O'Brien's Music

5.0 (8 reviews)

Musical Instruments & Teachers, Music & DVDs, Musical Instrument Services

Closed • 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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O'Brien's Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Thomas G.

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11

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2 years ago

Another laid back family business like Reid's, and it's a true local classic! Great selection for such a small store!

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Zachary S.

Elite 21

342

398

3783

9 years ago

Oldest music store in Newfoundland. It carries a wide range of stringed instruments, accordions and sheet music as well as instructional books. It's a good source of local folk instruments. It also sells CDs and some vinyl. Good place to get your musical spoons. read more

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Garrett B.

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7 years ago

Great staff, I took my special needs uncle there earlier to take a look at his guitar and recommend some strings and they were nothing but helpful and extremely kind. They inspected his guitar and told me what I needed to do to fix it on my own for him, as my uncle couldn't afford to have it professionally fixed. They didn't try to take advantage of him and upsell him anything he didn't need and they treated him with nothing but respect. Excellent people, they've got my business for life. read more

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Rick T.

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8 years ago

Excellent, knowledgeable, top flight staff here at this shop. Good selection of traditional instruments and supplies on offer.

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Lee B.

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10 years ago

This locally owned business is a pleasure to frequent. Great selection of instruments with a talented staff that can have you playing before you leave the store. You will be greeted when you walk into the store and made to feel very comfortable and welcome. It's a must stop to pick up that special souvenir of your Newfoundland visit read more

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Margaret B.

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10 years ago

O'Brien's is a great local downtown store for shopping for music. Very pleasant and extremely talented staff who can answer any question on any instrument you may be looking for and they also provide great service on what they sell. A lovely atmosphere to shop in!! M read more

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Charlie F.

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10 years ago

Gentlemen: I would like to offer my sincere, and most humble apology for my earlier remarks. I just listened to that same show again, this time it was done perfectly, everything was perfectly in sync and totally proper. If what I just saw a remake, it was excellent there were some differences between what I just saw, and what I honestly remember seeing before. This time. I played along with you, and everything was totally proper Once again, Larry Dave and Ted my highest respects for your talents and musicianship. I do love your show, and I hope it continues fr a very long time. Respectfully Charlie Fullerton read more

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Carol H.

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11 years ago

It is always a joy to be in St. John's and visit O'Brien's music. They have a wonderful selection of reasonably-priced, high-quality musical instruments (I've purchased a guitar and bodhran from them), and excellent service to match. Their support of Newfoundland musicians is legendary, as are their recommendations of those artists' recordings and performances. We're so happy to know that you're back in business! read more

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More info about O'Brien's Music

278 Water Street
St. John's, NL A1C 1B7
Canada
Directions
(709) 753-8135
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.obriensmusic.ca

Outdoor Amenities

Does O'Brien's Music have bike parking?

Yes, O'Brien's Music has bike parking.

Does O'Brien's Music have parking?

Yes, O'Brien's Music has parking options. Street Parking

From the Business

Specialties

O'Brien's Music Inc. specializes in traditional instruments including guitars, ukuleles, button accordions, mandolins, bodhrans, tin whistles, fiddles, banjos and harmonicas. There's also a selection of unique instruments such as jaw harps, nose flutes, ugly sticks, bones and slide whistles, plus high end and vintage instruments. We also offer instrument repair, including button accordions and a big selection of Newfoundland and Irish cd's, dvd's and music books.

History

Established in 1939.

O'Brien's Music Store was started by Roy O'Brien in 1939, catering to a growing trade in traditional Newfoundland music. He and his wife Nellie raised six children in their home above the store, and Roy's two sons Gord and Roy Jr. worked alongside him until his death in 1990. Eventually Roy Jr. left to pursue an interest in carpentry while Gord and his children carried on the tradition. In 2014 financial difficulties forced the closure of the business. Gord's nephew Dave Rowe raised the money to buy the building, outbidding other interests to keep the business in the family. The store re-opened in 2015.

Meet the Business Owner: Dave R.

A long-time member of the St. John's music scene, Dave Rowe grew up visiting his grandparents on Water St. and working shifts at O'Brien's. "When I heard that the place had closed, I just couldn't stand by and do nothing," he says. "I didn't want to see the family legacy come to an end." So Dave raised the money and re-opened the store in 2015, carrying on the tradition of O'Brien's Music and making it the same type of place his grandfather started 76 years ago.

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Fred's

(12 reviews)

$$

You don't find independent record stores like Fred's anymore. This is a very cool shop that offers…read morea mix of CDs and Vinyl, and featuring various local artists and music. I arrived asking for examples of traditional Newfoundland music and was immediately directed to 2 CDs that I subsequently purchased: Rum Ragged (The Thing About Fish) and The Dardanelles (In the Spring. That's the Time). My only regret was not being around for any live music or appearances by local talent. I hope there's a next time!

even though i honestly dislike vinyl... sold all of mine. pain in the ass and i don't care if it…read moresounds better than digital... truthfully; often better speakers is a major factor... vinyl takes up space, warps. scratches.... better than cassettes but i sold and donated a good 1000 pieces..... BUT... i have CARE and nostalgia for record stores.. all the trips to SAMS, DISCUS, CHEAPIES, A&M.... :))) 1970/80's.. the HIGH time for vinyl.... Fred's is very cool, but have t-shirt's... it's lazy to have a handful of shirts left, no sizes, just medium. i'll tell you this; lot of people (ok.. some people....) love to support and wear a shirt from the shop; but no sizes equals no sales..

Long & McQuade

(1 review)

Went to rent some lights and a speaker for a residence party on Friday and was treated like a child…read moreby lower-mid management. I can understand the concern for their equipment because it was a university party, but I was not treated as an equal because of my age

Intervals Music Studio

(1 review)

The Kindermusik classes are fantastic. My child and I both loved them. Staff are friendly and…read moreengaging.

From the owner: At Intervals Music Studio, it all starts with the love of music. Each educator focuses on music as…read morea way to discover, celebrate, grow, connect and accomplish. Steeped in process-based learning methods, your music education is customized and flexible to ensure each participant gets the most out of every program. We're so excited to be part of your music journey. Start your musical adventure by contacting us here.

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