This is hands-down the place to go if you need anything drum-related. These gentlemen spent more than an hour repairing or replacing my ten-year old's drum set. They patiently and with kindness spent time with my son explaining what they needed to do, and why. They did not try to upsell me. The price is right, and the service spectacular. This is a true Austin treasure. We will be back. read more

Tommy's Drum Shop - My son with the team. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Austin, Texas

Maybe it was just a bad day. I was visiting family in Austin this past week, and mid-day on a Wednesday a group of us stopped into Tommy's. There were four adults and my 12‑year‑old daughter, all musicians--I'm the only drummer. We had just come from South Austin Music, which had been a great experience. Unfortunately, this visit was the complete opposite. When we first walked in, we were greeted by a friendly staff member who told us to let him know if we had any questions or needed help. I asked whether there was any used gear, and he mentioned a few used pedals and a used kit upstairs. He then stepped away--presumably to eat lunch (a food delivery person came into the store at the same time we did)--and the other staff member was left behind the counter. I took a quick look around the upstairs area, which had an impressive cymbal selection, a handful of snare drums, and a couple of nice Gretsch Renown kits. I paused to look more closely at a raw copper snare that really caught my eye and made a brief comment to the person behind the counter. His response was a single word. I tried to engage a bit more, but he clearly wasn't interested in conversation. At that point, I was ready to leave. I was genuinely in the market for a used ride or a snare and had money to spend. I assumed that being in Austin there would be plenty of options, but that wasn't really the case. That's fair--used gear takes effort to manage, and many shops focus primarily on new inventory. As we were preparing to go, my wife asked if I wanted a t‑shirt. I took a look and agreed it was a cool design. She went to the counter and the staff member helped her with the purchase, but again, there was no engagement. I made one more attempt to start a conversation, but there was no response--no smile, no eye contact, no expression at all. Maybe we were annoying him. Maybe we interrupted his lunch. I honestly don't know. What I do know is that it was a disappointing experience. South Austin Music had such a great atmosphere--fun, welcoming, and warm. My local music shop in Maryland (not a chain), where my daughter takes guitar lessons, has that same vibe. This drum shop, by comparison, felt cold and purely transactional. I left feeling bummed out and awkward enough that I apologized to my family for the experience. read more

Classic example of how drum shops were the place to hang out!!! A throwback!!!! Great stock new and vintage pieces !!!! read more

The best store imaginable for drummers. Solid inventory. Super knowledgeable staff. Hard-to-find items. Please give this place your business over the big chain music stores. read more

I wanted to buy my drummer husband a big-ticket gear item as a wedding gift, so I called Tommy's first. The guy on the phone was patient, polite, and very helpful about aiding me in finding the perfect stand case. When I went into the store to pick it up by myself (wouldn't want to ruin the surprise), I was treated with dignity instead of being made to feel like I was just a groupie who didn't know anything. They even helped me load it into my car. I will definitely go back for future purchases for Anthony C. These guys know how to retain a customer...even if they are just a wife. read more

I recently got back into drumming, and I stopped by when I was getting serious about getting a new kit. The guy in the store was really cool and friendly, and allowed me to bug him for awhile about drum questions when I was'nt buying anything. After deciding to definetly buy used, I've now acquired a few pieces and actually called them twice with questions and plan to to take a piece up there for them to look at and they might refer me to a guy who can machine the bearing edges if needed....I dont know anything about this stuff and both time 2 different guys were helpful and respectful on the phone, and not dodgy, lazy or arrogant and making me feel like an idiot. I will definetly give this place business when needed, even if guitar center might be $2 cheaper on some heads or something and I have to drive 5 more miles. Two thumbs up for local music shops that still kick ass. A shame about Fibes no longer being in production though. read more

Went to Tommy's for the first time. I was treated like an idiot, and the guy working so the time seemed frustrated and uninterested. I wasn't going to buy a big ticket item but I felt like I at least deserved some common decency. I actually work in drums at guitar center so there's no need to shop there, but I figured they might have some cool stuff we don't so I came to see what I could buy. Cool selection of items, but it doesn't mean anything if they're so rude. read more

