How have I not reviewed this place before?? This is, hands down, the best music shop in town! While…read moreI was a musician in my former life, my son is the reason why we keep coming back to Blue Note B's. Blue Note B's was originally recommended to us by my son's trumpet player as THE place to get his horn serviced. They were able to get his antique horn (which once belonged to my late grandfather, a jazz musician from St. Louis, and which sat on a shelf for decades before my son came along) into great playing shape - including straightening out a bend in the lead pipe and getting slides and valves to not stick. My son still plays this special trumpet in a jazz band but also now plays bass in another jazz band. We have been to Blue Note B's for several repairs on his bass instruments - and I have been so impressed with how Wesley has handled many different issues and his expert advice. He has "saved the day" on more than one occasion (thank you, Wesley!!) and has been very patient with my perfectionist son. We have also found other staff to be knowledgeable and accommodating, too. No doubt, this will always be our "go-to" place for all of our musical needs. We are lucky to have Blue Note B's here in Reno!

I had a terrible experience with Blue Note B's. When I signed a contract in March 2022 it was for a…read morerent to own trumpet. (Their rental program has since changed.) I was told I'd be charged 30 equal payments and the instrument would be paid off. They charged me 46 payments, an overcharge of nearly $500. As I was dealing with cancer treatment at the time, I didn't catch this until 2025. When I asked for a refund (based on original agreement) I was denied and told I could apply it toward an upgraded instrument (current policy). I'd give 0 stars for a deceptive trade practice if I could.

Our daughter's new music teacher is teaching their class violin and recommended the store as a…read moregreat place to rent or purchase. We were greeted right away and helped meet our needs. We had to fill out a credit check form for the rental program. They presented us with both a used and new violin option with reasonable pricing for renting and insurance. Their program is great where we can rent-to-own if we decide later to purchase it. All the rental payments are put towards the purchase which is awesome. They also allow you to switch it out if our child outgrows the size. It was a super easy process to pick up a rental instrument and seems like the store has quite the variety of supplies for both wind and string instruments.

After retiring, I decided to take out some music. I bought a classic guitar and asked who played…read morethe saxophone in high school if she wanted to start practicing together. After pulling out the saxophone 30 years, unused, the cork was decaying, crumbling, and dry . We called around a few places, and these guys were fast efficient and a good price. Around $30. I went in with my wife to pick it up, told the guy I was doing some classical guitar and I got an on the spot private tutor lesson lol. It was pretty awesome. All of the suggestions The guy had for me as a new guitar player were perfect. He recommended me a good book to start with. How to properly hold a guitar, etc.. I know things are cheaper on the Internet, and the two things that he recommended to me were definitely cheaper, however, you can't get this type of service from Amazon .

Should have stumbled in here sooner. I have driven by it many times in the past but was always on…read morethe way to something else. This past weekend I was going to breakfast down the way, and had some time to kill with the wait so wondered on down. This is a GREAT local music shop with small venue in the back. So many instruments and a very cozy/warm atmosphere. The converted house is the perfect building for this type of business. The owner (or one of them?) was quick to greet us and show us around the place. I tried out a couple of vintage instruments when I was there and he was very knowledgeable and informative about what I was playing. Looking forward to coming back for a live performance at sometime. They seem to have routine jam sessions as well as touring musicians stopping by the place.

Truly a hidden gem in midtown! We stopped by Mountain Music Parlor one day on a quest for used…read morevinyl records. We rang the doorbell and were greeted by one of the owners, Don, and his dog LadyBug. Don informed us that if we were looking for records, we were in the wrong place but told us to come check out what they DID have. Mountain Music Parlor is a cute little shop filled with all sorts of instruments. So many that you'll have to go see for yourself including endless ukuleles, cricket violins, guitars, and more. The most amazing thing about Don was that no matter what obscure musical instrument or accessory we asked about, Don had it! From cajons to violin mutes. He also showed us the performance room where they have different jam sessions including Celtic nights, Old Time, Cowboy, Aloha Ukulele, Open Mic, and Bluegrass. They also have music lessons available for various instruments. I'm so glad to have stumbled upon Mountain Music Parlor and will definitely be getting all of my musical knick knacks from them for the foreseeable future. Always excited when I can support great local businesses like this!

Sadly, this last Reno winter helped me understand why humidity control is necessary for solid wood…read moreinstruments in places with large temperature shifts. My ukulele developed a small crack, and needed repair. At the same time, how lucky to be in a town where a skilled luthier is on hand! Wesley at Strings of Reno (new name of the business) offers free estimates, and when I explained the problem, he gave a very detailed explanation of why humidity control is important and some immediate suggestions on how to manage it in a practical way. His estimate for repair was reasonable, and turnaround time was 3 weeks. Great to know if I need a new setup or adjustment he's nearby! His workshop, by the way, is pretty cool. You can see his tools and an array of instruments and some retail from the customer counter. TIP: From the street, go down the shared driveway/alley and park in the center when you see the "Strings of Reno" sign.

