Have to support these small music shops. Victor Litz has a lot to offer from types of instruments, electronics, lessons, used gear, you name it. I was especially impressed with their selection of ukuleles. Never have I seen so many in MD in one place! Definitely more than what Guitar center offers. They have an acoustic room in the back to try their acoustic/classical guitars. I had the chance to buy one of their used guitars at an amazing price. I appreciate the staff working with me on the price and even holding the instrument for a day when they could have easily sold it to next customer. Shows that they care about customer satisfaction more than just making a sale. I was able to spend a good amount of time trying out the instrument and they also helped tweak the intonation before I decided to take it home with me. The only few downsides I could see was some of the staff were not particularly knowledgeable about certain guitar models that they were selling, but much better than say Guitar Center. The humidification in the acoustic room basically only controlled by a residential type humidifier, so not very precise. Compared to other small guitar shops in the DMV, I don't think I would feel comfortable getting my guitar worked on here just based on the level of expertise I surmounted from the conversations I had. But a good place to buy gear nonetheless if you know what you are looking for. Parking is just a little challenging since it is in the middle of old town Gaithersburg. But in the past I have come on the weekends and there is some parking across the street at the museum. read more

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I used to be a fairly loyal customer but cannot continue to patronize a store that does not appreciate and respect ALL of their customers. There are many better options in the area such as Chuck Levins and Bill's Music that are more welcoming and frankly have a much larger selection of instruments. EDIT - Tony, you know exactly what you did. You thought you were being funny but ended up insulting a group of people that you may disagree with, but are still some of your customers or potential customers. I do not feel comfortable doing business with companies that do not treat all of their customers with the same level of respect. I respect your right to have your opinions, but we all have choices. read more

Amazing store and staff - it's been around forever - nice guy Charlie always helps me w/ my vinyl record selections

Ooo I like this store! I use to live in the building next to it for years but never went inside to get a full tour. There was a guy named Michael that helped me around and showed me all the items they had in the store. There's so much variety here! I take lessons at music and arts but they offer lessons here too. Pricing is comparable to Music and arts center $30 per 30min session to $50 per 30min session. That's not bad. I'm paying $42 per session right now. If you want to play with the guitars you can, just to test them out. I'm deciding on one guitar to purchase here and a $700 one at music and arts but their prices here are better honestly. Customer service is great. Parking in the front and the back on the of the store is available. Definitely would recommend this place! read more

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I'm very pleased with the violin lessons my child is receiving. The structure is very easy and accommodating to schedule changes if needed. The only issue was not having everything that I needed for my daughter available at one time. I had to make 4 different purchases; then lessons are paid in the back, rentals in the front, then she starts lessons to then find out she needs a chin/neck rest and a thing for the strings then after her lesson it's suggested she gets a book for home practice. My suggestion is that new customers get a checklist with price options of everything that may be needed so new customers have a real idea of the cost to budget from. The service is awesome so it's worth it. read more

just lost a customer. me and my sister were told to stop playing the piano after we had touched a few keys, but they were still other people playing instruments, and the guy with the shiny forehead said it was getting too loud. Then proceeded to unplug the instrument. I feel highly disrespected and don't recommend going there. it's the guy who looks like he's had botox on his forehead and shines it's for hours each morning, improve the business or fire him, bought nothing after that and left immediately. instruments were fine though. read more

Outstanding local music shop! Friendly service. Welcoming staff who encourages you tp try out gear. They have more guitars here than a typical Guitar Center store and lots more effects pedals also. The local residents are lucky to have this option for music gear. read more

I usually come into this music store which usually only has things that look to be returned and over priced but it's close to my house so I go but the last time I went into this store the young man named Victor Litz said that aaa item cost 200$ now I come back a few days later and now he says 250$ which is a total lie and I can see how he tries to take peoples money DO NOT SHOP HERE !! GO TO GUITAR CENTER AND ASK FOR CONNER great customer service at guitar center !! VICTOR LITZ they try and cheat people out of their money smh smh smh smh smh read more

