A coworker recommended going, I was reluctant since I live on the VA (other side) of the city. But OMG. The inventory was amazing. I was actually overwhelmed by the number of guitars and amps in stock. Literally thousands. What I thought would be a 10 min max, look around, buy a pack of strings (I always try and buy something at non chain music stores) turned into a 2 hour adventure. Rows and rows of guitars. I was at first intimidated and it took a bit to get my bearings as how the instruments were organized. LPs over here, Fenders over there. Did I mention there were "like 2 thousand guitars. Then I was shocked at how reasonable the prices were. After 45 minutes I had decided I was definitely getting a new guitar that day, then what to choose? Narrowed down between 2 that I wanted and matched what I could afford that day. The guy who rang me up, saw it was my first purchase there and knocked a few bucks off and threw in a new set of slinky strings. Look if you are looking for a posh music boutique store with fancy displays, this is not the place for you. But if you are a musician looking for quality gear that is priced right and huge inventory, this is the place. I am already planning my next visit with a bigger budget. read more

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Fantastic store!!! Came looking for a orange micro dark, they had like 6 of them and let me try each one till I found one I liked and on top of that they gave me a 20$ discount because it was my birthday!!! Highly recommend!!! read more

Atomic Music - Orange micro dark amplifier - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

This is a destination spot for working musicians, and it's a gem. Ran in yesterday like 25 mins before Friday closing to sell an old guitar and get a small speaker cab for a gig the next day. One of the techs (Isaiah) helped me put 4 x amp/cab combos through the paces, hooked me up with a fair deal on a cabinet (MarkBass 2x10) and on my sale (sold an old Gibson SG), got it done in record time. If you can make it to Atomic before you buy anything online sight unseen, do it. Huge well-curated inventory and the staff knows what they're doing and will let you hear what you're buying. 10/10. read more

Staff was friendly and very helpful. Was able to sell my equipment at a fair price and purchase a new microphone very quickly. I was referred to Atomic by a rep at Guitar Center. read more

Atomic Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

Oh, the humanity. Upside: Great selection of gear. I suspect every type of guitar, bass or amp in creation is crammed in there. Happy hunting. Downside: I suspect every type of guitar, bass or amp in creation is crammed in there. Happy hunting. The staff seem to vary between spirited haggling with customers trying to unload gear -- because, again, there's nowhere to put new stuff, probably -- and not being overly interested in belong customers as they try out gear. The latter may be because of the onslaught of sound staffers must endure all day. Trying to sell gear? You might be able to get your wares relegated to consignment, even if it is quality merchandise. First shot should be selling directly via Reverb, if you can. read more

Where Rock and Roll fantasies come to die and be reborn Cue SFX; I Love Rock and Roll Around the corner from LAX Liquor, in what was once the back room of Circuit City, Atomic deals in new and used instruments. It's an Aladdin's cave of drum sets, congas, keyboards, amplifiers, speakers, and electric guitars and basses. L-shaped counter in the back for cables microphones, mixers, wawas, sticks, picks, strings, and other necessities. Cue SFX: Gimme That Old Time Rock and Roll Nowhere to be seen: bowed strings, woodwinds, brass, classical guitars. You want bougie, go to Guitar Center. Cue SFX Guitar Hero It's very easy to visualize a nascent garage band counting their bankrolls as they build an initial setup, coming back to trade that in for gear for their first tour, and selling that when they are ready for custom made. Cue SFX: Cover of the Rolling Stone read more

Are you a lover of music? Atomic is the place for you. Do you appreciate excellent customer service? Atomic is the place for you. Are you totally clueless and need tons of guidance? Atomic is the place for you. Are you a tool who wants to crank out your amazing talent for all to hear? Atomic is NOT the place for you. We bought a complete drum kit for my teenager and they treated us like royalty. They were all legitimately excited for our burgeoning percussionist. Mark handled the whole thing for us and he was awesome. He is definitely NOT part of the clown show! The bottom line is that if you want to save a ton of cash on instruments and want to be treated courteously, then come to Atomic Music and experience the bliss. read more

I have been coming here for years. Ive sold, traded and bought. Somedays its packed and theres people everywhere buying or selling. And Somedays its very quiet and the staff will direct their attention to you so that you know you are important! Everyone there is so knowledgeable! And they're always honest! Everything is priced to market value but they are 100% for the musicians and will find a way to wiggle the price to make sure everyones happy! I highly recommend Atomic. read more

