3 stars. I'm an oboe player and buy my reeds here (Lesher medium hard). Almost every reed I get plays flat right out of the package, so every single time I have to scrape and adjust it myself before I can even use it. For $17 a reed, that shouldn't be my job. Staff is helpful, but please carry better or pre-tested oboe reeds. read more

My daughter and I came in looking for a case for an acoustic guitar. We interacted with several of the staff and they were all helpful and great people, but they noticed that the acoustic we had was very large for my daughter and showed us some smaller options. We came in looking for a case, but Rodrigo recommended the South store that had a better selection of smaller acoustics and we bought one the next day. Good call, Rodrigo! She is having a much easier time playing now. read more

I worked with Austin Thursday on a microphone I researched and wanted. The phone conversations went great. He said he had the exact Sennheiser microphone I wanted at the Bee Cave store and had it transferred next day. We talked about the opportunity to check it out in store and he fully agreed and said I could work with one of the Pro Audio people to do that when I came to pick it up. It came in mid afternoon Friday and I wasn't able to make it to the store. No problem, Austin said, I will have Rodrigo and Caleb here tomorrow and they can work with you when you can make it in. We'll even hold it for a week. So far this is lining up like a five-star review right? But then there's the rest of the story. Saturday I arrived and connected almost immediately with Rodrigo. He was proceeding immediately to ring me up for not one but two microphones (I only wanted one but Austin brought in two just in case). So when I asked about trying it out in the store, he said that they don't do that. Worse yet, they don't accept returns on microphones. Even worse yet they got in the wrong microphone! I really enjoyed the time, gas, and 60 miles I wasted when I could have had the right microphone on its way to me from someone with a return policy, not to mention the gas and the drive into Lakeline from darn near Florence. I was trying to buy local but local flounced. By Sunday evening, I had the microphone I wanted from an online reseller with return privileges. Guitar Center (local) and Sweetwater (online) both offer returns on microphones. It's not as though I didn't research this in advance. The whole reason for buying from Strait was to avoid a return in the first place and to give the little guy a chance. Also, I can only base purchasing decisions on the representations of the sales associate on the phone, so if those are inaccurate, please don't shame the customer for not knowing otherwise. Strait has done great things for me in the past at the old Lakehills Plaza store, but something has changed. Sorry about the one star at this location this time, but you totally earned it. Austin did a great job of courting me as a customer, but, in the end, it was wasted effort. read more

Strait Music Company - What they tried to pass off for the same price (no switch). - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This was one of the most frustrating customer experiences I've had. My credit was not the issue, yet this company still acted like I was unworthy of basic service and tried to force a $600 deposit on top of monthly rental charges. I had already been a customer for a year, paid every bill on time, paid a deposit at the very beginning of my account with them although my credit was GOOD. Not fair, not poor, GOOD, and still got a nonsense explanation that made it clear they either don't value repeat customers or don't know how to apply their own policies consistently. I walked away and found another company (Blackerby) with far better service, better rates, a $125 deposit, and no credit check. The difference was night and day. This company's deposit policy feels arbitrary, their pricing is excessive, and their treatment of customers is flat-out poor. I would not recommend them to anyone. By the way I paid for an entire year of rental upfront with the other company and still paid less than the $600 deposit fee that Strait Music tried to play in my face with. read more

Bought a cello elsewhere (mistake) but Jack helped us fix the issues we had with it and get it tuned. Felt welcomed and not judged. I highly recommend this fantastic shop. Every time we have visited we've gotten great advice from friendly staff. read more

Honestly, my experience with Strait Music was extremely disappointing. I submitted a rental request and waited over two weeks without hearing anything. I eventually had to reach out myself just to find out what was going on, only to be told that I couldn't rent an instrument because of the credit check. What's frustrating is that it seems like if your credit isn't good enough, there's little to no effort to communicate with you or even explain your options--you're basically left to pay full price for an instrument and walk out the door. For beginners to intermediate musicians who are simply trying to get experience, learn, and grow, this is a terrible way to introduce someone to the music world. Thankfully, I found another local music business that doesn't require a soft credit check, and they had my instrument rented to me within two days. That's what real customer service looks like. Strait Music could definitely learn something from that experience. read more

Great customer service, attentive, professional, and very knowledgeable of the instructions in the store.

