So I've been going to MusicLand since I was a kid. That's the local music shop and as a kid I loved going there, it was like a candy store to me. Moved away for college but now I'm back in my hometown and love to support local business. I recently went in to get my bow repaired and new strings for my violin. The repair guys (I believe his name was Gary) in the back were awesome and very kind. But the employees on the floor... 1. I've never been greeted upon entry the past couple times I've gone. 2. It felt like I was bothering them to ask for strings or to be rung up. They had an air of annoyance that I interrupted their conversation behind the counter. I chalked it up to maybe they were having a bad day. Yesterday I went in, I know exactly what I want. I want a coil instrument cable. The employee's first response was "you know those are super expensive" Which yeah... I do know. Don't look at me like I'm crazy for knowing I want a very specific item. For frame of reference a top shelf coil cable averages at $60.00 USD. I just spent more than that to have my violin bow rehaired. I explain that "yes, I want a coil cable because there is a certain tone I want for my instrument." I yet again get another incredulous look. This was after I was led to their selection of cables. They're sold out of coil cables. I wasn't offered to put in an order, or to leave a number for when they were restocked. I'm bummed because I want to support local businesses especially those regarding the arts. But I'm really fed up with how the sales floor employees treat me. I'm probably only going to come back if it's for repairs. read more

Just purchased a Martin 000-28EC and worked with Collin. From start to finish he was friendly, knowledgable and helpful. Great experience, I love supporting local businesses and they are my go to for all of my guitars. read more

I purchased from an ad on Reverb that included shipping, the store cancelled my order because they said they wont ship my product, I was short of their 'free shipping' minimum but was charged a shipping fee at checkout. When I contacted the store the owner was extremely rude and dismissive, stating his 53yrs of business speaks for itself. Buy from people who enjoy your business, not this place... ever. Edited note: As you can see in their response below, and further attacks in my email, linkdin, and facebook, this place isnt worth your time. Try Jeff at Sweetwater instead. read more

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Anytime I have a problem with my guitar, they are very kind and helpful. The staff knows their stuff and their expertise and prices are amazing. read more

Knowledgable staff from teachers to luthiers to sales people. Friendly and helpful. I got my first guitar from Joe around 14 years ago. He was a great guy to talk to. His son Larry is no different. Good people! I took lessons with Vincent over the years and he has had a tremendous impact on my playing. Very knowledgeable about music theory, development, and the science behind all things guitar. His solo playing sounds great! The store was more recently revamped and looks better than your run of the mill Guitar Center in my opinion. They have an open mic night as well. This is my guitar home-- 5 Stars! read more

Love this place! Everyone is super helpful and always willing to help. Love supporting a small business!

This is the best selection of guitars and amps in my town. I was greeted and the salesman took me to the PRS line I asked about and took down a model.I asked for. Handed to me without a cord or amp. I played it for 10.min and he was helping another lady who is a beginner who wanted a slim profile neck. I was in the acoustic room and pointed out a Yamaha with the skinniest Nick ever. He commented "good call" and handed it to her. I hope she bought it. I however walked out without a PRS today. I'd give them another shot when they give me a cord and a nice PRS amp to play it through lol. read more

Saw this music store while heading to the post office and thought that I would take my son's guitar in for a setup. Guitar was one of those package deals and the string action was way to high to even play the darn thing. This place has its own shop and it only took a minute for the craftsman to diagnose and recommend a solution. A few days later, some lighter gauge strings, and a very reasonable fee, the guitar is easy to play. Magic!! Great service, helpful staff, and kind on your wallet. read more

The staff at music land is very knowledgeable and passionate about music. Currently I am taking guitar lessons, and I cannot be happier with the progress I am making. My instructor, Vincent, is patient, taking his time to provide systematic instruction that is catered toy goals. I've also had some work done in the shop where they lowered the bridge on my Big Baby Taylor. What a tremendous difference! read more

This is definitely a hidden gem! I have my guitar overhauled and it came back better than when I first bought it in 91'. Their repair tech has got to be one of the best I've ever dealt with. Customer service is excellent. Extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone. read more

The owner is not very friendly. The place is deafeningly quiet (a no no for music stores). It's going to be really uncomfortable to browse or test any instrument. They do have a decent selection of books, if you are willing to deal with the silence and stares of the owner. The equipments are overpriced, but a good place for suburban moms to get recorders for 5th grade music classes. They do offer music lessons in the back too. Do yourself a favor and drive to the guitar center. read more

I have purchased both my Telly and my Gretsch from music land as well as amps in the past. Their commitment to music is awesome. Everyone is a musician and is passionate about music. I do want to rave about their repair and service. I recently had them swap out the pick ups on a Flying V that guitar is so totally wicked sick after the mods and their installation it's like getting new breast augmentation on your long term girlfren, you just can't wait to play with it. read more