Victor Litz Music Center - Victor litz employee name might be owner smh - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

I called ahead of time about a guitar listed on reverb at a reasonable price. I told them I live quite a far way away and wanted to confirm it was still in stock so I didn't waste a ton of time driving. Once I arrive I take a look at the reverb listing and they decided to raise the price on me while I'm driving there, presumably to force me into paying more because of how long the drive was. Unfortunately for them I decided to just go home without ever setting foot in their store. Not sure I have ever encountered this level of scumbag sales tactics in my life. The guitar has been for sale for nearly a year and if they pull these kinds of shenanigans with all their customers I can see why they can't move it. read more

Back in the early 90's , before what we know as the Internet today really existed for most of us, they used to mail out a paper ad. I called in about a used Marshall 8008 Valvestate solid state amp listing for a few hundred dollars. It seemed like a fair price back then. I paid around $20 for shipping. When it arrived, it lacked the expected 80W into 4 Ohms power. I think that some internals were shot, I remember that the capacitors were bulging, it never delivered 80W per channel as listed on the chassis. Probably some metal head in the early 90's drove it to the edge of it's limits. I called back to support and was denied any chance of a refund or return, or store credit, as they said it was used you are out of luck.. I am 6 states away , and knowing this, I had no leverage. I was told it was in working condition, it did power up, but was not usable. Now, its 2024, and surprised they are still in business. I would steer clear. read more

The team at Victor Litz is awesome. It's a great store with a large variety. Once I found out about this place I stopped going to guitar center. I've bought an electronic drum kit, cords, restrung my guitars there. They are quick, friendly, and fair priced. read more

I dont know much about music and so when my son's school asked us to rent an instrument for his music class we had to start from the scratch. We were familiar with Victor litz as we had seen the store on countless trips past Gaithersburg's old rail sation and current MARC station. Comparing prices they were in the same league but we lucked out and got a $10 coupon online. The weekends before music class starts is a very popular time for them. Very courteous staff and Micheal Angelo who spoke to us was very knowledgeable and gave us a good explaination. It seems like a good idea to get the Damage Coverage as well. They have lessons and one day I may try to learn the banjo which is on my bucket list. read more

Victor Litz Music Center - Local place to rent music instruments - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Very professional and courteous service. They are very helpful. I would recommend this place if u need music or even question that u may have about instrument. read more

They are friendly and excellent with helping all customers find what they need, and I find service there satisfactory. The guitars are in good shape and sound good with great qualities and legendary read more

When our sound system provider cancelled on our wedding at the last minute, Victor Litz Music Center came to the rescue!! We contacted them to try and rent a PA system with only weeks to spare before our wedding. They patiently explained what equipment would work best for our venue and needs. They were reasonably priced for a last minute booking near Washington, D.C. On our wedding day, a technician was sent out and performed all of the setup. They even sent another employee back to the shop to swap out microphones when one wasn't working. The technician taught our emcee how to use the now working equipment, including moving it from the wedding ceremony site into the hall. When our day was done, it was so timely picked up that we didn't even notice it gone until we started breaking down after the wedding reception. We would highly recommend Victor Litz Musical Center for renting any PA or sound system equipment! read more

Before I say anything negative, the employees of this store are stellar. I can not say enough about their customer service. Anyone buying anything through facebook marketplace beware. I drove 3 1/2 hours because of an ad for a boss katana 100 mkii 212 for $325 (typically $470) so a great deal worth the drive. I arrive to the employees not being to excited when I said I have been talking to the owner on facebook and my name should already be in their computer to honor the price. They call the owner, who told them he could not sell me the in box amp and to sell me the floor model. I typically don't mind floor models and this is the amp I did end up purchasing. What is frustrating is again this listing was for in box and marked as "like new" condition, the amp I received was missing a knob (employees put a mismatched knob on) and was the previous model. Some would say not like new to say the least. After talking to the employees for a bit, they informed me the owner does this a lot and gets upset with them if they "sell the wrong thing". TLDR; Drove 3 1/2 hours for a great deal on amp ended up getting an amp in arguably played condition for $325 that I could have bought at guitar center in excellent condition for $330 and not driven 3 1/2 hours. read more

