I don't know much about musical equipment or the technology involved in putting on live shows which…read morecould easily become a problem when planning parties involving a band. Luckily for me, Long & McQuade exists to make sure people like me don't HAVE to know much about it. A quick visit to chat with their experts wherein I proved my ignorance multiple times resulted in me walking out with a bag full of cords and machinery that prepped me for just about any situation that could arise before a night of great local talent. Sure, I walked out with more than I needed, but it didn't matter since my total was only $5 for the 24-hour rental. No really. Five dollars. Cheap, professional expertise? Yes please. The only downside is the death-by-paperwork that you experience in setting up your account. It seemed a little silly to have to provide three references with mailing addresses for a $5 rental but at least you only have to do it once! Good to know since I'll definitely be back!

I just had a guitar set up/adjusted at the Dartmouth L&M. I played this guitar quite a bit in years…read morepast and it got put aside due to new, more favorite instruments and it ended up way out of whack from being stored. Since I took it home from L&M, I can't stop playing it. I forgot how many songs were locked up inside this little guitar that hadn't been played in so many years. You guys helped me find them again. Thank you so much for the excellent job you did on my "now new" guitar. . . . on another note, the staff is second to none in the knowledge/friendliness department, and the rentals prices are incredible.

Good tuneup on my blueridge. Quick turn around!…read more Just keep in mind Thursdays don't work. Thanks guys

String instrument heaven! You need a guitar? No problem. What about someone to help you fix up an…read moreold gem? They'll assist you. Maybe just some sheet music or a case or a tuner - yep, that's all shelved here, too! In a lovely homey shop, on a downtown Halifax corner, you will find this self proclaimed Folklore Center. I bought a guitar from them a number of years ago and the employee who assisted me was not only cute, but oh so very helpful. I was there for about an hour plucking about, trying to find something to suit my every whim. (Needless to say, I still don't play and couldn't then either). Nonetheless, my attentive assistant played for me and helped me pick out a goody. I also bought a how-to guide as well as a case. It was an expensive endeavor and one that I have yet to follow through on, but it was a good experience anyway. They provided me with a great warranty and were very insistent that if I needed anything in the future, that I should not hesitate to come in and ask. Repairs, appraisals, trades and sales - the Folklore Center is a mecca for instrument buffs and wannabe novices. Before you buy an instrument from a chain store, head on into this Halifax original and take a gander. I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for and much more!

I was incredibly surprised with the customer service I received. I bought my boyfriend a guitar…read morelast Christmas and I will continue to do business at this location. I knew nothing about purchasing a guitar and the salesman helped me determine one that would suit his needs. He gave me great advise and a lot of education. When I left there with my guitar, I really felt as if I made a great choice!! I will continue to shop at Musicstop for my music purchasing needs.

I recently found myself in need of a speaker and microphone set up for an event in Halifax and…read moreended up at Long & McQuade for help. It was such an easy, painless procedure that if I ever find myself in need of such items again I'll definitely return to them. I rented a Bose system that was a stand alone speaker that worked perfectly for an art gallery space filled with around 100 people. It came with super easy operating instructions, an adapter for a computer or iPod, and a microphone, all for $30. The entire rental took me about 10 minutes and I was able to drop the items off the next day. It could not have been easier. They also sell musical items and offer lessons on various instruments. It's definitely a place worth checking out if you need anything musically related!

The last time I was at Long and Macquade, the rep was much more pleasant and accommodating with…read morehelping me adjust the neck of my acoustic guitar. Charging $100 to change strings and make a quick adjustment on the neck as well as it taking up to five business days is ridiculous. It takes less than 5 to 10 minutes to change strings on a guitar. I will not be bringing my instrument there any longer. At least at the Halifax location. I'm in sales and they can do better.

Great local business that gave me excellent advice while…read moreChoosing a guitar etc. For my son for Christmas. Knowledgeable and friendly. Very happy with my experience shopping here, and happy to support a small business instead of a bigger chain.

Fantasie Music Instruments is a wonderful store to visit if you're looking to rent or buy a new…read morestring instrument, want to take a lesson (they offer $10 trial lessons), or enjoy cool workshops. They have very reasonable rental prices, and the staff is always friendly and helpful!

Gig Street Music is a unique location for the music lover that has a passion for the Guitar. I…read moreremember when Bruce the owner seen my Dad's jumbo Gibson's guitar and he took it in his hands and played that like a dream. When you walk into Gig street you will find all types of guitars both old and new looking for someone to take them home. Not being a guitar player myself I have asked Gig Street a few times is he is going to start to offer guitar lessons and hopefully soon this will happen as this is one thing that is on my bucket list. Go check this place out of anything.

Gig Street Music is one of those new and used stores. It is small and funky. You will find all…read moretypes of guitars, drums, amps, gadgets, and great staff. It has that personal touch that you are looking for. The owner goes out of his way, if he knows you are looking for something in-particular, he will search for it and call you when he finds it. They also offer you repair service. Will build you a guitar and even ship anywhere in the world. Go have a look, you won't be disappointed.

The Conservatory is a one-stop shop for lessons in all things musical--voice, piano, instruments,…read moreand dance. Housed in an old school on Chebucto Road, the setting itself is a bit shabby chic. You get the feeling the place was grander back in the day and perhaps shows its wear a bit. The classrooms have high ceilings and large windows, giving the learning spaces and dance studios a nice feel. I will say the Performance Hall is an awesome and beautiful space for recitals and concerts. These folks take their music seriously. All of the musical instructors have extensive musical education and experience and many of them perform with local arts organizations. That being said, the Conservatory is a place for everyone, beginners, hoobyists and more serious students. The prices are not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. My daughter is currently enrolled in her first year of piano lessons and after just six weeks, the children are being given an opportunity to perform at the department Hallowe'en party. She might not be Beethoven but being given an opportunity to perform means that she can get used to playing in front of others at an early age. Her instructor teaches good technique and is very personable and, best of all, motivating in a friendly way. The Conservatory to me at least seems to emphasize a more classical approach to performance so if you're looking to join a rock band maybe you would take lessons elsewhere.

Very poor service when leaving an instrument for repair…read more When I contacted them about it after to speak to a Manger, I still havnt heard anything and that was 2 weeks ago. Major issue was that my daughter needed her rented flute repaired. The sales guy first told us nothing was wrong when her music teacher told her to get it looked at, then scoffed when we wanted it done. He was very condescending, and then gave us a loaner instrument and told us had to pay a fee for protection on it. We aren't allowed to use the insurance we already have, must be a new one. Seems kinda ridiculous. I'd give lower than one if possible, won't deal with here again.

This is one of three Long & McQuade locations in Halifax Metro…read more Coming from Halifax it is on the right hand side of Bedford Highway. Unfortunately there is little parking available -- on weekends it can be difficult to find a spot unless you are willing to wait or circle around for a few minutes. The entrances to the store are not very well signed -- the entrance at the very left is to the lessons facility whereas the entrance at the centre-right is to the store itself. The store is surprisingly small. When you enter it has acoustic guitar, keyboard, piano, and sheet music sections on the left, an electric guitar section straight ahead, and drum and wind instrument sections on the right. You can use the Long & McQuade website at http://www.long-mcquade.com to search for in-store stock. Unfortunately this feature requires two extra clicks from the product page. The employees are very friendly and seem knowledgeable but they make a bit too little effort to ask customers whether they need assistance. I usually complain that employees in many stores are too obnoxious but at Long & McQuade in Bedford it can be the opposite, you can easily spend 15 minutes there and nobody will ask you whether they can help you.