The rental fees at this place are so reasonable. Also the guy helping me rent a sax (after not playing for 10 years) was super friendly and listened to all my rambley stories and jokes with grace! I trust these people. read more

Visiting my mom who's recovering from surgery in Toronto during pandemic. Got a super deal on an acoustic guitar rental, I was really bored, being able to rent a guitar at a fantastic rate was a life saver. read more

I've had some bad experiences with Long and Mcquade in different cities around Canada. None of them can compare to this location. Amazing and friendly staff -- extremely knowledgeable. Went to get a keyboard and I couldn't put the whole 20% down, put down 10% and let me come in 2 weeks to pay the other 10. That was really awesome of them. Just every little thing they do is so much superior to every other long and mcquade around Canada... and they don't lie -- a bonus! read more

Huge shop with lots of variety. Brand names of all calibers. Most of the staff are knowledgeable without being jerks about it. Casual or professional, most people will find what they are looking for. Plus, anything special that needs to be ordered they are on it. read more

I've been to various locations of L&M and bought both new and used gear - as well as purchased on-line. I've never had a hassle, but there have been times where the staff seem very disinterested in being there and providing any customer service. read more

I don't have a much of a background in music, but I've stopped by here a couple times, both alone and with friends. Each time, the service was great. The staff are really knowledgeable and friendly, when not busy they can chat about music and recommendations for quite some time. read more

Large selection of guitars, amps, and gear. I am a fan of the amount of pedals (new and used) that they have for sale. I don't think I saw ESP guitars there which was a bit disappointing in hindsight. If needed, staff is knowledgeable and friendly...once they decide that you might be interested in buying something. read more

This has been such an incredible experience for me. Dwight was very helpful with setting me up with a piano accordion. I am doing very well with learning the Hohner . I felt like family . read more

I haven't been here in literally decades! And the place hasn't really changed a whole lot. Still jammed with stuff and drums relegated to the basement. Super friendly staff! Parking is free but there's not much if it. read more

I can't thank the L&M sales people enough for the help they have given me re helping me set up my simple home studio....they have advised me on products and they have patiently walked me through installation and answered my questions when feeling confused ....they have been invaluable in making this project happen...and particularly wonderful considering the difficult times and frustration we are all feeling. read more

I came into this guitar store as a newbie looking to buy decent starter bass guitar. It was impossible getting the staff to acknowledge me, even with in a nearly empty store on a Sunday afternoon. It was like I was invisible. After 20 minutes, I gave up and went elsewhere, where I got prompt and excellent service. Perhaps it's my clothes or my hair colour, but I guess I did not look like someone who is looking to buy a $500 guitar. read more

I wanted to explore trading my guitars (2) for a higher end guitar. In all, I dealt with 3 different staff members, all extremely helpful, all providing balanced and unbiased input about the brands (Martin, Gibson, and Taylor) and what to consider. They all encouraged me to take my time, play many, and only settle on something that felt right (in my hands and to my ears). I read some of the other reviews about 'no time for me' and the like, and my experience was the opposite. read more

Have purchased musical instruments and pro audio accessories here, worth checking out. Really accessible 'try it and return it' policy encourages you to properly test out a piece of gear before committing to a potentially expensive mistake. Just be super nice to what you take home and pack it exactly as received. Prices are fairly firm on the moderate-cost items I've bought there, but I'm happy with the Japan-made Strat I bought there back in the day. Great access to Gibson model guitars, assuming that company is still 'great.' I feel L&M on Bloor is an institution that supports music and sound people, and it's the one to go to. read more

