Sales person was extrely rude, I was interested in a Taylor guitar used And really liked the sound of it , but this guy ( older guy) came and crab the guitar from me and told me , I had to ask him for assistant . When I told him , there wasn't any note on it , he said there are all over the store , but not that one . He lost a 3k sell . I went to long and Mc and bought a D18 Martin For 3999$ . even if I was wrong , he could have been much more accommodating I am a service engineer and I sm always nice to my customers even when they are wrong . read more

Nice music store with a wide variety of instruments from new to classic. I did want to purchase a hat but they didn't have any but they gave me a couple picks. read more

I stopped by here a few months ago to check out dj gear. I was the only one in that department, however the two sales guys working there completely ignored me. They just continued their conversation, didn't look up, didnt say hi, nothing. Why, i have no clue. Maybe because im a girl? Who knows. I wanted to ask a question about a specific mixer, so i waited and waited, but they still refused to acknowledge me. I finally walked up to them and said hi, and asked if one of them could help me. The guy who ended up trying to help me didn't seem very knowledgeable, in fact i knew more about most of the gear than he did. What a joke. I ended up leaving, as it was unfortunately a waste of time. For years i bought all my music equipment from Tom Lee at their old location. The guys working there were always helpful and nice. Looks like I'll be going to Long & McQuade from now on. read more

I wanted to thank for the jazz venue, workshops at the newer vancouver location not sure why its showing my reviewing the toronto store those workshops are a best kept secret, since the crowds were small my dog was with me and it became a nice memory of the summer on another note I was not able to find the drum dept from the venue, near the books and guitars, I was directed to an area with some practice pads, the book section is pretty well stocked , maybe get more guitarist anthologies in read more

Tom Lee is my go to place to shop for music books and instruments. The staff is always very helpful, especially those running the piano showrooms read more

Classist. Wouldn't let me check out the violin mute I was trying to buy because they were afraid I would steal it. Rushed me straight to checkout, answered my questions inaccurately and I ended up getting the wrong thing. There wasn't a line behind me or anything, they just wanted me out of the store. read more

I don't know about the one star reviews here but I've experienced nothing but professionalism and courtesy here.... In fact--I'll be there this afternoon to pick up some lock straps and cables. Nice work guys! read more

The worst music store in the city. I would rather quit music than ever shop here again. You can tell all the staff hate it too by the way they talk. Avoid avoid avoid. read more

Excellent service and very helpful and fast delivery I'd definitely buy from them again

This review is in regards to a recent piano repair that I had them do. They're online process is a bit of a pain in the ass to deal with, but, they are very good at what they do, and in the end, that's all that mattered. I own a small moving company in Vancouver, and have moved pianos for 10 years without incident. However, last month, thanks to the error of one of my movers, a piano toppled over during the move. Of course it was properly wrapped and padded, but, it still sustained some small damage. I found myself with the unenviable task of finding a way to repair a gloss black vinyl finish on Steinway & Sons upright piano. Two small spots needing attention amounted to $1370 in repair costs, 50% up front. This was disappointing to say the least. It seemed like such a small repair. On top of that, the customer had not paid for extra insurance so (legally) we could have left it with them to deal with, but... I decided, albeit unhappily, the right thing to do would be take care of it for them. All of my searches ended with Tom Lee. From the start I was pretty surly about the whole thing, I would have preferred to avoid this, and their customer service, and online payment system, could use improvement, but when all was said and done the work they did was impeccable. You could not tell where the damage had been, and the customer was pleased with the result. Should you ever need to get something like this done, you can trust Tom Lee to take care of it. When it comes to payment...save yourself some trouble and call them to do it over the phone. read more

I wanted to take up the drums again after it had been 45 years since I picked up the stix. Went to a few stores and did some research. When I went into Tom Lees on Granville, I met Lincoln who took the time to work with me on an E drum purchase. Very professional and customer focused. I don't think I would have pulled the trigger on the right kit if it was not for him. The buying experience was a good one. The delivery, well, lost one star there. Great place to purchase great equipment. Thanks read more

