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 had a bad experience with Clark who repairs keyboards. In the end he made the condition of my…read morekeyboard worse and the reason why I'm giving two stars instead of one is that perhaps he could have fixed what he broke if I was willing to take it back, and I'd like to give the business itself the benefit of the doubt that their information and service in purchasing gear lives up to a very good reputation, *my* experience was with an old keyboard that was on the line of whether it could be fixed or couldn't, and Clark was honest that it was a risk. However, I brought the keyboard in with a power supply that wasn't its original power supply and although I hadn't had a problem with it Clark was extremely argumentative that there's no way it could have ever worked because it's "just physics." He had to be right, and wouldn't let me finish any of my statements or questions. Since he told me there was an 85% chance he could fix one key that was broken, I agreed to give a $40 deposit but a day or two later I found the same model at Guitar Center and wanted to take the keyboard back if he hadn't started to work on it. I left a message for him to call and let me know if he had started work on it and was told he'd call right after his cigarette break, I called again and couldn't get ahold of him and went back in person where he told me he had called me. However, days later there is still no record of any calls or messages, and I suspect he was not being honest. When I took the keyboard home I found that the key immediately next to the broken key was now very stiff and hard to play, so his diagnostic process with the $40 deposit resulted in worsening the condition of his keyboard. I would have gone back to ask him to fix this if he hadn't rubbed me so wrong in the overall communication. I disputed the charge with my American Express and my account was credited and I don't know if this was Rogue that agreed to refund me.

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__

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.

I'm thrilled about the volume I saw in store today. And in benefit of the doubt, these guys are…read moreclearly short staffed while handling a never ending queue and loop of tasks. At the same time that 4 pedal boards in simultaneous testing are piercing your ears from across. But honestly the salespeople were just straight up icks. From the long haired dude thats been there longer than fast food fries, and the gentle voiced big fella that speaks in automated replies with a slight overtone of condescension. Like my guy. I am imploring you to do business with me. What in the world are you going on about? Came in for a radial conversion unit (not cheap) and a barebones over drive pedal that in spur of the creative moment would be a part of tonights engineering session. -Asked long haired dude for a distortion pedal in the used section and the radial unit. He tells me to fug all about the pedal because it cant be sold until april 6th over some policy I've no idea about and sends me to go figure it out downstairs for the radial unit. -Went at it downstairs with an older dude about the technicalities of signal processing and was then successfully closed out by another quirky fellow as the former had already ended their shift. Solid dudes and banter. Asked the latter about the wait time for the used pedal, still unclear. -Went back up, found a different drive pedal, and a cheepo delay. Went to automated joe for purchase. Drive pedal's price tag had a whole digit covered in its position. Closed out the delay, and navigated an over-toned condescending remark about how I should be satisfied with the delay and GTFO. -Nah - went to the pedal boards. Cut through the noise around me like if I was actually going to buy something. Employee hovers over me for a bit as if to tell me to turn it down while also inspecting the radial unit i just purchased. But I ignore it and test the pedal. Excellent. - go back to automated joe, tells me the unit is sold out. And that he can take payment for it now and have it in a week. - I dont need it for a week, I need it for tonight. - go back to the used cases, scour and search. A/B what I can online. -Narrow it down to an MXR pedal when suddenly a Black woman appears and saves me. First words out of her mouth told me she was efficient and cared for the success of this mutually conducive sale. I was sitting in front of an amp to test the pedal within 5 minutes. And she EXPLAINED what the hold on the used gear was. Like holy S. Thank you. For clarifying that for legal reasons you have to put a processing hold on used gear thats making its way through your store incase it was stolen in the past. Like I didnt even ask the other guys if I could test the gear I was attempting to buy, did not even know that was an option as they told me to fug all and be on my way. -amp i was testing pedal on was too muddy to get anything meaningful out of it. -went to mxr pedal section. Tried a different one that was in the routing. Was eh. Took a leap and swapped out their cute little eq pedal (lovely thing really) as it had just enough space to pull the 1/4's out, with the one the woman pulled for me. -grabbed the American strat behind me with the most horrendous setup and proceeded to get some beautiful tones. Mission accomplished. -closed and GTFO of there. It was roughly 5:30 when I got in. I didnt leave until 8pm. I never want to go through that again. Also every guitar i tried to use to test pedals needed some serious work done. Like come on bro. This ain't stevie ray vaughn. Why are all the strings way past their proper guages and have the tension of an acoustic. Can't even let the guitar come alive that way. Best setup was a fresh out the box squire strat that was sitting unadulterated on its hook. Pros: music is thriving Cons: Musicians are dying behind the counters of guitar center.

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.

Considering selling my (now vintage) high school trumpet, so stopped by Jon Baltimore Music for…read moreadvice on things to do to put take it from quite good shape to the best condition, as well as guidance on selling it. The team was friendly and very knowledgeable. Also appreciated Jon himself spending a little time, providing his insight. A great experience. Great service. Thanks! Would recommend checking Jon Baltimore Music out!

Whether you're in NYC or Alaska THIS is the ONLY place to bring your horn for repairs!!!! And they…read morehave an incredible array of new and collector's horns, mouthpieces, reeds, virtually anything you need. Honest, reliable, solid and technically proficient to the highest degree...Jon, Rachel, and the guys are the musical equivalent of NASA engineers!!!!

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.