I have a ton of experience with Long & McQuade, as both a customer since 1991 and an employee in 1997/98. This is by far the best music store in the city and the only place I would consider shopping. Here is why: when he hired me, founder Jack Long explained that the customer must always come first, and that musicians are a special kind of customer. Musicians, Jack explained, are generally intelligent, honest and their incomes are unpredictable. He went on to explain that back in 1960's, a young boy wanted to learn drums, but didn't have enough money saved up from his paper route to buy a kit. Jack and the boy agreed that the boy could have the drums if he promised to pay Jack each month until the drums were paid off. And so was born the largest and most humane in-house credit department that has kept Canadian musicians playing and recording for over 40 years. In 1991, at age 19 and with scarcely more than a summer job, I bought my first Gibson Les Paul Standard after a brief interview with the head of the credit department - he made his decision about me on a gut feel and I have since spent tens of thousands at 925 Bloor. Long & McQuade is owned by Yorkville Sound - a multinational that manufactures cables, mic clips, stands, speakers, PAs and too much to list here. The warranty and road worthiness of the Yorkville Sound product is the envy of the business. What they don't manufacture, they are often the Canadian distributor & wholesaler for the manufacturer - like Gibson Guitars, for example. All this to say that there prices cannot be beat because they are the market makers, hence their price matching policy. You will never be dissatisfied with a purchase. I have bought tons of gear that I outgrow, or dislike and I return or exchange without any hassles. No receipt? No problem. They have it on your file. Cash, credit, debit - your choice. If I have kept a particular guitar for several months, I am subject to a restocking fee, but I consider it reasonable versus other store's "all sales final" approach. L&M benefits the community. Watch the CBC movie "Spirits of Havana" to appreciate L&Ms charitable efforts to music education in Cuba; visit any school in the TDSB and you are apt to find kids playing instruments from L&M. Not to mention that gear heads like me can go browse the store, hang out with the staff and always feel welcome. The empire that is L&M was created by a musician for musicians and his legacy is still evident in the business today. read more

I've been customer for a many years now. In general, excellent customer service and selections, way much better than any other store in Toronto that I've been. I've been in every department and they all shine. Have no doubt, this is the music store to go to in Toronto. One thing that particularly put me off, is a warning from the keyboard dept. staffer few days ago saying that "I'm approaching my limit for returns and from now on will be charged re-stocking fee". I'm not concerned by re-stocking fee, completely fine with it, but it is the criteria they use for that. I've asked the guy to remind me what do they see as "returns". Here it is: In my case I've purchased over $20K of equipment for past 5-6 years. Returned only one (1) item value ~$300 (three hundered) AND two items which I upgraded for much more expensive options. So what is the rest of items they consider as "return"? 1. I was offered "loaner keyboard" in two occasions. "Use the loaner, until we receive keyboard you wanted. Pay the full price now and the difference later." When the keyboards arrived, we made a switch. Apparently in their system these are returned items. 2. I had few items I traded in. Significantly lower second-hand value, but simple and fast solution. This, also, is considered "return" in their system. This was warning from the sales person was very embarrassing and I don't feel like "valued customer" any more - deserved it or not. Although I do recommend the store, I wont' be buying there any more. read more

I love the staff and service here. Extremely helpful. Purchased something and was just outside of their delivery zone, but they did it anyway. But this is many years ago, so I cannot guarantee the same thing happening. A good attitude with a sprinkle of persuasion would probably do it though Fantastic variety of...everything here. As much as I like the staff, the prices are definitely way above market price. You can find almost everything here cheaper at another store. read more

Although I'm not a fan of Yorkville Sound, I'll certainly give credit to L & M for their Customer Service & Return Policy. If you don't like the Purchase for ANY reason, return in 30 days for a Full Refund, hard to beat, not many stores do that anymore, also the two year unconditional "Even if You Break It" Warranty is unmatched. The House Brands "Yorkville", "Traynor" etc. have a reputation for reliability, still a lot of their old gear kicking about that still works fine. That said, a quick "A vs B" check reveals Yorkville's sound quality just doesn't stand up to comparable Crown, Mackie, JBL, EV etc. systems. I would like to be able to support a Canadian Pro Audio Manufacturer but it's impossible in the West to compete with the production costs that currently exist overseas. read more

I was in Toronto for a musical performance and needed to rent a keyboard and some sounds equipment. From my initial phone call to my in-store experience, everyone I interacted with at Long & McQuade was kind and knowledgeable. Thank you! read more

I came in to buy a beginner's acoustic guitar for my fiance's birthday. I had no idea where to start, and my fiance also didn't know enough to have any preferences. Uli helped me through the whole process: Showed me a few options within my price range (and didn't even stick to guitars at my maximum end) and gave enough information that I could make a decision but wasn't overwhelmed. I was afraid a sales person would try and up-sell me since I didn't know any better, but Uli was great. I was in and out with everything I needed in less than 20 minutes, and under budget too. read more

Picked up a Dusk Tiger but had a great time shopping at their other 'stores' (adjacent buildings, each with a focus).

