Ok for rentals, but Repairs a racket. This store is ok for renting a band instrument and getting the books your student needs. You will thank yourself however, for finding another place to get your instruments repaired. It felt to me like they discourage the purchase of used instruments by inflating the price of repairs. They seem to just check boxes on a generic work order form indicating items that have one high price. For example, if you need one pad changed, it might be a $100 minimum. "Adjust and regulate" is $125 item and don't expect an explanation of what is actually being done for that price. I was further told that some instruments needed to be soldered for an additional $50. Sum total, they quoted $860 for miscellaneous oblique work on two student instruments. Within this quote, they did not include the one specific item I brought the instruments in for. I cannot trust someone to fix my instrument when the clearest issue was not even identified by their technician despite having called it out specifically at drop off. Their wait time was several weeks. There are two other highly reputable instrument repair shops within - 35-45 minute drive of this location. Each of these shops independently quoted me just over $100 total for full repair work on both instruments and explained in detail exactly what would be done. There was no need for soldering. Work was completed in 48 hours. I recommend you do a little research on YouTube, ask your band directors and teachers. If you educate yourself just a little bit before getting a repair quote you are less likely to be taken advantage of. It's not as mysterious as it seems: you got this! ------------------------------------ David, thank you for your response. The problems experienced cannot be chalked up to miscommunication. There were two key issues. First, I requested one specific repair at drop-off. It was the only issue with the instrument and glaringly obvious. However, your shop's assessment of the instrument failed to even identify the issue while recommending multiple generic and unnecessary repairs. When I raised this at pickup, though one of your employees expressed sympathy, they were unable to offer any explanation or insight. Second, the quote relied on high block-priced line items such as "adjust and regulate," without transparency about what this work actually entails, what parts are being adjusted, how much technician time would be spent on the work, or how materials and labor were being calculated. There was also no distinction between what was essential for playability and what might be preventative, cosmetic, or optional. Without that level of clarity, it is very difficult for a customer to evaluate the necessity and value of the proposed work. Many parents come to you with little understanding of how instrument repair works. Instruments seem delicate and complicated, and without being an expert in this field, there is no reference point to compare the time and effort of repair work. Parents are left to trust whatever is quoted. I also believe it would improve transparency if repair technicians spoke directly with customers as a standard part of the process. A brief explanation of recommendations, along with the technician time and materials involved, would help customers better understand the condition of their instruments and make informed decisions. Even my car mechanic takes the time to educate me about how my vehicle works and why certain repairs are needed -- instrument repair should offer the same level of education. Given the problem I identified at drop-off was not assessed, I will be happy to see the $44 returned to my card. I communicated this at pickup already. An additional conversation is not necessary. If you make improvements to the way your repair shop operates, I look forward to hearing about them. In the meantime, I cannot in good conscience recommend you. read more

We decided to stop by Ted Brown the other day because my daughter is considering changing instruments going into middle school. She's currently playing the flute and wanted to check out the oboe and saxophone. This place is so fun! I was a little nervous going in and asking to try instruments out, but the guy that works in the "instrument check out" area was very friendly, knowledgeable, and let her go into a small room to practice. They have beautiful instruments, classes, and all kinds of fun things to check out. I really enjoyed it! We even left with a kazoo. read more

Ted Brown Music - Trying out the oboe. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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After searching various instrument shops in Thurston County, I found inventory to be pretty limited while school is still in session. Fortunately, Ted Brown had a brand-new Yamaha alto saxophone available for rent--and it's a beautiful instrument. Thanks to that, I've been able to play open mic gigs with the band. I'll definitely be back again in the future! read more

I play the drums , so that's the section I go to. The drum section was great and had a lot of electronic sets that were pretty cool. The speaker and amp section had some good stuff too. And the sales guy was very friendly and helpful. Im sure I will buy a new set here soon. read more