The best customer experience, customer interactions, atmosphere, and respect you get here is amazing. I personally love coming here when I can just to vibe and enjoy the basses, synths, guitars, and any other instruments that are on display to be played and tinkered with. Not to mention you can talk for hours with the staff who are knowledgeable to every extent possible. A great store and I hope it stays, we love you Strait! Also, is the name a derivative of Dire Straits? If so more respect for that haha! read more

one pf the best music stores ever, the staff is very helpful, kind and friendly. Highly recommended read more

The crew was very helpful when i was looking for parts for my new guitar. The had most of what i needed and they were very knowledgeable!!! read more

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This is the best Music Store in Austin. I started going to the location on Anderson Ln in the early 80"s and now my son plays guitar and drums and we love the staff here. We bought an acoustic guitar and had issues with humidity that we caused (lessoned learned on humidity control) and Chris, Jack, and their entire staff took care of us and worked with us and Gibson on the repair. They all went ABOVE AND BEYOND, when this was our issue and hung in there with us until the guitar was returned (like new by the way). Highly recommend these rock stars. read more

Super friendly (without being overbearing) service, clean shop, and I love the holiday hours since Sundays tend to be my free time to get out on the town. I love the vibe at Strait music! Their prices are great and it rocks to support a local business. They even let me play a little on the pianos while I looked at new sheet music. read more

Super helpful and knowledgeable staff. Prices are fair. Also love my guitar teacher.

This store need to reboot it's customer service. My daughter is new to band and I have no idea of what she needed. The school recommended this place to me. I walked in and no greeting. I walked around the entire store and make eye contact with each worker 4 that I counted and not a soul spoke or offered help. I know I looked lost because I was but finally I just stood in line still making eye contact with the workers and still not speaking. Just rude and unwelcoming. Finally I was help by a decent guy don't remember his name. But I'm very disappointed. I spent a lot of money and will be by renting a new sax. I really don't want to say it was a color issues but if it was I would have appreciated a get out of my store and I would have taken my Gold Amex elsewhere...... hey it's 2024. We are all exhausted with the world just be kind for a moment . I promise it won't kill you. 8/27/24.... "I emailed to seek clarification but have yet to receive a response. After leaving a review, you responded promptly, and I followed up with an email as requested. However, I have not heard back since." read more

i love going here looking at new instruments, what they have. they're directly under the hawaii. next to indian grocery store. But sometimes the people working there just stare at you, watch what you're doing. I like to come, check out the new guitars, I think they could liven up. I think 3 stars is fitting. read more

Inventory for on line orders is suspect. Call and ask if they have the item before you drive over there.

This place is rude. They close their doors early and their employees don't even try to be helpful. Stay away from this place at all cost. Most of their stuff is overpriced anyways. Would not recommend to worse enemy read more

I give up. It is now 2024-02-22 16:37 CST I have now been hung up on 20 times by their phone system, received a non-response from "Jack Schultz" to my first email request for PRICE AND STOCK, and not received a single peep back to my second email request, which I completely filled out with dollar signs and item information so that all they would have to do is put a checkmark for "yes we have it" and a price for "This is our price". Strait used to be the go to music store in Austin. I've been buying from them since long before they were flooded out on Lamar. I don't understand what has happened to them, but they have completely dropped the ball for the last two days. I don't see any reason to ever bother trying them again. Sad. I kind of knew one of the Straits, and he always seemed like a nice guy who wanted to make a happy customer by making a sale. I just noticed the response from the company. The number I have been calling: +1 (512) 918-3743 read more

Personally, I'm a band nerd, so I've been familiar with Strait Music, but I've never actually taken the chance to visit. I was throughly impressed. They had all the various band instruments but a couple electronic instruments and gadgets. What impressed me the most was their extensive sheet music collection and books in the store. I got to pick up a Blues book that I could play on piano. Also, I got a harmonica because why not? I loved the ambience and everyone is extremely friendly and attentive. I will return again to see if I need anything else! read more