As a longtime guitarist struggling to become a decent drummer, I like Tommy's and would prefer to shop here. The issues I have are small; I don't like constantly having to ask an employee for prices on hardware, as they are not displayed. I know why that is, but it's annoying. The other problem is the lack of stock for the cymbal packs and moderate priced gear someone like me seeks, as opposed to the "A" game players who shop here. Having said that, I'd still rather buy here and I'm glad that big shot players buy here. Tommy's is an institution. If you can afford slightly higher prices, and having to order some of the items a larger store would have in stock, you should go out of your way to patronize Tommy's. It's a fine store and needs to remain an Austin landmark. read more

Had what I wanted. Didn't bother me too much. Just what a drummer needs. Thanks, blokes.

I recently returned to playing drum after being away for decades, literally. I found Tommy's Drum Shop and could not imagine being without them. I was really wrapped up in the drums in my youth, but in my time away, gear, brands, etc. change. They are never too snobbish to help a returning-newbie like me. They have excellent quality gear, good in-stock merchandise, and the best service around. One example of their great service was when I went to buy some bass drum claw hooks. They had 15 of the 16 I needed, so they ordered the extra one for me, and called me two days later as soon as they got it in the store. I went in a few days after to pick it up, they greeted me by name as I walked in the door. I felt (and still feel) like a 'regular' at Tommy's, that's a cool thing. If you want personal attention, extremely knowledgable drum staff, you cannot beat Tommy's Drum Shop. read more

Have been buying gear from Tommy since '83 when the shop was across the street (sure miss that big 'ol space!). Always got what I needed and always dealt with KNOWLEDGEABLE people, not some goofball who didn't know squat about drums & percussion. Always a good thing to have a LOCALLY owned shop that caters to drummers instead of all those other instruments that accompany us on stage... read more

This week's five star goes to Tommy's Drum Shop. I've been buying my drum necessities here for over 15 years. They have always been very friendly and very knowledgeable. Tommy is often working behind the counter and will be happy to help you. What makes this place extra special is the pricing. No gimmicks, no sales, or clearances. Everything is already priced very competitively. This is one of my favorite spots in all of Austin. Thanks Tommy! read more

Great shop for drummers and metallic vibration enthusiasts. That means cymbals, gongs and tuners. Talk to Tommy if you can or if he is there. He is like the old Ray Hennings when Ray was still alive. He will sell you what you need and make sure you get a good price and quality. read more

I only have good things to say about the folks in the shop! Its such a relief to go to a place that hires such friendly and down to earth people. The shop is always super clean, and I love that they're carrying Istanbul Mehmet cymbals now. It would be awesome to have some Istanbul Agop cymbals here, but I hear Istanbul Agop has some pretty strict reseller guidelines which make it near impossible for smaller shops to carry them. I always look forward to stopping by, as a matter of fact it has been a while. Maybe I'll stop in this week! ;) read more

The best drum shop within 200 miles. All the guys here, totally awesome. Professional. Bought a new Pearl drum set here. Such a nice experience. Thank you Tommy... read more

Stumbled across this gem shop of Austi. was just looking replace a snare head on a cold icy Saturday. Went to the GC within ten minutes of me to find they were closed. Little did I know that was for a reason, I found Tommy and his little drum shop down town. By far one of the most genuine shop owners and people I have met. Spent more time chatting about idols, relic cymbals and general drum stuff. Tommy has earned a life long customer and I will continue to support him and his venture! If you enjoy percussion instruments go check it out, don't take my word find out for yourself! read more

I visited Tommys Drum Shop and the young guy at the counter treated me well. Later when I called Tommy to ask if the item I oredered was in, he was rude to me. I will be looking for another place to order drum heads. read more

