I remember when this place was actually located on Highland Avenue. Waaaay back when I was a…read moreteenager and my friends and I would get a ride there just to stare at the vintage guitars and hang out and learn about equipment. That must have been 20 years ago or more. So...they've been in business in Birmingham for over 20 years. That's saying something in and of itself. Since then, the same guy, Don, has run the place and over the years all the interactions I've had at the store have been favorable. I must have traded amps, pedals, guitars, bought amps, pedals, and guitars here a dozen times...and I've spent plenty of time here over the years just stopping in here and there to look around and see what they have. Friendly people, honest business, and long running expert employees who probably know more about what they're selling than anyone you'll find anywhere else. These guys aren't just selling equipment...they're in love with the stuff and have been for years. This is not your basic guitar store...this is a museum of vintage amazingness where the best stuff is to be found. Looking for an old Les Paul or Strat? Need to have a vintage tube amp diagnosed? Rebiased? Retubed? They do all that in house. No shipping your stuff out and waiting around in anxiety. No exorbitant prices. Just honest to God expert tech work right here in Birmingham done by guys who've been doing it forever. I've had guitars set up and repaired here, and in most cases it happens within a day. They've got a nice layaway plan if you're in dire need of a 70s Strat but don't want to drop your whole tax return at once. Long story short, this is quite possibly the best place for a real, adult musician to go for the things that they need and to see some vintage stuff that they can truly appreciate. They're not selling starter kits and all the latest gimmick effects as their primary business. If you're in town and looking for Birmingham's best collection of rare and or hard to find guitars and equipment, then you've got to go to highland to see it. Even if you're not in the market, it's worth it to stop in just to marvel and some of what they've got. If you're looking for the last guitar you're ever going to buy...don't order it sight unseen from the internet...go to highland and let them hook you up. You'll be glad you did. A museum where everything's for sale. 5 stars.

Good selection with lots of cool stuff coming through…read more Harold is a wiz at all I've needed for setting up my boutique bass. Non pushy sales but they're there if you need help.

The Lyric was a great venue for KevOnStage. It's a nice-sized, intimate theater that made the show…read morefeel up close and personal. We sat on the main floor about 10 rows back and had a great view, and the sound was good throughout the show. Parking was easy, the bathrooms were fairly clean, and we grabbed a Magic City Mule while we were there. Overall, we had a great time and really enjoyed the venue. 5/5.

I've attended 3 Brian Culbertson concerts at this venue and a book tour with Tabitha Brown. I never…read morehave a problem finding parking since I park two blocks up and walk back. There's never a bad seat in the house, even in the balcony, which I prefer due to the stadium seating. Staffers are always pleasant and eager to show you to your seats. There's even a cute bar/concession stand on the 2nd level for your thirst and snacking needs.

The best violinist for events in Birmingham! I hired Karen for both my anniversary dinner at my…read morehome on solo violin and for my daughter's wedding with her string trio. She played all my requested songs at my private dinner and surprised my husband when she played his favorite Beatles tune Blackbird on violin. For my daughters wedding, Karen gave us a private consultation (you'll pay extra for this - but totally worth it) where our daughter could discuss and hear songs played on the violin. I thought she would want Traditional wedding march like I had when I got married. She asked Karen if she knew Elvis Presley Cant Help Falling in Love, All if Me, Cohens hallelujah and Mozart Eine Klein Nachtmusic. Karen did not blinkj an eye and said yes to everything. We did not mind paying a little more for special services like the amp and playing a little longer for the prelude and after for cocktail music. Karen suggested an amp for the cocktail music which was perfect for our venue. I'd highly recommend Karen for your event. She is highly professional offering more than expected and playing beautifully.

I hired Birmingham Violin duo for my outdoor wedding and they were perfect! Karen made a violin…read moreduo arrangement of Here Comes the Sun for the bridesmaids and played Game of Thrones theme for me and the grooms to walk down the isle. Although the weather did not cooperate and the wind was blowing everyones hair they did not miss a beat. She recommended amplification and brought her system. I would strongly recommend this group!

Best place in Birmingham to take music lessons. Whether you are looking for a good teacher for your…read morechildren or you are an adult polishing up some skills this is the place for you. Friendly staff and two great locations. Rock and roll!

My ten year old is so happy to be receiving music lessons at Mason Music. His music teacher Ben is…read moreso sweet, talented and very patient with my son. Every time my child has music lessons, he always comes out learning something either it be big or small. His teacher is definitely leaving an awesome impression on him. And that speaks volumes, for a little ten year old who struggles to keep focus or interest in something more than one day. And the company itself is so welcoming. When you first walk in you are immediately greeted with a smile, kind words and a welcome bag for your child, which brings a big smile to them. Thank you Ben and Mason Music for all you do!

I frequent Guitar Center Hoover often, as I am a full time musician. I have purchased many things…read morefrom there. I had a Martin 110 SE guitar that I loved however it couldn't be repaired and the warranty I purchased from there covered it. Kilgore and Brandon were amazing with their help and Ron is an excellent tech. They told me what I needed to do and I was able to get a new guitar. Kilgore was there to guide and answer my questions and decided to get the Martin Streetmaster junior. I LOVE this new guitar. Highly recommend Guitar Center Hoover location. Everyone is knowledgeable and willing to help and answer all questions. If they don't know the answer they will find it out. Thank you for always being there for us musicians!