My son, who is a high-functioning autistic adult, wanted to take piano lessons. Victor Litz has a bustling music lessons area in the back of their charmingly over-stuffed shop in the sketchy part of town. When I called and explained the situation, Ms. Lee on the phone recommended a teacher who has other autistic clients, Mr. Marshall. He and my son immediately got along like a house on fire - you have no idea what a rare, amazing blessing that is - and they have been working together for many months now. While my boy is in his lesson, I sit in on the weekly Ukulele Jam session. It's a real highlight of my week! Sometimes when I have a little spare time, I come here to tune up and test a few of the ukuleles on the huge racks. There is always someone playing music; maybe a grizzled old guy cranking out blues riffs on the red leather couch, or maybe someone is testing out the drums. If they sold coffee I'd seriously never leave. There's plenty of parking around back. read more

We went in to purchase a guitar for my son after renting for 1mth. Joe was fantastic helping us out on what to purchaseas as we know nothing about guitars. He was a guitar player himself and even played a little for us on the guitar we were purchasing. He was clearly very knowledgeable and explained to us what was wrong with the guitar we had been renting which we initially had planned to purchase. He helped us stay w/in our budget that we initially had planned on paying for a used guitar and walked out w/a brand new guitar! If you're shopping for a guitar go see Joe!!! read more

In the interest of complete disclosure, I've been going to Victor Litz for years and years. I took guitar lessons there for a few months back in 1995 or so, and have bought a wide variety of parts and gear over the years. Victor Litz is sort of in a league of its own, and I mean that in a mostly good way. It's basically a very successful independent music shop with local heritage and pedigree going way back, that still shows Guitar Center and the other giants how it's done. Litz feels comfortable and familiar, and I prefer the friendliness and approachability there above the better selection but colder environment of bigger juggernauts. I'll base my review around my most recent experience. I had just come from a surprisingly negative experience at Guitar Center Rockville, which I found populated with standoffish, disinterested salespeople who felt no inclination to sell me anything. Victor Litz happened to be on my way home. When I walked through the door, I encountered the same semi-messy showroom I remembered from twenty years ago, but I knew from experience that needles were to be found in those haystacks. Amid a stack of combined new and used guitar amplifiers I found a real gem. A friendly salesman whose eye I caught came over immediately, got the amp set up promptly, and then let me jam away to my hearts delight, coming over during quieter moments to see if I had any questions, needed anything, etc. It was a great experience that was paced perfectly. Maybe I'm just too used to retail environments that are either in your face with hard sell tactics, or completely lackadaisical and don't care about you at all. This was the Goldilocks experience, for me - just right. Neither hovering nor absent, just ... around, and full of answers to my questions. The price was also very good, and I ended up driving home with a new amp. But there are still a few small places for improvement. I felt the selection was quite narrow, and that I definitely lucked into my find, and a day or two in either direction and I might have left disappointed. Also, I think this is a store that really best benefits the professional musician. If you know a lot about instruments and gear, you'll fare well here, since you'll be able to pick through the dross and find the great stuff. If you are less knowledgable you may not fare so well, especially since the store is rather haphazardly laid out, fairly chaotic. All said, I am a fan of Victor Litz, and think they deservice a place of honor in the local music scene. They provided a great atmosphere and experience, and outshone a national chain by quite a large degree. read more

The guy (the owner, NOT the young clerk) is greedy and unworkable. Says some price for an item over the phone or online, but when you come to the store he changes his mind and increases the price. He sure knows how to push away regular customers. What a jerk. read more

