Where to begin. I just started playing the cello a few days ago, and needed an instrument to practice with at home and to be mine. I had exhausted amazon and ebay, most of which were dirt cheap and looked like it, when I found a post on craigslist about this music store. Scott is a total character, his family are all musicians and his father played alongside Duke Ellington (and there are pictures around the store which show it). I took the LIRR from manhattan to this unknown hamlet out in Long Island, grabbed a cab and 5 minutes later was in front of a sketchy seeming music store. Scott let me in and showed me around his incredible instrument warehouse. He had all the options for me set up, tuned and ready for me to play with, and taught me all about the features of the various cellos. They have an on staff luthier to hand-carve their bridges and sounding posts, and I was really impressed with the level of care they cleary took of their instruments. Add to that, they have a 3 year get half your money back deal, which is great for children and adults who may get bored. After buying a wonderful cello for maybe 1/3 of what I would have paid in the city, he drove me to the train station. Such a surreal yet amazing experience. I'm breaking in my cello already and its giving me some really amazing tone. Thanks Scott! read more

I have been looking around for a speaker that is affordable and small to use when I do my kids' entertainment. I googled music stores near me and came across Scott's place. I called them, and he had what I thought I was looking for, and it was. We also talked about community and business, which was a nice feeling of friendship. Carol MisMatch & YooHoo the Magical Entertainers read more

Student rental experience is a hassle. There's a reason this store is not on the list of rental places for some of the area's schools. Consistent with other reviews, issues with the instrument are always the fault of the careless student and can never be a defect in manufacturing or normal wear and tear. Moreover, the repair I paid for didn't solve the problem and an instrument switch was out of the question. When you turn in the instrument, there is a hard sell for you to either continue the rental, buy it outright or buy something else. You can't simply return the instrument without a sales pitch that needs to be rebuffed. That having been said the store does have a lot of instruments and music equipment for sale, does do repairs, is located right on Sunrise Highway and they seem to be connected in the professional musician industry. I just wish it was run better. read more

Guy is a swindler. Sneaky and wouldn't trust him with caring for my snail. Says to Come to his business and doesn't remember that he asked you to come. Very odd read more

I wish I head read the reviews before I purchased rentals from them last year. As someone who knows nothing about Instruments, I just had a feeling I was being taken advantage of. Almost $700 for a sax rental and a violin rental, I should have know better. Then in June when I went to return the instruments bam, banged again for repairs that my children told me where there when we initially rented them. I had a feeling he was Big dealing everything when he was giving the instruments the once over for returns. My advice, go somewhere else. The place seemed shady, I should have gone with my gut. Edit: The bow was not broken or damaged. Her teacher said it was in perfect condition. Again, you were Big dealing it. The repairs to the sax were not as extensive as you make it seem. Yes the guard was broken but I later came to find out that snapped off 2 weeks after he received the instrument because the screws were tarnished and rusted. As far at the $700, ok that was an exaggeration it cost me exactly $500. I was charged $385 and then $115. I was charged separately on different receipts for both instruments. No thank you on returning for a discount next year. I will take my business elsewhere. read more

If I could leave negative stars he would deserve it! Trying to sell equipment to him is a nightmare. He stands you up, makes promises he doesn't keep and sends you on a wild goose chase only to disappoint time and time again. He says he will buy then when you show up he pretends he didn't know you were coming or haphazardly changes his mind. Such an unprofessional and ridiculous way of doing business. Don't know how the place is still open!! read more

Best music store around hands down, the owner and his staff were so knowledgeable and helpful , it would be a huge mistake to pass up stoping in here and getting lost in the unique selection of instruments! read more

