Had a bad experience with a cashier who was really rude to me. I play the banjo and wanted some advice on strings. He treated me like an idiot and gave my husband a lot more respect even though he doesn't play an instrument. Very sexist vibe. As we left we felt sad because it really is the best store around for banjo players. As i was playing some vintage banjos some old dude picked one up and started playing so that I couldn't hear myself. And didn't stop. Full of arrogant maleness that day. read more

Overhyped. Just another music store. Not that big, not that much inventory. Its a big box store disguised as boutique. Not a great selection over any other chain and vintage stuff is not on the floor. A few low end pieces but they claim their good vintage is "in the vault". Like they have a vault for one and 2, how do you sell it? Only one floor of this place is actually the store. The rest is not part of the retail space. Seagulls, epiphones and squiers take up most of the space. Its just another big box where parents by little jimmy their first guitar. Nothing wrong with that but after all the hype the reality will be a let down. Might as well shop Ebay. read more

My experience with Elderly was less than terrific. I was impressed by other reviews, their selection, and prices so I ordered a new ohana ukulele, with free shipping. It came very quickly, on a Saturday even, and it was extremely well packaged. Sounds great, right? But the ukulele itself looked like it had been a floor model, or was b-stock -- it didn't look new. I could have overlooked most of it, but not the chip. Granted, it was quite small, but still, a chip. I e-mailed right away explaining about the chip (with a picture attempting to show the chip) and requested a refund. I might have requested an exchange but I checked the site where it was stated the model was no longer available, and I was disappointed enough not to want to go through it all again. The response was very quick and courteous, but I wasn't happy with what I was told, which was that certain imperfections should be expected. I don't consider a chip -- an actual missing piece -- an imperfection. I was offered an exchange (maybe they didn't check if they still had it in stock before quickly responding, which I can understand), but was told that since imperfections should be expected, there was no guarantee that a replacement ukulele would be in any better condition, and that there might even be more imperfections. If I wanted to return the item, I would have to pay for return shipping. Or, I was also given the option of keeping the ukulele at a nice discount. I appreciated the effort, but 1) I didn't want a damaged ukulele, and 2) I was annoyed by having a chip characterized as an imperfection. As I was filling out the return paperwork I noticed it stated that I might be responsible for the shipping costs to me as well as the return shipping cost. I wanted that clarified so I e-mailed again. Again, the response was quick and courteous, and I was told there was a possibility I would be charged but in all likelihood, I would only be responsible for the return shipping. I thought it was the best I could hope for and I wanted to get the matter resolved as quickly as possible, so I returned the ukulele. It cost me about $14. I tracked the package delivery and waited a few days beyond that, but I didn't receive an e-mail acknowledging the receipt, or stating what their determination was as far as how it would affect my refund, or when I would be able to expect a refund credited to my account. So I e-mailed requesting status of the return -- again, quick and courteous response, saying that I would be refunded the full purchase price and that I could expect the refund in 7-10 business days (which I did). So that's my story. I will say that their customer service was very professional and responsive, and they were very good in their efforts to offer reasonable options given their policy. But I disagree with their position that a chip is an acceptable imperfection for an item purchased as new. And I wouldn't say I would never purchase from them again -- because never say never, and I really, really love buying ukuleles -- but I would have to seriously consider and reconsider the risk in light of this past experience. read more

Finally made the visit after many years of hearing of EI. Loved the atmosphere and the great collection of the vintage, seasoned and new gear. Was slightly put off by a couple of the staff members until I met Jim. Very courteous, friendly and helpful at the counter! The lady in the Mandolin room with the Silver Mullet should take note! Here's a tip....put down your book or magazine and engage the customer!....who knows...they might even have a credit card or some cash they are willing to use!..I know I did! Maybe next time... read more

I purchased a guitar from Elderly Instruments online and had it shopped out to WA state. I was afraid to order such an expensive instrument online ($1,200) but EI answered all of my questions about the instrument and was very easy to work with. I decided to go ahead with the purchase and the guitar was promptly shipped out the next day. The guitar was packaged extremely well, with the instrument inside of a hard-shell case inside of other boxes which helped insulate the instrument from poor weather. Rolled up wads of paper were placed between the box and instrument case for protection against bumps. They even placed tissues under the floating bridge and pickguard to protect the instrument. And the strings were de-tuned about a 4th prior to shipping to reduce neck tension during transit. The people I dealt with answered my questions quickly and were honest about the cosmetic damage my instrument had sustained. The instrument arrived precisely as they described it. It plays beautifully and came exactly as described. I couldn't be happier that I bought this dinged up guitar from Elderly Instruments. read more

