My 16-year old decided he wanted to spend all of his summer job money on a Keytar. As a child of…read morethe '80s, I thought this was a fantastic idea. Plus, I'd rather he buy a Keytar than Fentanyl. He said he wanted the Roland AX Edge. I took him to the first place that came to mind -- the Giant Electronics Store with All the Things. They carried them -- but not in white, the color my son wanted. My son was sad. This made me sad. I fired up Yelp and discovered a Big Music Chain Store was nearby. We went there. They too had them in stock, but not in white. My son was sad again. This made me sad again. I fired up Yelp and saw we were close to a place called Rogue Music, so I called. Did they carry the Roland AX Edge Keytar? Yes, they did. Did they have it in white? Yes, they did! My son was happy. This made me happy. We dashed over. The store is the quintessential New York City store experience: Many, many things packed into a small space. It was all business, no flash. Stacks of synths, keyboards and rack electronics. This is the kind of store where people who know their stuff come to get their stuff. No doubt many members of famous bands had once stood in the very same three-foot square space that my son and I were currently occupying (as I said, the place is packed with goodies). The owner calculated the price in his head and used a pen to write the receipt on a piece of paper -- like my son's new Keytar, it was a lovely throwback to the 1980s.

They listed a Drawmer 1960 on Reverb and I went into the store to buy it. The sales rep was really…read morenice and did a great job packing up the compressor so I could carry it home. It works perfectly. Competitively priced gear.

I started playing guitar when I was 13, and now I'm in my 70s. I never took a guitar lesson until…read morea couple of years ago, when I joined NYC Guitar School. It's terrific, and my teacher (Josh Torvi) has helped me a lot. What I like most about Josh is his flexibility. He understands that each student needs to be taught differently. I'm an old guy, somewhat set in my ways. Josh doesn't force me to play in a certain style, learn certain songs, or insist I learn music theory. He doesn't tell me what to do. At the start of each lesson, he asks me what I want to work on. He'll gently suggest I try new things and get out of my comfort zone, but he doesn't push me when I just want to have fun and play stuff I know. That's what keeps me coming back every week.

Never having sung before in my life, I was a bit nervous and uncomfortable booking a voice lesson…read moreahahaha but in my 27th year on this floating rock I have learned that life is WAY too short to not do things you want to do just because you may be a bit embarrassed. I have found leaning into discomfort is where the comfort is. I walked into NYC guitar school on the 7th floor of 251 W 30th St ready to test my vocal prowess. The entrance is beautifully curated, with guitars coating the walls every direction you look. Immediately I was struck with a creative energy that I was excited to be around. I checked in and sat on the couch as I was about 15 minutes early. My middle school basketball coach would always say "if you're on time you're late." I normally am late but on the off chance I'm not I love to throw that quote around. Gaby, the girl giving my lesson, came in and got me off the couch. Her vibe was RAD. As we walk down the hall into a separate sound proof room thoughts began running through my head. "She better not give me any kind of compliment about my voice or she will create a monster..." I thought to myself while picturing my band selling out the Garden 8 nights in a row. We sit down, and she asks me what kind of music I like. I begin to give my spiel that I give everyone about how I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers and J. Cole, but I'm not a corny J. Cole fan as I saw him at the house of blues in 2010. I am always hopeful this will build some credibility... She immediately names DEEP cuts from both artists that I didn't think there was any chance she would know. "I'm in the right place..." I say to myself. I begin to tell her how I have never sang, but think I have good energy for it and how I kinda think I have a nice voice hehe haha. "You don't need to be a great singer to be a great frontman," she says. BIG mistake, Gaby. That is the first step to creating a monster. She begins to ask about me and what I like to do and I coyly tell her I have a major passion for writing. I'm really shy (shy monkey emoji). "What kind of stuff do you write?" She asks. I told her I write in my journal a lot, as I don't want to tell her the bulk of my writing is yelp reviews she'll think I'm a nerd hahaha. I eventually do tell her my unrelenting passion for writing yelp reviews, and we share a laugh. She then asks "have you written any songs?" I mean of course I have, but haven't we all? I initially resisted giving her a hard yes, but eventually did tell her "I have written a few..." "Will you sing one for me?" she asks. I was taken aback. My internal dialogue "She wants me to sing? In front of her? wtf?" I then immediately snap back into reality that I did indeed pay for a voice lesson, so she probably needs to hear me sing ahahaha. I said the same to her and we had another good laugh. She was so great at calming my nerves, saying things like "I PROMISE you I've heard worse," "Just have fun with it!" I have a bit of a moment here, sitting across from the stranger with anxiety rushing to my head preparing to sing when I hardly even sing to myself seriously. I take a deep breath and begin: "I knew right when I seen ya, I knew that, that I need ya Where you from, Valentina? What's your drink, tequila soda? That's your friend......" Alright I can't give y'all all of it, come to one of our shows at the Garden to hear the rest. My voice cracked a couple times in the beginning, but once the nerves died down a bit I felt I did it justice. "WOW! That was actually really good!" Gaby says. "You have a nice voice and a unique sound which is rare!" Maybe she was gassing me up a bit, but I'm taking that compliment and RUNNING with it. She immediately tells me to keep going and runs to her piano and starts playing notes to try and get the key I am singing in. Once she finds it she runs over and picks up her acoustic guitar, and starts playing chords along with my voice. Next thing I know I am singing this song that I wrote playing over chords, that was so F'in cool. Overall, the experience just made me realize how I need to be around these kinds of creative people more often, it's just so inspiring. Gaby gave me some things to work on until our next lesson! THANK YOU NEW YORK CITY GUITAR SCHOOL! GABY IS THE GOAT! IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