Been going to Atomic for almost 30 years and have always felt welcomed. I've been able to source most of my gear here since they have such a large rotating inventory. It's a great place to get a deal or just connect with other musicians. Good etiquette among the customers and very kind knowledgeable staff. read more

The Best Music store in the D.C., MD, VA area. A musician's paradise. The staff are all musicians and can easily answer all questions. I have traded several instruments over the years and always get a good deal. They always beat the big box store (G.C.). If you follow them on Reverb, you will find gear you're looking for at a great price. Ask for Lewis. He's the man! read more

All of the workers were so nice!! Matt was very attentive and helpful with looking at pedals for me, and gave me a discount and extra cables for free. what an amazing guy. I can't recommend this place enough, all the gear is vintage and used, so they get to have a second life. it is so fun and great. read more

Fun place to shop, window shop, or sell some old music gear you don't need anymore. Guitars and amps spill out into who knows where. You might even get away with playing a few licks of of Stairway To Heaven. The unofficial gear museum of the DC area. read more

Best music shop in the area , who's second.......who cares ! Best staff , selection of gear and prices . Fantastic return and buy back policy and no shops pay as fairly for used gear . Love to hang out there , it's like the Cheers of music shops . read more

This place rocks! I visited this store upon the recommendation of friend a few weeks ago. I was looking for a hard case for my guitar and I didn't want to spend a great deal of money. The customer service is incredible. As soon as you walk in staff greets you. They are extremely knowledgeable, patient, helpful, and down to earth. I wish I had discovered this store sooner because Bill's Music in Catonsville sucks. I had the worst experience buying my guitar from Bill's Music and taking piano lesions. Had I known about Atomic, I would've spent my money here. I highly recommend Atomic Music. The prices are great and you can do trades. I give this place 5 stars because in the multiple purchases I've made in the past month, I've had outstanding customer service from all the staff. Going forward, I will only recommend this store to friends. read more

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I went here for the first time a few weeks ago. Lots of great guitars at great prices. Staff went above and beyond in working out a deal for a bass and throwing in a very decent brand new Fender gig bag which I had no expectation going in would happen. Next time I'm up this way I have to go in again. read more

Atomic Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

They are the best! I feel great everytime I get such great equipment for my money! Top shelf selection as well. You want it they got it!

Staff works hard to assist me when I shop. Prices are fair. Amazing variety of instruments, accessories, amps, PA equipment.

I traded in my first electric guitar that I purchased 2 years ago at Atomic today . I then upgraded to a nicer one . the trade-in was very fair and the process of picking out the next guitar went easily . Great gear and fair prices Thanks to Eric and team for all the help read more

Atomic Music - Fun group a t Atomic Music. Kinda hard to tell with masks these days... - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

I visited to sell some music gears. They're pretty big and had lots of varieties at the store! Staff were so kind and friendly. If you're looking into buying instruments or selling them, you should definitely check Atomic Music for sure!!:) read more

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best in the area, hands down, period. the selection is vast. the service is impeccable. the 70% buyback policy is solid. the store is littered with gems. prices are fair and negotiable. I've been coming here for a decade. unbeatable - i've gotten so many good deals here!!! Luis is the GOAT. It's a hike to reach from DC, but i's right in between DC and baltimore so its accessible to everyone unless you're in Virginia, which already has a fair share of good (but pricy) shops. read more

This place is sad. I tried to do business on a large purchase and they didn't care. What a sad place. They reported me to reverb. I travel with my employment. I was going to pay with a credit card over the phone and fly in to retrieve. They still reported me to reverb. I feel sorry for these people. Wow. read more

This is one the the coolest music stores I've ever been too! Walking in all you hear is beautiful music by live base and guitar players all over the store. Where else can you go where people are playing music in the music store? I was told about this store from a close friend but this is the first time I've been able to stop I due to my schedule. Matthew was very cool and offered me some great deals on a few products I was looking for at the store. You can get anything you need here from new to used guitars, keyboards, speakers, and basically anything in between! I will be back in a few weeks to get some wireless Shute microphones and new speakers. read more

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Always a blast. it's like a music musea. never know what your going to find. They hav had gear from notable local acts like darkest hour and fugazi. Never had problems here read more

An incredible place for used guitars and amplifiers. This place only sells used gear including a good amount of vintage gear. Ever wondered what a 70s Fender Strat or Gibson Les Paul sounds like vs an 80s, 90s, or modern version? This is the place for you to find out! The store is large and packed with gear. They are fair on the prices also. I ended up getting a wonderful Fender Strat after spending 3 hours comparing multiple models. One really cool thing is that they say they will buy back anything you purchase at 70% of the cost that you bought it for. So this is a really cool way of owning a guitar or amp for a couple years and trading it in to experience something new. It's like the cheapest rental for high end gear that you can find! Such a fun and unique place. Come check it out for sure. I told one of the owners I'll definitely be back and look forward to experiencing a wide variety of gear via their trade in policies. read more

Really cool space with some knowledgable and friendly workers. Would be 5 stars if it was a but more organized.