Really impressed with Wesley's knowledge and demeanor. Very friendly and helpful, and his shop (now…read morecalled Strings of Reno) is stocked with all kinds of useful stuff for musicians. His pricing for our ukulele repair was very reasonable and he didn't try to upsell us on anything. Also provide fantastic advice regarding proper humidification. The location itself is a little out of the way, but worth the drive for top-notch service that you can trust.

I was looking for a guitar on Reverb and just happened to see a listing by Bizarre Guitar. They're…read morean authorized dealer for major brands, have a huge selection, prices are very competitive, and it was a nice surprise to realize they're local. Shipping was free, but some things are better picked up in person when you can. You can't really tell from outside that inside there's a really large, well laid out display of guitars and accessories. We had already purchased the guitar I wanted, but I asked to have it unboxed, and to take a closer look and try it out in person. They do individual listings by guitar, so the pictures you see online are of the actual guitar you're buying, which is great. Everything was exactly as shown, and again, it's a lucky find that Bizarre Guitar is local. The store has been in business and family-owned since 1974 (one of the people helping us said he'd been coming here since he was a kid)! Amazing to have such a long history for a music store, and to be able to survive after the emergence of chain stores. I did see that their online return policy was pretty strict, but it also explained that they're getting flooded with returns by people who just wanted to try a guitar out, and while some big box retailers can handle that, it's not sustainable for an independent owner. I am beyond happy with my purchase, and would 100% buy from them again. TIP: Check out their sales on Reverb...unbelievable prices.

Warning!! Spend your money elsewhere. I purchased 2 guitars and was very excited thinking I got a…read moregreat deal. Until I received them and the Gibson slash les Paul's low e string did not sit in the nut but sat on top of the nut. And had horrible fretbuzz. I contacted them and was told it's normal then was told Gibson plinks their instruments so it's sitting as designed. I contacted a couple of luthiers that said the nut needs to be replaced. So I contacted bizarre again and simply asked to exchange the guitar for one that didn't have the issue. They then told me they set the guitar up for low action and I should adjust the truss rod. Granted that may help the buzz but wouldn't correct the fact the string is still sitting on top of the nut and also if Gibson set it up what did they need to change it. The strap locks were also installed which is not from the factory. They refused to exchange the guitar even though it says there was 14 day return period. Now I'm stuck paying for a repair on a nut on a what's supposed to be a brand new guitar or waiting months for a warranty claim. Spend your money else where they appreciate your business. I wouldn't even spend 25 cent at this store for a pick.

They recently moved but the new location is Midtown and more convenient…read more The instrument needed was available and we walked out the same day! The prices are reasonable with many options for payment. We are very happy with the variety of options.

This is the place to go if you need any type of guitar work done, highly recommend Music Fuze!!!read more

Michael has been a great guitar teacher! and I can't imagine changing. I have been consistently…read moretaking lessons from him for about a year now. To start I had a rudimentary knowledge of the guitar with zero music theory and this is where Michael was a lot of help. He certainly has a path and knows of all the pitfalls that most students fall into.. He has the patience to course-correct and go back and review again if I'm just not getting something. Yes, all the lessons hinge upon what was learned prior, so he certainly makes sure you're getting it. This is a very good thing, though ya, you have to practice! If we've had a couple weeks of laborious, tedious learning, he can understand that and we shift a little to more fun songs that we all know and then relates it back to the theory that I'd been fumbling on. Understanding WHY a guitarist plays a certain solo, and how it applies to what I've learned is the most informative and coolest part. Even after a year of lessons he seems to always have a new dose of info, learning and study to pass along. Tons to learn! Yes, as mentioned, he's been immensely helpful in my guitar learning journey. Highly recommended.

From the owner: I have over 40 years of teaching experience!read more

Great teacher, teaches you what you want to learn. Explains things clearly and easily. Eric is the…read moreteacher you want and need.

My 10 year old autistic son takes lessons from Eric. He has a lot of patience with him and is…read morehelping him learn how to play. It is pretty awesome watching his progress. Eric does a great job with him and he is learning how to play with private lessons and videos clips that Eric tailors to his needs. It has been a great experience for my son and I. I highly recommend Eric if you are looking for guitar lessons in this area. Update... Eric is still the best around. If you are in need of an instructor be sure to contact him.

To be very honest.... the energy here is quite toxic and very unhealthy. I was taking lessons from…read moreDarin for many years, but since his relocation, have moved to be with him. The treatment of their teachers is very unprofessional. I would never recommend this place for music lessons.

Joey Carmon taught my husband and I to play guitar. He's an amazing musician and person who truly…read moreenjoys teaching music. There are other teachers for violin, piano and more. The facility also has a recording studio that students can book.