A great retail experience is usually about the people you deal with, and I was fortunate to meet…read moreNico in sales and Roselie in lutherie repairs. Guitar Center has a nice variety of guitars on the wall, new and used, and though they lean toward big brands, there's plenty to choose from. I purchased a Les Paul Studio Session and love it. Roselie listened and heard what I was looking for in a setup, a bit non-standard, and delivered two perfect setups - the Les Paul bought at GC and an old ES-335, both within a day or two. Reviews indicated that some people didn't have a great experience at GC. If you don't get the vibe you're looking for from the first person you talk with, find another -- GC is worth it.

I didn't end up purchasing anything, but as a music lover, I wanted to see what was available. Very…read morecomplete store. The guys working there are so kind and attentive! They let me play one of their pianos for a little bit. Will be back for a guitar soon.

When I came to Edward I didn't have much Piano experience. I have now been working with him for a…read morelittle over a year and I have improved SO much. The piano has become a real passion of mine. Edward is an amazing teacher. He has a lot respect for the piano and music in general and it shines through in his teaching style. He not only is able to teach technical ability but also musicality. Edward is well versed in classical, jazz, and music theory and is able to teach all of them. Edward really cares for his students and goes the extra mile to send them resources, customize his teaching approach, and host virtual and in person recitals. Overall, I am very happy with Edward as my teacher and look forward to continuing with him.

I've been studying piano with Edward for seven years now. He continues to challenge me and teach…read moreme new ways to approach practicing and playing. He has completely changed the way I play and expanded my repertoire. He is always encouraging and insightful. He's flexible about scheduling and is always completely engaged during a lesson. Sharing performances with his other students in remote and in-person recitals has also helped to build our self-confidence. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to study with this gifted musician and teacher.

Sometimes you stumble upon a gem of place that is world famous and you don't even realize it. Here…read moreI am 5 years on and realize just how amazing this store is! 2019 Was traveling around the 50 states and hopped into this place as I was passing by... Just blown away by the instruments they had! Not sure how long I was in there, but everything from droolworthy original D'Angelicos, original Epiphones and more... So much of music's history of the past to the present. After I get home and watching guitar videos I keep seeing this store pop up. Keep saying 'Hey, I was there!'... Do. yourself a favor and stop by. See the amazing selection of instruments they have on hand / display. The staff was super friendly and always willing to help when I asked. Thanks guys! Look forward to seeing you again!

Visiting from out of town; decided to checkout Rudy's after reading about it's incredible history…read more Walked in with a matcha from a coffee shop (with a lid); guy at the door was rude about it. listen. I get it. I really do. but the guy wasn't just cautionary. he was abrupt and rude. came back later, without the matcha. met Rudy. great guy. and his manager Zeke. also very cool. nice shop. my friend bought some strings. but the dude at the door... uncool. unfriendly. unwelcoming. sorry, Rudy. thought u should know.

Matt is the Man! The team is top notch. There's a reason why touring musicians will bring in their…read moregear when in town. Matt's been working on my basses for years. Yes, there is sometimes longer than normal wait times, but it's worth it. There have been a few times when I've asked, "I know it's only 4 days away, but I need this set up by Thursday" and it's done, so when he takes a while to set up one of basses, I don't fret. He's also done a lot of custom work for me and I'm always happy. Matt also built my #1. Any questions about pedals, Jimmy's your man. I recently rehabbed my pedal board and Jimmy helped me put it together right at the counter. To the those who feel the place is "kinda cliquey", the guys know their customers. So while it might feel a little intimidating to new comers, bring in your gear, get to know the guys and you'll be treated right.