Had the best experience. This place was recommended to me by a friend. Drove about an hour to check out their selection. Fantastic and friendly staff who were super helpful, cool and unique gear, an overall awesome place. Will definitely be coming back. read more

I love this place. They've been in different locations in the area for over 20 years, and in their current building for a couple of years now. It's like a locally owned, bigger, better version of Guitar Center. They have a huge store with a very large variety of used instruments and gear (guitars, pedals, keyboards, electric pianos, midi controllers, amps, drums, etc....). The people who work here are really nice and knowledgeable, and have given me great prices on stuff I've resold or purchased. If you're looking to replace something and trade in, you'll probably get an even better deal. They're also big supporters of the local community and music scene. read more

Atomic Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

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I bought my first guitar at Atomic Music back in 1998, and have purchased other guitars, amps, and pedals from them along the way. It had been about 5 years since the last time I was there and was looking for a new guitar so I ventured back today. Couldn't be happier. I was able to chat with one of the owners who gave me real information that helped me make my decision in terms of which direction to go, and gave me a great price on the Fender American Strat that I ended up buying on the spot. These guys have been helpful, fair, and provided awesome customer service since day one. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for not only a guitar, but a wide assortment of used musical equipment including basses, drums, amps, etc. This has been, and will continue to be, a go-to for me, and should be for you too! Happy customer for over 20 years. read more

Atomic Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Beltsville, Maryland

Really cool store. Selection is always changing so it's fun to stop by and hunt for hidden gems. Great staff. Friendly people. I wouldn't compare Atomic to a place like Guitar Center etc... it's much cooler than that. There's a definite sense of adventure when you walk in the door. You just never know what you'll find!! Love it!! read more

it's the best place in the world to go. because you can find almost anything everyone that works there is amazing it's a vibe you can't get any where in the world I got on a plane from miami just to go there to just walk in to get that Atomic vibe and man did I get it .I love it there it's a very special place. it's musicl Treasure hunters, no place like it in the world I just got my second plane ticket to go back. I got guitars synths years ago still after 20 years they still shine I enjoy everything I got from atomic music. y'all know it's true . miami Florida. london Vegas California Va texas Detriot France canada I have been with my Atomic Instraments. if you have not been to Atomic then you are truly missing something special. They have a 70% buy back for life no one has that. I can tell tons of stories about atomic and people I have met there . Atomic is the best ! read more

Such a cool place. The staff is knowledgeable and very friendly. They generous with trade ins and the place seems always packed regardless of the day or hour. That's always a good sign. I have bought speakers, mics and consigned a Casio Keyboard. Honest and worth a visit. The prices are outstanding. Rick Jones read more

I visited for my first time today and traded a few guitars I didn't play for a really nice guitar. I couldn't have asked for a more helpful people and satisfying experience. They were extremely fair on my trades and they have great prices on the gear in the store. Although I'm about 90 minutes away, they've earned a customer for life. read more

I've been buying and selling gear at Atomic Music for 10+ years. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and completely reasonable. I usually walk in intending to sell my guitar/amp/whatever for cash and end up walking away with a different guitar/amp/whatever. They're always willing to work with you and get you the best deal possible, whether you're buying or selling. I've had a couple experiences where I wanted to sell them a piece of gear but they already had one in stock or knew they wouldn't be able to give me a reasonable price. They were always extremely above-board in cases like this and would kindly and honestly tell me that I would be better off selling it on my own rather than offering an offensive low-ball price. They're the best. If I'm looking for a new instrument I always check Atomic first. read more

