Long & McQuade though small but well stocked! I love how the instruments (guitars/drums/violins) are inside soundproofed rooms if you want to try them out. Prices seems to be reasonable. And if you don't want to commit to an instrument, you have the option to rent one out for a set period of time. It was quite busy on a Sunday afternoon. I was able to get a sale associate to help me with my guitar strings purchase. read more

Today I went to Scarborough location brought my daughter's used electric guitar. I asked for tuneup but a but of expensive so.. I was about to leave and take it to marketplace for tuneup butAlato helped me fix the guitar free of charge he saved me... Since he did that, I decided to purchase a brand new epiphone which i've been eyeing this for few months now.. I was planning to purchase this on black friday but im happy with my decision.. I want to give credit to alato, his customer service is the best. very helpful and he understand and feels the customer's need. read more

Thank you Jack. I hope you're beginning to see the light, that policing the mandates is not your job. I think you're doing your customers a disservice. Having me wait outside? That's your idea of an alternative? Thank you. No thank you. I think compliance only tightens the grip of fear. When I walk into your store, I want my children--and everyone around me--to see that there's nothing to be afraid of. Beware, I might even ask your customers and clerks for a hug. For now, I #donotcomply. read more

Unfortunately the Scarborough location is unethical in their sales practice, they do not honour their posted prices and are very condescending in trying to rationalize an inflated price from their advertised and posted pricing. read more

I had a less than positive experience at this location today, prompting me to drive out of the city to purchase my instruments needs from another L&M store. Uncertain about how closures had affected the in-store shopping, and how to navigate the mobile site so I could know what was actually on the shelves, I called from the parking lot outside of the store to inquire about items that I was interested in purchasing at that moment (if at all possible). Not knowing anything about the variety and quality of the instruments I was looking for, Bernie - the first person I spoke to - was initially helpful and directed me to the site to see what was generally available. He let me know that in-store shopping was not an option at this location, but that I could speak to someone on the phone for more information. He suggested that I call back for more specific information after I looked online as he himself was going for lunch/dinner. As I was parked outside of the store looking through the site and instruments, I selected (with flexibility in terms of colour and price point) a few options in hopes of purchasing them at that moment. I noticed that there was only one person in line, so with a mask on, I walked to the back of the line to quickly inquire about how to navigate the site to make it easier for me, and ultimately, for the sales reps inside. (On the mobile version, I could not see a "check in store" option that I ultimately found on my laptop.) James, the sales rep at the door, noticed me waiting behind the patron he was helping, and asked if I was there for a pick up. I let him know that I wasn't, but that I had a quick question about the site and how to know what was in store. He interrupted my response to his question, and let me know that I should go onto the site to find my answer. I responded by trying to let him know that my question WAS about the site, which he interrupted again, and told me he was with a customer and that I should go to the site. I was immensely bothered by his impatient and rude tone as I myself was waiting patiently, and only spoke to him after he asked me a question, and then was interrupted by him when answering his questions. I fully understood that I would not be walking into the store to look for anything, but looking for some clarification as I happened to be there. Even this, I wouldn't have done had he not been conversing and explaining pick up procedures to someone else. I let him know that I could go to another store instead; a sentiment which he agreed with. So, I turned around and went back to my car. I called the store and made my complaint to the woman who picked up the phone. She offered her help, which I refused, wanting to give my business to another store. I called said store about 10 minutes later and was pleasantly surprised at the more patient and realistic (honest?) responses to my questions whish were about the price of instruments when considering quality and level of the person playing the instrument. I could hear that the store was busy, but did not get the sense that I was being a nuisance as I got at the Markham and Ellesmere store. read more

Their rental services are ridiculous. I rented an instrument online, filled out the form and paid by credit card. I went to pick up the instrument a few days later thinking it was going to be a quick in and out with a few forms to sign. Nope, it took them 20 minutes to find my reservation which had been printed out on a piece of paper (not entered in the system). Took them another 40 minutes to enter my information in the system and then they charged me again for the same rental stating that it hadn't been paid for. Now I've been charged twice for the same thing. Can I also mention how there was one person in the whole store that spoke French even though they were located in a French part of town. If I could give this place 0 stars I would have. read more

Long and McQquade has earned their 5 star review, and then some. I wanted to buy my wife an electric guitar for Christmas, but I was out of town leading up to the holiday. I was fortunate enough to have my generous mom take care of the tiresome leg work. The guitar I was originally going to buy wasn't one they'd be able to supply, but they offered alternatives. They also said I could check the store in Vancouver (where I was staying) to see if there was something else I wanted that might be similar. If there was they'd check to see if this (Scarborough) store had it. If not they'd check if other stores in Toronto had it. If need be they would even ship any guitar I might have found in Vancouver for free if they could locate it locally. That blew me away. Plus if my wife wasn't happy with it she could exchange it or get a full refund. That to me is the pinnacle of customer service. Fortunately I was able to find something else, and they were able to order it directly from the supplier without incident. But the effort they were willing to make is definitely something worth applauding. Well done L & M! read more