This is my favorite long and mcquade location. I generally find I like all the locations I have been to, but this one always seems to have way more selection and things in stock. I have made the nearly two hour drive on several occasions just to have some actual choice in selecting my new music gear. They have free customer parking in Toronto. The only confusing part is that the store is split in two, with a convenience store located between them. I feel that this works to their advantage, however, since if your there to look at guitars you don't have to hear some kid banging away on the drums, or vice versa. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable too. read more

I have brought a couple guitars to their repair department and have received excellent service and advice every time. The guys working there are really passionate about instruments and will go the extra mile to provide great service. read more

I've been renting my music gear (amps, mics, speakers) here for years and always surprised by the great monthly costs - always affordable and the staff are helpful too. read more

I wonder if reviews here are written by moms of L&M staff. 8 of 10 times I was there I experienced terrible customer service. Some staff are exception but the rest are bitter, sarcastic and pretentious losers with no customer service or sales skills whatsoever. They don't care about other staff who are trying to make living in there. It amazes me why people tolerate them! I was present few times when those guys were making comments about customers who just left. Disgusting! In store management is obviously hired from the ranks, so I guess main office probably never get to know what's going on in the store. Otherwise they'd probably fire 90% of them. Do they ever read any of reviews about their store? I know one thing, I gave them few chances after terrible experiences and now I'm through. I'll never buy anything from L&M or even their competition in Toronto which is even worse. If L&M set standards for Toronto, then standard sucks big time! read more

Selection is good, price is kinda sucky; the real reason for the low star rating is the insufferable arrogance and sexism of the employees. I went in to rent a soundhole pickup for a gig, and the CSR was surprised that I, a woman, knew what kind of strings my acoustic had (you know, the strings I bought), and that I was capable of taking care of my guitar. He was shocked that I even knew that humidity was a factor in acoustic care. He continued to be patronizing throughout the transaction. I have not rented or purchased from L&M since. read more

They are always super friendly, go out of their way to help and inform the customer. My go to place if I ever need anything. Thank you for your great service. read more

i wanted to have them setup my cheap 2nd hand guitar that i recently bought which i knew was shitty but at least i wanted to get lower action. but the guy there told me about precisely the problems the guitar has (which i didn't know because i'm rather new to guitars and don't have a friend who could teach me about various build quality aspects) and that he wouldn't put any money into it. now that's what i call great service. not simply taking my money and seeing what they can do but instead telling me what exactly is going on with the guitar and recommending to actually not spend around 55$ on it. i guess they are aware how much quality service means because i'm pretty sure i will buy my next guitar there. read more

really helpful people and nice. not run on comission which makes it alot more relaxed environment. good price, warranty can't be beat. i always have a piece of mind when shopping here. read more

They gave me a really hard time when trying to rent out a keyboard for my son....I paid over the phone, rented over the phone...went to pick up and had to wait for almost 30 mins till the associate finished with another customer.... associate was very rude btw. Disliked his attitude. Took me an extra 30 mins or so to actually get the keyboard ... read more

Bad service. Asked for an audio recorder, and the associate said they carry it and went about his business. Will not go back this location.

Of the 3 Long and McQuade stores I have visited over many years, this one is by far the best one. The staff know you, they almost always have what you need in stock (especially brands and strengths of reeds I have not been able to find at any other Toronto music store), and they have a range of levels of instruments available--from student models to premium professional, of all orchestral instruments, not just guitars and pianos like other stores do. read more

The staff here is really knowledgeable so definitely a great placet to avoid the shoulder shrugging at some of the major equipment stores. They also tend to have really great sales often. read more

I've been going to this store for 10 years and every single time I have received nothing short of exceptional service from every single employee I interact with. read more

Exceptional service, very competitive pricing, good warranty and service options. We bought a electrical guitar from them, and they have been very patient and gave us very good advice. We did not feel pressured to buy at any point in time during the whole process, and we liked that the most. read more

This is the place to go for musical needs, especially if you are new starter friendly staff makes sure you get the proper info about the product. Also they are extremely helpful with fantastic attitude, and they make sure you feel comfortable with your choice before spending your hard earned money. read more

Great service, decent selection. I go in to browse but more often than not I buy something. Worth a visit once in a while to see what's new.

This is my favourite music store in Toronto. They have everything I need in a music store! From time to time they have discounts on nice things. I do find that some staff members are much more helpful and nicer than others. There is another L & M in North York, too. read more