I want to support local music stores, and their move from the industrial building south of Costco to the Old Circuit City building North of Costco (behind Old Line) did improve the store experience, and they'll buy your old music stuff for a decent price. But each time I go in to get a cable, picks, or other musical accoutrements, they guys behind the counter do this little play: Employee #1: Someone helped you out, man? Me: Nope, just need to buy some strings, 2 sets of Martin Lights. (sounds like cigarettes, but trust me, those are real strings) Employee #1: Sure, man, let me get those for you (starts ringing me up) Employee #2: Hey, let's give those to him for $10, OK. He looks like a good guy. (nods head at me) Me: Oh thanks! The first time, I was like "Wow, these guys are so nice!" The second time, I was like "That was weird, that happened last time too!" And then the third time, I was like "OK, how much are these strings? Why aren't the prices posted? Why don't they recognize me? Or should I just pretend to be lost each time and maybe they will give me this good guy discount forever!" Anyways, I'll still go back just to spite Guitar Center, and you could get a pretty nice used guitar/amp here, or have your guitar/amp repaired. read more

The used car dealership of music instruments. They have mostly junk, but every now and again they get something good. If you can save your receipt they will buy stuff back from you at 70% of what you paid. They negotiate! I'd rather give them my business than places like guitar center, which I'd give a 1-star. Here are some tips to shopping here: 1. Never buy, sell, or trade on a Sunday. Only the peons work on Sundays and they don't have the ability to negotiate as much as a manager or owner. If I only shopped here on Sundays I'd give them a 1-star review. 2. Unless the price is ridiculously low, never buy something the first time you see it. Ask them for the lowest price and remember what they say. Come back a few weeks or a month later and they are likely to go lower. If it sold in the mean time, don't fret (pun!), they are likely to get something similar or identical again in the near future. The buyer might even sell the thing back to them.... 3. The more regular of a customer you are, the better deals you get. 4. The more you package together, the better the deal. read more

Atomic has the area's best selection of used (not necessarily vintage) gear. If you want to get anything from a Yamaha 12-string acoustic, to a Gibson Les Paul Studio to a Fender half-stack... Atomic has got it all. They have a wide assortment of guitars, amps, basses, acoustics, pedals and sound reinforcement gear. Their prices are fair and negotiable and they offer very good trade in value if you wish to rid yourself of some instruments/gear. Since it's a used shop, gear comes in and goes out with great frequency, so if there's something you're looking for, you need to keep on top of it and keep checking in. They have and will get pretty much any piece of gear in the store at some time or another, so it's just a matter of time if you're looking for something special. They recently opened another store in Rockville. read more

Better than online because its cheaper and you drive home with it. Walked in with a friend, buying band equipment. I wandered around, thought maybe I'll buy something for a nephew. The guy I told pointed me to the beginner guitars. pointed out the ones I'd want to start with. No oversell, no pressure, super cool. I walk to counter with used guitar. Random dude comes by(owner) takes a look at the price tag, does an air guitar solo and I get 30% discount at the register. true story read more

Atomic has slowly been migrating north for about 20 years... And I've been following them right along. I bought my first guitar from them 17 years ago when I was 8 and since have been buying equipment from all over the planet. At the end of the day this is usually the first place I look when I'm in the market for something. The owners are honest and friendly. The inventory is constantly updating like its a living organism. I've found some very iconic pieces here. Vintage Rhodes, Moogs, Rickenbackers, Fenders, Gibsons, Marshalls, Leslies, etc, etc. All honest up front sales and good deals. This place has something for anyone, whether your a complete beginner, intermediate, or top of the line pro. Oh, and If you save your receipt and take care of your equipment they buy it back at 70%... Deal. read more

I love this place. They have hundreds of used guitars and amps. This is the place for an educated buyer to get a good deal. After about a half dozen visits that averaged about two ours of playing guitars I found THE ONE! A Taylor 414ce which I got with a case, and new strings for $995 with tax! The guitar is in great shape with about 12 years of use. I'm happy and think i saved about $250 over what I have seen around. If you are looking for a guitar or amp. check out Atomic! read more

I've always been pretty intimidated by big music stores - rushed, overwhelmed by the incessant playing of death metal of random guitar players around me, and disinterested employees. While they still have some of the incessant metal riffs, everything else about Atomic is awesome - knowledgeable, helpful staff who don't mind spending a few hours showing you the ins and outs of some of their gear. I spent a few hours there a few weeks ago and completely overhauled my amp/effects setup - and didn't break the bank. There was a slight issue with my amp, but they are fixing it for free and their tech, Johannes, has been great about communicating with me during the process. For musicians of all skill levels, Atomic should be your first stop when shopping for equipment. read more