I used to shop at Bridgeset and they were always polite to me - until they found out that I'm a professional musician and then the flood of rudeness bagean. Mind you, they were incredibly rude to me on three occasions until I finally gave up and quit going back. I know for a fact that they don't take issue with men who are pros. Interesting. read more

EDIT: since posting this review, the owner has reached out to resolve issues with store/staff This music store is horrible. I'm a professional guitar player who was visiting Philadelphia from the west coast and decided to check out local music stores. The store was clean but beyond appearances this place was terrible. All the guitars I tried were dirty and out of tune; I told an employee that the truss rod needed to be adjusted on one and he didn't know what that was (a music store employee should know what that means). I couldn't hear myself try the guitar because the sole employee was signing and playing at the top of his lungs. I then asked him about how the teacher employment worked at their store and not only could he not answer, but he couldn't give me anyone's email or phone number to contact with questions. Very rude in general. Ive been in hundreds of music stores and this was among the worst read more

Bought my Yamaha acoustic from these guys. The guy at the counter was very helpful and they didn't try to sell me junk. As always, do your research if you plan on buying music gear in person! If you need a professional luthier to setup your instrument, I recommend checking out Bluebond Guitars on 4th St instead! read more

Heard bad reviews of this place but really needed last minute equipment so I figured I'd gIve it a shot. Person who assisted me initially helped me grab the right size item, then I decided to go the next length up. The employee went to go swap the item and made a mistake by giving me a size that didn't fit my equipment. I trusted his judgement as he bagged it. Lesson learned. Whatever, mistakes happen. I made sure to call that night to give them a heads up of an exchange, they asked me if it's out the packaging and I was honest explaining that I removed the zip ties and asked if that would be a problem in regards to exchanging. The employee ensured that it wouldn't and I planned on getting there in the next few days since it wasn't a convenient trip taking public transportation. I was disappointed to learn that once I explained my situation to a different employee upon arrival that since it was out the "packaging" (literally zip ties on flat cardboard) that the best he could do is offer a sad 20% off my purchase. The kid was young and was just taking orders after calling his "manager" to confirm it was ok. Wasn't going to take it out on the young bol for being the messenger. Message to management : make sure you educate your employees on the return policy so you don't waste people's time making the commute back after a mistake on yal end. read more

With the might and efficiency of amazon, it's easy to forget about your local shops and the niche expertise they can provide. I loving coming here. This used to be my spot before I moved to Chicago. Steve is such a good guy and he stocks not just the coolest new synth stuff, but I picked up some Vietnamese percussion that is totally unique and has sounded great in my music. KEEP UP THE SUPPORT PHILLY! Highly recommend. read more

I just bought a sweet uke! My boyfriend and I stopped in the day before the 4th of July holiday to take a look at the instruments because I was considering buying. I wanted to think about it for a day and figure out what I could afford, so we asked the owner if he would be open during the holiday weekend. He said yes, so the next day we called just to make sure. Apparently he was closed but said he was still in the store and we could come on by. He's probably glad we called because a few other people made purchases while we were there! :-P And of course I was glad, too! I purchased my first uke, and I am so happy with my purchase. I have no idea how to play it, but I got a free intro book with the purchase, as well as 20% off accessories. I got a gig bag and a tuner. The owner was really helpful and hooked me up with a nice deal on the instrument itself. I definitely want to return for some lessons. I just got a really good vibe from this place, like you can tell they aren't trying to rip you off or make you buy unnecessary items. That makes me feel confident I would get the most for my money by taking lessons there, too. We always see the female owner of the store at certain events and such, like festivals. Steve told me about their ukulele group, which seems so cute. I definitely am looking forward to learning how to play my new beautiful instrument and maybe even making some new friends along the way. The store also has also items, like instruction booklets, accessories, guitars, headphones and other sound stuff, etc. read more

Love this store, and the staff are so friendly and there to help with any questions you might have. No push to buy anything, just a relaxed atmosphere. I bought my beloved bass uke there, as well as an awesome Fishman amp. Very happy with both of these purchases. read more

Has all the essentials like picks and strings but also has a ton of unique instruments. Also on top of all the cool music stuff there's sweet tshirts, skateboards, records, you name it. Took a lesson with Chris the other day and he was the best, really helped me get an understanding of how notes translate from guitar to piano. Worth the time to just go hang out. read more

BridgeSet Sound - Out front - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Checked out Secret Synth Night the other week. Interesting place with a lot of people in attendance for the event. Will check out again.

