Gave me great advice and saved me money. I updated a guitar amplifier simulation on my computer and got a message I didn't understand about "buffered pedals" and "impedance matching." They explained to me what that meant and why it wasn't a big deal for my situation. They could have sold me a bunch of stuff, but instead they were honest. Solid 5 stars. read more

My old bass amp died, and I've been wanting to upgrade for a while. this place if jam=packed with instruments and musical gear, new and used. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and gave me time to try a few amps, Plus the price on what i bought was the same as the big national chain. And the new amp sounds so much better than the old--bigger speaker, more watts. read more

Trade Up Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Fantastic service from the repairs staff. They listened to what I needed and gave me options along with costs to consider. The work was solid and turn around time was reasonable. Prices are very fair. Highly recommend! read more

Do this - buy your instruments here. Great service, low key and supportive. Great prices. No push, push, push like at you-know-where-Center.

So helpful and nice. really took the time to show me all the options for what I needed. I will be going back here for any of my music needs!

Great selection and service. Friendly knowledgeable staff. Always something fun and interesting to see when I go in.

Multiple beautiful old guitars to choose from, reasonably priced with a specialty of fifties sixties and seventies brands that are good sounding and very playable. read more

Consistently snotty employee - the younger dude Ben that works here is always so rude, dismissive, and sarcastic. Life's too short to play into the annoying music store employee stereotype, especially when you're only like 20. Also used gear is overpriced and trade in value's suck. Most other stores offer %60 trade in, youd think trade up music would meet this standard but no. Cool stock though. read more

Great place to find instruments second hand. The instruments are evaluated by pros and know what they're doing. If you've ever considered trying to play an instrument, this is a great place to start. Affordable and well worth a look! read more

This store has a very large selection of instruments, and I bought a very inexpensive practice amp there that I'm very happy with, but I want to call particular attention to the repair department at the Division Street location. I've had multiple guitars set up here and they've always done a fantastic job turning a pretty good guitar into one that is a joy to play. I just got a brand new Fender Acoustasonic last week and it didn't feel quite 100%, so the first thing I did was to bring it in for a setup. The luthiers at Trade Up adjusted the neck, shaped the frets and whatever else they do, and made it play super easy and silky smooth all the way up the neck, like I was hoping it would when I bought it. And they did it over a weekend in less than 48 hours, at a very reasonable price. Thanks, Trade Up! read more

A great place to find what you need musically. Great instrument selection particularly stringed instruments, sheet music & tons of musical supplies. I came in looking to buy a concert ukulele but after test playing a dozen different instruments. I decided on a baritone wide neck Oscar Schmidt. read more

They were very helpful and accommodating in my search for a nylon string electric cutaway guitar. Very informative about the different models and brands available and they carried a good selection! read more

I've visited Trade Up for both browsing and repairs, and have had great experiences on all occasions. My most recent trip involved an inexpensive guitar (acquired elsewhere) that had never seemed quite right. I was greeted promptly, and put in touch with their in-house luthier, who adjusted the bridge, adjusted the truss rod, and used a mixture of bone dust and super glue to fill in a low spot on the nut. Everything was done for a very reasonable price, and my cheap guitar is now very playable. Browsing here has always been fun. They people working at Trade Up are available when help is needed, but never hovering. read more

Really happy with every experience I've had here. Workers help me find things I can't name. They've never been out of stock when I'm in dire need of obscure parts. Trade up is the most reliable member of the band. Rock on. read more

It's 10:30am and my band is at the recording studio to track guitar and bass for our next album. My Fender Mustang is not cooperating as there seems to be some really bad buzz originating directly from the guitar. While we have a few guitar options, this is the guitar I want to track with the most. After trying a ton of options, it's suggested that I see if Trade Up can squeeze me in. I called at 10:57am and the delightful voice of Danny answers (who is in a few great bands, himself) and he says the tech will be in today and they can try to take a look. 20 minutes later, I'm talking with their guitar tech, Jon, about the situation. I leave with a commitment to let me know if it's a same day or next day job. Two hours later, my guitar is back on the studio tracking pieces for our album. Aside from jumping on it--for a really affordable price--they were very informative and friendly. (I.e., I even learned that the paint they sometimes use in Japan has more lead in it and can contribute to issues like this) They saved my veggie bacon this weekend! read more

