These guys are the real deal, this is the kind of thing you can't find online. I was blown away by…read morethe boutique setup...high end, incredible guitars. Everything was highly priced...the guitars ranging $800-$3000 approximately, I was scared to move as I walked through the store hoping I don't accidentally knock something down. Store in the front, repair shop at the back and 3 sound proof rooms where they conduct lessons by certified instructors during the week. $35 for a 1/2 hr session and goes up to $55 for an hour. The staff is helpful and very informative.

With the hollowing out of American bricks n' mortar retail because of online shopping, especially…read more'one click shopping' on Amazon, it is refreshing to walk into a beautiful, well-run shop that completely understands the needs of the customer, and can accommodate virtually any kind of budget. The owner of this shop, Nate, obviously loves and understands the business, and he also takes his time to show and explain the different types of guitars that he offers, and why they might make sense. There is also an awesome Golden Retriever in the store to keep you company if you just want to hang out with a dog instead of buy a guitar. The most impressive thing about Whole Tone is the completeness of the shop -- not only can you buy the guitar, but you can service it there as well, get your lessons, and also come in for demos of talented guitarists to see what is actually possible. I suppose you could just click and buy your guitar for the lowest price plus shipping on Amazon -- but you'll miss out on the rest of an important part of the experience, not to mention, the chance to actually try the equipment and hear what it sounds like before you do make a purchase. Its not merely about the lowest price. It also has to sound right. And if it makes you feel any better -- Nate did match the price of my guitar to whatever the lowest price was online -- without me even having to ask. That's pretty cool. Hopefully the dog will help out the lessons. No luck so far....

Gil is such a nice guy. I was visiting my parents and didn't bring my cello with me, and with…read morefingers crossed called Gil to see if he had an adult cello that I could rent. He took the time to fix the strings, supply new rosin for me, and tune the cello for me. He also made time to access my Dad's guitar to see if it was sellable or just something to donate. Very patient and friendly person. You never feel like he's rushed for time. Will definitely be back!!

Gil Flores is a remarkable, talented musician with a deep knowledge and mastery of many musical…read moreinstruments. A wonderful teacher thoroughly educated with hands on playing as well as the theory of music. Proficient and devoted he has done wonders for enriching the minds of students at any age.

As a beginner, I love going into Dynamic Percussion. I've made four separate trips to the store…read moreover the past few months, and Gus feels like an old family friend at this point. I had no intention of buying anything the first time I visited, and he still spent ten minutes patiently explaining how to change the heads on my new (to me) kit. Needless to say, when I eventually decided to swap out the heads I went back to the store and went over all of my options with Gus. Could I go to a huge chain store and get more of a selection? Possibly. But I'd much rather support a local small business where the people who work there know my name and take the time to work with me one-on-one to make sure I learn something new every time I come in and get a product that fits my needs.

Stopped by the new East Hartford location to fix my bass drum years after my last experience at the…read moreManchester location with a certain awful manager-type fellow. To my absolute delight, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, threw in a drum key for free, and the old, doddering manager guy was nowhere to be seen. I'll be happy to return and continue paying the premium as long as I receive no more lip from the old angry manager fellow. He was a massive turn off.

Last year I went to their location in East Hartford and had my Martin D18 acoustic set up for…read moremedium strings. The tech guy there did a really nice job. But I changed my mind. I like lights better after all. So I went here to get it set up for lights again. I didn't hear anything after a week, so I asked about it on Saturday. The store manager said he'd get to it. He emailed me back and said he didn't have the right size tool to adjust the truss rod. So he couldn't adjust the action. What did I want to do? I kept it as is. But my guitar is a standard 2019 model without an exotic truss rod. So I asked about him about the guy who had worked on my guitar last year as I'd seen him at the West Hartford store too. "He doesn't work here anymore, as of early July." "Okay. Are you planning on hiring a new guitar tech guy in the future?" "Guitar tech ability isn't a priority when I hire someone. He just happened to do it. And we don't buy new tools to work on guitars either." Ohhhhhkay. So he basically told me setups/repairs on guitars are not something he cares about or has any interest in investing in. I realize doing this isn't the only service a store like this offers, but I did think it was ONE of the basic services it would offer. He told me no. In so many words, go somewhere else. So I will. Only trouble is I don't drive so not quite as easy as it is for most, but I was clearly barking up the wrong tree here. It all seemed pretty strange to me. Never encountered this before in a music store.

I used the website to arrange rental of an instrument that was listed as available, with shipping…read moreexpected within 5-7 business days. The site took my payment and personal info to run a credit check. After more than 2 weeks without delivery or any updates from Music & Arts, I finally called. Unapologetically, they said that there are none of that instrument available "anywhere at all in [my] region." Ok... and? An estimate of when it might be available? An offer to cancel? A suggestion of another company to try? Any empathy? No. I asked why I hadn't been notified and was told quite plainly, "I don't know why our rental department doesn't let people know when instruments aren't available." To summarize: they offered to rent me a product that doesn't exist and have customer service policies that are totally dismissive of their customers.