I'm probably old fashioned here but when did stores stop talking to you when you enter or look around? A few times a year I'm forced to shop here because I need something fast and it's not available. More often than not nobody even looks at you when you walk in (maybe they won't look when you walk out with a new guitar either!). They really only have mid level guitars and basses, and practice size amps, the same pedals for years now. They will not order things in for you unless it's paid in full and they offer no returns on orders. Even if it's an item from like Boss or Fender or anything they should carry, bass strings have been hard to buy here because they don't speak. I have gone behind the counter and gotten what I need with not one person saying a thing. I guess it's nice to walk in play whatever I want and play but if you want to buy the thing you just played they won't help. Sweetwater is a similar experience accept but they have returns and actually have great customer service. I mean in a sense of nobody talks to you either but at least you can buy things from them without having to make a scene because people won't talk to you. Perhaps in the only asshole they hate but my experience is they treat me like they don't want my money. read more

Rebecca O'Boyle violin lessons. I took violin lessons from Becky O'Boyle because a professional violinist I know said she was good at teaching adult students. And that was my experience. I took lessons from her for about three years and I really appreciated her approach. She took the Suzuki books and moved me through them at a pace that matched my experience and progress, and kept my interest up. By the end of the time, I was playing from Suzuki Book 6, Ashokan Farewell, and Corelli's Christmas Concerto, among other pieces. When I got to the point where my old violin was holding back my progress, she went to a violin shop with me to choose a new instrument. I had a great experience learning with her. read more

Prosser Piano wouldn't sell more a floor model digital piano or the last digital piano of a certain style since they "can't order more". Super weird for a piano store. Went to Ted Brown and 2 gentleman sold me this great digital piano that was a FLOOR MODEL. They even took it apart for me to fit in my car Thankful read more

Ted Brown Music - Thanks TBM - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

They lowered the action on an acoustic guitar for me. The work was very high quality and the results certainly met my expectations. The price was well within the estimated window, which was less expensive than I expected. They did the work quickly. And I was very happy to work with the people there. An all-around great experience! read more

Gary helped me find the ideal guitar for me when I was very new to playing. I was about 6 months into playing and really gravitated towards finger style and loved the tone of a cedar top classical guitar. I've had that guitar for 3 years now and play it every single day! I recently started taking guitar lessons here under Daniel Harris. I'm blown away at how well he plays and teaches. My skill has improved dramatically under his guidance. read more

Let me tell ya a story about when I rented a couple of instruments for my kids back in 2012 . Well I missed a couple of payments and offered to bring the instruments back as my kids swapped classes. They refused and sent me directly to collections. Ive probably paid over $6000 for these things that my kids only played for less than 2 Mon.probably worth only $300 max now lol Screw you Ted. read more

Update: I received a call from Ellie today, May 20, stating that Rebecca would drop off a check for my partial refund either today or tomorrow. She said as soon as she got it, she would call me to come and pick it up. She also asked me to take the review down but I thought it was important to let potential violinist know not to use the services of Rebecca O'Boyle. Ted Brown has been helpful in getting my refund but since she is contracted through them, I feel it important to leave my review but to adjust the rating. Ellie left me a message around 5pm and I drove to the location to get my check which was actually cash. I signed a document stating that I had received the refund and left. I am just glad this whole mess is over with. read more

Renting an instrument with Ted Brown is a sham. The website is misleading, makes it appear that after you rent for one year, you will have a good purchase option to buy the instrument. However, instead, after a year you receive 10% off of a NEW more expensive instrument. If you don't need or want a new instrument or next level up model, they offer you only a discount of 8% off of purchasing the instrument you're renting (clarinet, in my case). After making 12 payments at $49.61 per month I will have paid $595.32 towards a clarinet valued at $770. If I want to purchase at that time, they will give me a discount of only $61.60. PURCHASE your instruments! And purchase them elsewhere. I can buy this same clarinet cheaper on Amazon than in can purchase this clarinet that will be one year used from Ted Brown. Total rip off. read more

At the advice of my guitar instructor, I seeked out Gary at Ted Brown music. Gary was very kind and respectful when helping me select my first guitar. I've gone back a few times and he has continued to provide great service and advice with my journey in learning how to play the guitar. Thanks Gary for all of your help!!! read more