Trade Up Music - Fender Mustang - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Looks scary on the outside but is so inviting on the inside. Don't be put off by this little gem. The staff was so helpful and the choices in instruments was great. Good Guitar, Ukulele, percussions and keyboards. Great spot to visit and play for a bit. read more

The store needs to be updated. Walked a mile in the heat with my son just to arrive and the store employee tells me to wait because there are two many people for him to watch. I would have offered to trade my vintage Gibson but I'll be moving on. read more

I normally don't wast time doing two reviews,but trade to is so bad they deserve it, during the pandemic went to buy strings,talked about lowering the bridge which they wanted 110 dollars,ended up buying strings the guy practically threw the strings at me.The people there are pretentious drips who are probably failed musicians, I'm a cheapskate so I get it, don't waste time with cheapskates but u have to have some customer relations skills and all the people giving good reviews spent a lot of money there,a lot of us work for a living and can't spend a lot of money on guitars and and set ups,done wasting my time with them, going to guitar center is way out of the way but would rather spend extra money on gas and talk to people who have some concept of customer service, trade up music is basically a glorified pawn shop, I deal with pawn shops quite a bit and some of the people can be real a holes, but the difference is a few months later the a-holes will be gone with trade-up music the a. Holes don't leave,I was upset with trade up ,but got a sweet deal on a Washburn electric guitar for 40 bucks (list 200) at Goodwill , anyway this was my experience I hope u have a better experience than I did read more

This location has more keyboards and a bigger wall of mandolins and banjos than their location on Alberta. I also think they have friendlier staff here, and the space is larger than it looks like it would be from the outside. A fun store to browse! read more

Trade Up Music - keys! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I bought some Christmas presents here by using the online shopping offering on the website. I called the shop to double check availability from the site and ordered a keyboard and stand for a reasonable price. The instrument is in great condition and has been a very loved gift! read more

They were not super friendly. They low balled me on a trade. Told me there was a crack so went elsewhere and they said they did not see have better deal. read more

Worst. Customer. Service. Ever. Staff were not knowledgable or helpful. Shops like this are the reason musicians are choosing online purchases. Apathetic, uninformed and unfriendly. If zero stars were possible, This store earned it. 0. read more

Came in with a VERY popular Roland sampler unit and reverb pedal that sells on average for 400-450 (sampler) and $80 for the pedal in used condition and was offered a bogus $200 total. I've worked in music retail, and this is straight robbery. My experience with this place has been rude associates who clearly need a lesson in retail climate and pricing, because they are taking advantage of musicians and artists and giving an attitude as if they're doing you some favor when they will almost guaranteed shelf the items at $450 and $80 (saw the same pedal in the store at this price). I spend thousands on gear for my studio and wouldnt recommend this place for a fair deal. Everything is juuust above a fair price and the reason is they have an inconsistent gear selection, and I have yet to meet an associate who seems to be a musician or know much about gear retail. You're honestly better off going to guitar center, sadly. This place takes advantage of artists and I get the feeling it's because the associates are likely failing artists themselves. Last time I go there for my studio. Horribly customer service. read more

Great shop in many ways, lots of selection and unique instruments. My issue is the exterior appearance of the Trade Up on Division - it's a severe eyesore on the neighborhood. A few hours spent with a paintbrush would go a long way towards making people want to actually see what's inside. Lack of basic upkeep doesn't inspire confidence in the products or experience within. read more

Always COMPLETELY knowledgeable, friendly people here. Even though I'm not a professional musician, they never give me the stink eye. They have always (6 years now) taken time to help, educate and engage. AND they always have everything I need. These people have actually saved me money and time by knowing what I need better than I do and guiding me to LOWER cost products and solutions. Whaaaat!??! Sometimes quirky and not the newest shop in town but that's entirely perfect for us. Thanks, Trade Up!! Your people are the best. read more

A nice guy named Mitchel helped me out, he took really good care of me with on an exchange. Thank you! Everyone else there seemed pretty happy too. Definitely recommended. read more