I haven't been to Guitar Center in forever! There was an ad for a free guitar lesson/open house and…read moreI will forever do something random that is free. The air wasn't working and Jacob (my instructor) and I were definitely sweating like we were in a sauna. Lol He was great though as far as answering questions and being patient. I didn't necessarily get far, but I did get an idea of how to play a few notes on an electric guitar and I actually had fun learning. He also helped me pick out a couple of starter guitars that were cheap if I wanted to just grab something, but not feel like I wasted money if I didn't use it often. The manager, Brandon, checked in before my lesson and after. Both individuals were personable. Tip: Go ahead and have an idea of what you would like to play and have a song in mind. I was under the impression that they had select guitars that they would allow you to use and that there were set songs to choose from but I was wrong. It is nice that you have choices though!

This is a beautiful facility. The comfortable seating is wonderful for enjoying a show, concert,…read moreplay or any performance based event. The room set aside for dining is great for most any type of hosting venue. Great sound system without any echos or distracting noises to interrupt a performance. I attended a disability fashion centered experience titled "Every Body Blooms." Sponsored by NCHPAD, UAB Arts In Medicine. This was such a beautiful fashion show showcasing the confidence of the models and their creativity in fashion. One model remarked that "When you look good, you feel good." I would encourage everyone to follow NCHPAD to learn more about the disabled community and how they adapt to the abled body society. Again, this is a wonderful venue. I'll be back for other shows and performances.

I love the Alys Stephens Center! I was recently here to see Eric Benet in concert and it was…read morephenomenal!!! I really don't think there's a bad seat in the building. This is a great venue!!!! Highly recommend attending a show here if you get the opportunity. Parking was tough since I was running late but that was to be expected. Locating street parking is NEVER fun or easy! I ended up parking in a student lot ... no problems since the event was on a Sunday. My car wasn't towed! Ha! This was a great event and I'm so glad Eric Benet spent his birthday with us here in Birmingham, AL!!!! FUN NIGHT!!!!!!

I recently took a mandolin to get a new set up. I could tell immediately that this was the right…read moreplace to go. When I got it back it sounded and played better than it has in years. I would definitely take my instruments here for set up or repairs.. five stars!!!I

I'm proud to be the first to review Homewood Music. From top to bottom, this place is amazing…read more The owner drives a model A Ford, not as a show piece, but as his everyday car. He and his one employee dress the part as well. While it sounds gimmicky, it's actually not. That is their honest style and it's reflected in all phases of the business. They specialize in stringed instruments and concertinas. Banjos, guitars, and mandolins adorn the walls in the main room. To the left of the cash register, you can peak into the workshop. You'll find some of the most beautiful banjos and guitars you've ever seen being made by hand. They don't just make instruments from scratch, but can repair your noisemaker, no matter what the damage. When you go by, be prepared to see cool sights, hear amazing stories, and pet a dog or two that has found a bed in a guitar case.

I don't understand these negative reviews. I was having a problem with my Les Paul guitar and after…read morespeaking with Arts on the phone I decided to take it to them and see what they thought. I arrived and was greeted by a very friendly and knowledgeable staff and as I was explaining my issue it seemed the whole staff was taking an interest and Jeff kind of took over and gave me some suggestions and I left the guitar. They set my guitar up and went above and beyond with correcting the issue with my guitar and the customer service and price was fantastic. If you're looking for a good place to take your instrument Arts would be the place. Barry. Satisfied customer

Rented a instrument for my child. School class. Be warned! This company wants in your wallet. We…read morewere charged for a full month of June on the 30th of May. Yes school was out and the instrument was returned. When asked about it, my wife was told, "There's nothing we can do. Payment has already gone thru". Really? There's nothing you can do? Pro rate? Refund? Sleezy company's like Arts should be banned from schools.

I take piano lessons here from Jay. I was pretty nervous when I first began (I came in knowing…read morealmost nothing), but he really makes the lessons fun and the theory aspect hasn't been the nightmare that I thought it would be. He offers lessons for either 45 minutes or an hour and he's really great about working around your schedule. He's one of those multi-talented musicians that can play somewhere around 50 instruments. I plan on bringing in bagpipes one day just to see if he can play them. (So..if anyone has some bagpipes laying around, let me know.) I believe he offers lessons for many different instruments, but I can only vouch for piano and guitar. The actual store is owned and run by his father, Steve. They sell all kinds of instruments and musical equipment. I've never actually purchased anything from them, but everyone has been really nice when I've come in for lessons.

From the owner: Music Alley has been around since 1974. Our store was founded with a musicians emphasis which makes…read moreus uniquely qualified to add a unique lens to our audio, video, and lighting designs. One of our specialties is to help you create a streaming video and audio mix that will meet your expectations! Call us at 205-988-3688 or email at stevegarrett@musicalleyonline.com or text to 205-936-3573. Thanks!

The Alabama Theatre has a very rich history here in Birmingham and has been a landmark since the…read more1920's. It is a beautiful and elegant venue that has been renovated over the years but kept its identity to its original state. I've attended several events here over the years, from concerts, to movies to guest speakers. My high school graduation was held here back in 1997. There are usually snacks such as popcorn available for purchase and beverages. I don't remember other food being available. The staff is always pleasant and ready to assist. Pro Tip: The seating on the lower level is much more comfy than upstairs, especially if you are hippy or curvy or just want more room. Buy your tickets keeping this in mind.

Great venue for a show or concert. There's plenty of street parking along with paid parking nearby…read more The venue offered snacks, cocktails and drinks. I'm not sure about prices, I didn't have any. I don't think any of the seats are bad for viewing the stage.i do think that they should invest funds into renovating or replacing the seats. The seats are short, low and small. They also do not have an elevator. Be prepared to climb many stairs if you don't purchase floor seats. They seemed to have improved the sound system, which really made the musical experience better. I thoroughly enjoyed Orchestra Noir and can't wait to see them again next year. I will definitely go back.