Great service at Ted Brown Music. I was visiting from So California and purchased a cymbal for my electronic drum kit. They were able to get the item and at the best price I could find. It was to be shipped to me and after a week, I had not received it or any info on the shipment. I reached out to Ted Brown Music and they were fantastic! Very patient with me and immediately began to track the item down. I constantly received updates via text to let me know progress and received a phone call today telling me it had been received in Tacoma and was now on the way to me. A special thank you to Cody Kuzmer for all of his time and efforts and for the personal phone call Ted Brown Music is the best!! read more

Very helpful when I ordered a Barritone ukulele from them. I was pleased with my purchase and quick mail order. read more

I bought an interface online through Ted Brown Music for the first time and the product came damaged. Not their fault, it was a manufacturer defect. I talked to support and they were awesome. Offered me a full refund or for the to send another where their tech team would inspect first. I had them do the later and it came through amazingly. Awesome customer support all the way. Big props to Amber on Ted Brown's eBay customer support. Thank you so much! read more

Ted Brown has been a part of my musical journey throughout my life! Although I have played a number of their guitars--and also banjos, in a former life--I have mostly purchased accessories and electronics over the decades. I have always been made to feel welcome, and offered advice and guidance by the highly trained staff in the most sincere way. There has never been a sense that I have disappointed or wasted anyone's time when I have left with no more than a set of strings or an inexpensive strap. These guys are wonderful, and have been an essential part of the NW Music scene--including School Music programs--for generations. Thank you, Ted Brown folks! read more

I can highly recommend the repair service shop at Ted Brown Music. The repair service is always excellent even though there is usually a two week wait. Best of all, the cost is low compared to most good shops and the mail-in repair options. Chris Arent is especially talented and friendly. The only gripe I have about Ted Brown Music is the grumpiness of the staff. There is one older (white hair) man at the counter who acts like he is doing the customers a favor by his presence. He is rude and never smiles. Worst of all he will grab a delicate instrument by the mechanism while looking for the serial number causing possible additional mis-alignment. read more

I haven't been to Ted Brown in over 10 years, but the service has never changed! The staff are so kind and accommodating and give quick responses to questions through their email. My husband has been without an acoustic drum set for awhile now and has been missing it. Thanks to Donald, I was able to schedule a studio session where he can get his groove back. Thanks Ted Brown! We will definitely be coming back more often read more

Ted Brown Music - Studio 5 Drum Session - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

First time visit to the store and was totally amazed at the selection, and friendly service. Jeff was outstanding. My new, "go-to" guitar store!! read more

I have a Gretsch New Yorker that lost a tuning knob. Don't know where it went, but... Called and spoke to Ellie who helped a bit, pointing me toward Stew Mac (still might be an option) and she then connected me to Nic (an aspiring Luthier at Ted Brown). He and I discussed the potential options short of ordering direct from Gretsch (at least for now). He made it clear that option exists, but a more direct and quicker "fix" may be the StewMac route. Whatever comes of this, please know that both Ellie and Nic were courteous and kind knowing full well that this was probably the smallest potential sale of the day. Keep up the great work! (and thank you). read more

Worked with an employee named Jim, he was stellar got me what I was looking for quickly! Went out of his way to help me and only reason this is not a shit review. Fat dude that worked in the back... I was trying to plug in a piano for my mom to try out, when he comes up and asks me what I'm doing. I let him know I want to plug in, he tells me to not mess with his cable arrangement like I am five. So now I'm standing around for ten mins with the employee standing around on his computer and my mom just wanting to try a piano...thanks guy. Long story short we didn't buy the piano lol Jim though solid. read more

The team here at Ted brown is outstanding they were very helpful and friendly. They fixed my Floyd Rose. After purchasing new strings, I got my Casio pg380 all set up with the most perfect action! You guys rock read more

Awesome staff and service . I had my violin repaired twice and they did such a great job for an unbelievable price

I went there after going to Music & Arts because they couldn't figure out my problem. the first thing that happened when I went was someone got right to it, and the people were amazing and talkative! my violin need some repair after I bought it brand new untouched. they figured out the problem and told me multiple solutions, even the cheaper ones! also when I went there they told me all about my violin, which I never jnew when I bought it. amazing people, Thank you Nessa :)) read more