I could not be happier. I ordered a recording king guitar from elderly. The sales lady who helped me was very nice, she even allowed me to voice some concerns about a known defect in some of these little guitars. I received the shipment on time and everything was just as they said. The best part about elderly is the guitars come ready to play. A technician inspects and adjusts your guitar before shipment. There may be cheaper places online but these guys are true professionals and that means a lot read more

What a special place! Not only is it Elderly, but you get a historic vibe when you walk in. They're very well stocked with vintage basses, guitars, etc. the staff is very content with letting you spend some alone time with instruments. I played an incredible 1980 Precision Bass, it growled. I haven't heard tone that smooth from any other bass but my own. They also have recent, modern models for any budget. I love spending time here, and look forward to visiting again! read more

This is where I take my guitars to get them strung, purchased many instruments. The people are friendly and the service is good. I have purchased about six or seven instrument their. Taking every experience into consideration it's a fair business and unique place in the Lansing area to go and try musical instruments before you actually purchase them. read more

Summary: An excellent music store that really takes the time to make sure things are right. Often times, a company makes the strongest customer impression, not when everything goes 100% right, but when something goes sideways. It's the response to these unforeseen issues that separates the truly customer-focused from the rest of the pack. And, in my recent experience with Elderly Instruments, this is where they truly shine. I'm not exactly what you'd call a good guitarist, but had always wanted a Martin. A D-28. My situation is similar to the Chevrolet Vega driver - you've got transportation, but you know what a Bugatti Veyron is. Well, right around the start of the year, I received an unexpected bonus and finally decided to pull the trigger on my dream guitar. So, I started researching vendors, and narrowed my search down to a couple of the best music stores that were recommended consistently. After speaking with both stores, I decided to go with Elderly because I could speak to a Describer who took the time to tell me about the particular instrument I was looking at, and the fact that they had the specific D-28 I wanted in stock. Despite all my research, I was still a bit nervous about purchasing across the internet, but in the end, I placed my order. About a week later, I received two boxes via UPS: my guitar, and some accessories (Hercules stand, some various strings, etc.). My guitar was securely packed in a large box, with lots of protection (I should probably store this box in the attic in case I have to ship the guitar somewhere in the future). I unboxed my new baby and gave it a good look - it looked perfect. I tuned it and played for a bit, and was rewarded with a sound unlike any I've been able to previously create. This was a Good Day! Later that evening, I was examining the wood work on the sides of the guitar, and noticed a finished hole on the bottom of the guitar - clearly, that should be filled with something. So, in the morning, I contacted Elderly and asked about this. Turns out, the guitar should have been shipped with an end pin that fills the hole - the person I spoke with told me they don't ship with end pins in the guitar due to a request from Martin. Mine should have been included in the shipping box or the case, but it wasn't. Elderly ordered another part (mine is ivory with a black dot) from Martin, and shipped it to me immediately - without a problem. They were friendly, helpful, and didn't make me feel like some sort of n00b when I called to ask what I thought was a stupid question. They rapidly corrected a shipping oversight, and used the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between vendor and customer. Based on my purchase and follow-up experience, I'd strongly recommend Elderly Instruments to you if you're looking for an instrument of some sort. I know I'll do more business with them in the future - I just wish I was close enough to go there in person! read more

Elderly is the premier stringed instrument store in the State. It's got this great Lansing king of folk vibe while still sporting a serious display of electric guitars. The staff are real musicians and there seems to always be a few people sitting around playing some of the instruments in a little jam. To complete the picture the building is historic and in a fun neighborhood that is perpetually almost, anytime now, about to breakout into a serious case of gentrification but never quite makes it that far. Good restaurants nearby if you're travelling to get here. It's worth the drive. read more

I used to visit this place years ago when it was a little basement shop in East Lansing. Back then it was sort of a community hang-out for people interested in hammered dulcimers and other curiosities. Since then it's grown to a much larger operation occupying a huge brick building in Lansing. They do internet and catalog sales now so I thought of them recently when wanted a banjolele for a gift. They shipped quickly and the recipient was pleased. read more

