My 16-year old decided he wanted to spend all of his summer job money on a Keytar. As a child of…read morethe '80s, I thought this was a fantastic idea. Plus, I'd rather he buy a Keytar than Fentanyl. He said he wanted the Roland AX Edge. I took him to the first place that came to mind -- the Giant Electronics Store with All the Things. They carried them -- but not in white, the color my son wanted. My son was sad. This made me sad. I fired up Yelp and discovered a Big Music Chain Store was nearby. We went there. They too had them in stock, but not in white. My son was sad again. This made me sad again. I fired up Yelp and saw we were close to a place called Rogue Music, so I called. Did they carry the Roland AX Edge Keytar? Yes, they did. Did they have it in white? Yes, they did! My son was happy. This made me happy. We dashed over. The store is the quintessential New York City store experience: Many, many things packed into a small space. It was all business, no flash. Stacks of synths, keyboards and rack electronics. This is the kind of store where people who know their stuff come to get their stuff. No doubt many members of famous bands had once stood in the very same three-foot square space that my son and I were currently occupying (as I said, the place is packed with goodies). The owner calculated the price in his head and used a pen to write the receipt on a piece of paper -- like my son's new Keytar, it was a lovely throwback to the 1980s.

They listed a Drawmer 1960 on Reverb and I went into the store to buy it. The sales rep was really…read morenice and did a great job packing up the compressor so I could carry it home. It works perfectly. Competitively priced gear.

NYC Guitar school is one stop for learning guitar, restarting guitar, singing or wanting community…read morewith other musicians (there are also ukulele, bass lessons - and a ROBUST rock band program). In addition to classes there are many events at NYC Guitar School from open mic, workshops, guest talks... SONG LAB is a great new addition to that line up - members and non-members alike can join. Song Lab is a 3 hour block - everyone involved (ALL levels of singers, bassists, rhythm guitars, lead guitars) are taught their part of the chosen song by one the amazing teachers at NYC Guitar School. By the end of the 3 hours the song is played as a group in a performance type setting. Past SONG LAB songs include Rebel Rebel, Sweet Child of Mine, Creep, My Girl. SONG LAB is an amazing way to start playing with other people, test your skills, learn new skills, learn a song you have always wanted to play in record time, meet other musicians that you will see again in either virtual or in person classes, open mics, or join in rock band. My overall experience with NYC Guitar school and their top tier teachers has been so gratifying - I highly recommend Song Lab to anyone new or seasoned - it is a lot of fun.

I started playing guitar when I was 13, and now I'm in my 70s. I never took a guitar lesson until…read morea couple of years ago, when I joined NYC Guitar School. It's terrific, and my teacher (Josh Torvi) has helped me a lot. What I like most about Josh is his flexibility. He understands that each student needs to be taught differently. I'm an old guy, somewhat set in my ways. Josh doesn't force me to play in a certain style, learn certain songs, or insist I learn music theory. He doesn't tell me what to do. At the start of each lesson, he asks me what I want to work on. He'll gently suggest I try new things and get out of my comfort zone, but he doesn't push me when I just want to have fun and play stuff I know. That's what keeps me coming back every week.

I didn't end up purchasing anything, but as a music lover, I wanted to see what was available. Very…read morecomplete store. The guys working there are so kind and attentive! They let me play one of their pianos for a little bit. Will be back for a guitar soon.