I needed 2 screws for my son's instrument, only 2 screws. The elderly gentlemen came to the door and said the instrument needed to be quarantined for 1 week. All i wanted was to purchase the screws and i would install them myself.. the gentlemen would not sell the 2 screws. I had to go somewhere else. read more

Went there with my wife. Was looking at guitars and all the instruments they had. Picked up a $15.00 Celtic tin whistle and continued to browse. A worker who we passed several times with not even any acknowledgement from, came chasing us down as we went into a side room with this cheap tin whistle. Looking at both my wife and myself to make sure we didn't steal this item. If you're going to treat all customers as thieves then shut your doors.. FYI I had $2500.00 in my pocket that day . read more

I drove all the way down to Ted Brown in Tacoma form Seattle to check out a particular guitar they had. It was beautiful. I started to play some other guitars to make sure I was making the right choice. I ended moving to a different guitar all together. I must say Gary was exceptional at helping me feel like I was getting the exact guitar for my tastes. He showed me different guitars we talked wood and tone etc. The whole process was so organic. I had a blast, even other shoppers and i were discussing different guitars and comparing. This is a great store. The only negative for me is that its almost an hour from my house. read more

I was in the Tacoma store this evening looking for a few things to help my oldest out with a project. They were by no means expensive items but the woman who assisted me read the situation (correctly) and found dent/ding that she offered me free of charge. It is a hard time for many businesses but it makes me smile to see a business put people over profit and at the same time encourage my kid's inquisitive and musical mind. read more

We have rented a band instrument from Ted Browns for the last 4 years. The beginning of each school year we head in the buy the book the school tells us the students need (& random but necessary things my son 'pleads' are necessary.) Walking in the store always seems lively & comfortable, things are pretty easy to find and staff is always right there offering help. We pay the $60 per month for the instrument and I'm happy with the maintenance, insurance and equity aspects. Like them and the store bunches! read more

Ted Brown is probably one of the best local music shops, with a lot of great guitars, basses, and of course, band instruments. Everyone I've dealt with has been friendly, and their prices seem reasonable. Ted Brown is one of the few independent music shops left, so I'm willing to cut them more slack than one of their competitors. But there are a few issues that have come up in my dealings with them, mostly in their pro audio department. 1. They refuse to put items on hold. Went in to ask if they could set an item aside for me and they said, "not really, but it'll still be here when you arrive." He happened to be right, but he may not have been (I know this from experience). 2. You have to be babysat if you want to look at the few synthesizers they have, and they will hover over you and basically prod you not to spend a lot of time playing their gear. They keep the stuff in a locked room, and you have to be allowed in by someone with a key (who will hover over you the whole time you're in there). The explanation I was given for this is that "we don't have floor modes, so we don't want the gear we sell to be over-used." Of course, this left a bad taste in my mouth. Patchwerks in Seattle does nothing but sell synths, and you can play all of them, for as long as you want, without someone hovering over you. And customers are not put off by the idea that people have tried these devices out. It really seems that Ted Brown a) know nothing about electronic instruments, and b) are distrustful of their customers. I hate dealing with GC, but they don't treat you like a wily synth bandit. read more

I came here to get my daughter's tuxedo shirt for her school band. The store itself is very pretty and neatly organized. Unfortunately, it took 3 store pages to get someone up to the front counter for me to pay for the tuxedo shirt. There were employees bouncing around everywhere, including sitting at the desk next to the door opposite the registers. But no one was willing to be the cashier. I will not be going back. read more

I had a phenomenal experience with Ted Brown Music. I purchased a used saxophone (that looked brand new) via Reverb for sale at Ted Brown's and what a great instrument. I took it to my professional music store in my town and they didn't even charge me because it was good to go. Also, they included a brand new case, cork grease, mouthpiece, reeds, cleaning supplies, etc. My son's saxophone instructor was thoroughly impressed as well. I highly recommend this store and will NOT forget them. Jamie - Des Moines, Iowa read more

