This is the friendliest music store I've ever been to. The older gentleman, Roy, is very easygoing and quick to offer help with a smile and advice, and knows where everything is in the store blindfolded, but will let you look on your own if you prefer too. The store is packed with any genre of sheet music and books (and TAB form) for every instrument you can imagine (banjo, dulcimer, mandolin, vocals, guitar, piano, brass instruments, woodwinds, etc all of them). They sell accessories such as guitar strings, tuners, straps, picks, music stands, and some acoustic guitars and banjos as well. Vinyl records and small musical gifts line the walls, it's so fun to explore and each time you visit you'll find something new, as there's so much selection. If there is something they don't have in stock, they will order it for you. The vibe is very relaxed and they are never pushy, you can look around for 30 min alone exploring if you want and just ask if you need anything. Love this place and can't recommend it enough, it's also a vintage store with history dating back to the 1950's so it has such cute charm and decor, it's an experience that online shopping can't give. I now purchase all my sheet music and guitar accessories from Central Music, support local! read more

My daughter started violin lessons with a new teacher and her $80 instrument from Amazon was not cutting it. He sent us to Central Music to rent a smaller, better instrument. We had three choices and price points, and I selected the "student" one which was the least expensive, and wow, this instrument sounds so much better and is in great shape! We were in and out of the shop in 20 minutes. The salesperson helping us was knowledgeable and friendly and we were able to find the accessories we needed as well (shoulder rest sponge and rosin). She's been playing it for 3 months with no issues and it doesn't go out of tune quickly like her cheap one. Billing is automatic and easy, with no mistakes. Such a great experience - we'll definitely be back when it's time to upgrade to the next one! read more

If you are a musician in Phoenix, you're not serious until you're carrying an orange punch card from Central Music. (I used to have a drawer full) (Seeing my buddy Jon's pic and review today immediately took me down memory lane.) 40+ years patronage. I have been a patron of Roy's Central Music for more than 40 years. In Phoenix there is simply nothing else for sheet music -- they're the best! And having survived for decades when all the other music stores have closed shows their commitment to service and excellence in their selections. Beginners! Your piano teacher probably purchased their scores from here. Growing up, all of mine did. Take your pick from all the best methods, for any age, for any genre. All the way. To professional. Collected my urtexts over years here. And my masterworks scores, and my show scores, and my opera scores, and countless copies of Schubert's Ave Maria and the Panis Angelicus because the copy I lent never gets returned. Roy saw me coming in on a Saturday morning, dressed to perform, and he would ask which one I was missing! (Not really, but Roy is awesome) Piano to try! No need to take your score home to check the if the arrangement works. Just sit at the piano and give it a go! Fake books, real books, Christmas arrangements, choral anthems, and so much more. read more

My 9 year old grandson just started taking trumpet in school. He was having a problem with the mouthpiece on his trumpet. I saw Central Music online & was hoping they could help us. They exceeded my expectations. They were knowledgeable, kind & honest. Not only did they fix our problem but they spoke directly to my grandson & explained to him how he could best take care of his trumpet. My grandson & I felt so positive about our experience. I will definitely be back & recommend them to our friends! read more

CM is a very small music shop. The layout is hard to move around, cluttered with little attractive decor, aesthetics. The place seemed like walking into an old, eccentric's messy room of dusty records. I'm used to bigger, more interesting, well designed places having resided in Los Angeles several years. The service was average. I was the only customer in the store and the staff didn't offer help. read more

Central Music & Gifts - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Always a great experience. Staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. They take time with each customer. My daughter plays trumpet and we were not sure if we needed to exchange our rental instrument because the case was damaged. They were incredible, took the time to provide options and ultimately my daughter kept the one she had. They have lots of other small gifts and puzzle. Will definitely be back! read more

This is deffinantly a gem! Both of my daughter play instruments and are currently teaching themselves the piano...we stop by here for all of our musical needs! The staff is friendly and so willing to help! Today I picked up some piano for begginers books and a total hits or piano books...then as we checked out I saw the cutest piano suspenders super eclectic I know so I had to have them for my oldest musician in training! There are so many little nic nacks and the decor is fun and whimsical. I enjoyed going because kids now a days are so cought up on the web that they aren't even kids but this place can bring the kid and love for music out of anyone! read more

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Staggering array of music books for all types of guitar playing, jazz and popular piano, plus classical sheet music. Also, interesting and unexpected selection of picks, bottleneck and metal slides, small percussion instruments and accessories. The equal of any sheet music store in Southern California. read more