Treats even my budget guitars like they are worth a million. Has made my every piece better than…read morenew. Nothing but respect and camaraderie from the staff at the store. Matt Brewster is truly an artisan and an artist, and deserves every ounce of praise you hear about him and more.

John and his team are obsessive about the quality of work that they do. They made sure that they…read morehad the absolute correct resonators for my B&S Blue Label, and even made custom screws! I cannot believe how my horn now plays top to bottom after the overhaul. I didn't know how bad it was until they fixed everything. Moving from low C# to Bb is amazing, whereas it was impossible before. The pads seal beautifully. The whole horn now plays like a beast! I opted for the polish and the horn now even looks fantastic. Their attention to detail in every respect is second to none. After a couple of sub par experiences with other shops, JL Woodwind repair is the premium service I was looking for.

Brought my tenor in here for a post resolder. Clay caught a few other problems on the horn and now…read moreit plays awesome. Price is about what you would expect for midtown.

A wonderful place for both those who want to learn the violin and those who wish to play with…read moreothers! It is a rare treat to find a place that allows you to make music without already being a high-level player. Violinist and teacher Antoinette Ady has created a warm, friendly and exciting environment in which to learn and grow. She is an excellent violinist with great intonation and a consistent focus on teaching. Always giving gentle tips when needed and never being overbearing. Her teaching style has taught me much more than other teachers who fall into two camps: 1) overly critical or, 2) overly permissive and failing to address major intonation issues or technique issues in an effort to be "nice" and essentially turn the student into a customer. This is where Antoinette Ady is different. She is not just here to patronize you and take your money. Antoinette is here to teach those who would like to learn privately, conduct those who wish to play in the student orchestra and bridge the gap between the two. I am a violist and she made space for me and I couldn't be happier! NYC Violin Studio gets an A+.

I took the absolute beginner class and my instructor is Antoinette, the owner! I've never played…read morethe violin but had some music background and I'm glad I opt for the absolute beginner class, setting my ego aside. Her instructions were clear and she's friendly and firm at the same time. They also offer the option to take the class only or purchase a student violin at a discounted price. I got the violin as I see myself continuing my education. NYC violin studio offers violin for all without the intimidation and at a fair price.

I feel a tad bit overzealous writing a 2nd review for The Music Inn so soon but I just had to make…read morethese thoughts public. The Music Inn open mic is hands down one of the best in the world! So I live on Long Island and it can be pretty daunting at times driving all the way into the city, especially on a Thursday during rush hour, however The Music Inn is totally worth it, and then some!! Sign up starts at 730 (best to line up as early as possible though, say around 630ish) and performances begin at about 8. Last night it ran to about, and every act was incredible. I performed as well and the audience was super supportive and engaging. I saw one person who was there for the first time and they had such a ball that they ended up buying a gong, for like $200+. I love that! He would randomly hit it outside and proclaim loudly "I fricking love this place!" and I found it absolutely hilarious. The best part for me was the impromptu jam happening outside on the covid-era outdoor patio section. I joined in and we jammed for at least an hour, singing and playing everything from blues to rock to jazz. Lately on my daily drives I've been learning how to sing "Devil town" by Daniel Johnston and this was the perfect opportunity to try and perform it. Everyone joined in, we had a lead guitarist, a drummer (playing on a makeshift high hat from an empty plastic chinese food container), and several guitarists keeping rhythm. It was such a magical time! Oh and the cover is only about $5-7, depending if performing or not. If you're looking for some of the most authentic and passionate music in the city, head to Music Inn on Thursday nights at 8pm, you won't regret it!

Totally bogus crap show. The "vintage" instruments are beat-up, dusty old rubbish that Mr. Slatnick…read morehas purchased over the years from Mid-East Mfg., which specializes in importing cheesy tourist-grade junk to sell to naive out of towners. People who can't discern between cheapo tourist garbage and proper instruments are easily wowed by the profusion of "exotic" instruments. No serious musician would ever be fooled by this stuff which barely rises about the status of firewood. The original owner Jerry Halpern, not the friendliest guy, was an honest seller of quality instruments. Give the jungle of dusty cardboard garbage that's on offer since Jerry passed away, he must be spinning in his grave.

The best of the best!!!! Josh and staff always get it right. They also have a great assortment of…read moreaccessories and unique horns.

Josh is the brass restoration guru - literally the horn whisperer. He & his team can bring any…read morebrass instrument back to original condition or even better. They are also friendly & have a sense of humor. They are also literally now the only place in all of NYC that can fully clean & restore brass instruments. Thankfully, they are both amazing & nice.