I'm thrilled about the volume I saw in store today. And in benefit of the doubt, these guys are…read moreclearly short staffed while handling a never ending queue and loop of tasks. At the same time that 4 pedal boards in simultaneous testing are piercing your ears from across. But honestly the salespeople were just straight up icks. From the long haired dude thats been there longer than fast food fries, and the gentle voiced big fella that speaks in automated replies with a slight overtone of condescension. Like my guy. I am imploring you to do business with me. What in the world are you going on about? Came in for a radial conversion unit (not cheap) and a barebones over drive pedal that in spur of the creative moment would be a part of tonights engineering session. -Asked long haired dude for a distortion pedal in the used section and the radial unit. He tells me to fug all about the pedal because it cant be sold until april 6th over some policy I've no idea about and sends me to go figure it out downstairs for the radial unit. -Went at it downstairs with an older dude about the technicalities of signal processing and was then successfully closed out by another quirky fellow as the former had already ended their shift. Solid dudes and banter. Asked the latter about the wait time for the used pedal, still unclear. -Went back up, found a different drive pedal, and a cheepo delay. Went to automated joe for purchase. Drive pedal's price tag had a whole digit covered in its position. Closed out the delay, and navigated an over-toned condescending remark about how I should be satisfied with the delay and GTFO. -Nah - went to the pedal boards. Cut through the noise around me like if I was actually going to buy something. Employee hovers over me for a bit as if to tell me to turn it down while also inspecting the radial unit i just purchased. But I ignore it and test the pedal. Excellent. - go back to automated joe, tells me the unit is sold out. And that he can take payment for it now and have it in a week. - I dont need it for a week, I need it for tonight. - go back to the used cases, scour and search. A/B what I can online. -Narrow it down to an MXR pedal when suddenly a Black woman appears and saves me. First words out of her mouth told me she was efficient and cared for the success of this mutually conducive sale. I was sitting in front of an amp to test the pedal within 5 minutes. And she EXPLAINED what the hold on the used gear was. Like holy S. Thank you. For clarifying that for legal reasons you have to put a processing hold on used gear thats making its way through your store incase it was stolen in the past. Like I didnt even ask the other guys if I could test the gear I was attempting to buy, did not even know that was an option as they told me to fug all and be on my way. -amp i was testing pedal on was too muddy to get anything meaningful out of it. -went to mxr pedal section. Tried a different one that was in the routing. Was eh. Took a leap and swapped out their cute little eq pedal (lovely thing really) as it had just enough space to pull the 1/4's out, with the one the woman pulled for me. -grabbed the American strat behind me with the most horrendous setup and proceeded to get some beautiful tones. Mission accomplished. -closed and GTFO of there. It was roughly 5:30 when I got in. I didnt leave until 8pm. I never want to go through that again. Also every guitar i tried to use to test pedals needed some serious work done. Like come on bro. This ain't stevie ray vaughn. Why are all the strings way past their proper guages and have the tension of an acoustic. Can't even let the guitar come alive that way. Best setup was a fresh out the box squire strat that was sitting unadulterated on its hook. Pros: music is thriving Cons: Musicians are dying behind the counters of guitar center.

When I came to Edward I didn't have much Piano experience. I have now been working with him for a…read morelittle over a year and I have improved SO much. The piano has become a real passion of mine. Edward is an amazing teacher. He has a lot respect for the piano and music in general and it shines through in his teaching style. He not only is able to teach technical ability but also musicality. Edward is well versed in classical, jazz, and music theory and is able to teach all of them. Edward really cares for his students and goes the extra mile to send them resources, customize his teaching approach, and host virtual and in person recitals. Overall, I am very happy with Edward as my teacher and look forward to continuing with him.

I've been studying piano with Edward for seven years now. He continues to challenge me and teach…read moreme new ways to approach practicing and playing. He has completely changed the way I play and expanded my repertoire. He is always encouraging and insightful. He's flexible about scheduling and is always completely engaged during a lesson. Sharing performances with his other students in remote and in-person recitals has also helped to build our self-confidence. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to study with this gifted musician and teacher.

Sometimes you stumble upon a gem of place that is world famous and you don't even realize it. Here…read moreI am 5 years on and realize just how amazing this store is! 2019 Was traveling around the 50 states and hopped into this place as I was passing by... Just blown away by the instruments they had! Not sure how long I was in there, but everything from droolworthy original D'Angelicos, original Epiphones and more... So much of music's history of the past to the present. After I get home and watching guitar videos I keep seeing this store pop up. Keep saying 'Hey, I was there!'... Do. yourself a favor and stop by. See the amazing selection of instruments they have on hand / display. The staff was super friendly and always willing to help when I asked. Thanks guys! Look forward to seeing you again!

Sometimes you stumble upon a gem of place that is world famous and you don't even realize it. Here…read moreI am 5 years on and realize just how amazing this store is! 2019 Was traveling around the 50 states and hopped into this place as I was passing by... Just blown away by the instruments they had! Not sure how long I was in there, but everything from droolworthy original D'Angelicos, original Epiphones and more... So much of music's history of the past to the present. After I get home and watching guitar videos I keep seeing this store pop up. Keep saying 'Hey, I was there!'... Do. yourself a favor and stop by. See the amazing selection of instruments they have on hand / display. The staff was super friendly and always willing to help when I asked. Thanks guys! Look forward to seeing you again!

