As someone who uses guitar effects pedals as my sole coping mechanism in the face of a harsh and uncaring universe, I figured it was time to heat up the spoon again and nod off in the work bathroom so to speak after I ran into my psychotic ex-wife Cherie. I was, as the kids say, tickled pink by the selection of delectable boss offerings available at this fine establishment. For but a moment, I transcended the lower vibrational plane and was what the ancients termed "happy." If you had told me a small music store on the island would carry that waza craft good-good I'd have called you foolish if not barbermongerous, but alas you would be correct. 5 stars read more

Nice store to stop in. Vinyls are not exactly cheap here, but much more reasonably priced than the egregiously priced ones at the Surf Mall on the boardwalk. read more

Grassroots Music Store - Some of the vinyl selection - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Ocean City, New Jersey

This place is great. I came back 3 weekends in a row to look at some of the new guitars they were getting in. Chris was super helpful, and knocked $50 off the price when I finally picked one. Went with a Guild. Highly recommend. read more

I got a great deal on a new guitar from Chris, the owner. Cool guy, nice vibe to the store, great selection of instruments and supplies (remarkable range and quality for a small town music store!) Also: good deals on vintage vinyl. Definitely worth a look in! read more

I was disappointed to hear that some had a negative experience at this store as it relates to the staff. They definitely know their stuff here and, just like any music store, it can seem as though they are being short when their knowledge is so superior. Grassroots has a great vinyl collection - both old and new stuff. Both used and unopened as well. This place probably has the best selection of vinyls south of Atlantic City (but I'm not sure, I don't really leave Ocean City). I went in after holding a yard sale to dump the rest of my CDs and Vinyls. He gave me more of a fair price than I expected. If you are walking around Asbury Ave, check this place out. If you are a serious musician, you CANNOT miss this place. read more

See all

Very friendly, great service, reasonable prices, and a fun buying experience. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a rare or hard to find vinyl. read more

I was vacationing in Wildwood from the Hudson Valley and was in need of some guitar picks for my uke. I had ordered some Wedgie Rubber picks online but was disappointed with them. I decided I needed some professional advice so drove up to Ocean City where I hadn't been in 40 years just to go to The Grassroots Music Store. Upon entering the shop, I was waited on immediately and directed to several options. The man showed me some felt picks which many people use for playing the ukulele but quickly suggested a more flexible pick. After a short conversation, I bought 2 and left. I wished I had bought more. Hope to return the next time I'm at the Shore! He was very helpful and the shop had a great vibe too! read more

Chris from Grassroots hooked me up with an excellent deal on a Takamine P7NC guitar, shipped to me in perfect condition. Price was better than expected, and Chris took the time to find out about my playing style which lead to them customizing the set-up with extra light strings (for my arthritic hands), all at no extra charge. Best service I've ever had from a music store, and I have 33 guitars. read more

Wonderful store. They never mind that I come in each year and only browse. Last year they had the guitar I always wanted and worked with me on the price. Friendly but professional. Update: Time's up. Today I was carefully evaluating 6 strings as my only acoustic is a 12 string - I was 3/4 through their offerings when the young lady clerk notified me that I should leave as I had been there too long. I informed her I was looking to purchase and had spent a thousand $$ on a guitar there last year, and she said I could stay if I was going to buy something. I felt too uncomfortable so I stopped looking and left. Unfortunate because the one I was holding felt pretty good. I suggest upon arriving you state you are seriously looking, especially if a young lady clerk is there. I've never been asked to leave a store before, and it is embarrassing and humiliating, even days later. For that reason I'm lowering my 5 star rating. read more

Great place and great owner. Incredible selection of vinyl albums. I highly recommend it if you collect albums. My son and I go every year to look through the albums and talk to Chris the owner. read more

Being an OC native currently relocated in Galloway, I had heard great things and visited Grassroots a few times in the past, however, it would be a injustice to all musicians for me to not share the experience I had today with them. So I will start out by saying that it is my fault that I didn't go to Grassroots in the first place. I was just too lazy to drive to OC. Bad choice. I arrive at Guitar Center and assume it would be a ten minute process to buy the specific ukulele since I knew what I wanted. Nope, the manager himself spent a 25 minute period literally scanning items that I specifically said I did not want and acting as if they were "just throwing it in there." I sat there during their dumb attempt at making it look like they saved me a ton of money, even though they tried to upsell me with literally a $100 worth of junk. I did not feel like dealing with the confrontation, and when I looked at my receipt to see items I said I did not want being charged, I simply walked out in anger deciding to deal with it later. This brings me to my Grassroots experience, which literally could not have been better if they gave me the ukulele for free. I called and they told me they would be able to match or beat any price for the uke. When I walked in today the whole staff had already been aware that I was coming in and immediately gave me a knowledgeable, simplified explanation perfect for my lack of musical inclination. They worked with me on a price $10 cheaper and of better quality than the Guitar Center ukulele. They even threw in the items that I had been tricked into paying for at Guitar Center for free, SAVING ME OVER $80 in one simple, friendly, ten minute trip. They even gave me a pep talk to deal with Guitar Center's notoriously obnoxious returns system! I would never give Guitar Center another penny of my money again. Save money while supporting an AMAZING OC local business! read more

Do yourself a favor and check out the shops on Asbury Ave; especially Grassroots Music. Great selection of musical instruments & gear. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. And a great selection of used and new vinyl. I went there twice during my vacation. I'll be back next year! read more

They will have what you want but don't expect to be treated very kindly. Also don't exactly expect to see reasonable prices. They do have a large variety of things especially for a shore town. read more