Music Land - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

I have never purchased a a guitar outside of using the usual GC and SweetW. Not long ago one of my favorites was stolen from me and it was a very sentimental piece to me. I found one on Revrb to replace it, as there weren't many on the market as it was a guitar no longer being manufactured. Having found it at a store called MUSICLAND in Maryland, I was hesitant to make the purchase without seeing it etc. To my surprise the owner Larry Noto was my point of contact, and what a pleasure it was to have dealt with the professional in the industry. He heard my story, we haggled a bit, and we came to a mutually beneficial agreement for the piece. Which he allowed me to make payments over three months. As life goes, sometimes changes occur and I found myself in a work transition and had to move. I asked Larry to kindly refund my down payment, he did, and graciously let me know that I could contact him when I was ready to purchase the guitar. Around Christmas I reconnected with MUSICLAND. They still had my guitar and Larry was kind enough to provide me with such an amazing price. I couldn't believe it, in light of all that happened over the course of 6 months. What an awesome guy with a great crew to provide me with amazing customer service and an awesome guitar. THANK YOU MUSICLAND! read more

Music Land - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Bel Air, Maryland

I think the reason why the owner wasn't friendly and it was quiet was because the long time owner recently passed away. I have been going there since before they relocated there and they have always been helpful and attentive read more

Love this place. Great selection of instruments, has a repair shop and always seems to have those hard to find little parts. Very large sheet music selection. Also, they have several studios in the back of the store for private lessons. I was surprised to learn a few friends of mine taught here. I found the customer service to be better than the big box store. Staff seems knowledgable and if they don't know an answer they find out. I actually got a phone call a day after a visit with an answer regarding an amplifier I was looking at. read more

Returned to purchase a telecaster here for my birthday. The staff is really accommodating and helpful when I was trying out a couple different guitars. Not only that but they are knowledgeable and passionate about the gear they sell. I purchased the guitar without hesitation, it's just such a better experience coming here than going to guitar center and waiting half an hour to buy a pack of strings haha. read more

I think for a ma and pa store, Music Land deserves one's business. I found staff to be friendly, pretty down to earth, and knowledgeable. Supplies, and instrument selection exceeds what I expected to see at a store of this scale and everything is kept in pretty good condition. Matter of fact, gone here a few times to get stuff Guitar Center in Towson didn't have. I also see alot of care towards music education as evident by the fine selection of sheet music, instructional/theory books, again stuff that places like GC don't carry. Was always very happy with these guys and they ultimately have my vote. read more

I've been here a couple times, but never bought anything. Had my guitar fixed there once and they did a great job, compared to other music stores who kept my guitar somewhere in limbo for a month, they kept me up to date and was pleased with the finished result. They have great selection, that can't be doubted, and their staff seemed knowledgeable enough, but I can't get past the pretentious attitude that the owner has. I know, you've been playing guitar for decades where as I've been playing for little over 5 years, but really, think of it as "ushering in a new generation of guitarists" instead of "meh, just some "rocker" kid who wants to make noise in his parents garage." I don't expect constant smiling and handshaking, just at least try to look like you WANT me to buy your stuff. You're a store, not a museum. read more

Very Unfriendly people there... Fake smiles and help when you are buying but don't you dare try to return. then no money back return, really?? even for the same day purchase. WATCH OUT FOLKS!!!! GO AMAZON..... read more

Have rented and bought several instruments/amps/accessories over the years - including sax flute, guitar, etc. Also did several repairs on flute/sax. Always thought the place was good/ok. But yesterday, I went in to sign my daughter up for guitar lessons. I was surprised to learn that they have 100% no make up policy. So, for example, we know we will be out of town on her lesson day three weeks from now. They still made me pay for that lesson and said they offer 0 make ups or rescheduling. In the next breath, they told me that the instructor tends to run late and never to expect him on time!? While my daughter likes this place and even dreamed about working there...my husband and I are questioning this business policy and their lack of customer service in this area. Will see if the lessons are worth the extra money we will have to pay for having to pay for lessons when we are on vacation or sick. But also not real keen on buying my daughters new guitar there anymore.....policy and the way their team talked about it left a really bad taste in my mouth read more

As someone who prefers to shop at small business I am highly disappointed by how I was treated at music land. I felt belittled by the workers who treated me as though I was stupid when I asked them questions about what lessons they teach and about specific products. It was a boys club, I am a hang with the guys kind of girl that knows a lot about different instruments and they made me feel like the dumb girl next door. read more

I had a gig in this area and I desperately needed a keyboard stand. I went to musicland and found exactly what I needed on the floor, and offered to buy it on the spot. Instead, the owner of the store (Joe), after overhearing our entire conversation insisted his otherwise helpful young employee search around the back instead of giving me what I needed when I needed it, This place is obviously garbage for real musicians, I guess they are more interested in making money off of local young students. Don't go here. read more