I recently purchased a Martin GPCPA2 Mahogany guitar through the mail order department of Elderly Instruments. I received the guitar yesterday and it is flawless - exactly as described!!! The set up, which Elderly checked before shipping, is perfection as well. This is the first time I have purchased a high end guitar through the mail and without playing it so needless to say I had concerns before placing the order. I had only played a six year-old version of this model at a local guitar shop and it blew me away but I wanted a new one. Since Martin has discontinued the model they are quite hard to find and Elderly was one of the few guitar shops in the country that had one....the last one in their inventory! As part of my due diligence I had extensive conversations with Pat and Jeff in the mail order department who gladly answered my myriad questions as they had intimate knowledge of the model. They not only inspired confidence in that they too were musicians but they were patient, personable and provided the type of customer service that has become far too rare in our country. I also dealt with Dawn and Cynthia and they too were professional, warm, friendly and highly competent. I cannot imagine a better purchasing experience than the one I had in dealing with Elderly instruments. I have been playing guitar for over forty years and these folks "get it" soup to nuts. Their price was the best as well!!! Thank you Tony! Bravo to all at Elderly Instruments. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for your patience and kindness. Thanks as well for my new Martin GPCPA "Hog," America's guitar and what a beauty ;-). You folks are the best!!! Joe Bruno (Sarasota, FL) read more

I bought an electric guitar from Elderly back in 1991 when I lived in Texas. I've since bought another one, plus countless strings, CDs and other supplies. When I moved to Lansing in 2003, I was sure to buy a house on the east side of the Grand River just so I would still be able to reach Elderly in the event of high water. But the the thing to stress is that this is a great destination even for people who don't play an instrument. It's fun to browse the guitars for at least a minute, and you are very likely to find good players trying out instruments and occasionally doing some limited jamming. Elderly also does clinics with visiting musicians, and is well enough known that the stars drop by whenever they are in mid Michigan. After you are done gawking, go to the CD & book shop and buy something to help them stay in business. (Excellent selections of folk, blues & old time performers). Then go around the corner to Pablos for some great Mexican food. read more

this is heaven for guitar geeks. sometimes i go there just to drool. they have an unbelievable selection of guitars, banjos, ukeleles, mandolins, violins, slide guitars, acoustic instruments, sheet music, and cds specializing in blues and folk music. their repair dept. is very professional, and they won't waste your time. the service on the sales floor may run a little hot and cold, but i don't mind that. a certain snooty attitude comes with the territory. read more

I've been to music stores all around the county - many of the finest. Elderly is my favorite. It's a musical wonderland ripe for exploration. Virtually any type of stringed instrument can be found and rare vintage collectibles are also available. Amazing assortments of ukuleles, mandolins, banjos, and guitars. Tons of books, CDs, clinics, jams, and learning experiences. They have a large repairs/setup department run by some of the best in the business and the sales staff really knows their stuff. read more

Great musical instrument place with a instrument repair shop. This place is well known to musicians! They sell used instruments and have some VERY nice ones! An atmosphere that feels like it has history. They also offer lessons. read more

Amazing selection of both new and used instruments. Always a unique selection of instruments and helpful staff. Prices are a bit higher than other music shops but it's worth it for quality. read more

Elderly Instruments is one of the great vintage shops in the USA. Not only do they sell cool vintage pieces, they ARE vintage. I've done business with them for decades now, and have never been disappointed. Sorry I haven't written a review all this time, but hey -- better late than never! read more

Despite their glowing reviews, I found this place unworthy of my business. Don't get me wrong. If it is eye candy you're after, I can't thing of a better place. It is a modern museum of musical stringed instruments, and it is worth a visit just for your amusement. Astonishingly beautiful guitars, and such, nearly as far as the eye can see. But if you are truly in the market for a stringed instrument, I'd suggest perhaps visiting there and then taking your business somewhere that doesn't prioritize clipping you for the last dollar they think they can pull from you. The first impression they give is that they have great deals and that you couldn't have come to a better place. But once they think they have their hook in you, you can just watch the dollars they want escalate and escalate, until you either walk out of there broke, with a pretty instrument, or frustrated and angry, as I was, when I left the place, never to return. As I said, it is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to buy there. read more

I've been a highly satisfied Elderly online customer for 15 years. I've purchased 5 used instruments (guitars, bass, ukulele) and countless accessories, books, and DVD's. All of the instruments had perfect setups and were exceptional values. The technicians are first rate. The selection of items is vast and broad. I always check out the Savings Center and sale items first. I direct all my friends to shop here first. All my questions are answered promptly. We do not live in Michigan but plan to take a weekend trip to go check out the store. We have a large family of musicians and we can't wait to meet the staff. Even though we're not in Lansing we feel that Elderly is our hometown store. read more