This place is worthless. Don't rent for more than 2 months. The rental credit to use towards purchase is worse than buying outright from other stores. You will lose the full credit if you switch an instrument or the instrument you purchase is different / not in stock. read more

I went in to rent an instrument yesterday for my child. I found that the staff was friendly & I was helped almost immediately. After going through the list of items that I needed, the employee informed me that a soft credit pull would need to be completed in order to rent, which I never heard of, but agreed to do. After a long wait, the employee came back with another person (manager or owner I assume) & stated in order to rent, there were would need to be a $1400 deposit. This is completely absurd! Needless to say, I went across the way to another music store where I was able to rent an instrument (without a soft credit pull) & received just as good customer service. read more

Strait's slogan is "where customers become friends" and my recent experience at the North Austin store, thanks to Austen and Chris--and the corporate office--confirm that is absolutely true. At Strait you will find a staff committed to what's best for the customer--and that, friends, is a breath of fresh air. I give them highest marks and offer you one bit of advice: Give your business to Strait! read more

We visited their new location and loved it. David guided us through the different upright piano options and encouraged my kiddo to play on different models and sizes to get a feel for the sound and feel of the keys. Prizes seemed reasonable and David was willing to work with us. I really appreciated how he allowed us to explore and compare without hovering to make a sale. Once we made our choice he encouraged my kiddo to play on some of grand pianos just for fun. Great store, staff and selection will be back when we are ready to upgrade. read more

I have always bought my reeds here and other supplies like saxophone neck straps and mouthpieces. I am renting-to-own a used instrument and get free repairs and cleanings. All of the employees seem to be very knowledgeable and helpful. I don't know much about other instruments but there seems to be a large selection of pianos and strings. read more

I was looking to purchase a piano for myself, called the south austin location, after being on hold for 10 minutes, and been transferred 5 (five) times from one department to another, only to be "helped" by a rude person who was nothing but a complete ignorant and rude, who felt that the best way to end a conversation is to hang up on a customer (me). Well, thank you to the person who took my call! You certainly earned this review! I will pass on my word on you to my musician friends and family, so they don't bother buying from you. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR BUSINESS GOING DOWN THE DRAIN!!! Reply To Mr. Strait! Just for your information - The only reason I was writing my review, is because WHOEVER ANSWERED MY PHONE CALL, ACTUALLY HANGED UP ON ME. There is no other reason then that! I didn't really mind for the long wait on the phone, didn't mind either very much being transferred by mistake from one department to another, BUT, whoever took my phone call in the Piano Department, spoke with me for 1 minute, answered couple of questions and just hang up on me! As simple as that! And No! I will not give you my business, and I do not need your incentives either! read more

I went into straight Music to buy a snar drum for my son. I was greeted by an older Gentleman that pointed me in the right direction/department that seemed to have what I was looking for. After standing in the department for a few minutes while the guys behind the counter talked amongst themselves and completely ignored me, the older gentleman came over to help even though it wasn't his section. That's when one of the guys behind the counter took notice and began to help. While being helped the guy was pretty rude and condescending. If my son didn't need a snar drum I would have just left. Never again will I buy anything from Straight Music. The only reason they get one star is for the older gentleman that help me. read more

I went there for guitar setup for my Squier Strat, which I bought used. I was welcomed very kindly and explained the process. I left the guitar there and received a message after two days to pick up. I paid $100 for the setup and new strings. I am very pleased with the experience. Highly recommend them. read more

By far the BEST music store in Austin. Jack, Roland, Skyker and the gang are the nicest people to work with, and I never leave empty handed. No pressure, no gimmicky salesmen, just honest experts with quality gear. Love being able to finance - makes it's so easy to get the RIGHT piece of gear. Just recently bought a Gibson Les Paul and was able to finance - paid it off in half the time! What do they carry: Guitars (electric, acoustic, bass), pianos, band instruments, pro audio studio equipment , and I'm sure tons of other stuff i dont even know about :-) Go see the team at Strait Music and get the best deal on whatever you need! read more