Still a 1 star. 1. They no longer post as private sellers on CL. Yay! 2. Their ordering system lacks order and makes shopping there a slow and tortuous nightmare. (long version) I ordered some sale gear on the phone, gave CC # and all that. I went to pick it up and the clerk had no record of it. Clerk disappeared into the back room for 10 minutes (literally) looking for it and apparently reappeared in another part of the store to put away merchandise, completely ignoring me. When I found the guy and asked about the stuff he was collecting from the back for me, he said there wasn't anything there and just pulled the items off the shelf. The clerk did honor the "sale" price (yay!), but when I tried to pay they said their credit card system was down. It took another 10 minutes to pay! read more

I found a guitar via Google I wanted from Victor Litz. I called them. Ordered a guitar, case and other miscellaneous items. The guitar had a flaw. The sales guy was supposed to take pics and email them over. Excuses after excuses nothing. I guess it is easier to sell it locally and not deal with me then why waste my time and my phone calls. I tried to give these guys a chance but it taught me to just stick to my regular stores where I buy my music equipment. They had my billing and shipping and credit card. All they had to do was follow through and let me know what was going on. These guys should NOT advertise selling on the Internet if they can't deal with out of state customers. NEVER AGAIN will I try and give these guys my business. Musician's Friend for Internet purchases or go to your local music store. read more

I've been in several times so far. Once had to replace strings on my bf's guitar that i accidentally broke. knowing nothing about guitars it took the whole thing up to Litz. they switched and tuned everything up for me. let's just say i was never questioned about the guitar by the bf, thanks Litz! I've also came up to get some disco and party lights from them. they have a pretty good selection. overall the staff is very helpful. I always have a million questions! read more

Victor Litz is a family owned music store. This is what we used to expect from a music store, knowledgeable people with decades of experience who are genuinely nice and honest. Those were pre guitar center days and shops like this are becoming quite rare. I've been buying from their shop for almost 2 decades, and a couple of times at their booth at the annual vintage guitar show in PA and I always had a pleasant experience. Their prices are more than reasonable, typically beating online retailer prices, they have a great selection of gear beyond 4 labels all owned by Fender, and you're dealing with very knowledgeable team, not a used car salesman who can play music (ehem ehem guitar center). They also have a great tech who did an amazing headstock repair on one of my vintage strats. It was one of those delicate jobs that I had been putting off for years because I was scared the tech might mess it up, and I finally bit the bullet and took it in, and I'm glad I did. PS. Their bi-annual sidewalk sale is amazing. The prices were soooo low last summer, that I had no idea how bad I wanted to buy a vintage violin and "Attempt" to teach myself. read more

Great staff and stock. Lessons are affordable and the sales people are very knowledgeable and friendly.

I purchased a pre-owned Taylor guitar through Facebook. I called and spoke to the store owner to inquire about the guitar and was given an accurate description of the guitar which I decided to purchase. The owner even included restringing! I ordered the guitar on a Tuesday and received it (Indiana) on Thursday. The guitar was exactly as described and I was very pleased with the quick delivery. I consider this service to have been exceptional and would gladly do business with this music store again. Highly recommended. read more

Bought a ukulele from there. Super helpful, way nice, gave me a good price. Fun to walk around and in a nice area of Gaithersburg. If it's a choice between them and Guitar Center, no comparison. Go here. read more

Amazing help, always willing to take an xtra mileage to help. I have been vey please with the service speed and attention.

What a scam. They posted on craigslist for a weekend sale with 50% off small modeling amps. We called beforehand and confirmed the sale was still good and that it was still there. My girlfriend came all the way up there on her day off from Springfield, VA to get an amp I saw and they tell her it's not $40, but $60. And then tried to sell her something else instead. They should've owed up their "mistake" instead they try and make her feel bad for trying to buy it for $40. That they would be spending $20 out of pocket to sell it for $40. I doubt they gave $60 trade in credit to whoever they got it from. Forget this place. I understand it's a business and there's profit to be had, but shady business tactics don't sit right with me. read more