Elderly is indeed a high quality specialty music store, offering a wide range of products and services that are simply unavailable elsewhere. In many cases, the leader in the field. However, if you are considering putting your instrument for sale on consignment at Elderly, it's advisable to pay particular attention to the following terms and conditions that Elderly specifies on their website, that reads: "To maintain customer trust and satisfaction, we require that all instruments we sell be structurally sound and meet certain standards of playability. Should your instrument(s) need any significant repair or setup work we will provide you with an estimate of the work needed, and may reduce our offer(s) accordingly (if we didn't know about the needed work in advance). In the case of consignment we would expect the work to be done and paid for before we could offer the instrument(s) for sale". You should understand that the words "certain standards" of playability can be quite narrowly interpreted in order to satisfy Elderly's very discriminating resale policy. In purchasing any used instrument, the buyer generally accepts some normal amounts of wear being justified for the comparable difference in cost of a new instrument. I am not saying that Elderly, by any means, is seeking to look for a reason to charge any consignor for providing some subjective upgrading of their instrument prior to putting it on consignment. However, the seller should be aware that Elderly might use a tighter standard of playability evaluation than other shops, and should decide accordingly prior to sending it if Elderly is the right reseller for them. Once you have paid to send it, there aren't many cost-friendly options. read more

Elderly is still great, but I wonder if it's slipping a bit. I had some trouble acquiring an Octave Mandolin I wanted. First I called ahead for a certain model, then when I got there the only one they had was damaged. And I live an hour away. I needed it for a gig, so I had to make other arrangements quick. Not cool. Then a few months later I called and reserved an instrument and the person on the phone charged my card much more than the required 10% to hold it and I couldn't get that amount credited to the card (I was using another form of payment). But hey, at least he was very unpleasant on the phone with me. Lastly, when I brought an instrument in for trade-in I don't think I was offered anywhere near the value of the instrument. I'm well aware that's how it often goes with trade-ins, but this was obscenely low. The guy insulted what I call a nice Telecaster (about $1,000 originally), customized by professionals only, as a "Frankenstein" guitar. The appraiser left the guitar in pieces in the case, not bothering to put it back together. Not cool. I was really nice to the staff about all the missteps at the time, but I do want to share my story. I was really surprised, given that Elderly has been so good in the past. And some of the guys in the repair have been amazing and still are, but some not so much - so be picky about who you use there and don't trust the surly people on the phones. For me that means I'm using Elderly less than I used to and bringing my hard-won dollars to people who appreciate the business. read more

In my last three major purchases from Elderly Instruments: (1) Huss & Dalton; (2) Martin D-35's the service provided was excellent from sales to shipment. Great Job! Since I live in Northern New Jersey, the Quality, Selection, Value, Return on Investment is NOT exhibited by the local guitar stores here in the Northeast Metro area (their names purposely omitted for obvious reasons). The website utilized by Elderly does provide 'opportunities' that might I may not have here. It's too bad their location is some 650 miles away. Maybe that's a good thing as I would be probably living in their store--(laugh). Elderly is a true example of an entity utilizing the latest technology for maximum benefit which sadly is not envisioned by competitors. Thank You Elderly for the opportunity to purchase unique and quality instruments which will become hand me downs through my family. read more

Elderly Instruments has one of the best selections of vintage and new guitars in the country. They have a wide range of higher end guitars including huss and dalton, santa cruz, collings, martin, taylor, guild, prs, gibson and fender... The prices are reasonable when compared with famous guitar shops out in California and New York. If you love guitars, then you will love this place. The only downside is the staff. The (high school dropout) doorman is usually very snooty and will not greet you unless you played lead guitar for Led Zeppelin. Also, make sure to nail that stairway to heaven riff before entering to avoid strange looks. Bottom line: You'll feel like a kid at disneyland when you see their selection! read more

Insane selection, really helpful, pretty friendly and definitely super knowledgeable. The prices are a little higher than you'd see online or in a chain store but obviously that's part of the territory with independent shops, and they are willing to negotiate on some things. Probably one of the, if not THE, best music shops in the region, especially in terms of selection. read more

I've placed two separate for cases for my instruments that you most likely would not find anywhere else. Jeff Renton and the staff there helped me find exactly what I needed for both instruments. Of course, I also picked up a few other items, too, since Elderly Instruments has a great selection of books and accessories, again, that you may not find at most music retailers. My orders were well packed and actually arrived earlier than expected, both times. I will continue to do business with Elderly Instruments since they provide excellent selections of items and superb customer service. Honestly, you cannot go wrong shopping here especially if you play more traditional folk instruments like banjo, mandolin, etc as well as guitar and bass. They have items you really do not see anywhere else in store or on the internet. read more

If acoustic guitars are your thing, it's worth a drive to visit Elderly Instruments in Lansing. I brought my Martin HD-28 guitar in for a pickup installation, bone bridge pins and a bone saddle. The relatively short wait time flew by while I was checking out the guitars in the show room. Paul in the repair shop really knows his stuff and went out of his way to be helpful, accommodating, and he explained things thoroughly. He did some great work on my HD-28. I'm very pleased and would recommend this store to anyone based on price, service, and overall experience. read more