I trusted Russ Scott Music, and for many years have given Russ the opportunity to do the right thing by refund me most of the 1,800.00 He and Rod Baltimore charged to restore my Tenor saxophone. Paid another 586.00 dollars for an overhaul that was also not done correctly on my Selmer SA 80 series II alto, with which Rod Baltimore, also tried to charge me 1,800.00, when the e bay ad said 586.00, but, Russ said that it was an type o error, and the service was only for a re-pad... liar... Russ Music, via Rod Baltimore charged me 1,800.00 to restore my beloved vintage 114XXX Silver plated Mark VI Tenor, which Rod had overhauled in the past and the reason I trusted him because I knew him for over 40 years. It all started when I found an auction ad on e bay for an over haul, and not a re-pad at a good price and seeing that Rod Baltimore, whom I know since I started playing the sax in 1969 was the repairman I called fr service to be done on my tenor. Rod had done an over haul on my horn many years in the past, so I gave him the honor of restoring my MK VI. First and foremost, if you need repairs, an overhaul or thinking of restoring your saxophone, don't take your horns to Russ Music. Rod caused a lot of damage to my horn. I was very surprised as Rod Baltimore was one great repairman, but, no more. He dented my main tube in numerous places, and cause what we call waving on the bell. He caused so much damage where my horn had lost its market value of 7,500.00 to 6,000.00, where if he would have had done a good restoration, I could have asked as much as 8,500.00 if I decided to sell my horn. So, I go to pick up my horn, driving from the Bronx to Long Island, and when I go to play test my horn, my horn doesn't even play, my guess, Russ thought I was a beginner the way I sounded. So, had to leave the horn, which means another trip back to the shop with tolls, and a female repair person at the shop is given the task to repair my horn and bring my horn to playable condition, which she successfully did... somewhat, but, the very next day, when I was playing my horn, the G# left pinky key tab that suppresses the low B key for a low B, bent over and broke off, and I noticed that one of the main rods that holds the upper stack together, it rod's where you fasten the rod to the post was missing on one side and not seated completely to the post, these rods were supposed to have been installed brand new rods. Rod also gave me this story of how I needed hand made metal Selmer resonators made and installed, and was another reason why the job was so expensive... He installed tenor madness dome type resonators. Now, I'm without a horn, and call Russ next day. He offered me a 200.00 or 250.00 dollar refund for me not to take him to small claims court or file a complaint with the BBB. It gets worst... because I had to take my horn and have all the damages repaired to the tune of 750.00 over the 1,800.00, and that didn't included the removal of the dents and waving damage done. I only receiving about 250.00 refund, and that's not including the neck repair of 375.00 dollars, where Rod took off the pick up mic post, and repaired it, and left it looking like a rough crater on the moon. I've been asking for more money back as a refund for their horrific work for years now, only to be given the round around. To sum it up, It was a really bad restoration job, and I didn't want to give Russ a bad review like this, and it's after many years that I have decided that, he can not continue to rip his customers off with the low end repairs, not to mention how he over charged others as I read the nightmares they have experienced with Russ Music repairs and services also, both he and Rod Baltimore charge very high prices, and if they see the customer doesn't know what they should be paying, they will lie and grab as much money as they can... So, Stay Away from these liars, like another customer have said. We don't know why or how these people stay in business... Russ, please don't give any excuses to remedy what I said here, you know it's the truth... I have pictures and receipts for the repairs I had to pay to have my horn brought back to play the way it was supposed to. read more

I just purchased the Supro Delta King 12, tube (valve) amplifier, from Scott Russ Music in New York. I have NEVER had a music company treat me with more concern, professional courtesy and respect as this music company... I did business directly with the owner, Scott Russ. Scott gave me his undivided attention and never once hurried me off the phone because he was too busy to talk. This is one hell of a classy, professional, music company. Not only did I buy the Supro amp from Scott, I also purchased an Excel EXL-1, D'Angelico Archtop. You would not believe the tone the two pieces produce (amp & guitar). If you're a Jazz man, you better check out both the amp and the archtop... Thanks Scott, for all that you do for your customers. I truly appreciate you. - Dave R., Florida read more

If I could leave a negative number of starts I would. The owner is the biggest scam artist on the island. He sold me a trumpet and told me it was a pre professional trumpet. Charged me over $1000 and it is barely worth $300. Shame on me for trusting a small business owner. He lied right to my face. I hope his business goes to hell. read more

Scott is SO nice and knowledgeable about all things music! I trust him with all my guitars. Taught me a ton of things about being a luthier and what's involved with caring for and working on guitars. Forget Sam Ash! read more

My boyfriend and I came to this store early Wednesday morning and were warmly greeted by the owner Scott the moment we walked through the door. He spent over an hour walking us around the store and answering any and all questions we had. Scott is instantly made us instantly feel right at home and was very generous with his knowledge. The store is spacious and beautiful, easy to navigate and filled with a good mix between unique and practical items. We both plan on bringing friends to check out the Scott Russ music store as we could probably spend a full day exploring the store! Looking forward to come back to this Long Island gem. read more

If you want great selection and great prices, go to a great store, this place lacked a lot of essentials that I look for. a lot of way overpriced instruments here, grossly overpriced! read more

Rip off artists. Stay away! Rented a violin here for my daughter. It got stolen at school. This place charged us 250 bucks to replace a piece of s used violin. The same garbage could be had online for 75 dollars new. But that is not an option as their instruments must be old italian masterpieces. Be warned. read more

Excellent service and I love how it's family orientated. Scott is very passionate about music and his business. Takes his time with his clients. Love! read more

Will not shop here again. The owner sold me an overpriced Tenor Sax for $1200, and after I went to return it a year later after playing it 5-6x, offered me $250. He goes out of his way to badmouth other businesses, and attempts to sell his customers items that they don't need. He takes advantage of people who don't know better. Go anywhere else. read more

Such a nice place to get your instrument. Mr Russ took plenty of time to explain us how to handle a saxophone and how get the most of it. He is very sympathetic and funny. He made us laugh all the time we were there. I definitely recommend this place to any music lover. read more

Excellent service , family orientated , great vibe and anything you can think of when it comes to an instrument.