Seriously, we are incredibly lucky to have an establishment like Tommy's accessible. I'm new to the drums, I'm lucky enough to have an amazing wife that is not easily annoyed and she was benevolent enough to get me a kit for my birthday. I've played guitar for years and years so I'm no stranger to guitar shops and the like. The music store industry as a whole has got this dark fog surrounding it. The fog is basically composed of narcissistic, holier than thou, a-hole local musicians that work for at the music store as a "day job". I myself worked at a guitar shop in college and I 100% perpetuated the stereotype, I was an A-hole to waaaaaay to many people. So people, if you're reading this... I'm sorry. My first trip into Tommy's I totally expected to walk in the door and be greeted by another aloof music shop a$$hole but that was not the case. The guys that work at Tommy's are AWESOME, kind, knowledgeable people and they are not interested in judging you, they're interested in HELPING you. I've been in 3 or 4 times in the last month, buying what I need, asking questions and these guys have been great. I don't need to go anywhere else for drum stuff, if you live in Austin you shouldn't need to go anywhere else either. read more

Tommy is perhaps the nicest business owner in town, or is a serious contender. The store is always immaculate and they stock very nice gear. I'm sure everyone wishes there were more kits in there, but there must be a reason for it. And I'm also positive we're all waiting on some Fibes action! read more

I've been coming to Tommy's for a while now and have always been happy but decided to write a review after my last experience. I needed 3 floor tom leg brackets for an older Sonor floor tom that they were able to special order from Sonor. They arrived quickly but unfortunately did not fit. After a few calls, we learned that Sonor no longer makes the 2 hole floor tom brackets and only have the 3 hole version now, the same that come on their current models. Rather than send them back and try generic brackets, we decided to go ahead and drill a third hole for each, which I was a little reluctant to do but wanted to come as close as i could to the original look, as these drums are becoming vintage. Anyway, they got the job done quickly and the workmanship is top notch. The drum looks great and is now liberated from being a floating tom. Tommy himself was involved in the process from start to finish and all of the guys there were very helpful and knowledgeable as always. On a second trip back to look for a particular pair of sticks, the guy working that day not only searched the rack for what I wanted, but also went through the manufacturers books trying to see if similar types of the same stick were available when I told him I was unhappy with a certain brand. Pretty much all other shops I've been to would have just told me to look around for something else, but the guys at Tommy's will do their due diligence to find a real answer and good options for what you're looking for. Thanks a lot guys for not resting on your laurels, way to keep excellent customer service! read more

I'm not from Austin, but whenever I'm here, I love to check in at Tommy's. They have a great selection of drums, cymbals, heads, sticks, percussion and other accessories. Plus whoever is behind the counter actually knows drum gear and can help you find what you need. A great asset to the Austin music scene and to drummers who are going through Austin and need gear! Go to Tommy's. GO NOW! read more

I took a tom with a stripped mount into Tommy's, got personal service from Tommy himself, he looked through several catalogs to try to find the right mount for my off-brand drums, offered to order any of the mounts that he had access to on a no-obligation basis, and then disassembled my mounts and found a way that I could repair them with a couple of bucks worth of parts from the hardware store instead of replacing them. That's service! I also needed a ride cymbal, Tommy sold me one of his floor models for about half retail price and at about $15 less than the lowest priced used cymbal at that chain store that says it's all about guitars. Finally, got some good advice on what kind of cymbal cleaner to use. That's all from a first visit to Tommy's. I will be back for sure. read more

You gotta love the staff. They never make you feel stupid and never have a haughty 'I'm a musician and know it all' approach. They meet you on your level and that's refreshing in the music industry! This place rocks. read more

Excellent local drum shop. They special ordered a few things for me and had in-stock a certain drum I was looking for. Tommy is super knowledgable and helpful. Never condescending and super positive. Great experiences here- I will be supporting this place for as long as I live in Austin. read more

Try to rip you off, wanted to get a piece ordered for my DW pedal that was under warranty. Went to Tommy's and they ordered it for me and said it would cost $5 which is insane cause not only can you make the piece for a dollar, but called DW and they ship it to you and give it to you for free. Not honest employees care more about money!!!! read more

