My family was very happy with the service we received here last week. Our original intent was to find a rental violin for Kid2, as well as see what they might have in stock for kid1. Upon entry we were greeted by Omar, the store manager. He immediately sized my daughter, and went to the stock room to find a few that were her size. For a full school year rental of a junior violin, the cost was $90 + $20 service fee (tuning cleaning) + $5 rosin, a total of $115 before tax for 9 months rental ( End Sept to End Oct). Additionally, there is a grace period of 10 days after the final June 20 contract date that you can return the instrument without penalty. That takes a little bit of stress off our backs to rush to the store for the return. Given that Kid2 had never played the violin, but now needed one for school, I appreciated Omar's knowledge and feedback on things we needed, and unnecessary, there was never any pressure or upsell here. Meanwhile, another staff member, Ricky, was patient with Hubs and Kid1 as they were perusing the guitar section. While the store had a nice variety of full size acoutic & electric guitars, they only had 1 type of junior-size guitar ($79 in 2 colors, red & blue). Both Omar & Ricky were very patient with all my questions, and even allowed me to see what they had in stock when I asked about accordians (which, FYI, they generally do not carry new, and they only have old accordians in stock to sell AS-IS). We were happy with the service we received at this store. Highly recommend them if you're in need of a rental instrument, especially for kids. read more

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As I walked in, an associate greeted me right away and ask if he could be of any assistance. I was given a catalog to show an alternative for my request- it is for an alto sax reed (mouthpiece). It is not currently available at their store. They could order it for me but it won't arrive to the day I need it. The associate explained to be the difference between the two. He suggested to me to ask my brother if what they have can be an acceptable replacement. He mentioned what's available in their store and the price for the piece. It was a direct to the point service. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. The store has a good old fashioned appeal. I wish I could browse what's in their store and stay longer for today. I am seeing myself coming here again. Good location. Metered parking in front of the store. read more

Catalano's Music Center - The suggested alternative. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - New Hyde Park, New York

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My daughter is taking vocal NYSSMA for the first time and she only practices singing in chorus (she doesn't have a private voice teacher). As a result, there are many things we don't know about preparing for the vocal NYSSMA. Fortunately, Catalano has been great, esp. Luke. We were able to purchase just the solo she wants for $6 rather than buy a whole book of songs she won't need. The solo booklet was good quality and durable. When I had follow up questions, Luke answered them all very patiently, even when it wasn't related to my purchase. For example, I wasn't sure how accompaniment works at vocal NYSSMA, so Luke gave me helpful advice and guidance. They really care about their customers, so may their business continue to do great! read more

My family and I are incredibly happy and appreciative of the service we received from Catalano Music. My daughter broke a string on her instrument the day of her NYSSMA performance and we were able to bring the instrument to Catalano Music Center at the last minute in order to have the string replaced. They did an amazing job replacing the string on such short notice. We are lucky to have such a reputable music store in our neighborhood. read more

I rented my clarinet for 9 years from here, and had a great experience throughout those years. When a clarinet was given to me sometime after I decided I wanted to get back into playing, I noticed the clarinet was in missing a few essentials to play. Unfortunately the clarinet I received was not from a home of TLC and was in pretty bad shape. It was missing padding, the metal reed holding bracket, and the corks were also worn down to nearly nothing. The off the bat repair appraisal was $200 for it and I had to decline. While I really want to pick up playing the clarinet again, this price was too steep, especially when I was told by a former music teacher that replacing pads wasn't that expensive (and could actually be done at home). The corks would probably be the most expensive part of the repair, but I can't see that tipping the scales of $200+ (they told me they couldn't give me an exact estimate unless I was actually getting it done.) I guess I'll have to take my clarinet elsewhere to be repaired. On a side note, Catalano's is a huge store and has many instruments, accessories, and musical books for selection. read more

Musical instrument and supply stores can be far and few in any given neighborhood. When googling for a music shop close to home, the results will usually be ads for Sam Ash, Guitar Center and a host of online stores. The Catalano's Music Center isn't the biggest store or have the largest selection of instruments compare to the superstores. But it does have an old school neighborhood appeal. If you're looking for sheet music or take lessons, consider Catalano's. If you're looking to checkout a large selection of musical instruments, you may be disappointed. read more

