Came in to get some help for the fret buzz on my new beginner bass from amazon. Help was offered as…read moresoon as I walked in the door and the employee immediately got to work after quickly diagnosing the issue. He told me it wouldn't be perfect since it is a very affordable bass and that I could purchase a full set up, but that it'd probably be a better investment to put that cost toward an instrument upgrade down the line instead. After a few minutes of adjustments, I was offered a cable to hook up to one of the in store amps to try it out. SO much of an improvement! I wasn't even charged for the service. I wanted to look at gig bags afterward but noticed they seemed to all be in an employee only area. A staff member almost immediately noticed me and showed me their options. When I said I'd do some more shopping around and would keep theirs in mind, there was absolutely 0 pressure to try to make a sale. The customer service was fantastic and felt very genuine--no pushing to make a sale or upsell something I didn't really need. Especially as a beginner who wouldn't necessarily know better, it's so valuable to feel like the person helping you actually cares about your best interest as opposed to just making a sale. Super happy with my experience and I'll definitely be back in the future for any of my musical needs!

This place is great! They have a huge selection of different types of musical instruments. They…read morealso have a diverse range of priced instruments, it's not just the really expensive ones. They also do music lessons. I have interacted with three different teachers and all have been fantastic. The service is top notch and they also have a little café in the middle to get coffee. Highly recommended if you are in the market for an instrument, lessons or just want to go and look.

I went to Music World today to get a broken string replaced. Not only was my string replaced as I…read morewaited, but it was replaced for free. While my string was being replaced, I got good advice about my banjo's tuning pegs. The person who helped me was very helpful and friendly. I've been here before for various banjo related help and my experience has always been incredibly positive. I'll definitely go back.

Very friendly and over the top helpful staff. Tyler noticed a backwards stringing on my repaired…read moreguitar and offered to re string for free. He even offered helpful hints while he was restringing. I've been coming here for years and will continue to come for years more!

I was VERY impressed with my visit to Centaur Guitar! Selection is HUGE (much larger than one…read morewould expect when looking at it from the outside), the staff is EXTREMELY knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly, and prices are LOW. They carry a huge variety of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, amplifiers, and accessories. They also offer setup and repair services. They sell both new and used items. Their used items were unanimously in extremely great condition, and did not appear to be used. A few things to note if you visit: *There is a small, private parking lot *The entrance on the building that is on the same side of the gate as the parking lot is not actually for Centaur Guitar, it is for an amplifier repair service that shares the building. *The entrance for Centaur Guitar is on the street side of the building, past the parking lot gate. *To enter, one must ring the doorbell, and an employee will open the door to let you in *There are no centaurs available for sale

What a great place! I start my guitar class tonight and I completely spaced on procuring a guitar…read moreuntil today. I forgot the name of the kind person who helped me. They took the time to go over several guitars with me so that I walked out with something that was usable, nice sounding and not intimidating. I can't wait to use my new guitar tonight.

Tyler at the battle ground location was extremely helpful…read more Both the vancouver and bg locations have kind and positive staff. I would highly recommend anyone and everyone to come check out the stores.

Amazing. Super nice. My granddaughter needed a new string for her guitar, and Tyler was so kind…read morereplaced it, tuned it and chord jack. So kind and all for nothing. No charge at all. I couldn't believe it. We will be buying Christmas gifts from there for sure.

I'm a guitar newbie, and from another music store, bought the wrong guitar. It was pretty, but…read moreheavy with steel strings. Richard (at Division location) was very helpful and listened to my needs. It was such a treat to look around at all the beautiful guitars in every price range. Richard had great tips how to learn to play quickly and you will need to meet him for the skinny as he has played over 40 years. I bought a beautiful guitar that I can play with my sensitive fingers. They have a 10 day return policy and 30 day exchange which is very fair. Richard also suggested I bring my other guitar in for a professional to look over and restring with 'silk' strings. Great education on the variance of string manufacturers, not all are the same size. Richard has a wealth of guitar knowledge. I recommend a visit no matter what the distance is for you.