Contact direct. Personally. In store. Larger than life . That was me. I wandered round 20 mins in this amazing music store. Looking for brass instruments.... Or a rep of the biz. Heaps of guitars. Waay overpriced woodwind. Not a lotta BRASS...my interest. Many pianos. Not a single staff member spoke to me! Or made eye CONTACT. Up the escalator off Granville Mall. 2nd floor. Nice place. read more

Back in December 2018 I had the opportunity to buy an upright digital piano for my home. Not only I was surprised by the breath and range of the display (you have to visit the store on Granville and see it yourself) but the attention I got from all the Piano Division staff, specially Marjorie Lim who was just amazing helping me make the right choice and getting the product to me in a timely manner. Cheers! read more

I never give one stars but . . . Tom Lee is the exception. My one and only experience was when shopping for an electric piano. I had been in a couple of times during the week to find the perfect piano. I had told the sales person on Friday that I'd bring my spouse in on the weekend for the "seal of approval" on the one I had decided on. When we arrived Sunday for him to check it out, the door to the digital piano room was locked, and we were informed by the only salesperson on the floor that they would only open it Sundays for "serious" buyers, so we should come back Monday. Guess he needed me to flash my credit card to believe I was "serious" We bought a beautiful keyboard that Sunday, from another music store where the salesperson believed we were serious buyers the moment we walked in and was happy to show us their selection. Hopefully they treat others better. read more

When people ask for the action lowered on their guitar I doubt any of them would ever mean to have the middle two strings buzz. That's what happened after I got my guitar back from the guitar repair shop at Tom Lee and, initially, I was super doubtful--didn't he check to make sure there was no buzzing before he gave it back? Maybe it was me, not him. But no, I took it back to the shop and although the salesperson upstairs was also initially skeptical of my claim (since apparently the guitar repair guy is a "master at his craft"), he was like "whoa what" when he tested out my buzzy guitar. Which is fine. I mean, we all make mistakes and maybe it was an off day for him. So I dropped it off (since he wasn't in at the time) to be picked up again later. When I picked it up, I was apologetic for the hassle (because I'm Canadian and I apologise for all things), but got hit in the face with such a load of attitude I was so taken back that I'm still a bit stung. When he handed over the guitar he instructed me to check and while I did he retorted in an agitated way, "when people ask me to lower the action you can't expect it not to buzz and if you can't handle it then you shouldn't have lowered it." What? I'm sorry, but I don't think anybody wants TWO of the strings to buzz. Also, I told him at the time to please use his judgement to lower it an appropriate amount. I gave it two stars because the guys upstairs are nice. Otherwise, one star for the unapologetic and aloof guitar repairman. Maybe it's because he's an 'artist' and I offended his ego by suggesting his work wasn't perfection. Needless to say, I won't be going back. I don't need that sort of attitude. read more

This review is for the music school. The administrators here are very rude. They make mistakes and then blame it on the customer! They charge fees after agreeing not to, are not organized, and are rude to adult students as well as younger ones. Long and McQuade is way more professional or even the new Mozart school of music. The people are much nicer and more calm at other music schools. read more

