When this shop was being setting up, I saw what looked like a Van Der Graaf Generator in the window and wondered if Elgin Street could support another music shop (especially a few doors down from the venerable Music Swop Shop, a Melbourne music institution). It turns out it can. Found Sound is almost like a splinter cell to the Swop Shop, since it is run by Lewis, who used to (still does?) work at the Swop Shop and was instrumental (pardon the pun) in setting up the web inventory system used by both shops. This system is one of the biggest assets of both shops, as it is a live, searchable catalogue of every single item currently in stock. Without explicitly stating "gear must be this cool to enter", Lewis has a well-curated collection of vintage and intriguing equipment and instruments. I think there is an unspoken understanding among local musos that if you have a pointy 80s guitar or a cheap P bass copy, it's more suited to the Swoppy. If you have a vintage Maton electric guitar (but not if you have a Maton acoustic), you might take it to either, but it'll feel at home at Found Sound. Both shops have the same consignment system of sales on 20% commission, and so complement each other nicely, almost to the point of symbiosis. All the guitars in Found Sound are drool-worthy, and Lewis is knowledgeable (though not a wanker) about pretty much everything guitar or synth related, and will do research to make sure he knows everything he needs to about bizarre 70s Japanese siren surf wahs. He is friendly and approachable, in contrast to the slightly prickly demeanour occasionally sensed at the Swoppy when I've consigned things. The gear here could seem more expensive than at the Swoppy, but that's probably because the gear is so spiffy, and there's fewer cheap instruments. This isn't the best place for a beginner guitarist looking for their first guitar, but if you're a muso looking to upgrade to a bit of vintage kit, this is your place. read more

I recently took a 12-string into Found Sound for a setup - Lewis the owner does a great job at a reasonable price, at a very quick turnover as well! The main attraction at this place, however, is the assortment of weird, wonderful and vintage gear for sale. Anyone that's bought or sold gear at the Music Swop Shop a few doors down will no doubt recognise Lewis, who has been working there for a very long time (and still is when he's not in at Found Sound). He'd love to chat to you about musical equipment. You'll also notice that both of the stores' websites share the same easy-to-use layout as well. Compared to Swop Shop, which has something for everyone, from cheap beginner gear right up to weird obscurities and premium-priced vintage stuff, Found Sound leans toward the latter two; there's some very old, rare guitars, amps, keyboards and pedals that are understandably quite pricey, but the majority of what there is on sale would fall within the reach of the working musician. Found Sound is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and by appointment the rest of the time - I picked my guitar up on a Monday and there was no hassle whatsoever. I've noticed a few noteworthy bands posting about Found Sound, so it already looks to be a favourite among the pros as well. Found Sound is as boutique as boutique gets but that's the whole point of the place. I'll definitely return whenever I need another setup done, or should I ever consider selling one of my guitars. read more

I have been a customer of Found Sound for over a decade. I have found that Lewis and his team are very knowledgeable and provide excellent customer service and after sales support. About a decade ago I sold off my collection of Boss effects pedals on consignment through Found Sound. Lewis and his colleague Louis helped me get the best prices for my rare and collectable pedals and kept me informed of any offers. When my goods did sell they were very prompt in forwarding the proceeds to me. In more recent times I have been a buyer of some pre-loved equipment and guitars from Found Sound. I have received kindness and consideration when making my purchases, and I have been very impressed by the after sales customer support I received. Just weeks ago I bought a very nice used guitar. I took it home and discovered a fault with the switching. I mentioned it to the guys at Found Sound and they immediately suggested that I bring in the instrument to have it repaired by their in-house luthier. I took it in at about 2 pm on Thursday and received an out of hours email at 6.19 pm . I was delighted that my guitar had been repaired so promptly, and so expertly, and at no charge. I am very happy to recommend Found Sound to anyone looking for new and used equipment and instruments, or for a repair service. Do give them a try. Vlad Szkolar read more

Rarely write reviews, but so pleased with this funky music shop and the excellent service from Lewis, that I couldn't resist. My son has been chasing a rare vintage synthesiser for months, searching ebay and overseas sites - couldn't believe our luck when we came across the exact model we were chasing in Carlton!! Lewis was so helpful and accommodating - servicing the synth himself and giving us a demo on arrival - he even opened the shop on his day off so that we could pick it up as we are not from the city. Also helped out with advice regarding amps and recommended something within our price range that will suit the Roland Juno 60 perfectly! So many cool, retro instruments in store and so cool to buy from someone who knows his stuff and is passionate about what he sells. Thanks Lewis - I have no doubt you will see us again. read more