If you live in Philly and you've every played, thought about, or said the word ukulele, you need to be at this place. I picked up a Uke about 5 years ago and was thrilled when Bridgeset opened up. They have beautiful instruments at fair prices, they have brand new vinyls that other places don't have, and the couple that works there is too nice. This is a place I always feel welcomed and for people wanting to try out a new instrument, that's such a great energy to have. If you're nervous about trying a ukulele or any instrument, go to Bridgeset. It's more mom and pop than a Sam Ash or Guitar Center, and they care more. read more

I came in looking to buy a new receiver and speakers to get an old turntable hooked up again. They totally helped me figure out which was best for me and didn't try to upsell me out of my budget. In fact, they were totally helpful when I decided to go super cheap and just use my TV as the speakers. When i got home, I was having issues, so I called, and Steve came by! He brought equipment from his shop to troubleshoot to figure out where the problem was (cords v. tv speakers v. Turntable v. Receiver). Sadly, the turntable had just died. He literally sold me the turntable that he brought over to help me to troubleshoot. Like, the customer service was unbeatable. I would like to upgrade to real speakers instead of my TV, and I will definitely go back there for them. Seriously, this shop is the best. read more

This place is cute and awesome. The workers in there are so friendly! I was trying to ask about their piano classes. And they explained everything to me in detail. Gave me all the info i needed. Even though I haven't actually went to a class or bought anything there, I really recommend this place to others of their friendliness! It's places like this that makes you want to actually take a class with them! Too bad I can't make my schedule work right now but hopefully in the nearest future. read more

Musical aspirations aside, Steve &Thao, the owners of BridgeSet Sound, are so profoundly friendly and helpful, I think I would buy something in their store even if I were tone deaf! However, I have actually been playing the guitar for decades and am proud to say that the first guitar I have purchased since moving to Philly two years ago, was from BridgeSet Sound. I bought a limited edition G&L Telecaster ASAT Junior II with a korina top and a pau ferro fret board which Steve kindly pulled from the back after I randomly came upon BridgeSet on my way to another destination. I fell in love with the instrument immediately and consider it one of my main axes. To ice the cake, they gave me a phenomenal deal on the guitar! I do not hesitate to give this shop the business of my musical needs. I have since walked out with some killer effects pedals, electric cables, as well as some very cool percussion effects. BridgeSet also features lessons and a recording studio, in addition to a Ukulele selection that is second-to-none. Even if you are a musical novice, or in search of a gift for a musical friend, Steve & Thao exhibit such patience and accommodation, you are bound to feel perfectly at home in this gem-of-a-musical-instrument-shop! BridgeSet Sound rocks & so will you if you shop here! read more

BridgeSet Sound - Storefront on South Street - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I love this place! I'm taking guitar lessons with Chris and I could not be happier. The instructors here are wonderful musicians who genuinely take an interest in how to make you a better player--and even manage to make the right amount of music theory fun and relevant (I'm looking at you, Circle of Fifths). Lessons are in the store which is awesome in its own right--all the supplies I needed as a journeyman guitarist in a super-friendly and welcoming environment. Also, Steve and Thao stock a lot of those very cool looking things that I should learn how to use someday (amps, ukes, shaker-thingys, sound editing stuff, etc). I would give them a dozen stars if yelp had an extra-stars option! read more

Bought my ukulele here. Staff was knowledgeable and polite. Prices were a little higher than what I was seeing online, but I'd rather support a local business. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a new instrument or with related questions. read more

This music store saved our butts! We were playing a gig in town and desperately needed a particular cable, later in the evening when most stores were closed. Friendly staff and good hours get this small shop 5 big stars. Thank you! read more

What a cool little shop, filled with a great selection of high-quality, inexpensive ukes. Other cool musical gizmos too. Owner is a real nice guy. Check it out! read more

A really great store. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful. I got a good deal on a wonderful tenor ukulele and came back the next day to get a very nice case, which, again, I got for a very reasonable price. As a musician who has played for a living in Manhattan for over 40 years I can say that it's always a pleasure to deal with a music store that makes you feel comfortable and welcome and doesn't bombard you with "attitude". I highly recommend Bridgeset Sound! read more

So happy to have this gem of a music shop on South Street! I walked in and was immediately greeted by the friendly sales associates and then proceeded to browse the vast selection of instruments, including ukeleles, kazoos, and harmonicas, all of which I plan on getting to increase my repertoire of instruments! In fact, I was informed that Bridgeset also hosts meetings for the South Street Ukulele Club and will guide ukulele players of all levels in learning popular songs (ie: Beatles). On my way out, I signed their mailing list and assured them I'd definitely stop back in to purchase my ukulele and some other supplementary instruments! These guys ROCK! read more

By far the best music shop in Philly. Customer service is on point and the selection of instruments is very accommodating to all different types of musicians. The owner Steve was incredibly generous and kind when I encountered an issue with my equipment. He replaced the merchandise with no questions asked. I have been into Bridgeset several times before and will return again. I would definitely recommend this shop with an A+ rating! You ROCK guys!! read more

Switching instruments isnt always an easy thing to do. I used to play the violin and now Im moving onto another string instrument...this time no bow. Thank goodness I had Alex as my music teacher but you dont have your personal instructor like I do...this cool shop has private lessons. My new instrument is a ukelele. I just wanted something small to keep me occupied. Music usually is the thing. read more

Just purchased my first ever uke here. Selection is great, staff is knowledgeable yet unintimidating. Best music store I've found in center city so far. read more

Walked in to pick up my first ukulele and it was a great experience! The staff is super nice and the store is very clean with a great atmosphere. There is NOTHING intimidating about it and you will get a great deal. Most comfortable shopping experience I have ever had. Will definitely recommend and return. read more