I've been to this place a few times now, and always appreciated their friendly and knowledgeable counter staff. That's why when I decided to rent an instrument and start taking lessons, Tom Lee Music was my first choice. Unfortunately subsequent experiences with them have been less than ideal. After renting a cello with them I was surprised to find that I was 'locked' into an initial two month rental. I was also surprised that I was supposed to undergo a credit check in order to rent an instrument - not just sign an agreement and leave my credit number on file, or leave a deposit. In the end I convinced them to let me leave a deposit but it was certainly a complicated process. Reading the (very) fine print I was surprised to see that if the cello was returned even ONE day after the intial two month expiry, I would be charged for an entire months rental. For one day or even a portion of that day!! The cello had to be ordered in from another store (?)/distributor (?) and came in a super soft case that virtually guaranteed no protection against knocks. No inspection of the instrument was done by the staff and it wasn't until my teacher saw the instrument that I found out it was missing the fine tuning pegs. Tom Lee Music put those on for me right away once I notified them, but still, shouldn't they have caught that before they gave me the instrument?? I was less than impressed with the instrument. The strings were cheap, the sound was bad, and it was an effort to produce any sound on the higher notes (esp. on the A string) that were not godawful cat-skinning noises. At just under the two month mark I notice that one of the strings was actually starting to unravel! I promptly arranged for another rental through a different agency and took the cello back two months to the day of the initial rental. The return process was way more complicated than I expected : I had to talk to the credit department, wait for the instrument to be thoroughly inspected by their luthier (?), and only then would they refund my deposit. At least though, they promised to let me know once the refund was complete. So far, no phone, and there is another charge on my card for the equivalent of a month's rental fee. Thankfully they refunded my deposit at least, but they should have provided me with an explanation as to the other charge. Overall they acted as a business who cares little for their clients except for what money Tom Lee can gouge out of the average customer. I refuse to do business with them ever again. read more

I was ready to make an impulse buy. I didn't need what I wanted, but I walked in the door wanting to buy a new amp on a whim. So I looked around, and looked and looked but nobody offered to help me. Finally I approached a punky looking staff member about low wattage tube amps. He halfheartedly pointed at 2 of the 4 or so models I'd found, offered no additional info, didn't offer to let me try any of them and walked off without saying anything else. I'd have to say I was done based on the service experience alone. Though its also worth noting that for such a massive location there wasn't really much here. Long and McQuade was courteous and helpful. That got them the sale. I've bought and financed gear here in the past, but I think I'll skip them in the future. The dj/synth department was good back in the day, but I have no idea now. Tom Lee's website seems like it has needed updating for the better part of a decade too, with virtually no way to effectively search or filter. That actually reminds me, their website is terrible at showing when things are in stock too. I drove to Richmond once because the website said there was plenty of stock of an accoustic (though there was none at the vancouver store) and I arrived to find they had none. Apparently none in any other store either. So there you go, it's clearer to me now than ever. I'm and L&M fan and I'm going to stop giving Tom Lee chances until I hear they've got their stuff together. read more

Tom Lee Music is the epitome of music stores, offering everything you could possibly want in order to learn a musical instrument or expand upon your current music knowledge. After purchasing a guitar for my boyfriend at another store, he was still in need of a tuner and some picks so we headed to Tom Lee to pick up the bits and pieces. When you walk through the front doors, you are faced with a number of different options. To the left you can go through the turnstile and wander through the massive selection of guitars, electronic music equipment, amps and everything in between. After thoroughly salivating over some seriously rad guitars, we went downstairs to the drum room. My childhood dreams of becoming the next Dave Grohl have never really subsided so this particular part of the store was my favourite. Every type of drum and everything needed for drumming is here for you, including a number of musical memorabilia with drums signed by such artists as D'Angelo from The Roots. The staff is top notch geniuses when it comes to music theory and equipment and Tom Lee also offers music lessons. From children's to adults programs in theory, instrument lessons, private lessons, group lessons and even bands you can join. This is where I will be coming back in the New Year to take drum lessons. Watch out! read more

My review is department specific, not because I don't love Tom Lee Music as a whole but because I only have had spent real time in the drum department. Come inside, and head downstairs and you're in the drum dungeon. I was, and still consider myself, a beginner/learner when I first stumbled down here and you couldn't find a more helpful staff. Anyone looking to start learning an instrument is probably pretty nervous, jittery, and in general doubting their validity/acceptance is such a temple to their attempted instrument. No worries, down here they don't care that you don't know what a quarter note is, they can help you figure it out! And when you finally do figure it out and want to actually buy a drum set, they will help you finance it! All with a smile. I have a feeling that is because these people actually like drums and therefore like their jobs! What a concept! But oh so true. Such great people, good selection, so helpful. Totally worth it. Oh and you can also watch a bunch of randoms slay some dragons down there when you head down at well, any time of day really, which is a form of bonus entertainment for absolutely no money at all. read more

