I only checked out the records part of the store, but they also sell and buy Legos. They also have…read morea minor section with CD's and clothes (band T's), but the focus is on records. Vinyl selection is organized, and most of them are graded and priced accordingly. Just a note that I only picked up NM (Near Mint) records for older records, but grading seems a little too generous here as one of the records had many visible scratches when you hold it under the light and you can hear them when playing (for comparison, I don't see NM grading as common in other record shops). I picked up a handful of records here. The staff is knowledgable and friendly, and atmosphere is nice with light pop songs playing in the background. It seems they also have vinyl listening sessions too. Check out the staff picks and local sections as well as the bargain bin for some interesting selections.

I can only speak about the lego part of the store…read more The hours are limited, so do check the schedule before you go. This place is great. They purchase and sell lego sets, including older sets that are very hard to source. The oldest I've seen was from 1980, to give you an idea. Most are contemporary or from the 2010s, of course. The prices are very fair. An out of print set might go for a few bucks more than its original retail price if it isn't super rare. The owner isn't trying to gouge you and she's very open about her pricing policy. The owner is a font of knowledge about all things lego. She's extremely dedicated: she verifies every used set for integrity (and replaces missing bricks), she guarantees completeness for any set you buy, she'll source lego sets for you, she'll hold sets for you at the cash, and answer every which question you have. She's also very personable. The store attracts teens, families and adult collectors.

Greatest guitar store in the state! They have an inventory that will blow your mind! Bring your…read morecredit card! It's all worth it!

Excellent service; quality instruments. It was a great experience from start to finish! Bought a…read morebeautiful Taylor there and will be back for a set up. I'll be rockin' the shirt on the regular as I wander around famous Grunge history locations around Seattle. Thank you, Emerald City! I'll be back!

The staff seems to be universally willing help and they just about have it all, new or used.read more

This is a tough store to review. Absolutely horrible location placement? Check…read more Terrible parking? Check. An acoustic guitar room overflowing with Martins, Taylor's and janky used guitars not fit for kindling? Check check and check! However in the midst of this dumpster fire I did find that one special guitar I was looking for, with incredible action, at a decent price. So yay for me, but this just won't be my go to Guitar Store ... ever.

J. Thayer Guitars built for me Odin, the masterpiece electric guitar you can see in the photos…read morehere. It started as an idea on scratch paper. Over time it grew to an ambitious project that culminated with the stunning piece of master craftsmanship that it is today. Completed in December 2012, it embodies everything I dreamed it would and more. More, because when John builds something, he approaches it in a thoughtful, delicate, and intelligent manner, which leads to ideas and features and little refinements that might be lost in something just made to meet requirements. He certainly exceeded all expectations. Odin is not your typical guitar in almost every way, and John was able to innovate in ways haven't been done before. It has a beveled uniquely shaped Korina body, a speedloader floating bridge, Hot Rails and EMG-81 pickups, and an internal wireless transmitter. It has 28 frets and maintains a pure clean sound from the neck pickup. The neck perfectly fits my playing style, and the sustain is great. John worked with myself and an out of state inlay artist to achieve the body inlay. All this was done in the most collaborative fashion, so that it could only end up better than I could imagine, and he was great to work with through the whole process. The guitar has already brought my playing to new levels; as soon as I plug in, it has a very natural feel that lets me focus on the music. I should also say that the price was better than right. I can tell it's a labor of love here. John Thayer is a professional of professionals who will build perfection out of a tree. And if you just need a repair or setup... I think he can manage.

Took in my first Ibanez I've had since 1998 to get completely re-wired with new humbuckers & pots…read more Very nice soldering work and digging all the new tones. Thank you, John!

Aaron has been working on my guitars for a year and a half!…read more From the first time we met, he was warm, professional and knowledgeable, I am a Professional Performing Musician. I used to have my work done at Mike Lulls Guitar Works. When Mike passed, I was desperately looking for a Luthier. When Aaron told me that apprenticed under Mike, I was overjoyed!!! When I initially took my first guitars to Aaron, it was to do some minor "Tweaks". After seeing AND feeling the quality of his work, I ended up taking all of my "Immediate Rotation" of guitars for him to work on!! In closing, Aaron was ALWAYS fair and accommodating. I am still taking my instruments to him! Simply put..... A GREAT LUTHIER!!! Thanks Aaron all of your hard work!!! Craig Coleman

awesome service with no wait and great value $$$ ,,,and a fun time hanging out while he works!read more

Knowledgeable about his merchandise and just a great guy to talk to. Lots of musical instruments to…read morelook at.

Knowledgeable staff, beautiful inventory, reasonable prices. And I get to support a local small…read morebusiness.

Tim Bertsch is extremely experienced in both teaching as well as performance offering his students…read morea multi faceted perspective. He is kind, professional, and adaptive in accommodating various skill levels. The sound academy of music locations are clean, easy to find, safe, and comfortable with safe and accessible parking. The lesson plans are skillfully crafted and heartily comprehensive but most importantly Tim customizes classes that are accessible to each individual's unique requirements. As an instructor he remains present, engaged and patient throughout the duration of your lesson so you receive the highest rate of efficacy on your investment of time and currency. I love watching him perform in his band Jaded Mary as well as solo for his Soul Resonance project and have included some action performance photos.

One of the best teachers I have ever known. Tim is very present and patient and very Positive when…read moreit comes to teaching. He is very confident and can show you almost any song you want to learn just right then and there, very skilled and knowledgable. At 40 I'm learning old time music and Tim Bertsch has really helped me gain confidence in my playing skills.

Go here!!!! Very very helpful and friendly staff. They…read moregenuinely wanted to help me get the best deal and did not try to upsell me on anything, which was a relief. They weren't condescending to me as a beginner either, and gave me the information I needed. Great atmosphere, super chill and laidback. Incredible prices too. I got a fender amp for half the price of what it would be at other shops.

I came in looking for a small travel size guitar. Hannah welcomed me with a smile and took time to…read morefind me exactly the guitar that would fit my needs. She (and Darren) gave me expert advice, and I ended up with a guitar that was great. They even did a pro set up on the guitar (awesome service BTW!!) Highly recommended!!!