Like Carol H. and Lola M. have already said, this music store has a little of everything! I was greeted right away upon entering the store, and wanted to do a little browsing around first before I asked for any help. This music store was like a mecca for sheet music! But I did a little perusing myself before asking for the piano Christmas music. The friendly staff member brought me to where all the various Christmas music was. There was seriously anything and everything.... from beginning, intermediate, and advance... to Lorie Line holidays... to even John Denver Christmas! I found a wonderful book that had like 100 holiday songs -- perfect! Again, as others have mentioned -- if they don't have what you're looking for they can order it. And the music books/sheet music is not just for piano -- for so many other instruments as well. And every genre you could think of. So I went to pay and when the clerk rang me up, he automatically started a "punch card" for me. Apparently... you get little punches for each $1, or so that you spend. And when your card is filled up, I think you get a $4 in-store credit. Cool! (I wasn't even expecting or thinking of that...) And if you're a light rail rider... you can walk up from the stop at Camelback/Central! :) read more

knowledgeable, helpful and well stocked. One thing that turns me off in dealing with any company is when they offer a minimal discount if I pay cash. Not only do they not take anything back, they are trying to entice me by paying cash! NOPE. I pay my taxes and so should you. read more

Of the three different music supply stores I stopped in, Central Music is the only one I would go back to. Their selection of music is extensive and their staff are friendly. If they don't have what you're looking for in stock, they will either download it for you on the spot or have it delivered in a few days. I like that the staff left me alone to search through the racks. I never felt like someone was hovering over me but I always felt like there was someone available to help. The racks are extremely easy to understand and locate what you're looking for. And of course they have step ladders every to aid the vertically challenged. Happy music making! read more

Super friendly, brightly lit, great atmosphere. These people have EVERYTHING. This store is loaded with sheet music and song books, and you can get your guitar strings/picks/instrument cables here, as well as a selection of neat straps, metronomes, capos, etc. They also have a lot of unusual percussion items and other instruments here. And if they don't have it, they will order it for you. Just ask. They can find it. If it's musical, and I can buy it here, I would rather come here than anyplace else because just walking in is a pleasant experience. read more

I brought my daughter here to get a rental flute for school. The staff was super nice and answered all of the questions we had as flute novices. Bonus: my son loved Buford, the store dog, who was super sweet. We will definitely return to the store for any future music or instrument needs. Thanks! read more

The staff is friendly and made every effort to answer all my concerns. It's on a small strip mall and its a very small space but they offer most comprehensive music needs. Not a place to go to purchase instruments but all other needs like accessories, print music, cd's etc. The reason for minus 1 star is the price. After purchasing something, I found it cheaper on Amazon, but I needed it that day. They do offer punch cards, so you get $4 in merchandise for every $50 or so purchase. read more

The best music shop in Phoenix. I go there for all of my music needs. The staff are very knowledgable and nice and they always have what I need. It is a little gem of a store. I love this place. read more

This is the best music store in Phoenix. They have a great selection of sheet music and the staff is super friendly and helpful. If they don't have a piece you need, they will find it online and print it for you. They go the extra mile and do things like make sure it's in the key you need. They are super knowledgeable and make sure you have all the information you need related to your purchase. I was in there yesterday to get a choir performance binder and a piece of sheet music. While one clerk (who I think is the owner) was finding my music online, the other clerk was taking the time to talk with a father and son (probably 8-10 years old) about the son's first violin and the proper way to care for the bow. He was patient and thorough with them - excellent customer service. read more

Very good variety. Owner is really friendly and nice. I love it. Pricing is great. There's a lot of different music books for different instruments. read more

Very nice people. Came in to talk about renting a cello for my boy. Took time to get one out and tune it. Allowed us to hold and pluck it. Lots of sheet music! Will be back! read more

I am a music teacher and use Central Music all the time to check out resources and to direct students to make sheet music purchases. They have a fantastic selection, and they are always asking me if there's something I want that I don't see on the shelf. They're always very nice in directing me to the music I need to look at. Without them, and their kindness, the store would be very intimidating. Any music fan could be stuck there for hours! Keep in mind I only use Central Music for sheet music and not for musical instruments, accessories, and/or repairs. read more

Very nice selection of sheet music and instructional books. Not too many instruments, and they seem to cater to piano. The people working there were friendly and helpful. read more

The best little music store in Phoenix. Central Music has been a fixture on Central Avenue (just north of Camelback) for years. The staff here is seasoned and will help you find whatever you need. If they don't have it, they will order it. You can pretty much find any sheet music you need in this store. They also rent instruments, and sell some accessories. They are "sheet music central" though so if you are looking to shop for instruments, you need to go some where else. This is a tiny little store, and the best parking can be had around the back and next to Dairy Queen. read more