This is a review of their music lessons. We have been here for 3 years, with 3 kids taking lessons. 2 kids have taken violin lessons w/the same teacher, Nakissa. Very qualified w/beginner through advanced (1 have a beginner & a moderate) and so easy a lovely to work with. Another 1 of my kids started piano as a beginner w/1 teacher, who as retired. She was good w/my beginner little kid. We then switched to Nakissa. She was good w/the piano, but not as strong instructing piano (versus violin). The lessons receptionist/scheduler, Lee, is SO sweet & courteous. I deducted 1 star bc scheduling makeups is really difficult w/Nakissa & Victor Litz does not credit if the customer can't make it. Also, there was a hurricane warning 1 afternoon & they remained open, not allowing cancellations of lessons. Pricing is $27.50 per 1/2 hr, which is pretty on par with this area but they don't offer a family discount. read more

This is a long standing family business. I buy all my drums and accessories from Victor Litz. Service, knowledge and prices are the best around. Love my recent Pearl Crystal Beat clear kit. Litz knows how to rock and to roll . The best. read more

The staff was courteous and nice. The first staffer was a little bit confused as to what they had in stock but the owner was able to set things straight very fast. The owner himself did the checkout and was efficient and friendly. If I were local I'd definitely come again for future music-related purchases. read more

This is without doubt the finest music store in the area. Tony Litz will make a deal that will make you happy. His stock runs the gamut from entry level to professional quality. Guitars, keyboards, school band rental and sales. I've been a customer for 30 years, I've never been dissatisfied. Stop by Look the place over. read more

One of the last non commercial music chains in the area. Went in knowing nothing to make a purchase and got top service and an education. They take their craft seriously and I just wanted an instrument for kid. I can only imagine how well they would treat someone in the business. read more

My daughter has been taking lessons here for 3 years. The instructors are very knowledgable and have lots of experience. Lessons are very affordable. Also, the sales staff is helpful and knowledgable. read more

My son takes drum and guitar lessons here. I've tried other music centers and this is by far the best for teens. The teachers he's had are wonderful (so far). And my son enjoys coming here. He usually doesn't enjoy many things but he loves to go to his lessons here and he loves all things music so the store is a plus. He browses before and after class :). Also, Dee and Lee (the music classes coordinators) are awesome and friendly. I will continue to enroll my son in the music classes at Litz. read more

I think some of the reviews on Yelp are made up by competitors. The Victor Litz Music is rather large if you ask me. They have some younger sales guys but main sales guys there are older and very knowledgeable. They know a lot more than the average chain store short lived sales guys. They are willing to special order anything you need. They have just the right mix of new, used and vintage. I think they are the best independent stores in the area. No attitude just business. read more

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I ordered a brand new Gemeinhardt flute for my daughter off of Amazon.com from Victor Litz Music Center. I e-mailed them and asked them to make sure that however they sent it, to not send it 4th class as it would get put on a barge in Seattle but all other methods would arrive by air. It came within 4 days to Alaska and was shipped priority with insurance and return receipt, at no extra charge. I paid $9.95 for shipping and clearly they paid $20 to ship it. The flute was flawless. My daughter's music teacher checked it out and had cautioned us from ordering on line...and thought the price was "too low". She was stunned to see that the flute was in perfect condition (it was new) and it was about $100 cheaper than a used version usually goes for. We got it for $269. It came with a nice black case and cleaning rod. Every once in a while mail order surprises you and this was one of those times. Yeehaaa!!!! We scored!!!! Great place. read more

Great local store. Tony provided great customer service. We rented an instrument for school. On day three the instrument broke. Tony replaced the instrument with no questions. Of course we had damage insurance but the process could have been a lot worse. I highly recommend. read more

Great customer service. The owner helped me measure my Jackson project guitar and took the time to advise me on what parts I might need. Very knowledgeable but not condescending. I wasn't even buying anything today, and loved the "no pressure" atmosphere. It also seems that that will beat online prices. Used guitar selection seemed solid too. read more