Smiling Dog Records has my vote as one of the more interesting music stores -- as in vinyl records…read more-- in the area. Maybe because it's in downtown Billings in an older area that somehow seems a fitting spot for a throwback way of listening to music, or maybe it's because there is an extraordinary collection of records in all genres, or perhaps it's the turntables for sale. I don't know exactly, but I spent quite a bit of time exploring. As I walked in, the owner explained the general layout and then left me to do what I enjoyed most -- exploring. It was a treasure hunt. There are some newer albums, of course, if you want to expand your collection without going to a box store. Some of the older albums, a few of them, appeared to be in their original shrinkwrap, so it would be like buying new, if that counts. The prices are reasonable, and even the rarer finds are not out of the range of reasonable. What I like, and didn't realize I missed with today's methods of delivering music, is the cover art. Sometimes just the front, sometimes the front and back, and sometimes both front and back and in a foldout, the art is truly extraordinary. Of those that had the picture of the artist, it's jarring to see how young that person looked (that was Rod Stewart? really?). Whew.

I got a step up intrament and you get to test them before you buy if you buy they give you all the…read moremaintenance and cleaning equipment and a storage case

I am an older Hornist (French Horn). I have been in Eckroth Music numerous times in the past year…read moresince I began playing again after 25 years. I have always been greeted cheerfully. I took my 102 year old Alexander Model 103 Horn to be cleaned. There was some excitement to have such an historical instrument in the store. Since the Alex 103 is well past it's prime, I have pondered the purchase of a new instrument. I am using a borrowed Yamaha 667, and upon inquiry, was invited to bring several horns to compare with the store stock; even taking an hour or more to play them. A previous reviewer's negative report is the antithesis of my experience. "If you are going to wear a chip on your shoulder, go work in a lumber yard where it won't be noticed"!!!! G of Cody

I brought my guitar to Ramsey Strings after the neck of my guitar was broken. Not only was a…read moreterrified it would never be the same but that no one would be able to fix it. I called a local music store in Billings and was referred to Eric Ramsey with Ramsey Strings because I was told he was the best with this type of issue. I called the number online and he let me drop it off the same day. Not only was he professional but he put my mind at ease. I got my guitar back in about a week and its perfect! You can barely see the damage. I am so grateful I found this place!

From the owner: Ramsey Strings is a locally owned business in Billings, Montana providing expert sale and repair of…read morestring instruments including guitars and violins, at an affordable price. Owner Eric Ramsey is a professionally trained luthier with over 10 years experience making and repairing string instruments. We sell both new and pre-owned instruments as well as accessories, and we will take consignments. We also offer pick up and delivery.

This is Calvin. Calvin is a Hero…read more Calvin answered the phone when I frantically called that my Special Olympian had broken his bike after the first heat at the MT State Games, and would have to DQ his next event in 45 minutes without a fix. Calvin drove to us at MetraPark within 10 minutes, tools & replacement chain in hand. Hubby & him got it all in order and back on track for him to compete minutes later and win the Silver Medal! We came from Bigfork to compete in the games, but will spread your awesomeness far & wide.

Stopped in yesterday with the intent of grabbing for my wife and I a couple of the $200…read moreprior-rental Treks they're selling, but fell in love with a used Bianchi Volpe, (guessing a 2011 model - photo included), and walked out with it instead. I've been stopping in over the last week or so and everyone I've dealt with has been fantastic. My first contact was James and he was knowledgeable and honest, then when I came back I dealt with Benny, (I think?), on the sales end and Travis in the shop. Lots of smiles out of these dudes which made for a genuinely pleasant experience. Travis put new tires on for me, (very affordable), and Benny modified my old rack to fit the purchase. I was so pleased with the visit that I grabbed my wife and came back. She test rode bikes for probably close to an hour and they were absolutely accommodating. A trip was made to their warehouse which meant they had to put pedals on a bike color she was considering, so the effort was top shelf. There was a gentleman in a Niners shirt at this point who helped a ton, too. We bought her a killer new bike, a bike rack, (which Benny helped me put on in the parking lot), some accessories, and two helmets. What would have been around a $600 total purchase for the both of us ended up being almost $2000, but I can tell you that on our bike ride after we were glowing about the purchase. A lot of that can be attributed to the level of comfort offered by the store. We tucked in and made it our home for a few hours yesterday, which says A LOT about the place. Neither one of us likes to spend money. This was a big day. I'll be back often for repairs, tune-ups, accessories, and to visit with Travis a bit more about Japanese handlebars. Thanks again, fellas.

I have always had good customer service there. They direct me to, or accompany me to, the area I…read moreneed to be.

In a March 26' add there was a Pistol and accessories on sale. The day the sale started, I went…read moreinto purchase it. They had none and said they had no idea when they would arrive. I was unhappy, but got a rain check. I checked in for two more weeks and got the same answer. I asked the manager (nice woman) for a corporate number. I called and left messages 3 times and was never called back by him. Instead after the third call, a person I didn't contact called and said they have the issue figured out and it would be 2-3 weeks and I'd have my pistol. Today I get a call and the man (very pleasant) told me that my rain check had expired and they weren't going to be getting them and I was out of luck. I am very disappointed and discouraged with their lies, deceit and lack of professionalism.