Review of Martin D35 Guitar, Sweetwater, and Dan's Music Center:…read moreI was a bit apprehensive when I decided to buy my first Martin D35 acoustic guitar online. After reading the posted reviews of the various online guitar stores, I settled on Sweetwater (Fort Wayne, IN). When I called, I got Jesse Duquette. Jesse had previously owned 50 guitars and it was comfortable speaking with him. He answered my questions and opened my eyes to other facts and styles I needed to consider with the guitar. Most important is that Jesse indicated that there is a 2-year warranty on the guitar, and that he and members of the Sweetwater team will be there anytime should I have a concern. When the guitar arrived, I had to wait 24 hours for the package to become acclimated to the temperature and humidity before taking out the guitar. When I finally opened the box, pulled out and tuned the guitar, I was absolutely delighted with the mellifluous sound of the Martin D35. The action was low, which I desired, but I had a vibration when I played the 5th (A) string. Jesse suggested I take the guitar to a luthier who could adjust the truss rod and that Sweetwater would reimburse me for the cost. I took my Martin D35 to Dan's Music Center (Warwick, RI) where I was greeted by Dan Ryder the owner and luthier. Dan was about to have a bite to eat but stopped, so he could assist me. Dan took the time to adjust the truss rod which cleared up the buzzing. Dan charged me nothing to fix the issue for I could tell he understood and respected the quality sound that comes with the Martin D35 guitar. In summary, although I had initial trepidation with the online purchase of my guitar, I was extremely happy with the service I received at Sweetwater (Fort Wayne, IN) and at Dan's Music Center (Warwick, RI) - and would recommend both companies without reservation. I also would highly recommend Jesse Duquette (of Sweetwater) and Dan Ryder - the owner and luthier of Dan's Music Center (Warwick, RI). Finally, thanks to Martin & Co for making my beautiful sounding Martin D35 guitar. Len in RI

This place is the "real deal." Dan is a superlative guitar player in his own right, and does…read morefirst-rate repairs and setups. His prices are excellent and he keeps a stock in the store that combines the expected high-volume (!) items with some lesser known gems. There is a nicely-curated selected of used guitar amps there with some superb treasures for those with a good eye. Dan does a great job listening to what you are looking for, guiding you to the "best fit," even if it is something he doesn't stock or sell -- he has the best interest of the customer in mind. I brought Dan a vintage Fender Jazzmaster (late 1960s) that has great sentimental value for me. One of the pickups had stopped working -- it turned out to be a break in the wire deep in the windings. Instead of doing the quick fix (swapping the pickup out for a new one), he arranged to have Lindy Fralin replace just the windings, keeping it as close to the original "vintage" as possible. Not as profitable for Dan as selling me a new pickup, but it was the right thing to do for the guitar. Like I said, this place is the "real deal"!

School of Rock has been amazing at not only teaching my daughter how to develop and improve her…read morevocals but has given her confidence that no other activity/sport or club has offered her...I couldn't be happier seeing that smile, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after leaving her lesson and band practice!! Kudos to everyone at School of Rock...you truly do "Rock!"

Just started taking drum lessons in the adult program about a month ago. I've been playing guitar…read morelonger than some of these kids have been alive, and let me tell you, some of them would probably kick my butt in a shred-off. A real indictment to the ability and passion of the instructors here. Not to mention some of the kids here are really cool and a great place for other cool kids to make friends and probably start a band and become famous or something. Definitely going to send my kids here one day so I can live vicariously through their talent and fame.

As a musician myself, I can wholeheartedly get behind the RI Philharmonic & Music School…read more First, their Orchestra is incredibly talented, and I highly recommend that local Southern New Englanders take the time to visit our outstanding ensemble of musicians at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium for one of their regular concerts (and their Rush Hour Concerts are a perfect performance for those who would like a less-formal experience.) The Music School is top notch! The facilities are new, educators are some of the finest musicians in the area, and variety of ensembles is diverse. There are lessons available for students ages 0 to 100, ensembles for all ages to perform in, and often free concerts to attend. I adore the community of teachers and staff that make this building a home for music lovers.

If I ever have children they will take lessons here in the instrument of their choice. Hopefully…read morepercussion like me but who knows. RIPhilo has a wonderful set up here for RIPYO AND RIPYWE as well as many other ensembles, along with the Narragansett Bay Symphony Community Orchestra. One of rhode Islands unknown treasures.

This place is great! I've rented and purchased items from this store and every experience and…read moreinteraction I have had here has been truly wonderful. I highly recommend this store to anyone looking to purchase or rent musical instruments!

I had the most magical experience at Bedrossian Music today. I went in to purchase a guidebook to…read morelearn to play guitar and ended up leaving with a guidebook and my first guitar! Mark was lovely and gave me a deal on a beautiful, good quality Yamaha (truly stunning quality) to get me started and threw in some free picks and helped me find an inexpensive case. I love shopping small and was thrilled with my experience. The staff was friendly and kind and I'll be coming back for any future music needs!

Just bought a Yamaha Digital piano from here and couldn't be happier with the service. Larry always…read moreanswered my phone calls and agreed to meet with me any time that was convenient for me. He has a great knowledge of the pianos and let me sit and play all of the different pianos for as long as I wanted before I made my choice. We couldn't fit the piano in our Car so Larry offered to drive it to our house (we live extremely close).

I came in today to do some Christmas shopping, wanting to support Small Business Saturday…read more I came in and was directed to the expert for what I was looking for. It turned out to be the "new" owner, Larry. (New because he became the owner 10 years ago, and Luca Music has been around since I used to shop at Almacs... ) The building is the exactly the same as it was in the 80s and it's well kept, so for me it's like stepping back in time when I took music lessons here. Pretty fantastic to have something so well preserved for the next generation. I told Larry what I was looking for. He did a great job showing me my options and while he showed the the nicest version of what I was looking for, he in no way pressured me to spend extra. He got me just what I wanted and even made me a nice bundle offer that I am confident got me the best deal around. He even threw in extra after the sale. We did business and then he helped carry my purchase to the car. So while we tend to forget the Small Business so often in lieu of box stores and online shipping, there's something about the time and care and appreciation I felt today at Luca Music. I would not hesitate to return or recommend.