On one visit to this store, they charged me $115 to mount a new bridge upside down and too low on my cello. On a separate selling visit, I was directed to three different counters and made to wait long periods at each. Terrible customer service and subject knowledge. Go only if you don't care too much about your time or instruments. read more

With the anticipation of a loud dose of Rock & Roll on my mind, and a full stomach after a great meal next door at Leroy's Familiar Vittles, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to check out Trade Up, which is just a block away. I am an amateur guitar player, been playing since I was in the 5th grade and love a good strum every now and then. What happened next is a story in the making that spans a large portion of my life. While in the 5th grade, a wonderful teacher, and Jazz Musician great from Portland, Marianne Mayfield, convinced me that with my voice and passion for music I should try learning to play an instrument and take choir. Well I did. She was the most amazing teacher and singer and I miss her. R.I.P. Mrs. Mayfield. My music teacher was none other than Dave Lomax. The football star Neil's father. A great man and teacher. With a borrowed 3/4 size guitar I began learning the basics. That Christmas my parents, oh sorry "Santa Clause" gave me a wonderful Lyle C-630 Classical Guitar. A great smooth sounding and precisely built Japanese guitar made by the Matsumoku Guitar Company, and distributed by the L.D. Heater Music Company in Beaverton Oregon. Lyle Guitars were only made for a short few years, amongst lawsuits from Gibson, and other reasons they stopped being produced. I had my guitar until the year 2002 when circumstances beyond my control took my guitar away! I was heart broken at my loss. Little did I know that someday I would find a perfect replacement for such a rare guitar. upon entering Trade up, I could tell right away this was a different music store. The place is well organized and has a knowledgeable, no pressure staff. The store is filled with lots of product, from new to used and is a friendly environment to try out instruments and learn about products for all applications. The place has very old school professional music store feel........ and then I saw it.............. On the wall was a Lyle Guitar. An exact C-630 just like the one I grew up with. In great and equal quality to what I owned. I picked it up, it was already tuned, and it sounded great. Priced to sell, in fact probably about a $100 below some others I have seen over the years on Ebay and such. I couldn't pass up adding a Lyle back into my guitar collection. I can tell you that tears where in my eyes. The gentleman that helped me with the sale had played the guitar just that very day, that's why it was tuned and he was impressed as was I with the quality of sound. I enjoyed my adventure at Trade up from beginning to end. I will be going here first for my music needs in the future. This is a review along with a story. Would give it a 5 star but this was only my first trip, and for me is a little out of my normal way. I will revisit this review again as I visit more times. Frankly the store has so much to offer I cant see how a person can go wrong visiting here. A little more professional look to the outside and some better non-handwritten open signs would make the place look a little more inviting. Overall a very great store. read more

Trade up is a great place to find great, sometimes strange used musical equipment. Thanks to Portland's unique musical scene means there's even weirder stuff to be found. It's a great place to shop when you've got an extra hundred bucks or so and you need a new sound on your new album. Before you run out though, you should know that if you're buying used gear you should always test it first. read more

Very helpful staff. love this place. Only negative comment was a drum guy named Ben we hired for lessons-- couldn't have been less enthusiastic about teaching or helping children. He may be good for adults, however. read more

I take all my guitars in for repair/set up to Trade Up and I'm always stoked on the results. Friendly and not intimidating. Definitely down for answering questions and shooting the shit about gear. Plus I've never heard a customer play a classic rock riff like in Guitar Center. That alone is a reason to come in. Shop local and support Trade Up! Stop by and say high to Daniel too. He's a rad dude who knows his stuff. Thanks! - James and the guys in Amos val. read more

If you are as sick of the greasy, cheese-ball, "know it all" Guitar Center salesman as I am, try Trade Up Music for a refreshing change. This is THE place to go to score new and used instruments and equipment for very reasonable prices. The staff at both locations is friendly and helpful without being overbearing or annoying. They will let you try out about any instrument you want, and they won't try to sell you on the crap you don't. They also buy used gear and have a repair shop with a very quick turn around time. With 2 convenient locations and late hours, they are the definition of what a local music store should be. read more