The people who run this local store are rude. They do not accept exchanges, even for defective products. I purchased a guitar tuner to be used in my class, and specifically asked for one with no moving parts to be broken. Within 2 weeks the tuner was not functioning. I was told to bring the item back to "See what we can do", only to find out that they did not take back anything, regardless. This could have been told to me on the phone, rather than wasting an hour of my time, and gas. As a music educator, I am very distraught over the lack of professionalism, and cannot understand how a business like this would rather lose a customer who spends hundreds of dollars a year on music supplies for his class, over refusal to remedy a simple situation like this. EDIT: The people at Central Music have sent me a replacement tuner free of charge. This replacement is very gracious, and shows that despite the initial resistance to accommodate a customer, they have followed through and made it right. My students thank you, and I thank you. read more

You won't find a more knowledgeable or well-stock store in the valley. Roy, the owner, has been at the helm for almost five decades and has a wealth of experience and is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. I try to visit the store every year to explore the various sections of sheet music and books I like, and to try out new pieces before I buy them on the store's piano. Step back in time when service and customer satisfaction are the priorities and make sure to introduce yourself to Roy. You won't be disappointed. read more

Central Music is the best music store in Phoenix. Though not located in my neighborhood, I always drive the extra 15-20 minutes to come here because they have the best selection of sheet music (by far!). The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, but never rush or hover over you as you browse. They can even transpose single songs out of their books for you. Don't waste your time anywhere else- come straight here if you need a wide selection of sheet music, music books, instruments, and more. read more

Very unprofessional! I ordered music here with priority shipping, and when I called to check on it they said my ordered had been deleted for some reason! Now, I will have to explain to my band director why my music is coming late and some be ready to be yelled at. Also, when I was on the phone, some other man picked up the call and mixed me up for another customer.l Never ordering from this place again! read more

The VERY BEST music store in Phoenix, in Arizona, and maybe in the ENTIRE country. They have ANY piece of sheet music that you could want, but if they don't, they will order it for you. They also have a bunch of other musical items like metronomes, musical accessories, a few musical instruments, and other types of musical miscellany and what-nots. Central Music is also definitely the most friendly store of ANY kind, PERIOD. They are EXTREMELY helpful, and will let you BROWSE if you care to. That is a HUGE plus to me. read more

Buyer beware...they have a "no refund/no return policy" that they do not verbally notify you about when you make a purchase. They went ahead and returned an item I brought back in its original, unopened packaging with the receipt, but pointed out the sign above the register along the back wall and let me know they do not normally offer refunds. The policy is also not indicated on the receipt. I was quite surprised as most stores these days do not have such a strict return policy, particularly on unopened items accompanied by a receipt. I asked how that policy was working out for them and the man stated "quite well." Hmmmmm....I will make all my future purchases on Amazon as the prices are less expensive and Amazon Prime members get a generous return policy. Too bad because I so wanted to support a local small business! read more

RUDE AND UNHELPFUL... where do all these great reviews come from... the staff? owner's friends??? I have tried to support this local business 3 times... and each time they have had no interest in making me feel welcome in the shop or answering my questions. I have come in to buy violin parts/accessories for my 8 year old, I don't have any music background or knowledge... could they act slightly helpful? Each time it seemed I was tearing them away from some very important thing they were doing behind the counter. Also, they wanted to sell me a set of violin strings for $87 that I later found out are $60-65 everywhere else in the Valley and on the internet. I will not try a fourth time, believe me, I am sure there are other Valley music stores that will be happy to have my business. read more

I needed a metronome and didn't know where to begin... Amazon showed them over $100...really? Yelp to the rescue again... The store is charming, bright and organized...love the ceiling papered in sheet music. Wasn't greeted upon entering and had to wait a few minutes for service which is why four stars. But the guy who helped me was friendly and helpful. They had several metronomes to choose from but the acrylic one which makes watching the mechanism half the fun caught my attention... perfect to keep my 13-yr. old on task for trumpet practice! Great local shop! read more

Very knowledgeable, skilled staff. They have a ton of music and method books, as well as instruments, accessories, and doo-dads. If you are looking for something and they don't have it, they will order it and it always comes in quickly. I make sure to give these guys as much of my business as I can, and I hope you do too! read more

I didn't know how good I had it until I went to another music shop in Phoenix. Sorry I took Central for granted! They are so helpful yet I have never experienced a feeling of being pushed to purchase something. Genuine music lovers, laid back and kind-hearted. I will never stray again! read more