A couple of Wednesdays ago, I was in the Bloor-Ossington area. I had parked in front of this Long &…read moreMcQuade for a couple of hours. I like backstories. I saw a heritage sign on Long & McQuade's building. It used to be the Concord Tavern. This tavern was open from 1948 till 1983. Back in the day, it was the hip location for artists and music lovers. The Concord hosted a bunch of talented musicians, jam sessions, and cool performances. Ronnie Hawkins and his band, which was later shortened to The Band, performed up to seven days a week at the Concord during the 1960's. Eventually, The Band joined Bob Dylan as his backing band and later became stars themselves. Pretty cool! Jack Long, a member of the Jack Long Trio, was the founder of Long & McQuade Musical Instruments. To date, it is Canada's biggest music store. He started his business in a small Toronto house on Carlton Street in 1956 and expanded to more than 90 locations in all ten provinces. Through a bit of research, I found out that Long had passed on September 4, 2024 at the age of 95. He was a jazz lover. He played the trumpet. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2014. Drummer Jack McQuade of this trio, who left the business in 1965, passed away in the 1970's from cancer. I don't know who the third member of this trio was. When the Concord Tavern closed down in 1983, an Irish pub took over, but eventually closed down. Long & McQuade's moved into its current location in 1988. It's fitting that a music store gave this site a new musical life. It has a massive assortment of instruments, sheet music, accessories, and more. I looked through the window. I didn't go in because I'd be there for hours and would likely buy an instrument to attempt to play. I grew up with a lot of music. We had a local music store in the Beaches that is now gone for good. My parents got me a ukelele in grade 3. When I was in grade 9, they got me a clarinet and I played it all through high school. This massive music store is my kryptonite. From guitars, to trombones, the selection of musical instruments looked impressive. I saw a girl lugging her trumpet into the store. My guess was that she was there for lessons. I don't miss hours of practicing various musical instruments growing up and likely annoying everyone who lived in my apartment building. I'm sure that they are stronger for it... haha! This store does have a few parking spots, but they are limited. It's probably best to parking on the street and shell out of parking. Maybe when I strike it rich, you'll see me getting an electric guitar from this store. I imagine annoying my neighbours in Markham playing it. (376)

Today, I created a rental account with a clerk who was perfectly helpful in getting me all the…read moreequipment I needed. The manager who approved my account application, however, left me feeling patronized. This manager asked me for the reason for my rental, where the equipment would be kept, and if I understood that my employer wont be responsible if anything goes wrong - all in what came off as a condescending tone. My partner, who has rented from this L&M on many occasions, told me that he's never been asked any of those questions any time he's been at that very same counter, even when renting far more expensive equipment than what I got today. My expectation was that, as the only other woman in the room, this manager would have offered me a bit of kindness as another woman in such a male dominated space. Instead, I was made to feel infantilized and out of place.

Always loved shopping here. The inventory was great and the service from the staff even better…read more Going to miss it. Bought my Yamaha electric piano and my Keytar here!

Personally I think this is one of the best first time experience of me entering a music store.. I…read morewas nervous and shy, I didnt know how to approach someone, I was just standing there for minutes looking at the guitars on the wall, suddenly a staff told me if I needed anything hes there, so yeah I had no choice so I approached him and asked if I can try out some electric guitar! I wont forget him haha he was so kind and polite, even gave me a free pick, honestly if i have thoughts on going to music shops id pick this shop everyday.. I recommend people to go here.

Five star service from Frank! He is so polite and professional that he's no jerk! The selection of…read morepiano books is very vast, just like Canada! Also, Frank knows English!

Really impressed with the rental program! Great way for people to try out an instrument (go to…read moretheir website to read about it) but this completely worked out for us. Instead of investing $800+ on a saxophone, we are renting one for $35 a month to see if my husband is actually seriously about learning to play! We can also apply the monthly rental fee and buy out the sax if he chooses to or apply the money to a different instrument! Good selection of popular sheet music too. I haven't touched the piano for 15+ years but walked out with some sheet music to play for fun. Friendly staff. Saw some cute ukuleles that we could buy our nephew/niece for xmas. Price ranges from $40 and up. Lots of colors and designs to choose from.

Phenomenal. I'm learning and I'm having fun. Feeling the feelings of looking forward to something…read morewhen lesson time rolls around. Finally someone who can teach and interact in both a structured and freeform manner depending on the lesson and the type of questions I have as a student. Always open to sharing from his inner process and learning experiences while he was learning. Easy going, patient, and doesn't seem like he's trying to be patient. Covered so much material and very relaxed when had to take a hiatus due to work and school and revisit material and help me out of a guitar practice rut. I recommend Sol if you want to learn guitar and if you need an instructor who can teach you according to your unique way of learning or want to drill structure and technique. I heard him play and I was smiling. This guy is teaching me! Thank you Sol.

I started playing classical 5 years ago out of curiosity and boredom after a many many years break…read morefrom the steel string and found myself in a practice rut in just about 2 years. At that point I started seeking some professional guidance and that's how I met Sol about 2.5 years ago. These have been my most productive 2.5 years in music ever. I went through RCM grade 6-8 books, did almost full Piazzolla Histoire du Tango suite with a violinist, played a number of open mics, etc., and all of that is because of this one talented person who can TEACH!