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Trade-up is alright for SOME gear. I've purchased from them several times. I got one bone to pick though. When it comes to things going wrong they have disappointed. I bought a piece of midi gear that was sold without a transformer. By the time I found one that would work with it I discovered the thing was not functional- it lit up but when it came to sending data it was obviously fried, they concurred. Two weeks after their return period the manager offered me $12 in trade for something I paid $35 cash for. Pretty weak. In discussing this with the person that excitedly told me about trade-up in the first place, he had a story that recently his trade-in voucher got comped AFTER he sold them a cymbal- a crack was found weeks after he sold it to them, he swore it wasn't there before. Thats two customers lost. There's just too many other good stores in this town that do take great care of their loyal customers. read more

Love this tucked-away little store. I've bought great-quality instruments for my kids here. They sell both used and new items; it's kind of surprising how many things they have packed in there (percussion, drum sets, mic stands, amps, keyboards, etc). Also, Tuesday through Saturday you can pay to have their luthier restring your guitar. read more

As someone forced to frequent the cacophonous Guitar Center on the regular due to lack of local music shops in my neighborhood, Trade Up Music was literally a dream. One of the special things about Portland (to me, at least) is the unique character of its music & instrument shops. Places like this and Artichoke are anything but sterile. The staff here encourages you to come on in and browse around, even allowing you to play most of the guitars, ukes, basses, violins, accordions (yes!), and even theremins in the store without bugging you for a sale. Most of their guitars are within the more affordable range--Yamaha, Fender, Seagull, and Ovation were the most common brands I saw. They do have some rogue gems, such as a vintage Guild acoustic and a gorgeous Fender Telecaster with custom pickups. On that note, they also have a rotating selection of amps (starting with the miniature Honeytones, and going all the way up to some fine vintage Fender cabinets and a Mesa Boogie amp I found at this location). Nicholas was especially friendly and knowledgeable, as was the rest of the staff. I can't wait to come back! read more

I had to get some repairs done on my guitar, The employees were nice, did the job correctly, & it ended up costing me slightly less than the original estimate read more

Don't bother, they don't want your business. I am sympathetic to the situation COVID has put businesses but they could have at least been respectful. I drove out of my way to check them out. The door was locked and someone finally came and seemed very put out that I was there. Asked about a subwoofer and he was very disinterested. I guess they are only doing appointments which is fine but he didn't even want to give me any info on how that worked. I almost mentioned the item I had for sale but didn't want to bother since they didn't care i was there. I spend tons of money on equipment and am always looking for new places with good deals where THE SERVICE is good. Won't go back. read more

Trade up has variety! Lots of everything. Sometimes not exactly what you want, sometimes not the best in the world, but lots to choose from. The staff is generally pretty helpful, though they get very bogged down when it's busy. A few questions have been met with vague and uninformed answers but generally they are on top of it. Price is good and they are nice people. Also the luthiers who work there are good and know their stuff! Of course you'll randomly get someone in there with an amp turned up too loud playing speed-metal but for the most part it's a joyous experience every time! read more

This review is for Trade Up Division, but can apply as easily to the Alberta store as well. I've been a customer of both shops for the last 10 years, and I can't think of a better place to purchase drums/cymbals/misc percussion gear in the Portland area: helpful service, friendly staff, good selection of both new and used gear- I've been buying and selling items to them for ages and have never had a bad experience. No- you won't get back what you paid new when you sell them your used gear.....that's not how the used music equipment business works. You can get better prices buying off of Craigslist, but then you run the risk of buying stolen property or doing a deal in some sketchy parking lot. I'd rather not: thanx. Granted- they won't have the rock bottom prices of Guitar Center or the selection of Apple Music, but if you only play vintage stuff (as I do) there really isn't any other place in town to go. read more

Best shop in Portland to find rare/unique instruments and amplifiers. Prices are always fairly reasonable for used gear. Trade-Up is my go-to anytime I need to quickly grab simple things like guitar strings, picks, audio cables, etc, without the hassle of signing up for unwanted email garbage or being hassled by salesmen like guitar center makes you do. I can run into Trade Up, buy what I need, and be gone in 5 minutes if need be. Employees here are always super knowledgable about whatever I have questions with. By far my favorite music store around. read more