As a beginner, I love going into Dynamic Percussion. I've made four separate trips to the store over the past few months, and Gus feels like an old family friend at this point. I had no intention of buying anything the first time I visited, and he still spent ten minutes patiently explaining how to change the heads on my new (to me) kit. Needless to say, when I eventually decided to swap out the heads I went back to the store and went over all of my options with Gus. Could I go to a huge chain store and get more of a selection? Possibly. But I'd much rather support a local small business where the people who work there know my name and take the time to work with me one-on-one to make sure I learn something new every time I come in and get a product that fits my needs. read more

Stopped by the new East Hartford location to fix my bass drum years after my last experience at the Manchester location with a certain awful manager-type fellow. To my absolute delight, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, threw in a drum key for free, and the old, doddering manager guy was nowhere to be seen. I'll be happy to return and continue paying the premium as long as I receive no more lip from the old angry manager fellow. He was a massive turn off. read more

I was impressed by the wide selection or new, and used gear this store can pack in such a small space. They carry most major brands, and even their own line of custom drums. Not bad for a small shop in such a small town. Dynamic Percussion's prices have a solid price premium as most small (drum only) shops have - and this can be an issue if you're looking for the best deals on a particular item. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, all of them pro drummers who teach, and speak "serious drums" - as the shop advertises, however the owner/cashier of the shop can come off as a sour fella to some folks, consider yourself lucky if he acknowledges your presence when you are asking a question, or even trying to pay! Customers like to feel welcome and appreciated (specially if they know they're paying a premium for shopping at a small shop vs a large, cold corporation). Overall DP is a very well stocked shop with tons of items and brands to choose from, with a wide selection of accessories, and a knowledgeable friendly staff who are also pro educators. So, if you don't mind dealing with the sour owner, and have the extra bread to pay for his prices, this is a shop well worth exploring in Manchester. read more

The larger store I reviewed previously has closed down and a smaller version has reopened at 6 Highland St 6 Highland St, CT 06108-3426. Phone (860) 647-8887. Still a good drum store in CT. read more

This place is a drummers paradise and there's lots of unique noise makers too. It's like a musical museum. They had a great selection of drum accessories also. I needed a drum bag for my natural drum. Found just the right size and this bag was pimp, it had back pack straps and 3 huge pockets. read more

I never understood the purpose of these rating websites until recently. I had relocated for college and returned back home to CT this past summer. I was very surprised to hear that Dynamic had moved location, but was excited to see that the store had grown in size. I went in a couple of Tuesdays ago and went without acknowledgement for longer than I thought appropriate. It wasn't until nearly 10 minutes of my aimless wondering, and finally my having to ask a paid employee for help, that I learned the name of that very employee, Eric, sitting and playing on facebook on the store computer. He seemed only to have a general knowledge of the instruments in the store. I felt that his answers to my specific questions were vague and based in lack of understanding. After many more questions and too much prodding, I came to learn they didn't have what I needed in stock. To the guy who posted a few years ago, the owner may have been an asshole, but his employees were trained on how to properly service customers in the store. Where are those employees? Jay? Alex? Not only that, but it was a rare, strange day when the old Dynamic Percussion didn't carry certain items. I really hope my experience was a fluke. I hope that these are just growing pains for a newly owned business. I hate to have to give Guitar Center my business when there's a non-corporate shop just as conveniently located with plenty of potential. read more

I've lived in Manchester for a few years, but had always heard negative things about the old shop across from the library so I avoided it. I found out that they were under new management so I decided to give it a shot to get my new snare tuned up (I'm still fairly new to drums). If possible I'd always like to try to support a local shop instead of Guitar Center. For only $5, they not only tuned up the drum to my liking, but took about 20 minutes to explain to me what they were doing and some tips and techniques. It's nice to walk into a shop and have 2 people immediately stop what they're doing to say hello and help you out. Will definitely head back there when I'm ready to purchase a new cymbal because they have a ton in stock. read more

I called Dynamic Percussion today to speak to Gus, the owner, about drummer's ear plugs and to get his personal recomendation. The phone was answered by someone named Bob. Here's how the conversation went: Me: Is Gus available? Bob: No, he's giving a lesson. He'll be free about 2:30. Me: Great, I'll call back then. Bob: Who's calling? Me: I'd rather not leave my name. Bob: THEN DON'T BOTHER CALLING BACK! Really, Bob? If that's the way they speak to prospective customers, I don't they've have to worry about me calling back...or patronizing their store. read more

Dynamic Percussion is a Drummers Candy Store! They have everything you can imagine for the percussionist sold by very knowledgeable staff. As a Drummer who hasn't played for a while, I would visit often, and they always made me feel very welcomed. They would hand me a pair of sticks and encourage me to try every drum in the store. Not only did I sign up for lessons, but I purchased a brand new 7 piece DW Kit, and I absolutely love them. From the moment you walk in the front door, there was Bob who shook my hand and welcomed me and Gus and Eric who answered a ton of questions. Alex, Venlo and Gus were there when I picked up my kit to tune and check each drum and instruct me in assembly. I love these guys and have made Dynamic Percussion my new hangout. These are not just professional drummers, but great people. I feel like I belong to a new family at Dynamic Percussion! read more

My grandson has been taking lessons from Gus since long before they left the old location and moved to this new location. He loves Gus and the rest of the crew. I would highly recommend their lessons and their wonderful drum selections of merchandise. read more