Extremely knowledgeable / helpful. ... often coming up with cheaper / better solutions to a problem than you'd thought of. They also explain WHY their suggestion will work for you. That's a free education folks, and the insight they give proved to be very valuable for me. read more

Tommy is a great person and has the best staff of any music store in austin. Sure miss the killer clinics he used to have....ah fond memories of Tommy Aldridge with his cobalt blue Yamaha RTC kit in 1990.. I bought those drums and still cherish them. Thanks Tommy! Mark Henry read more

Love Tommy's drum shop! I've been going there for over 17 years! Indy owned, not some Big Box "wanna be a rock star" store. Tommy is a icon in the drum world. See Fibes Drums. Always friendly. They cater to drummers, not bone headed Guitarists or DJ's. Go to where the real drummers shop! read more

Great local shop. I am not a druumer, but my young son loves to play the drums. A friend gave me a drum set but it was somewhat incomplete. Tommy's Drum Shop had everything I needed, the prices seemed reasonable, all the staff were super nice and helpful and they didn't get upset when my son started beating on the drums. read more

I haven't set foot in Tommys since it was in the big building across the street, probably about 1989 or 1990. I was young and just learning to play and I'll never forget how stuck up the guy helping me was...his attitude really sucked and he couldn't have been more of an egotistical jerk. Over the years I've spent a lot of money on gear, and none of it came from Tommy's. On a friend's recommendation, I recently stopped in to see if they had some Ludwig parts I needed, and my opinion has completely changed. They had the parts I was after and were super helpful advising me on how to make them last longer, even suggesting a few things I hadn't considered. They also special ordered some other parts I couldn't even find online! Tommy was there each time I've been by and stopped what he was doing to make sure I got what I needed. They called promptly when the order arrived and got me exactly what I needed without trying to up sell me. All these years later I wish I'd given them another chance and been shopping here all along. They are pros without an attitude and I will always give them first shot at my business going forward. read more

Great selection of pedals,drums,cymbals, hardware... was impressed by the amount of variety and great affordability of most everything on the shelves. Truly grateful to have bought my speed cobra pedal from these guys. Would certainly give them my business again read more

I've been a semi-serious bassist for decades, and the drummers I've played with have always sworn by Tommy's. For the last year I have taken a crash course in drumming to fit in with a new band, and the staff at Tommy's have been indispensable. They are all pros, but are patient with wannabes like me, providing gear and technique tips with affability. The inventory is vast, and, though it definitely tends toward the high end and "boutique," the prices seem reasonable to me. As tempting as it is to grab cheap stuff on Craiglist or Musician's Friend or whatever, I always try and give this local, quality, business as much patronage as possible----they are vital to the community! read more

Tommy's is the best!!! Old school shop with amazing expertise, knowledge, and experience. Great selection, fair prices, repairs, and some cool used cymbals and drums come through as well. This is the type of drum shop every city wishes they had. read more

The first time I visited Tommy's, I was about 13 years old(approx. 1994), but honestly only have visited this shop a few times since I was about 22 or so (Im now 29) and this is why. I have found these guy's to be the epitome of pretentiousness. I only recently found out, when I was a teenager, and my Father was taking me there and basically doing most of the talking, that he had had the same experience back then. Every time I walk in, the employees made me feel as if I was bothering them or wasting their time with questions. In addition to what I consider bad service, their selection has been horrible since they moved out of their original huge warehouse style building, Id guess in the late 90's. I also don't like the fact that the owner also owns( or has a large stake in) Fibes, so I feel like their opinions on drums can be very biased. I would highly recommend Jeff Ryders shop in North Austin as opposed to Tommy's, as the selection is far superior, and Im guessing better prices, since Ive noticed that Jeff Ryder's prices seem to rival guitar center's prices even. If not, any of the other local shops will, more than likely, treat you better than these guys. At least maybe you will be acknowledged in a positive way upon entrance. read more