I just returned from Elderly's and I'm a bit irritated with their consignment strategy. First off I do instrument repairs and have for close to 40 years. I bring a D-28 that I've repaired in to consign. Once they examine the instrument they present a list of repairs needed. Needs new strings, back cracks need repair, frets need dressing, for a total of $140.00. The strings were probably on the guitar for a month, so they should be changed, but they also charge $40.00 to change the strings. As for the back cracks, they were repaired by myself. I have no idea why they thought they were not repaired. I also refretted the instrument and the frets were leveled, dressed and played fine. it's a ploy to get more money out off a customer. I've done business with Stan and Elderly's since they started in business in the early 70's. Have consigned and also bought a number of new and used instruments over the years too. With that said, I'm through consigning instruments with them and less interested in making further purchases of any kind from them. With the internet there are a lot more choices in where to buy. read more

I ordered a new head for an old Washburn banjo I inherited. It seemed like I no sooner placed the order that I got a conformation that they received it. Within a couple days, my order was filled and the new head was at my house sooner that I ever expected. This is a great company to to deal with. Now if I can just get to Lansing and visit it in person. read more

This is the best music store in the country. The atmosphere is incredible, the staff is amazing, and the selection and quality of instruments is second to none. I buy all of my instruments at Elderly. read more

I bought my first (and only) guitar there. As a beginner player, they were great and answered all my beginner questions. A great shop with great people. read more

I'd like to start baby saying that the customer service at Elderly is great. That being said, DO NOT trust their rating system on they're used instruments. The used Baby Taylor I just received had a EC (excellent condition) rating. There was no mention of the 4 big gouges on the face (initials ML), or the dents on the corners. The photos didnt show the extent of the damage, and without any mention, I relied EC rating. This guitar was a good at best. Im just lucky it wasn't a more expensive instrument. read more

seems like more of a hang out, we drove almost 3 hours my hubby wanting to buy a guitar. seemed like they was only interested in talking with friends. didn't buy and wont go back. no one spoke to us we was there almost a hour. read more

bought a gold tone irish tenor "factory left hand" banjo. it came with a saggy head, loose strings and the bridge was in the pocket of the case (along with an empty Winston cigarette pack). i asked elderly folks why it wasn't set up and they said it was, even marked the bridge for me. I sent a photo of the banjo and they admitted it "fell thru the cracks" and they sent me $32 to have it setup, but it cost 50.00. this is NOT a left hand banjo. the nut is for right hand stringing, the dots on the side for a righty and the neck was all out of whack. the Gold Tone folks said it sounded like a conversion but the serial number indicates lefty fr. the factory. sticking strings on upside does NOT make it a left hand instrument, but this is what Gold Tone did when they sold it to Elderly. Elderly didn't check to see if it was indeed a lefty and now I got it. they did give me $100 refund that I can use to fix it though. read more

I ordered an Gretsch g6121 from elderly. It was listed as EC+ (excellent condition) and all stock. After I ordered the instrument, I did some checking around at fender because the tuners on the guitar didn't match the stock specifications. I called back and the sales person, who was very helpful, went and opened the guitar for me and check it out. Long story short the guitar wasn't stock and it wasn't EC+. We agreed it was in good condition. The sales person said he talk with his manager and see what they would do. Here's were the story get interesting, the manager came back and quoted a higher price then what I paid on the instrument. Well, you can image the deal fall thru. As a customer, be very careful of elderly's quoted condition of the instruments and of there fluctuating prices. The instrument in question, in the condition it was in, was listed $400-600 above fair market value. Elderly didn't seem to care that they lost my business and didn't try to correct the mistake they made. I probably won't ever buy from Elderly again after this mishap. Given the money I was going to pay, I expected to be treated better. read more

Our family has been going to Elderly Music for our string instruments for years. We have always found them to be fair with our trade-ins, they usually have the best price for their new instruments and have an excellent selection of guitars, banjos, mandolins, etc. to choose from. They allow you to sit down and play the instruments you are considering - as long as you remember to remove your scratchy belt buckles, zippers, etc! The sales people are always helpful and never pushy. The atmosphere is easy going and laid-back. Even if you don't play an instrument, it's a great place to go and wander around and experience the awesome craftsmanship of some of the instruments. Lots and lots of instruments made in the USA! Some are works of art and can run into the 5 figure range! But they also have entry level instruments for the beginner who just wants a quality instrument to learn on for a reasonable price. If you want a stringed instrument, this is the place to go. read more