I am a teacher and this is where we go to rent our lights and other equipement we need, from time to time, for school events. I have rented from them before, but never gone to actually pick things up before. I found the staff friendly, knowledgeable and their prices reasonable. My only criticism would be that the area for renting equipment is small and shabby and they (for some unknown reason) had to get our rental approved by management, I guess because we're a school, even though we're in the system and have rented many times before. We had to wait to get in touch with someone on the phone. It was annoying and seemed unnecessary. Obviously it's some weird policy, so I don't blame the workers or anything. Returning was nice and quick! read more

I love music so as you can imagine this store is one of favorite they sell all of my favorite Jazz instruments. I am a rusty Saxophonist I enjoy being in a place where I can talk about music. The staff is very knowledgable and experienced in what they do, as fellow musicians its easy to talk in industry language with them. #30daysofyelp read more

I was in the market to explore trading two guitars and buying a higher end (Gibson, Martin, or Taylor). On my first visit, one of the guys helping me recommended that I visit the Bloor store (which I did) if I wanted to see a wider array. I visited the Bloor street store then took another trip to the SCARBOROUGH store. Turns out they had the models I was actually interested in. Everyone at this store was extremely helpful to me even if I elected not to trade my guitars. I went home and played my Larrivee and fell in love with it again. But I was very impressed with everyone I dealt with. read more

This seems to be a smaller L&M store in the farther reaches of East Toronto. A place to find alternate examples of a guitar you are looking for eg. if buying a Chinese Fender, why not check a few stores to make sure you get a super good one. Staff are friendly enough. One older employee discussing Gibson Historic Les Pauls had no idea what he was talking about, and this worries me when discussing model availability and price in those costly instrument categories. He said a CS Darkback Gold Top LP Model was top of the line (and that 58/59 RI Sunbursts were not.) Don't avoid the place, just don't depend on it either. read more

I have purchased multiple books for piano repertoire and music theory at this store. They have a fairly large stock with a good variety. The staff are always very helpful and friendly. In addition, I was able to successfully refund one of my purchases even though I had lost the bill. There was no fuss at all! I haven't rented any equipment from here or purchased any of their instruments yet so I can't comment on that. read more

They are getting better since the last time I went there last year as I'm an online shopper now. The last guitar I bought there had a warped neck that was in the used section. Not going to say what the exact model is but I'll never buy a guitar there again. in experience the employees don't know enough. Friendly .. yes. I asked them for quick connect cables one year for some EMG 81/85 pickups (I know boring) and the guy looked at me blankly and so many of the guys working there mention kijiji. They make no effort to stand up for the prices in the shop when moms and dads of rockstars want a deal as smoking hot as their kids licks they belt out from a tab site. Not to say that you can walk all over them and get prices we want but every single time I go in there I check out the selections and so forth and I'm surprised they don't get fired for mentioning kijiji or other similar sites. I find their selection to be boring. About a year ago they even got rid of the used rack so there is even less guitars. I wonder how much longer this location will be around. It took them years to get 7 and 8 string guitars in. I didn't see 7 string D'Addario packs for 2-3 years of me going there. The pickup selection is ok at best. Pickups, strings and plectrums (picks) are the 3 best sellers in any shop it's hard to disagree but 90% of the time they either will have to order you that Seymour Duncan Black Winter or EMG 66, as they are dealers of their parts. String wise.. rotosound, d'addario, gibson, dean markley (garbage) , GHS and Ernie Ball. Apparently Dunlop makes long and mcquade brand strings but even so it's just the basic one kind of each. Material matters. I have steel on one guitar for this, pure nickel on another guitar for that. Their parts selection was awful and because of it I'm an online shopper. Again I could always ask them to order crap but it's not hard to "figure out" their distributors to do it myself. Allparts for example you may see something on and have an excuse to go there (long and mcquade to order from allparts) because shipping from their warehouse is expensive and they actually turn down orders under X amount but long and mcquade does orders even if they are 1$. I had to actually put a down payment on two screws for the back of a floyd rose locking nut on an RG350. The guy gave me 10 cents back from my deposit and I joked with him saying excellent I can buy a gibson or two with this and he didn't like that. The owners or guys deciding what gets in at corporate level making the big decisions are of it is that they are stuck in the golden ages of the 50s to 70s. I mean sure Gibson. Fender and PRS everyone thinks are untouchable and only they can make guitars but there is so many great guitar brands out there that won't break the bank I'm sure they will make as much money distributing enough Jackson , ESP/LTD, Dean, Schecter, Washburn guitars for the metal community. One guy had the balls to tell a friend of mine that a les paul was a metal guitar. ways to improve diversify, not just 50 year olds shop at long and mcquade. have a little box and if enough people suggest a product bring it in and again..diversity is key. Don't target one customer base and only that. in the end I'm sticking to ebay and kijiji though. I'm done with L&M and only go there when I'm desperate read more