He has a "graveyard" for "broken" bows (from violins, Cellos.) All these bows are garbage because nobody knows to read or follow his "special" instructions to loosen the bow fastener 4 times while renting them. He puts a price of 99$ On the bow knowing you probably won't loosen it, then charges You his "cost" of 60$ before he puts the bow into the "graveyard". Yes, I paid because I had no choice. When doing research after saying goodbye to my hard earned money, I found a website that sells student bows for $20. I HIGHLY doubt he rents third graders a 100$ bow, but you don't know that. Do yourself a favor, Buy your own bow for 20$, loosen it (not sure if that's even necessary) and save your money and heaven from those "dead" bows. Maybe just stay away from this place. read more

I had the most delightful experience at Scott Russ Music. I went with my mom to buy my little brother his first saxophone. I played the violin in high school and my mom knows nothing about music so we didn't really know what we were doing but after going to several local stores, this was the one that gave us not only the best deal, but the best overall experience. First of all, inside the store is very neat and organized and the instruments look very clean and well taken care of. Aside from the look of the store, the employees appear to be really helpful and really knowledgeable. The person who helped us personally was the owner Scott and this man is truly amazing. He's so knowledgeable about instruments and music and it is so obvious that this is his passion and his true calling in life. Scott will help you find the perfect instrument for your needs and you can really tell that with him it's not about the money, it's about making the customer happy. He told us everything we need to know about saxophones and how they're made and he even played for us to show us the sound of the instruments he recommended. He's so personable and patient and you can tell he really cares about the consumer. My mother and I were so impressed with him and his service that we'd recommend him to any and everyone without hesitation and my little brother loves the saxophone we brought home for him. So if you're looking to buy, rent, or sell a new or used instrument and you live on Long Island or are willing to travel to Merrick in Long Island, PLEASE make the effort to visit Scott Russ Music. I promise you that you will not regret it. read more

Scott is passionate about his business and music in general. Having grown up in a musical family he appears to have a ton of passion for what he does. Watch him bust out some Hammond Organ for you. He has loads of inventory and its nice he is local to buy reeds and other musical related gear. The staff is super friendly and knowledgable as well. read more

My son needed a french horn and a cello to take to college. I was having trouble finding instruments that were in my budget, yet of a high enough quality. I happened upon an ad in my local newspaper with prices that sounded too cheap to be real. I called him, expecting it to be a scam and was surprised with the depth of his music knowledge. Deciding this guy might be for real, I loaded my son in the car and we drove the 5 1/2 hours to his shop. He spent an hour and a half teaching us about horns and cellos and woods and metals and sound...It was well worth the 12 hour round trip drive! We got amazing insturments at a family friendly price! I have another son who is going to eventually need his own saxophone and I will definitely buy from Scott! read more

Scott Russ Music is a wonderful establishment. As a long time performing musician and music educator, I have found Scott to great for both personal and professional music needs. Scott's professionalism, service, and reliability are top notch. I chose to go to Scott to purchase a new keyboard that I could use to gig with my jazz trio. Not only did he get me the best price around, he took several hours of his own time to show me all of my options and teach me how to use them. I purchased a new Nord Electro 3 and also looked at the new Hammond B3, the new portable Hammond SK-1 & SK-2 and the new Kurzweil keyboards. He told me what I would need, as well as what I wouldn't need. And as always, he was honest and only had my best interests in mind. I recommend Scott to my students for instrument rentals as well. As a school music teacher, it is important for me to have both honesty and reliability when suggesting a local store for my students to visit. One of the best things about Scott Russ Music is the "repair while you wait" philosophy. Scott has top-notch, professional repair technicians working on site. Often, my students' instruments can be serviced and returned to them in the same visit. This is essential when running a school instrumental program. Scott is always patient and thorough in explaining all of the options, and getting my students setup with whatever they need for maximum success in the classroom. Thanks so much Scott and keep up the good work! read more