I've had exclusively positive experiences here. Aside from feeling a little overwhelmed when you first walk into the lobby (it's kind of like an elaborate game-show setup - what's through door three?!) and have to figure out which staircase or door to take, which is a feeling that passes pretty quick once you learn where you need to go. I basically only spend time in the stringed instruments and electronic section, which are conveniently both through Door Number One. I've come here for everything from a quick pack of strings, to financing a MacBook, which was my first experience with both financing AND buying a Mac. It was a very smooth and easy process, and I got to get a computer I never would have otherwise been able to afford. I find the staff to be super knowledgeable and helpful (shout out to Richard in electronics!) and have yet to condescend to me like a very unfortunate amount of music store employees will do, especially if you're a female. read more

Tommy Lee is full of knowledgable, helpful staff and a wide variety of products. I give them 4 stars today instead of 5 because during a recent visit, I was shocked to see that staff were being forced to wear horrendously ugly Tshirts that looked like a bad romance between Motley Crüe and Christmas tree clip art. The staff looked downright shamed and embarrassed in the things. As someone of German descent, I was offended by the inappropriate use of umlaut on the lettering. I wandered around the large downtown shop and discovered, to my relief, that the piano department wasn't wearing the shirts. On second thought however, I realized this was a blatant act of arbitrary inequality. Tommy Lee, shame on you. Shame. On. You. These tshirts did not encourage me to buy things. If anything they made me want to leave. Staff of a music store should be able to choose their attire within reason, and show their personalities, not be forced into a sad Orwellian style marketing ploy. Tommy Lee, stop wasting your money on landfill items and try buying computers for staff - I waited 5 minutes just for a staff member to google something for me because of the 10 year old system they were stuck with. Think about it. read more

I'm TomLee's costumer since 2009 and I am very happy with their Digital Department, All of workers are very friendly, helpful, They have very good knowledge about on their job. They always trying do their best. I really appreciate it. I gave 4 star for TomLee Music, But that's not about Digital Department! That's all about TomLee Music Financial department. When you go to the upstairs to finance some items, they charge you $20 every time. I don't know why they do it every time! That's totally nonsense application! As like me many musicians already has limited budget why I'm paying extra $20? This operation takes only couple of minute even you're not taking their time, they spend max10 minutes to make paper work. Long-Mcquade Music also has financial department but they don't charge their costumers for Financial, That's pretty nice. Honestly I am telling you when I need to buy some musical instrument with financial I always go firstly Long-Mcquade. If they have I am buying from them if not I am looking another options! Of course $20 noting for someone but for me important. My other musician friends and I we're very uncomfortable for this situation. Our suggestions they should be stop to take this money from their ''regular costumer''. Thanks, Kind Regards, read more

Nice sales reps that are knowledgeable, but the store overall feels cramped compared to their old location on Granville. Not their fault as the layout is what it is... not sure if there's any way to get around this. Perhaps they should renovate and cut their concert stage area in half to make more room. Recently I wandered around the store and was checking out some of the instruments in the guitar, drums and keyboard section. However, trying to listen to a synth or two with headphones was quite difficult due to a lot of banter by sales reps, and friends of the sales reps hanging around in the demo room at the time... it was such a small space, so the volume of a few people talking makes it very loud and distracting when attempting to listen to the instruments. Not to mention -- having people watching you try gear in a small room just feels awkward. Anyway, appreciate the knowledge at this shop, its just the physical layout that doesn't make me want to stay for long and browse. Maybe they can figure out some ways to make it less cramped. read more