Bought my first guitar here. The sales staff were nice and really knew what they were talking about. I appreciated that since I had very little clue as to what guitar was suitable for me. Left feeling satisfied and still feel that way. Money well spent! read more

I will never go back to this location ever again. After doing business with Long and Mcquade for many years, this Store's accountant tried to accuse me of owing them money over mic cables I had rented. She was deadly wrong, never apologized and left me feeling like I was a criminal. I will now finish up any loans I have at any other locations and close my accounts out for good and shop somewhere else. Thanks to Long and Mcquade Markham location!!!! read more

I visited the Scarborough L+M and was extremely unhappy with the customer service in their rental department. I wanted to rent a set of entry level digital drums. The customer rep requested a huge background information form be filled out. This form was REDICULOUS! They wanted all sorts of: -ID information, (Visa / Driver License / Etc) -your job designation, -personal references, -and even a credit check! (are you kidding me!?!) All to rent a piece of equipment that cost less than $1000 new and was in really piss poor current condition. I've rented automobiles with far less paperwork! I didn't feel comfortable with the above. Even after I offered to place a *FULL* deposit for what the drums would cost new, the customer rep still insisted on collecting all this information and running a "background check". Needless to say, I felt disrespected and did not rent the drums. I was really disgusted with my experience and will not be shopping at L+M in the future. read more

I put a $3,000 Taylor guitar on hold and wanted to finance it with $1,000 down, and do it by cheque through my debit account. I financed an amplifier this way before so I didn't think it'd be an issue. Being such a high sum of money, the manager was weary of actually letting me go through with it without a credit card, understandably. Imagine pissing someone off so much through a condescending tone that made the person (me) decide to spend my money elsewhere for a guitar, and open up a yelp account just to post this. The manager had every right to question my seriousness in financing this expensive guitar... but my lord I have never seen such bad customer service. He asked me the precise model of the guitar (he was on the phone in the basement, I at the cashier) I said I don't know and he began laughing. Maybe it's because I didn't want the guitar bad enough. But point being, if somebody has mild interest in giving your establishment large sums of money, you don't act like a prick and a smart alleck because that's just bad business. read more

I've been a fan of this location for many years! I used to work for a Music Company in Scarborough, not too far away from this L & M. My Musician co-workers and I used to jam in the warehouse of our company on weekends. We rented our Microphone's, Stands, Cables, and P.A's from this store, and they always gave us a great deal. If you're shopping for a Guitar, there's a lot of nice Gibson and Fender classics here. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Asked about an open box item and everyone I asked including the manager had no idea about the history. They offered to reduce it 2 bucks per box (3 boxes) but at the end I said no thanks. One of the drum techs walked by and asked me how's everything? I replied, do you have any idea about these heads i'm looking into, they are open box and you normally don't stock these. What gives? He looked at the manager who was looking into it for me and then immediately changed the subject by saying so are you good? alright then have a nice day. I mean no one in the store (especially the manager) has any idea about these drum heads? I just wanted to know if they were mounted or not, 2 of them appeared to be slightly reshaped due to mounting but I wanted a confirmation before I purchased them. You need to be more transparent with your customers and shame on the manager who tried to pawn these off on me. For what 50 bucks? Very shady practices and I don't trust spending my hard earned money at that location. On the positive side I always have an excellent experience at the markham ontario location but its too far for me to visit regularly when i need to purchase something. If they could just flip the managers around and bring him/her to scarborough they could clean house because scarborough is toxic not as toxic as it used to be but still is. I could go on for months with stories from the scarborough location. read more

I've been shopping here for years, and do a lot of rentals.. The staff has always gone out of their way to help me, even if I was buying something as small as a few dollars. From when I was a new and naive musician, I've always gotten excellent advice and service from the staff there. They really seem to be passionate musicians. Some of the staff now remember me by name. Really feel at home shopping/renting there. Highly recommend this place! read more

I went to the store at Markham and Ellesmere rd with the intention of buying Violin for my kid who's just started learning. I met a very friendly sales person who showed me some good quality violins but price was a bit out of my range so he gave me an option of renting for only $18 a month which sounded pretty reasonable. I agreed to rent it and i was told all i need is my credit card info and it will keep charging every month until i return the instrument. He presented me with a rental agreement form and while filling I was surprised about the information that was required like my social insurance number, drivers licence number, employers name and address and 2 references with phone number. Feeling uncomfortable i questioned the sales person who told me that it's the store policy and this way of renting has worked for them since last 60 years but they don't use it for credit check purposes. One of the employee who was overhearing my question intervened to reply me that " We need this information and drivers license to make sure you are the same person renting it" I said fair enough I can show you my drivers license. He angrily replied to me "Don't play with words.If you want it take it or leave it" and he walked away leaving me and my sales person wondering at his attitude. I requested the sales person to have me speak with a manager and he said this man mike was one of the managers at the store which shocked me a bit. I guess they should do some lessons about the customer service for their own staff. That was the moment i decided not to do any business with this company. I could only imagine their after sales service. read more