This is such a cool place! A coworker of mine recommended that I should go here because they have singing bowls here which she liked going here to buy. Although those bowls are totally awesome I was not too interested in getting one. I came here strictly as a window shopper and it was wonderful! They have a great selection of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, wind instruments, drums, car stereos, sheet music and so much more! The service was extremely friendly which is always nice! I didn't buy one but my the item that I really fell in love with was not a singing bowl but a thumb piano! Oh, wow! I loved playing those things here! The thumb pianos are made of high quality and sound and were simply charming! Another item that was near the thumb pianos was a wooden frog where you run a stick that comes along it's back the instrument makes a "ribbiting" sound. I have a small one of these that I got from many years ago and simply love it but it is quite small so it was really cool to see larger versions of the same thing and the different variations it makes when played compared to the one I have at home. Really a cool music store! read more

I had exactly the opposite experience of the previous reviewer. I was going to be in town for several days and wanted to rent a guitar. They typically only rent band instruments on a longer term basis, but the person I dealt with via Email, Phil, said they could work something out. When I arrived, he wasn't even in the store, but I told them Phil had said I could have a student guitar for a week for $25, and they said "Fine," found me a floor model of a low-end guitar, modified their typical rental contract, took a CC slip to act as a deposit on the cost of the guitar, and I had a guitar for a week. Now: Typically when I've asked "Can you do x for me," at other stores, if it's not something they ALREADY do, they say, "No, we don't do that." They thought about it, said "Sure," and made it happen. THEN when the person I had the agreement with wasn't EVEN THERE, they STILL made it happen. I think that is unusual and superior customer service, and that's why I'm giving them five stars. Peigi read more

This is the best music store I've seen around here. There is a wide assortment of instruments, both used and new. The walls are covered with shiny instruments for sale - it's eye catching. The sales floor has numerous drum sets and other instruments. Plus, there's a nice assortment of smaller items available (like cleaning cloths, rods, etc). It's a wonderful atmosphere - well lit, good temperature, and well maintained. There's plenty of parking, too. I have found the sales associate passionate about music and genuinely concerned about helping their customers find what they want. And, they do it with a smile. That's nice. Prices appear to be average for a retail music store. read more

Last year I searched guitar stores in Portland ,Seattle,Tacoma, and Spokane and smaller towns along the way, to find the acoustic-electric guitar for me. (My main gigging electric guitar is a Reverend PA-1). At Ted Brown music they seemed happy to let me play acoustic fingerstyle on a variety of guitars for a long time, and made some helpful recommendations. Two hours later I walked out with a Yamaha A1R, with action that was just right and with the bright sound acoustic sound for fingerstyle solo guitar; and it has the electronics to work onstage in the occasional song that calls for acoustic treatment. When a guitar feels just right when you play it and has the sounds you want; that is the one to buy. ( I don't know how anyone can buy guitars mail order when individual guitars of the same model can be so different.) read more

Absolutely impressed with the friendly, patient and accommodating customer service I just received from Jeff and his management team. He went went out of his way to solve a confusing request that I had, regardless of the fact that it involved a 2-month old rental order. It would have been completely reasonable for the company to cite the extensive passing of time between order and inquiry as to why their hands were tied on the issue, but instead, not only obliged, but did so cheerfully and immediately. What a wonderful organization. They will have my business for any and all future opportunities and will be sure to pass on my recommendation to others when they ask. Thank you!! read more

I wanted to share my experience with Gary, who helped me as I was looking at guitars. From the beginning, Gary was totally patient with me and my needs and what I was looking for. I mean, I was looking to spend $2000 on a guitar-- I wanted to make sure it was exactly the one. He gave me many options and ideas and was receptive to all my questions. We shared emails as I looked around town for the best guitar. I literally went there 4 times to try out guitars-- and I never felt pressured. I ended up buying a guitar from Gary-- which cost $150 more than Guitar center: because I believe in good service and that he will stand by any problems or concerns I have with the guitar. He's also going to restring and adjust my guitar anytime I need it, as long as he's working there. The guys at Guitar Center aren't gonna do that-- they probably don't even remember me! read more

As soon as I got there I was greeted by the staff asked me if they could help me! I went to look at their drums selection... which was pretty good! Looks like they have Music clinics as I saw several "seemingly overpriced" instruments signed by professional musicians who had done clinics there! Some instruments were priced moderate and some were over priced...not sure if they had a "price matching" clause to their instruments. read more