This place is not only a treasure trove for gear lovers, it's a place to get information and service from helpful, reliable musicians. The Yelp range is "pricey" because they have hard to acquire gear (think vintage pedals, absurdly high-end guitars from decades past, rare gems built by local luthiers such as New Complexity, etc.)... but they are, in fact, very affordable. I trusted them to repair a valuable custom tube amp and they went above and beyond with their service for less than others quoted me. From old gear to fresh stuff like Teenage Engineering synths and goodies and beyond to expert repairs and advice, this place is every musician's dream shop. read more

FOUNDSOUND is like an oasis in the desert of gear in Melbourne. Lewis is a super friendly dude, with some great stuff for sale. Easily the best place to find some quirky gear in Melbourne. Whenever I stroll in, there's always something new and interesting that has come from either his collection, or on consignment. I travel for work and make a point of visiting music stores in whichever country I find myself, FOUNDSOUND is one of the most unique music stores that I have ever been to. Did I mention how great Lewis is? In the words of old mate Molly Meldrum, do yourself a favour and pay Lewis and his lil' shop a visit, you won't be disappointed. read more

Found Sound consistently stocks the coolest and most interesting gear I've found in Melbourne. The shop's quirky, funky inventory feels like the personal collection of a true enthusiast, with obvious care taken to select really unusual and special instruments and equipment. Despite these high standards, the pricing at Found Sound is very reasonable and Lewis could not be more friendly or helpful. The rare combination of "boutique" stock in such a relaxed and unpretentious environment keeps me coming back, and there's always something new worth seeing. read more

This place is amazing. Lewis is a champion like no other - not only knowledgeable, but willing to help out at every opportunity. I had a little guitar "crisis" and gave him a buzz at 6.45pm on a day which the store wasn't even open. He told me to come down, opened up for me and sorted me out on the spot. I'm sure that I was lucky and it wouldn't happen every day, but there isn't another place in Melbourne that would do that for a customer. 10/10 will be a loyal customer until I die. read more

This place is excellent, genuinely.. Twice they've stayed open for me long past business hours and have made exceptions when I couldn't meet the layby price.. you can try the gear without feeling like you're being glared at, and noone else has this range of analog gear as far as I know.. drum machines, amps, synths, etc... the new gear in stock is constant and pretty much the only thing I pay attention to on my Facebook news feed.. dying breed, awesome place. read more

Well - read all the past 35 reviews and couldn't agree more ! My bit of esoterica - a 40 y/o Keech banjolele is definitely off the beaten track and FS were up with the deal - great sales from a gentleman - thanks Lewis, couldn't be happier! Will recommend the business to out-of-state friends, that they will find a veritable cornucopia of musical gear and friendly, knowledgeable staff to boot! Will certainly return when next in Melbourne... read more

Found Sound is a palace of thoughtfully curated instruments and musical curios; which makes every trip a wonderful experience. There's a lot of restored vintage gear, so you're likely to find something you've never seen before. This place is good if you want something that has character for a really decent price (just take a look at the website!). Lewis, the owner of Found Sound is super generous, knowledgeable and always helpful. read more

Lewis and co have a beautiful store. They stock a great range of Eurorack modules, and most of it's all racked up to try out. Most of all, they have a keen depth of product knowledge and are supportive and up for a nerdy chat, which is great for the niche modular synth community. No arrogance or unnecessary gatekeeper attitude. Just good service and enthusiasm for local creatives. They have my business. Check out their range. read more

Found Sound provided a super service and repairs on my Juno 106, including sourcing new/original voice chips. I got a great deal on a vintage case as well. It took a while to all come together (as these things do) but Lewis was extra good to kept me up to date the whole way through. Legends! thank you. read more

We travelled from NZ to check out and buy the magnificent Teenage Engineering OD-11 speakers. Excellent service by phone beforehand and even better on the day. So much good gear in that shop they could have stripped my wallet in minutes. Good people selling good gear, it doesn't get much better. read more

In the realm of music shops, Found Sound is the cave of worldly delights. Pre-loved gems of every imaginable origin and history are in good company with some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Sincere, knowledgeable, informed and most of all easy to talk with. I'm a fan and a regular. read more

Really pleased. Found them while doing a web search looking for a piece of kit i've been after for a while, Excellent friendly service. Im in the UK and my order arrived within 4 days so thats service for you!! Lewis is a top bloke! If i'm in town i'll defo drop in.. Recommended to all :) read more

My favourite synth shop in Australia. Fact. You will find many of there purchases in my studio and live rig www.instagram.com/brgn_live Prompt replies, excellent customer service, the best selection and really feels like you are dealing with a family business. read more

I had a very difficult guitar to sell because not many people use them. Well, Found Sound did it. They encourage me to be patient and voilà: SOLD! Great service, helpful, polite, and they know what they are talking about! 99.9 % Brilliant! read more

I had a bunch of music gear to sell to raise money for living expences. They were very helpful and helped me get a good price for the things I sold. They also have a great range of stuff and a fantastic store. Thanks. read more