Just love the store, great finds, reasonable prices, and wonderful people - a Jewel in Kensington!…read more Mike G.

Sure they're nice but they're terrible at fixing guitars. They were able to give my Ibanez a…read morestandard setup and replace one of the pickups no problem but when I brought my bass in, they did basically nothing to fix it. I asked them to see if they could fix the buzzing that was happening every time I played it and fix both of the knobs which would just spin around and do nothing. When I got it back the buzz was almost worse and one of the knobs completely just screwed off (wasn't doing that before) would not recommend this place if you're wanting more than just a set up. Waste of $120.

I have been using Paul Hahn ever since I moved to Toronto 12 years ago. Excellent service…read moremaintaining my piano. They have great technicians and they are very professional. Pricing for moving and tuning are very reasonable for such high quality work. I am glad to give them a positive review. Rest assured they are the best in the biz! Ron Sheldrick Toronto

we bought a used vintage piano here. We were told certain parts had to be restored, but I don't see…read moreany odd seams. It might as well be considered new. Piano is in good condition and makes beautiful sounds as it was originally intended. Tuning and a number of adjustment services are provided, and they can even come at night. The piano is handled by professionals who understand these instruments and know how to get beautiful sounds out of them.

I came here recently to get my bow rehaired. I arrived around 10am on a Tuesday and the store was…read morebusy. Based on my interaction with the staff on a different day, Tuesday morning is the busiest. I mentioned that I needed my bow rehaired, so they called David down to consult. David asked if I was going anywhere soon with the bow, I assume to ensure that it's adjusted for both climates. He then asked when I needed it back. I didn't need it back for a week, but he said it would be ready in a few days. Amazing! David does the bow rehair in-house. The other luthiers that I visited in the past outsource the bow rehair and it takes a week at best to get it back. I received a call from David on Thursday asking if there was anything else that needed to be done on the bow. I mentioned that the stick has a bit of rosin dust on it and he said he usually cleans it and that the bow should be ready on Friday. I dropped by on Friday and it was ready. The bow was rehaired and the stick was clean. Bow rehairs cost $77 + tax and I thought the price was well worth the service. I also browsed through their selection of violin cases since I'm in the market. Their sales staff was very friendly and knowledgeable of the various options. I appreciated that they asked about my budget first. Unfortunately, I didn't find one that had all of the features that I was looking for in a violin case. But I appreciated that they helped out this indecisive shopper even when they were busy.

When I inherited a collection of stringed instruments I invited about 1/2 dozen experts to see the…read morecollection intending to sell all. The owner of the Sound Post came to my home to see the collection. I made a nice lamb dinner for him as I did for all the others. He was interested in some of the instruments and offered to ship containers (without my requesting them) so he could better study them. When I saw that his estimates were consistently lower than other dealers, I sold the instruments elsewhere. There was one antique Czech cello ( a Lantner) he had not seen. I inquired whether or not to ship it to him. He wanted to see it, and I shipped it off in one of the containers he had sent. Cost of shipping was not discussed. Ultimately, he was not interested in the Lantner cello and refused to return it until I paid him over $225 for shipping costs. He even threatened to charge storage fees for the instrument if I did not pay. I sent a check for the requested amount. When the cello arrived, it had been stripped off all unattached parts ( foot, bridge, strings, pegs, etc.). When I got in touch to ask for the parts, he said he would look for them. Several emails later he mentioned seeing a bag of parts in the storage room but was uncertain that they were mine. Ultimately, he has not responded to my emails and I still do not have the parts of the cello originally shipped. As to the collection, all the other antique instruments were sold to reputable dealers and musicians for higher prices than had been offered by the Sound Post. This was by far the most unpleasant experience I have ever had in dealing with a business.

I took lessons with Jeff for many years. He has a great attitude towards teaching guitar. He is…read morepatient and encouraging and is very good at finding songs that students enjoy and help them improve their skills. I have moved out of Toronto now, and I wouldn't have the guitar playing skills I have without Jeff.

From the owner: I am a performer, teacher and composer with over 20 years of teaching and playing experience…read moreoffering lessons in ukulele, mandolin, bass and guitar. Teaching from beginner to advanced levels in any style of music you want. Lessons are available in your home or at my studio. Reasonable rates in a fun learning environment!

I started my singing lessons here this year and I'm loving it!…read moreI was very well welcomed and my teacher is amazing! I'm really enjoying every class!

I've been a student of Ida's since as long as I can remember and I've loved every single year of…read moreit. However, it's not until Midtown Music School was created that I finally got passionate and intrigued by music. My piano lessons with Ida have never been better and my theory lessons with the director of the school himself, David Stone, have been extremely fun, educational and absolutely amazing. I can safely say that after being in two other music schools, Midtown is the best school for music in the city, probably even in the province, and that is no overstatement. Whoever joins this school can be assured that they will get the most fun, engagement and insightfulness from every lesson and I've never loved music more.

KAOS is excellent. Extremely knowledgeable staff and they will provide solid guidance. Talk to Lou…read moreor Jay.

They did a great job restringing my 1994 Seagull guitar. Friendly and helpful. I would recommend…read morethem.