommend.

Less than one I feel sick to my stomach…read more This is my experience. The ego often makes a shop owner see themselves as vying with the customer rather than serving them. The ego often makes a shop owner see themselves as competing with the customer rather than serving them. In conclusion, when a shop owner's ego becomes the primary motivator, they may "dismiss" the customer to safeguard their self-image and sense of authority. This behavior often contradicts the classic notion that "the customer is always right." Instead, it reflects a pride that purportedly aims to create a comfortable, dignified environment. However, this approach lacks genuine substance, as it is built on flawed assumptions that undermine core principles of customer service.  Upon entering the establishment, I was separated from others and treated in a manner I believe would not occur outside this context. Specifically, I felt infantilized when I was informed that employers had complained about me for asking for deals. The feedback I received was vague and poorly articulated. However, one allegation shared was that I allegedly threw objects at staff members. This situation is unlikely ever to occur, particularly given that I felt my conversation went well. The irony was that, after I paid the full price for the installment, I was reprimanded for inquiring about a discount. This response can be seen as a manifestation of perceived disrespect; when customers do not exhibit the level of deference expected by the business owner, the owner may prioritize personal pride over financial gain. The proprietor of Hank's Music has requested that I refrain from visiting the establishment in the future unless I fully grasp the protocol regarding pricing negotiations for their pre-owned instruments. It is crucial to avoid discussing the possibility of negotiating the listed price, especially in the presence of customers and employees. A shop owner's ego can sometimes lead to reactions that prioritize personal pride over business acumen, particularly when considering the perceived value of instruments, as many musicians receive only a fraction of their instruments' value when trading them in or purchasing them outright. When operating from a place of ego, owners may misinterpret customer feedback or inquiries as personal affronts rather than constructive business interactions. This is ironic, given that I previously sold instruments to their establishment, thereby providing them with the opportunity to profit from those sales. In such scenarios, emotional responses can overshadow the potential benefits of engaging customers in a more transactional, less personal manner. I will not provide justification, engage in debate, defend my choices, or offer explanations regarding my actions. My dissatisfaction with the guitar has reached a point where I regret entering the store and making any purchases. Consequently, I have resolved to withdraw my support for this establishment and will not return in the future. I am sick to my stomach.

The customer service wasn't so great and the main guy "helping" me had a stuck-up attitude and…read morewasn't very respectful to me or my needs. They seem to have a decent selection of brass and woodwind instruments as well, but lack basic or a variety of accessories for them.

We have been going to this shop for many years. The staff are enthusiastic about helping people…read morefind instruments that they love and they are incredibly helpful. We had an issue with one of the instruments we purchased (user error? manufacturing?) and they replaced it to make sure we were satisfied. While you can't expect that every time there's an issue it speaks to their desire to offer great service and to support their customer base. Plus their selection of beautiful instruments seems unmatched in the Portland area.

Super helpful,friendly and knowledgeable staff. They'll answer any questions you have about your…read moreinstrument and never felt rushed, I'll always choose this store over the others in the area.

I am from out of town and had an amazing experience coming here. When I walked in I was immediately…read morewelcomed by Jim who helped explain with his expertise the different guitars and their differences. He was super fun to talk to and the overall atmosphere was welcoming and authentic. The guitars were very fairly priced. With Jim's help I was able to pick out a couple of guitars that worked for me, and it really made my day.

Went in there a newbie looing for and the were very helpful and friend. put then to a tuningread more

I have been purchasing ukuleles and ukulele cases from Shine, and they do not disappoint! Such…read moregreat service, and Shine knows his stuff. Highly recommend going to this place for any guitar or ukulele needs

When I first interacted with Kennedy Violins, it was good enough that I bought a cello from them…read more However, my music instructor became unavailable for a bit and I moved. My $2700 cello has ended up collecting dust for the past month. Called them to return it. They will not accept it back in any form other than to lose the $1500 I already paid on it. Not even sell used like they do other instruments if I pay it off. Which is completely different from when I bought the cello. Post service support is 0.

If I could give six or seven stars I would. I wish all…read morebusinesses had the same integrity and friendly list as they do. I am going to purchase a violin in the new future and have had many questions and they have spent much time with me with their knowledgeable answers. Should have said " friendliness"

On the recommendation of a friend and true professional musician, I recently had a prize bass…read moreconverted to fretless. Per my request, they used thin maple fake fret fillers, sanded perfectly flat and added a varnish covering. The work was flawless and spectacular. I even went with their recommended flat wound strings. Likewise, I brought them my jazz guitar for repairs, as well. Their work was better than the (not cheap!) guitar came from the factory (the intonation and action were both better.) The work isn't super fast, but with a small shop that is to be expected. Pricing was quite fair. Big thank you to the whole team. I am a very happy customer.

Always appreciate what these guys do for my guitars. I trust them with confidence new or vintage…read morethey are experts.

I am absolutely 100% encouraged by the instructions and improvements I've made since coming to MSoG…read more- I've been to other schools and this school is by far more involved even after my weekly sessions - the online connection and homework is great - if you want to mess around or seriously wanting to learn Matt my instructor know how to have fun and learn - I'm super serious about ukulele and he meets me there but reminds me to have fun - it's important to remember to have fun and learn - I've perosn advocated for my friends to go to MSozG

For 20+ years, all i knew were about 4 open chords on a guitar and three songs, and my wife (now)…read morefinally told me that i need to take lessons. I am so thankful that Matt was giving lessons in my neighborhood at the time, and i was able to start taking them. Almost immediately my knowledge of guitar and music theory exploded and i started to understand why things worked they way they did. Now 7+ years later, i am still taking lessons and continuing to learn and learn that there is so much more to learn and am very excited to keep learning all i can from Matt for as long as i can. Not only, am i learning and getting better at actually playing, but having Matt as a teacher has given me the confidence that I actually played guitar and sang to my wife at our wedding in front of 100+ people, which i never would have every thought i would be able to do. Even just played in a jam session with other students of Milwaukie School of Guitar and had a ton of fun. Couldn't recommend more!