Really nice place..went on a tour and was impressed with the studio spaces. Loved seeing the older…read morekids who are in bands - so cool! My little guy took the Rookies class here last spring but unfortunately it wasn't the best fit for us. My son enjoyed the class, but we weren't getting much out of it other than fun...which is GREAT and I would fine with with paying for an activity just for fun, but for $50/class, I was hoping he would learn more - which I think he would if he were a little older. It proved challenging because sometimes it would be a very small group of 2 or 3 students and it would seem like he was getting good instruction and other times the studio would be packed with kids without much individual attention and some kids were very disruptive to the class. Again, totally normal for young kids, but too much to pay in my opinion for that age range for what they got out of it. I will gladly pay that when he is a little older and able to get more out of the classes. I'd recommend this place to older kiddos and teenagers, it really is a cool spot!

Instructors are patient and find ways to truly engage the students in learning their instruments,…read moreand opportunities for them to try other instruments if they are interested.

These guys sell crap at really high prices. Their store in East Hartford is filthy dirty and the…read moreitems are just stacked on top of each. Looks like they just throw the stuff down. They really abuse the local Craigslist with hundreds of ads for their junk. And they have the world market cornered on accordions! What a joke. I wouldn't shop there if I was you.

These guys are the worst of the worst. Their business ethics are reprehensible and their entire…read moreobjective is to take advantage and be abusive while doing so. They think it's A-OK to run more than 400 simultaneous ads on Craigslist and thereby ruin the experience for everyone. Aside from behaving like goons, all they achieve with this tactic is a powerful reinforcing of the fact that their prices are outlandishly high. Seriously, avoid these guys at all costs - you'll be happy that you did!

Very poor customer service. Will not recommend. I was told during the summer camp that a difference…read morecurriculum would be offered however I called 4-5 times over 2 -3 days and I did not get a timely response to continue lessons. I asked why no one was reaching from the school and they said they were busy. Unfortunately camp is only 5 days and not getting back timely to the student prevents them from completing sessions. I feel the owners don't care after you sign up. Poor management. Will not recommend!

Very disappointed extremely disorganized and very inconsistent. Different people teaching…read moredefinitely not qualified teachers. Very difficult to do make up classes. They only honor on their schedule not yours.

Incredible shop! Family owned and operated. They took the time to explain things to me as I'm…read moregetting back into playing. The selection is great and their pedal selection is insane!!!

I can't say enough about the great people instruments, instruction, gear and service at the…read moreMartel's music store. Quite honestly, I'm writing this review because I have just recently received my guitar back from Corey (one of the owners) who restored my damaged fretboard with a much better Tusq nut to boot and upgraded the pickups and all electric switches/jack hot-rodding my first ever guitar an Epi special. I happened to be in the shop (as I usually am- Great place to check out new gear and play some awesome instruments), and seen he treated with the care and skill he would one of the more expensive guitars and at a great price!! I am in love with this instrument again and have not put it down, he showed me his wiring and it was top-notch; I am absolutely blown away at the quality of his craftsmanship and the tones coming out this guitar. All that being said I also have two children taking instruction there and they love it. The instructors meet them at their level but continually challenge them. My wife and I are quite happy with how the children have been improving and how happy they are with their instructors. Their prices are better than most places and the instruction is great. I have also have had the opportunity to go the monthly jam night they host and it was a great time. All in all, Martel's is a great place to be and shop for your music needs in my humble opinion.

My son started piano lessons here with Mrs Carolyn and I'm excited since he connected with her…read more He's shown interest everyday at home he wants to play the piano. Read the piano books and has found a new hobby. She's good with him and keeps my autism child engaged. I also do my part at home going over the music notes and how his hands should be. The book she's working with him has characters, and nice colors for him to keep him focused. It's a plus that my son loves to read as well. I'm glad we gave this a place a chance for piano lessons !

Today was Music Maker Days 2025. Robert Arsenault the Store Manager and Griffin D'Amato an…read moreassociate. Both staff members were my engineers for my performance. They both were knowledgeable, understanding and supportive. I look forward to working with both of these guys in the future. For other artists I highly recommend you working with, Robert Arsenault plus Griffin D'Amato. Both professionals graduated from Western Connecticut State University Visual & Performing Arts Center. If you need your music mixed and mastered then Griffin D'Amato is the perfect producer. Lastly, this store provides exactly what a artist needs.

I spoke to Ms Mirela herself on the phone and in person. She's relatable when it comes to raising…read morea child with autism. I found her site on a ct forum on fb (word of mouth). We set up a trial session for my son and it was so lovely. Her location is great with parking in the front of the plaza building. It was off the highway and easy to find. She was able to connect with my son and made him feel super comfortable. He was not worried or nervous. At the end of the session he signed for more piano and did not want to leave. I was super impressed and to see my son smile was worth it! Can't wait to sign my boy up for lessons.

My children take lessons at this school, and it is incredible!!! The owner Mirela is an amazing mix…read moreof expertise, dedication, and love for her students! The school offers lessons for a lot of different instruments (piano, violin, guitar, etc.), and also features an early childhood music class. I would recommend all learners to come to the New Old School of Music!