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I took my #1 guitar in for a setup and Nik did a great job. The guitar played like a dream and it was ready sooner than promised. I have also bought two pianos there (Yamaha P22 new and Yamaha P3 used). The P3 needed a little work after it was delivered and Strait took care of it no questions asked. I've been a customer of Strait music for decades and have nothing but good things to say about the store (I typically go to the South location) and the Strait family. read more

I bought a drum set at Strait Music North Austin recently. Excellent experience for me, a new drummer. Jacob R patiently answered my MANY questions and never pressured me. He made arrangements for someone to deliver the drums and set them up for me, easing my fears about messing that up. Derek D was awesome as he taught me so much while assembling my drum set and helped to tune them. Can't tell you how excited I am about this journey and feeling great support from this team at Strait Music. read more

Great place to go if you want to be ridiculed and shamed for not having expensive instruments. They refused to adjust a key on a flute after calling to make sure they did this "repair". The flute was too cheap for them to lower themselves to work on it. Had the girl been shown any amount of kindness it may have been different but she was very rude and elitist. Shame on you. read more

Was assisted in an amazing welcoming fashion by , I believe his name was JD, he wore glasses and had tied back blonde hair, young guy. Super chill, extremely helpful, positive vibes. Would recommend. read more

Excellent customer service. Jack is one of my favorites. I would rather go to Straight music the. Guitar center any day.

I own an SG signature model. Had it since it came out in the 90. I've not been kind to it but it remains my favorite/best guitar. I'm unsure of the luthiers name but it is a female. She did a great job bringing my guitar back to life. Thank you Mark read more

Julian at the Bee Cave store was more than helpful in helping me pick a synth for live performances and at-home production. Even before Julian showed me the ins and outs of various synths, the team transported a Nord 3 from the South to the North store just so I could try it out (I lived closer to the North store). Everyone was incredibly helpful along the way and I was very satisfied with the selection and purchasing process of my new Nord 3. Could not recommend enough. read more

Strait is awesome. The team at the North Austin store are friendly, knowledgeable, patient with young kids, and prompt. I regularly come in for guitar strings, accessories, etc. -- they always have exactly what I need, and I never have to search for someone to help me. I came in the other day needing an iPad/mic stand last minute before a gig. They found what I needed, cut me a discount for buying multiple items, and had me out the door in about 5 minutes. I can't recommend Strait enough. read more

First of all I'm not one to complain. But here goes.... I give this place 1 star because they had exactly what I was looking for. But the customer service was horrible. Minus one star for each employee who blatantly saw me but didn't greet me and offer help. I waked in on a Monday at 12 noon. There was someone sitting at the seat to the right, and two guys behind the counter to the right as you walk in. No one said hi or acknowledged me. So, I walked around to the counter on the other side and there were two other younger guy employees. They did not say hi or ask if I needed help. If they were busy, a "be right with you" would have been nice. One of them ignored me and left the counter. The other one saw me standing right in front of the counter In front of him- he still didn't say anything. I said to him," can I buy this here?" And he said yeah. I guess I'm not "cool" enough. read more

Strait Music Company - Outside. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Austin, Texas

I purchased a Yamaha EZ 300 keyboard earlier this year, and am very disappointed in it for several reasons. I requested info re return, guarantee, or trade up policy but never got an answer. Never buy a keyboard after only a few minutes in the store. read more

Many thanks to Chris Cowart at Strait Music on Ben White for helping me find my newest 6 string. Great selection onsite, easy special orders , and friendly knowledgeable customer service. There is a reason Strait Music is an Austin institution. Now awaiting their work on a neck reset fir an early 50s Gibson. Great place, people, and instruments. Glad to be a customer. read more

I can't say enough about this business and how they helped me navigate a sound system for karaoke at my 55 plus residence in Round Rock. Curtiss Gonzales, the technical associate was a huge help in giving me advice as to what equipment would serve our purposes, especially the area and the number of mics and speakers and how to mix the sounds. I went more than once to get his help and assistance. He also gave us some special discounts. Those helped because we were taking collections and donations. I am my residence will continue to return to straight music on 183 because we know we're going to get the best service and advice. I always left satisfied and motivated to try new approaches. Again, I can't say enough about how friendly they are and the type of associates they hire. Martha Smith read more