This is the only music store I shop at, and I have been a music teacher for 5 years. Their customer…read moreservice goes above and beyond, they order your items if they are not in stock, and they are the coolest and kindest people you will ever meet! I cannot recommend them enough

Full disclosure- I am not a musician and I don't know anything about drums so I can't comment on…read morethe quality of the selection or the knowledge of the staff in that regard but popped in to get a new pair of concert ear buds before a show. The lovely human working that day was so kind and helpful. As someone who is making an effort to buy things at locally owned places instead of big box retailers, I appreciated that while they did not have a large selection they did have some variation and the $20 pair I bought was much cheaper than what you see online and they worked so well. So if you ever find yourself in Portland for a show and need a pair- Rhythm Traders has you covered.

I can't say enough great things about Rhythm Traders! I was helped by two different employees who…read moreenabled me to close deals on a used cymbal stand and used hardware case. Being a musician and writer, I'm always on a tight budget, so I appreciate their recommendations.

The customer service wasn't so great and the main guy "helping" me had a stuck-up attitude and…read morewasn't very respectful to me or my needs. They seem to have a decent selection of brass and woodwind instruments as well, but lack basic or a variety of accessories for them.

We have been going to this shop for many years. The staff are enthusiastic about helping people…read morefind instruments that they love and they are incredibly helpful. We had an issue with one of the instruments we purchased (user error? manufacturing?) and they replaced it to make sure we were satisfied. While you can't expect that every time there's an issue it speaks to their desire to offer great service and to support their customer base. Plus their selection of beautiful instruments seems unmatched in the Portland area.

Cool shop, great selection of gear and super knowledgeable and helpful staff members. Highly…read morerecommend.

Less than one I feel sick to my stomach…read more This is my experience. The ego often makes a shop owner see themselves as vying with the customer rather than serving them. The ego often makes a shop owner see themselves as competing with the customer rather than serving them. In conclusion, when a shop owner's ego becomes the primary motivator, they may "dismiss" the customer to safeguard their self-image and sense of authority. This behavior often contradicts the classic notion that "the customer is always right." Instead, it reflects a pride that purportedly aims to create a comfortable, dignified environment. However, this approach lacks genuine substance, as it is built on flawed assumptions that undermine core principles of customer service.  Upon entering the establishment, I was separated from others and treated in a manner I believe would not occur outside this context. Specifically, I felt infantilized when I was informed that employers had complained about me for asking for deals. The feedback I received was vague and poorly articulated. However, one allegation shared was that I allegedly threw objects at staff members. This situation is unlikely ever to occur, particularly given that I felt my conversation went well. The irony was that, after I paid the full price for the installment, I was reprimanded for inquiring about a discount. This response can be seen as a manifestation of perceived disrespect; when customers do not exhibit the level of deference expected by the business owner, the owner may prioritize personal pride over financial gain. The proprietor of Hank's Music has requested that I refrain from visiting the establishment in the future unless I fully grasp the protocol regarding pricing negotiations for their pre-owned instruments. It is crucial to avoid discussing the possibility of negotiating the listed price, especially in the presence of customers and employees. A shop owner's ego can sometimes lead to reactions that prioritize personal pride over business acumen, particularly when considering the perceived value of instruments, as many musicians receive only a fraction of their instruments' value when trading them in or purchasing them outright. When operating from a place of ego, owners may misinterpret customer feedback or inquiries as personal affronts rather than constructive business interactions. This is ironic, given that I previously sold instruments to their establishment, thereby providing them with the opportunity to profit from those sales. In such scenarios, emotional responses can overshadow the potential benefits of engaging customers in a more transactional, less personal manner. I will not provide justification, engage in debate, defend my choices, or offer explanations regarding my actions. My dissatisfaction with the guitar has reached a point where I regret entering the store and making any purchases. Consequently, I have resolved to withdraw my support for this establishment and will not return in the future. I am sick to my stomach.