THE very best guitar tech in the five boroughs. Matt Brewster transformed a vintage Gibson Firebird…read moreI'd picked up for about half price, because it had been tampered with, wired wrong,and just all wrong. In just about 2-3 days, he found a big issue that the last tech had missed. I got phone calls on the progress, he asked permission before doing a fret level and polish, and replaced the tuners, full setup, fret level and he transformed it from a "player's project" into an Instrument that played like a new Gibson. The price I paid for the work was so fair, I know him and his techs worked on that thing for days. Everyone at the shop knew about its progress, and they all seemed proud of their work. Good Vibes, Honesty, and integrity along with getting a tech that's mentioned in Rig Rundowns, he works on Rock Star's guitars, and you'll get the same quality work as those celebs on Rig Rundown for the same price a local music shop charges. Matt, Chris and everyone working at 30th street always greet me with smiles and warmth. That is the cherry on the sundae. Retail professionalism along with the best setup man in NYC, these are rock solid fellas.

About 15 years ago, bought a gibson goldtop from one of matt's workers at the shop. Got home to…read moreLong Island and had to adjust trussrod for the humidity. Found out truss rod didn't work?. Called Matt and he said it was my problem because I lived near the beach?. Truss rod not functional, how is that my problem?. Accused me of having buyer's remorse?. Finally returned the guitar but it left a bad taste in my mouth. He's great with name players, but he's really an A hole!.

They are absolutely so cordial so helpful and so kind. I highly recommend them This is the placeread more

Whether you're in NYC or Alaska THIS is the ONLY place to bring your horn for repairs!!!! And they…read morehave an incredible array of new and collector's horns, mouthpieces, reeds, virtually anything you need. Honest, reliable, solid and technically proficient to the highest degree...Jon, Rachel, and the guys are the musical equivalent of NASA engineers!!!!

Brought my tenor in here for a post resolder. Clay caught a few other problems on the horn and now…read moreit plays awesome. Price is about what you would expect for midtown.

Recently brough my Selmer Mark VI tenor saxophone to John for well-needed, overdue overhaul. I've…read morehad the instrument for over 40 years, and it has never played this well. John took his time and is a true perfectionist.

I took the absolute beginner class and my instructor is Antoinette, the owner! I've never played…read morethe violin but had some music background and I'm glad I opt for the absolute beginner class, setting my ego aside. Her instructions were clear and she's friendly and firm at the same time. They also offer the option to take the class only or purchase a student violin at a discounted price. I got the violin as I see myself continuing my education. NYC violin studio offers violin for all without the intimidation and at a fair price.

Excellent teachers and a fun approach to learning violin. I am a late starter and found my teachers…read moreto be respectful, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend them especially for adult beginners, the best.

I feel a tad bit overzealous writing a 2nd review for The Music Inn so soon but I just had to make…read morethese thoughts public. The Music Inn open mic is hands down one of the best in the world! So I live on Long Island and it can be pretty daunting at times driving all the way into the city, especially on a Thursday during rush hour, however The Music Inn is totally worth it, and then some!! Sign up starts at 730 (best to line up as early as possible though, say around 630ish) and performances begin at about 8. Last night it ran to about, and every act was incredible. I performed as well and the audience was super supportive and engaging. I saw one person who was there for the first time and they had such a ball that they ended up buying a gong, for like $200+. I love that! He would randomly hit it outside and proclaim loudly "I fricking love this place!" and I found it absolutely hilarious. The best part for me was the impromptu jam happening outside on the covid-era outdoor patio section. I joined in and we jammed for at least an hour, singing and playing everything from blues to rock to jazz. Lately on my daily drives I've been learning how to sing "Devil town" by Daniel Johnston and this was the perfect opportunity to try and perform it. Everyone joined in, we had a lead guitarist, a drummer (playing on a makeshift high hat from an empty plastic chinese food container), and several guitarists keeping rhythm. It was such a magical time! Oh and the cover is only about $5-7, depending if performing or not. If you're looking for some of the most authentic and passionate music in the city, head to Music Inn on Thursday nights at 8pm, you won't regret it!

4 stars for the open mic…read more It seems to be total anarchy there-- which produces good art, but expect less than professional handling of things on the part of the staff. But then they are probably just young kids being exploited, so...