I was visiting Missoula to see a friend when I stumbled upon Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments,…read moreand it turned out to be the highlight of my trip. As someone who used to play in a city orchestra in my younger years, I'm very particular about violins. I haven't picked one up in years, but I've been dreaming of owning a truly exceptional instrument again. Initially, I walked in for guitars--having been playing those lately--and Greg's selection is absolutely stunning. Every piece in his collection is gorgeous, and his shop has an air of care and craftsmanship that sets it apart from any other music shop I've visited. I often find guitar shops intimidating; where I live in Texas, they're often filled with kids cranking amps and shredding. While that energy is fun, Greg's shop felt refreshingly personal and inviting. Part of that welcoming atmosphere comes from the shop itself--it's literally in a house! But mostly, it's Greg himself who makes you feel at home. He was so kind and excited to see my face light up as I tried different instruments. I hadn't planned to buy anything, but when I mentioned my long-time dream of finding a violin of exceptional quality, Greg's eyes lit up, and he brought me to his violin collection. That's when he placed a model made by Even Smith into my hands, and I was utterly blown away. This instrument sings. The warm tones, the rich resonance--this violin felt like it was alive. Greg shared the story of the luthier, Evan Smith, who harvests his own Engelmann spruce and makes his own varnish. That level of dedication and craftsmanship is rare, and you can truly hear it in every note. This violin isn't just an instrument; it's a work of art, and I'm beyond excited to know it will only sound better with age. I didn't come to Montana expecting to find the violin of my dreams, but thanks to Greg and his incredible shop, I did. I can't wait to return to Missoula just to visit Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments again. If you're a musician--whether you're just starting out or you've been playing for decades--you owe it to yourself to visit this treasure of a shop.

Wow. I don't know who in their right mind could leave a review of anything less than 5 stars for…read morethis shop. I showed up about 45 minutes before it was time for them to close. I had a tough time finding it because it's literally a house, and there isn't any marketing outside that says Boyd's. I called and they were like, yes it's the house, come on in. For people who know... this place is a Mecca. I spent 10 years in Austin, and went to every guitar shop we had. First of all, Collings (built in ATX), you might find a shop with 3 MAYBE 4 of them in some of Austin's best shops. Boyd's got a whole wall full of them. I've never been in a shop with more "holy grail" type guitars in one place before in my life. Greg's got guitars on floor stands that would be on the top shelf in the locking hanger at 99% of the "really good" guitar shops in the country. Man, what's even more impressive than that, he came and sat down with me, had me play a bunch of different guitars (guitars that I thought I'd never get a chance to see out in the wild)... and he was so down to earth, and nonchalant about the level of inventory he was holding. I know it's not a facade because the kids that work there have no clue ... they're so desensitized. Hahaha Even better: he wants players to play the guitars. This is hard to come by when you're talking about guitars that are for connoisseurs. A lot of times, when you get to the master-builder, Brazilian rosewood back and sides... aka Rolex of guitars... there aren't many shop owners that are quick to hand them to you. Uh by the way... I saw guitars on the wall that on reverb would have been listed for 150 - 175% of what Greg had them listed for. I mean, from what I can tell... Norman's Rare, Carters Vintage, and Boyd's Fine are the top 3 in the country. Honestly, there isn't too much about this place online... I knew he was holding some unicorns, I didn't know he had a whole shop full of them. It's the best guitar shop i've ever been to... oh yea, and he kept the shop open for another hour for me. So, I'm going to do business with Greg.

ESP is a Missoula treasure and a wonderful example of the local music store in America. These guys…read moreknow musical instruments and musicians. They have helped tens of thousands get into music and expand their abilities, gear and careers. They themselves have been playing music in Montana for a half century and bring that expertise to every conversation. Whether you are looking for a new guitar or drum kit, or just want to absorb the vintage vibe of a real music store....stop by and see Dave and Checkers. If they don't have it, they can order it. And you will get advice and service for the rest of your musical life. It's great to know such places and people still exist in an online world. Another great reason to live in Missoula!

What a great place! And what an amazing bunch of musicians and musical instrument suppliers! I…read morediscovered these guys when I was walking down the Hip Strip and saw their extremely cool shop. Meeting Checkers, Sr. not only made my day but my whole two-week vacation in Missoula! This dude knows drums -- everything about drums!! He gave me a tour around the whole shop and talked drums with me at length and by the time I left I felt like he had been a good friend all my life. Checkers, Jr. and Dave are also excellent guys and on my recommendation my daughter and son-in-law (who live in Missoula) are going to start taking their son to get drum lessons there. And they have merchandise and lessons on other instruments too. If you haven't been in, you've got to go meet the guys at Electronic Sound & Percussion. They're simply amazing!

What a great find in Hamilton. If you like music, can play an instrument or just like to admire…read morethem, then this is a wonderful sore to visit. Warm and Cosy with friendly knowledgeable staff - everyone with a common interest - MUSIC. Their repair shop is second to none and they can bring your old instruments back to life. Pop next door to Bitteroot School of Music and show off or improve your talent.

I had accidentally broken my son's guitar right before we made a trip to visit family in Darby. He…read morewas looking to show his grandparents how well he can play guitar. We searched around and found Rooted Music. The staff were helpful and the prices were great for someone from Alaska. My son found a guitar that he wanted and spent the rest of the week playing for the family. They offer lessons, classes and many more services than we could take advantage of. This kind of small business is where I prefer to spend my money.