I don't know much about musical equipment or the technology involved in putting on live shows which could 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! read more

Long & McQuade - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

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I just had a guitar set up/adjusted at the Dartmouth L&M. I played this guitar quite a bit in years past 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. read more

Its been a year since I bought my Limited Edition Takamine acoustic electric guitar from Long & McQuaid on Main Street. As it was a major purchase it took a number of visits to consider the purchase and to get the guitar prepped before buying. I must say that I liked the guitar room in the back with a door that can make the space much more conducive to hearing an acoustic than the busy store floor. The staff were pleasant and patient with each visit, and in the end it was a great purchase which I enjoy every day. I was back in today to pick up some supplies and am still impressed with the array of musical materials in the store - certainly everything that I could think of. Being on the busy stretch of Main Street one has to be a bit careful getting in the parking lot. read more

I dont normally write reviews and unfortunately this isnt a good one. My husband and I bought a guitar for our son. The gentleman who helped us was absolutely wonderful. He loves his guitar. Our daughter who just turned4 years old at the time was so interested in piano. All the employees we spoke to when we bought the guitar told us wonderful things about the lessons they offer. We signed her up for piano with a young girl named Page, I was told she would be a perfect match with my daughter. Because I was told Page was patient, and was perfect for a shy child like mine. Our first lesson didnt go well and it was cut short because Page said - the next time you come in you should know your abc's. She said this to my 4 year old who looked like she was uncomfortable and unhappy because she wasnt allowed to touch the keys on the piano - unless! It was the proper key Page indicated. I told Page very delicately- sorry but shes still learning and to see the letters is how she can recognize them right now. Page encouraged this! Oh ok sure no problem. We left and my daughter at this time still wanted to learn and I encouraged it because she was so excited about the piano. Our second class was heart breaking. Page sat next to my daughter and said hello are you ready to play piano ? Do you know your adc's? Say them. My daughters cheecks turned bright red being put on the spot and I watched in horror as she demanded my daughter to recite her abc's. I told her shes extremely shy and she says them in french. My daughter smiled when I said that and Page said ooooh. Ok wheres A on the piano. My daughter had no clue, and how could she? She doesnt know how to play Piano or any instrument and its her second class. My daughter didnt say anything so Page said its this key. My daughter smiled and pushed the key. Page than questioned her again where is D. My daughter had no idea, and Page said where is A. My daughter got shy and embarrassed. Page than did this as I stood and watched in horror at the tone she took with my daughter. Where A, wheres A, wheres A, wheres A. She was aggressive and mean. I was in shock and I was shaking my head as my 4 year old daughter burst into complete tears! I said ok no stop right now please. And I didnt raise my voice, I wasnt rude. Maybe at this point I had every right to be. I dont know. I needed to help my child. I told my daughter to come sit on my lap. I told Page. My daughter is shy and she is a sensitive girl. Shes still learning her ABC and she wont know and remember piano keys with the snap of your finger. Isnt there other methods you have to teach a child her age and personality to play the piano? Or keep her interested in playing? Or creating a game to help her remember the keys? You must understand I cant stand here and let you speak to my daughter like that. Youve hurt her feeling by repeating and sort or snapping at her while you do it. Page apologized she seemed sincere and said. I dont label my keys with the alphabet and shes probably to young to learn piano if she doesnt know her abc. Its important to have that knowledge before you learn piano. I said - Ive seen pianos with little stickers to help kids remember. Page said- thats not how I teach my students it really hinders there progress when piano instructors do stuff like that. I said - im sorry but can we start over. Im not asking for a refund, it wasnt a lot of money but I dont want to see my daughter so sad and I know she wants to learn can you play a song for her and end this on a better note? Because at this point my daughter was crying and saying I cant learn it mommy. I dont know how. Page said - yeah! For sure Just let me go quickly to speak to my manager. I said no problem. Page came back and said - ok I spoke to my manager and everything is ok. (I didnt understand what that meant) and than Page said - your time is up and I need to do my next lesson. I looked at her for a moment. I asked if she could play something for my daughter to cheer her up or atleast give encouragement for her effort. Page said yeah oh sorry no I cant I do have my next lesson. Just come on back when you learn your ABC'S. Thats what she said to my daughter. I picked up my child I was stared down by a group of people at the front desk who said absolutely nothing to me on the way out. Like I said. I wasnt rude. I was calm and I spoke up for my daughter in the most respectful way I could. I never write re iews but this was eating away at my heart becuase it hurt my daughter so much she was crying when she got into the car and I had to sit with her and explain that NONE of this was her fault. That girl was just a complete asshole. Thank goodness I was in that room. Because if I wasnt my heartache would be even worse than it is now. It says on her profile as a teacher she can teach all ages - that should be changed to a specifc age range. Page should also update that she likes to teach her students in a very specific method no flexibility. read more

Ken is just great. He's down back by the rentals nearly every day but he's knowledgeable about nearly everything in the store. If there's something he can't answer, he's quick to find someone who can. The staff here are friendly, funny, and passionate about music, which is exactly what you want whether you're living out your rock god dreams through your six year old's ukulele classes or whether you're an actual rock god. Many of the staff are active in the city's music scene so it's also a great place to go if you're looking for news on up-and-coming acts. The music lessons are upstairs and all the teachers are talented and enthusiastic. Lessons aren't cheap, but neither is hockey gear and trust me, your kid is going to wish he played guitar over hockey when he's in his dorm freshman year. read more

I enjoy going to this store. It's a great store to browse and I love going Ito the guitar room and trying out all the acoustics. The staff is great and really helpful and very knowledgeable. Most of them are super passionate about their jobs. My only negative is that often times big box competitors have better prices. On one hand, I want to support the staff for the service they give, but on the other some things (like guitar stools) just don't require the service or the price gap is just too big to justify. The website could be better. All of that said, if I was going to shell out any major amount of cash for an instrument it would be here because I know I would get what I really wanted / needed. read more

We recently held a wedding at a local event space (Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club) and decided to curate our own playlist instead of hiring a DJ or band. The staff at Long & McQuade made excellent suggestions on sound and light equipment based on the size of the space, the number of guests, and the "vibe" we were going for. The service at the Dartmouth store was top notch, from first call, to the in-person meeting to reserve to equipment, to picking up equipment, to dropping off equipment. We would highly recommend people considering using rental sound and light equipment in place of a DJ; we saved ourselves hundreds of dollars! FYI, if you consider this route versus a DJ, I also attribute our good experience to the facts that we used Spotify for the playlist, (we chose it because of the "cross fade" option), that we put some of our own sweat equity into choosing the right songs and the right order, and the that we have some friends who supported us in set up and starting and stopping at key moments. read more

Got to say, the customer service at this store is the best in the Maritimes by far. Knowledgeable and understanding of a customers needs whatever their playing level. I don't buy my gear from anywhere else++++ read more