Wonderful place. My local music store, Music Emporium in Bellomore, didn't have many selections of sheet music for my instrument, the flute. I'd always have to back order music. Also, their instrumental craftsmen (music repairers) were very shabby and damaged my instrument. I went here on a recommendation from my music instructor. When I first arrived, I was amazed at the selections of music they had there. Their selection of music is very broad to the point where I don't have to back order music (this place literally has every song imaginable), the employees are always very happy to help your every need, and the music repairmen are amazing (they fix instruments in 2-3 days as opposed to over a week in other stores). Definitely recommend any musician to check the place out, its definitely worth a look. I even bought my second flute there and two years later, it still sounds like new!!!!!!! read more

Wonderful place. My daughter gets piano lessons here. The staff is friendly and ready to assist you with any questions. Even though the size of the store is small, this place offers plenty of music books and instruments to choose from. read more

We just started piano lessons at Catalano Music Center a few weeks ago, and have already seen a lot of progress! Lucas is an amazing instructor, who really takes his time with students. Omar is super helpful, and is the guy to see for any instrument purchases, or any questions in general. We are really happy with the Yamaha keyboard we just bought from the store. read more

Bought a guitar here today for my daughter's class. We didn't know anything about guitars, the cost etc. should've done my research before I went to the store. But the man who helped me, I think he's the owner or manager, was super helpful and not pushy. I ended up buying a 3/4 size guitar for $80 and $20 case. I think I did ok from a cost standpoint. The guy tuned it up and gave my daughter a complimentary pink ID tag which she loves. There were a bunch of younger employees but they just stood around, didn't ask me for help and looked to the guy that helped me for work direction. He might as well be a one man multitasking machine. But still I highly recommend the place and I see myself coming here again. read more

My daughter has been attending piano practice here since July, all the teachers have been great. We've worked specifically with Omar since we started & recently switched to Matthew, who was able to transition in seamlessly. Lessons are reasonably priced, we even rented her violin from them as well which was also very reasonable. We will be continuing with Catalano's with the rest of my children as well. read more

Odd hour to.open 11 am, might as well open half day @ 12noon. Prices are marked up. shop around folks alternative competitive prices alseep where and online. read more

Music store has a lot of good musical instruments at good prices. I hear their music teachers are good too. I'd love it more if there was better parking. Parking on Jericho Tpke which is a busy street is sometimes impossible. read more

I give this place ZERO stars but it made me do at least 1. Their customer service is horrible. They rented me a tuba that was too large for my 4th grade son without telling me that this tuba was also made in a 3/4 size (which they didn't have and probably why they didn't tell me b/c they would have lost the sale). They never asked how old/tall my son was in order to fit him properly for the tuba. They basically said this is the tuba you need and I rented it (I counted on them for the professional knowledge of these instruments). When I called to get out of the contract after coming to the conclusion that this tuba wasn't going to work the manager told me I signed a contract AND HUNG UP ON ME. There are plenty of other places to rent from. Do not give these people your business because they don't stand by the product. All they care about is money not people. You can go to Wright Music in Port Washington, Laconia Music also in New Hyde Park or Lewis Music. read more

We needed a quick repair on our daughter's alto sax so she could join us for a gig on Saturday afternoon. I brought the instrument in on Friday and did not have high hopes that the repair would be done in time. But the staff went out of their way to contact the repair person at home (Friday was a day off for him) and alert him that he would have to work on the sax first thing in the morning. Lo and behold the repair guy did report on time and took care of her instrument in time for her to do the gig with us. This is the kind of "above and beyond" service that local businesses are more willing to provide than large music superstores. read more

Avoid this place like the plague, poor quality instruments and terrible customer service.