Tom Lee has existed for many years. With a decent selection and a central location downtown this place has floors upon floors of music departments! I've been coming here for years, picking up my first guitar method here when I started lessons long time ago. I remember coming here and seeing some awesome guitars including a few limited edition Jimi Hendrix fenders. My friend and I used to spend hours drooling at all the stuff we could buy as kids here. As I've gotten older, I really do appreciate that Tom Lee has been around in the same spot for the longest time. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and they have a decent selection of gear. read more

I went into the store on a recommendation from sales reps at both Future Shop and London Drugs. I'm having an issue with my Bose headphones not working for video calls on my phone. They suggested I try an adaptor from Tom Lee. The sales rep upstairs in Tom Lee couldn't be less interested in my problem or in helping me and looked at me like I was some sort of major pain to him. Another rep came along who was slightly more helpful but also couldn't really care what I needed. We tried an adapter that didn't work and that's fine but I left the store feeling like I really wasn't welcome there. Not a good experience at all. read more

If you're in here for something specific ask: Tom Lee is a multi-floor Mecca of music. They've got the whole orchestra plus some. I recently stopped in to buy a harmonica as a present. I knew I wanted an A minor, but there were a couple more questions I was not prepared for and the clerk got me sorted out just fine. Prices aren't the cheapest you can find but the price does provide for good service, convenient location, and selection few stores can rival. Go get lost there, my friend, and make some beautiful music. read more

Stephen and Eugene in Pro Audio are legends! They're incredibly knowledgeable and wickedly passionate. You just don't find customer service like these guys do it any more. I only go to these guys for my voice over studio and will go out of my way to continue working with them in the future! read more

I have had pretty shoddy experiences with this place in the past, but because it's close to me and they have the stuff I need, I usually come in, buy things, and leave. Recently though, it seems that they've hired some new staff people who actually know what they're doing and enjoy it. I know a lot about ukulele because I've been playing for many years now, and when I stopped in to buy a basic one for my girlfriend, the two staff that were helping me out were really good. I pretended to not know anything and they gave me quite a bit of information (and didn't lie!) to help me find the right instrument based on price range. It was nice that they didn't try to pressure me into buying an expensive instrument. The asian guy and the hipster-y looking white guy were all smiles and appeared to be genuinely interested in what i was up to, so that's a plus. I've been pretty turned off of this place in the past, but I think that the new people are really good and I'll probably be back more often. -1 star because of past experiences, or else this place would have 5. read more

I hadn't had any issues with this store until a couple days ago. I had bought a couple of saxophone reeds the day before and went back to return them as they were the wrong strength for me. They refused to refund them even though they were perfectly sealed and I had just bought them the day before. The person who sold them to me was even standing right there. All this despite the fact that their receipt clearly says "refund or exchange up to 30 days". I was disappointed and will not be shopping there in the future. read more

No one welcomed me in the store in any way, shape, or form. I had a simple item I was looking for, they kept it in the back so I didn't have personal access to it. Took about 10 minutes + to have a staff members' attention just to go get it for me (already knew exactly what I wanted and was committed to purchase). The worst part of the experience was during check out: if I had a piece of advice for Management it'd be to ensure your staff are aware that it is absolutely not OK to talk badly about, or make fun of any customers who have been in throughout the day (at the very least not in front of another customer). Two staff members joked about a customer while I was paying for my purchase and all I could think about was what bad things they may say about me once I leave the store. read more

Great store to stock up on guitar strings, etc. However, the luthier (ie guitar stringer) thinks he's God's gift to musicians. He seems to believe it's his calling to critique every instrument, from an Art & Lutherie guitar to a LGO1 1966 Gibson, which I've ever brought in for repair before he decides if it's worthy of his precious time. Ironically I was told by other staff that Elvis Costello brought his LGO1 there to have minor work done. Was he treated the same way? I suspect not. Apparently this particular Tom Lee employee get's paid WAY too much to waste entertaining ordinary customers' petty concerns. I'm stil in the process of finding a luthier who shows some respect. Long and McQuade, maybe? read more

