I've been dealing with Long & McQuade for over 11 years, mainly with the Kingston, ON store, and…read morehave always been super impressed with their service and professionalism. Unfortunately, my recent experience at the Hunt Club Rd store in Ottawa was the complete opposite. I called ahead about selling a pair of Yorkville EXM Mobile Tower speakers -- only a year old and in great shape. The person on the phone said to bring them in so they could take a look. I drove an hour to get there, only to be ignored for several minutes when I arrived. When someone finally spoke to me, they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. (It's surprising, considering Yorkville is one of the main brands Long & McQuade carries.) After some confusion and checking the computer, I was told, "We already have five of those; we don't want them." That could have easily been said over the phone before I wasted a two-hour round trip. I later called the Hawkesbury store, and even they couldn't understand why the Ottawa location wouldn't take them -- especially since they could easily be used as rentals. If you value your time, avoid the Hunt Club Rd store. I've had nothing but great experiences elsewhere with Long & McQuade, but this location missed the mark completely.

I can't say enough about the wonderful customer service and help I had from Joseph (Joe) Fraser. I…read more originally made the mistake of ordering a Bassbreaker 15 head from Amazon, thinking it was the combo, and was helped by Joe to find a suitable speaker cabinet for it. When i got home, I wasn't able to get sound from the setup. Joe first tried helping me troubleshoot on the phone and when nothing helped he suggested I bring the combo in and we'd be sure to get it working. He was so warm and comforting at a time when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed tbh. Well, it turned out there was a problem with the Bassbreaker I ordered from Amazon so understandably, the best L and McQuade could do was send it in for a repair estimate to see if they could repair it and he suggested I also contact Amazon directly to see if they could offer a free repair just to cover all the bases. Joe was so kind and patient and suggested we look at other amp combos in the meantime. As fate would have it, they had just received a used combo amp and speaker that was a great deal and fit my needs perfectly. It was obvious Joe just wanted to be sure I was happy with no pressure. We ended up exchanging the original cabinet he sold me for the great combo setup. I am 75 and it is so much better for me to deal with the combo vs an amp and separate speaker. I have been playing with the used combo I settled on and it sounds amazing Making it even sweeter was that I was given a refund through the exchange. No upselling. It's caring people like Joe Fraser who just want a happy customer that ends up with the best option for their needs that will keep brick and mortar shops operating :). Thanks Joe from the bottom of my heart. A huge shout out to Terry Calder, the repair guy too, who keeps my prized acoustic well maintained each year. I wouldn't trust anyone else. Great team at Hunt Club. That obviously says something about management at this location too for hiring the right people. Thank you :). Myra Bourne Ottawa

Love this luthier!…read more Full disclosure - I don't play an instrument! My review is based on experience I have as a parent of a music child and as a volunteer with a music organization where I have interacted with him via phone. I think very highly of Guy. He supports the music community, he gives honest opinions and good advise - and, from the reading I've done generally researching luthiers he also makes *wonderful* instruments. He also happens to have a beautiful selection of bows! Note: Check his website for hours - it may be best to book an appointment. Would I return: Yes Would I recommend: Yes

An excellent luthier and pleasant and professional…read more Guy and his colleagues do excellent restoration work but also make fine cellos. Strad magazine had a good write up of his workshop in the May 2017 issue, although I'm not sure if that's available online.

Outstanding staff and service for string players at all levels. The go-to place for supplies,…read moreinstruments, and advice, or just to make connections. David Doyle is a very highly skilled violinist and luthier, and his staff are all players with a full understanding of their instruments. The Sound Post is well known and beloved in the Ottawa music community. They treat their customers with friendliness and respect.

The Sound Post was recommended by my child's violin instructor because of his own experience as…read moreboth a teacher and professional. My child was just 4 at the time and they made sure that the violin was the right size and took all precautions during covid. Because of her age and the small size of the instrument (1/10) we went with renting - she is now 6 and isn't big enough to go up in size just yet. At another point we needed to get a new bow because of an unfortunate accident and they were so helpful. While their rental rate is a bit more than some of the other music stores, it is worth it knowing that our daughter will always have the right size as all staff are fully experienced with stringed instruments. They also have cellos, violas, and basses for rent and sale; offer restoration/repair; music stands; music books; and all the other accessories you might need. The nice thing is that they do have the very small sizes, including the 1/32, I believe. Her ensemble instructor has also recommended going to this place. I completely recommend going to The Sound Post, especially if just starting out.

I got home after checking this place out, literally an hour after I wrote this review…read more And overall, I liked the place, the people were nice, I asked one of the guys If I could try out one of the SG/SG-Style guitars, it was fun. This may help me out if I decide to buy an SG, additionally, one of the other workers helped me out with how to figure out the amplifier for distortion and gain, very helpful. Another thing that's interesting is that I didn't necessarily have to them if they could bring one of the guitars down, which I guess is mid, because I was obviously not trying to drop a guitar while trying to be able to try playing it and see what it was like. But otherwise, it was fun, the place was nice and organized, I definitely look forward to coming again.

I would have preferred to give the men at Spaceman 7 stars.(representing perfection) The service…read morehere is incredible and so honest. I was told that the cost of repairing my acoustic guitar would exceed it's value which I agreed. although I did not get the work done, guess what the repairman did anyway? He did two different adjustments @ N/C and I notice that at least it plays better now and I can still enjoy getting some playing time out of it. I have been doing business with Spaceman/Songbird for years and will continue to do so and recommend them whenever and wherever I can. Chris(a happy customer)

I have truely enjoyed my group guitar lessons with Rob! The class is paced just at my speed. I have…read morecome away with being able to know the core chords and even play some songs! Highly recommend for beginners!

Purchased an 8 class group introduction to guitar. I made 7 of 8 classes. Can safely say it was…read morethe best deal I have ever had. Great course...our Instructor Robert was a lot of fun. Highly recommend it!

Thank you Andre for recommending Mayuko to be our piano tuner. She came today and was very friendly…read moreand professional. She even loved our dog! She tuned the piano competently in about 1.5 hours and charged a reasonable price ($125). We will definitely have her back!

I had a Taylor guitar with action off the charts. It was fixed in just a few days at a great price…read more It plays better than it ever has now. Thanks!

A wonderful relaxed environment, and very knowledgeable staff…read more A great variety of beautiful instruments. I'm delighted with my purchase, well worth a journey into town.

My 4 yo is learning piano at this music school, the teacher Emily is really nice and patient with…read morekids, and the front desk staff is always so nice. The place isnt big, but its nice and clean. The only recommendation , i hope they could update their pianos.

I used to take piano lessons here! It is on the second floor of the Conroy Mall, right at the end…read moreof the hall beside the elevators. You open the door to find a little waiting area with chairs and magazines for students and teachers. It's small, but very comfortable, and the piano rooms themselves are perfect for learning how to play an instrument, not stuffy or cold like other music schools. The teachers are very sweet and knowledgeable, and really know how to teach, not just demonstrate. While I was enrolled there, they never forced me to practice at home, but they definitely persuaded me to through encouragement. They don't let you slack off, and they stress that with practice, you'll get better. Very nice music academy!