If I could give this business 0 stars I would! I rented my sons alto saxophone back in September. I should have known to walk out of this place from that evening. The older salesman kept looking at his watch complaining that it was almost 8 pm and he had to leave for the night and wasn't sure he could finish the write up of my sons rental. All he did was complain the whole time he helped me. In fact he did leave me hanging, and turned my order over to another salesman. Very poor customer service from the start. Now fast forward to November, unfortunately my son incurs a head concussion and can no longer play his instrument due to headaches and dizziness and was forced to drop out of band. I go back to Catalano with the instrument and medical paperwork and doctor note that my son cannot play anymore. The young salesman was very arrogant to me and when i asked to speak to the manager he kept saying "he was busy and could not speak with me". I said what is he busy with hat he cannot speak with a customer, he said he's busy "managing" the store. So I said: " wow really?!! So he wasn't busy when he accepted my money to rent the instrument but now there's a dilemma, he's busy how convenient" ! Eventually he came out, and I explained to him that I clearly understood the contract I signed that there are no refunds , but being this was a serious head injury medical Condition I was hoping this business would do the humane thing and at least meet me halfway with a partial refund since the instrument would just sit around my house until June and my son not be able to play it. The manager kept cutting our conversation short and refused to even meet me halfway with a partial refund gave me some Mumbo jumbo that he "cannot rent the instrument anymore since rental season is over". Well that's a bunch of bullshit because it's only November and plenty of instruments get damaged and need repair and they could easily re -rent this instrument during the next 8 months. I ended up just leaving the instrument there after spending $240 paid in full for the year as I didn't want to be responsible for anything else happening to it. They laughed at me. Stay away from this place, on both trips there I had a terrible experience. Not to mention, I've been a customer for over 35 years purchased my first flute there which my daughter now uses and they didnt care that they were going to lose a long standing customer! shame!! read more

HORRIBLE! please dont go here. The owner/staff is RUDE! very very nasty. I couldn't believe how I was talked to over the phone. I felt I was being talked to by a thug, what a mouth. I am in shock. !!!!! read more

I took my guitar in to Catalano's awhile ago to get the strings changed (on this particular guitar, I have a difficult time doing it myself.) I was greeted by a polite gentlemen whose name I forget (an older gentlemen...not uncommon in New Hyde Park), and when I told him why I was in, he kinda smirked and took the guitar. It took FIVE DAYS to restring a guitar. FIVE DAYS. Now, I know places get busy, but for something as trivial and simple for "experienced musicians" such as themselves, five days is ridiculous. I go back five day later to get my guitar. New strings, the works. The gentleman then takes it out of the case and proceeds to play it for the other coworkers. Whatever, I think. He's just showing off. When I took it home and played it, I noticed that the Humbucker pickup was loose, which it had never been before. I showed it to my dad (another experienced guitar player), and he said they must have taken off the fret board and (in his words), "dicked around" inside. The pickup wasn't properly screwed in, wires were askew, and screw were missing. Now, I'm taking my father's theory with a grain of salt, but it just adds to the problem. If it takes a music store Five days to restring a guitar, and then there are problems with the interior of the guitar afterwards, something tells me to never go back to that particular place again. Boo, Catalano's. Boo. read more

Excellent service! Omar was awesome in making sure we got what we needed for NYSSMA and made great recommendations so my daughter could improve her skills. All this practically at closing time when he should be getting ready to go. Thanks so much, Therese and Elisabeth. read more

Poor Customer Service. Poor Repair Service. I went here to rent an alto saxophone for my son and found out we needed desperate repair of the instrument because the pads for the notes were extremely worn and there were screws missing. I went to this place to get it repaired and preferably replaced. They said they had no supplies to replace the instrument and the "elderly" repair guy may or may not be in this week, as he hasn't been in awhile. Not the way to run a business, should have extra instruments in stock for replacement and should have a reliable repair service. It's like going to a supermarket with the shelves all empty. Would not recommend for renting or repairing instruments. Would suggest to look elsewhere. But if you don't, your going to have your child struggle with a broken instrument and fail band/orchestra in school and ruin there musical confidence at a young age. I suggest looking elsewhere for your child's happiness and musical confidence. My son 100% supports this review. read more