Beware -- boxed products are often pre-used and damaged in the digital section (upstairs). I have bought two items around $500 each, and they were missing cables and damaged from the digital section. Marked as brand new. Same store charges 15-25% restocking fee, but full price for unmarked boxed items? That makes Tom Lee a pawn shop with good branding. One of the items was a pair of headphones. Gross!! Completely unhygienic to even resell them, much less do it in a deceptive manner. Two incidents happened two years apart. Issue is systemic. Stay away. Tom Lee has smart salespeople and if you're willing to take that risk, they do help you out. As for me, I'll be avoiding being deceived about whether a product is new or not, and wasting my time coming back for a return or an exchange. read more

I walked in here, I made eye contact with the guy at the front and there was no acknowledgement. That's ok, because he was rather far away and he looked ready to help if I asked, by his body language(and I am an expert at body language). I made my way into the drums section. I made eye contact with the guy at the desk again. I walked past him, and looked at him. There was no hello and he was just looking at a computer screen. He didn't even really look busy. The other worker was busy with a customer, but still, I walked by, made eye contact and there was no hello. I went upstairs to dj equipment/keyboards. The guy was with a customer, only in casual conversation. I made eye contact. No hello. The guys that work here are rude, plain and simple. It could be that they are rude to most of their customers, but I am a woman, and this could be the reason. I won't be going back. I was thinking of getting some DJ equipment, but I won't be getting it from that store. I may not even get it from a Tom Lee at all. This is to your boss' boss. I'm not going back and you lost yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars. I will tell all my friends about my experience. Remember to look at the roster for who was working Friday, September 2, 2016 around 3pm. read more

Unfriendly and borderline racist customer treatment. The product line up is similar to other music stores but it is short in the electronic department. It is striking how the sales personal in this location are different in interpersonal skills than those in the other two locations. The inhouse security was on my heels the entire time. The other customer who had a lighter complexion than me was left alone browsing the store. Pay attention if your treatment by the staff correlates with the hue of your skin. ... read more

I purchased an acoustic and two electric guitars from this store. Staff were always very helpful and courteous. Speaking just as a recreational guitarist, I'd say they are very well stocked with the the big 3 companies (Gibson, Fender and PRS) as well as a number of other manufacturers such as Ibanez, Charvel and Hagstrom. Tons of stomp boxes, strings and every other guitar accessory imaginable. No pressure sales and you can browse freely without a salesman getting in your hair. They also have a good repair department. Highly recommended. read more

I can only comment on the guitar section and I must say that this shop has a stunning choice of renowned guitar brands. Staff is friendly, competent, not pushy at all. The price level is really ok. Time enough to check and test, althoug those lousy bar stools are really a pain in the ... back. Next time I'll bring my folding chair along, you bet! A little bit disturbing were the youngsters grabbing guitars for useless strumming. I think it is ok that young people get the chance to try high quality instruments. But, bearing in mind the worth of those instruments, a little bit more supervising would not hurt - and give serious testers a better ambiance. Summary: good shop, good staff, I bought my guitar and was absolutely pleased. read more

i went to Tom Lee after hearing so many good critiques from yelp until I went there. The customer service wasn't that great when i was a nicket off and asked if it was alright. The person had apparently disregarded and said it wasn't ok read more

Dj department has great gear and guys that really know how to use it

this guys are really sucks!! i went there with friends to buy guitar. but i was in rush to use washroom. ask saleman who doing nothing but plaing guitar. he said "you have to say "excuse me first befor ask somethin" wtf i was there to buy guitar not to get a maner lesson! anyway i got the guitar but when i open the box at my house, one string was broken, and get back to shop next day. the other guy said "you have to buy new one cuz it is not a piano string. it can be broken even one stroke" WTF again. argued with them, get new one but i will never get close to them again. stinky, rude guys. be aware speak with them, you have to very polite to get their service. read more