1. Illegal bait and switch 2. Complete incompetence 3. Unhinged rude attitude 1. Illegal bait and switch - I called and asked if I could bring a guitar for assessment. Guy on phone said I could bring in and they'd assess for free. After five minutes of my free assessment, the lady tried to charge me for it. The guy then changed his story and said he actually meant that they would assess it for free only if I dropped it off but not dropped by with it (which doesn't make much sense if you think about it) 2. Complete incompetence - A) I told her that the guitar frets were out of tune. She denied it and said nothing was wrong with the guitar. B) I told her I wanted to action lowered. She said it was impossible to lower it anymore without causing buzzing. C) I told her something was rattling when I played the open G string. She said it could be anything causing it, even a loose truss rod So I took it to Stubblebine lutherie. Without even playing it, he inspected everything about the guitar - he listed exactly what was causing it to be out of tune (mainly the nut grooves), exactly how the action could easily be lowered without causing buzzing (he said the action was actually pretty high), and exactly what was causing the rattling (loose tuner component), and offered to fix everything for 100 dollars 3. Unhinged attitude - She started making fun of me for the questions I was asking. When I handed her the tuner, a rubber piece fell off, and she blamed me for breaking it to her coworker. When I pointed out that some of the frets we're out of tune, she blamed it on how I tuned it. When I clarified that I was told on the phone that the assessment would be free, she started to try to guilt me into paying and trying to get me to tell her how much money I made in my job. When I eventually did offer money because I felt bad, she made fun of me again read more

During a recent visit to get my daughter's clarinet repaired, I encountered mean spiritedness and hovering, (by two different people but still...)! The middle-aged woman who initially greeted me and looked at my instrument was helpful and kind but not as knowledgeable as the second, older woman who was clearly running the show and ended up helping me. A third and younger woman stood so close to me until she was sure I was acknowledged by the middle-aged woman, if we weren't wearing masks, I'm sure I would've felt her breath on the back of my neck. The initial impression was enough to make me want to leave and not return, but my daughter really needed a clarinet and time was not on my side. So I swallowed hard and tried to make the best of things by staying engaged in conversation with the kinder middle-aged woman.I made it through the ordeal and decided to vocalize my disappointment here because while I don't know the first thing about instruments, I do know good service, and I did not experience that here. So, despite the fact that I ended up getting a loaner from Wood & Strings, as my kid's clarinet was busted, I can't in good conscience recommend this place because the service was subpar. It's unfortunate too, because the shop is so close and my kids are really getting into instruments that I see myself investing lots of money. But the woman was just so snotty and condescending, (of course in a "no disrespect intended" sort of way), if I don't have a better experience upon returning the loaner, they're going to lose a good customer because I won't be going back. Even if the prices are good, it's just not worth the hassle! read more

Was just made to feel like a bother. evidentally the woman in charge doesnt want to make any money or care to. i brought in 3 guitars, one to have repaired. she suggested i leave them there to assess the value? one was a new telecaster. she doesnt know the value? i was interested in a red 199os washburn hollow body. she said she liked the way it played and wanted to keep it in the store? not exactly a hot property? i live in the community and wanted to support my local shop? they had just opened i was the first customer.. she could have taken me to the cleaners.i was willing! she didnt wanna talk about showing me the guitar anddidnt want me in the store. i like the repairman freddy....... Sincerly. John Powhida. p.s shop at your own risk. i am ordering the same guitar she has listed at 500$ for $299.99 on reverb, read more

This place is great! Friendly, knowledgable folks. Excellent repair work. Talented people teaching online classes. They have a small selection of very nice stringed instruments as well as any supplies you might need. The store is in a spot that's convenient if you want to grab an ice cream or a cup of coffee, take a stroll on the Minute Man trail, or check out some of the nearby independent shops. read more

I hadn't played the guitar for 25 years and was in search of a used one to help me entertain my grandkids. I selected this store based on yelp reviews and was not disappointed. The person who helped me understood what I was looking for and kindly helped me find a good and appropriately priced solution. I appreciated his attentiveness to my needs and knowledge of what to look for. All in all a great experience and good example of high service standards. read more

From the kind welcoming voice on the phone in preparation for my minor violin repair, to the greeting at the shop and the actual repair itself, Harriet was super! Professional but warm and reassuring, she inspired confidence and I'm so glad my instrument is now "fit as a fiddle". I'm lucky she had the time and skill herself and I had my baby back in less than an hour. And I didn't have to break the bank either. Wonderful experience at Wood and Strings! read more

This place used to be the classic shop that makes all its dough from lessons, picks and strings, selling only crap brand new guitars and a limited selection of used stuff. But they've stepped up their game recently - gotten in some higher-end guitars, and even a vintage Ludwig drum set. HOWEVER, some of their prices are unrealistic. Case in point: there is a Gibson Faded SG used for sale for $1000 or thereabouts. These go new for $700. Fretless made in Mexico Fender Jazz Bass for $700....try $450 on craigslist or ebay. They have to be more realistic with their prices. That said, it's a cool shop, stop in to try out some guitars....hopefully they get the memo that high prices on used gear ain't gonna move any of it out of the store. I'd gladly pay market price here over Guitar Center or Daddy's to support the local guys...if I could talk them down to market price when I'm ready to buy another guitar! While it's not exactly ELITE in 2011 (which I used to be.....ahem), Wood & Strings is still worth checking out. read more

I have mixed feelings about this place. If you're in the market for a low-end, used instrument, then I suppose it's worth a visit. I did buy a half-decent Guild Dread there about 15 years ago, at an okay price. I also took some lessons for a bit. The instructor was good, but they were expensive, higher than average.. And I see from a quick peek at their website (a hideous piece of work, I might add) that this hasn't changed, they're really expensive. I'm not sure I could recommend lessons, based on price. I'm sure rents are high in that primo location, and maybe if I thought the Instructors were getting a decent cut of it it would be more palatable. But they don't, so I cannot recommend the place. I do occasionally pop in for strings, because they're the closet lunch-time hop for me that carries Pearse Strings. I don't recognize the staff anymore, and Deb is rarely there when I come in, but when I was a regular they treated me just fine. read more

I am brand new to the violin, and I stopped in here to get a busted string replaced. I bought a full set of strings and a practice mute, and I asked the guy working if he would be able to replace the string for me, and he obliged. Overall he was very helpful. I do have to agree with the other posters who say this place is expensive... after my purchase I looked online to see how much the same set would go for elsewhere... and it was about $20 cheaper online. I'll probably go elsewhere next time. A for customer service C for prices. read more

Fantastic service. I brought in my son's viola to have it repaired. I am not a viola player, but the owner explained the problem to me and also gave me more helpful information about the instrument. She was very kind and repaired the instrument in front of me because I needed it right away. The shop appeared to have practically everything you might need for your instruments. I highly recommend giving this shop a try! read more

I have purchased two violins from this store before and had a somewhat ok experience. Recently I went to the store and asked about the possible sale of a guitar and received a very unprofessional experience. I had no request for price just asking value. When I wouldn't sell the owner walked away rude behavior. I wonder why I didn't see that behavior when I was buying????? Buyer beware. Unprofessional behavior read more

My apologies as this review is WAY overdue. Also, please note that this is only my second review on Yelp... ever. I was so thrilled with my experience at Wood & Strings that I was inspired to post. In the past few months I have had two fantastic customer experiences at the shop. 1. For my birthday I received a set of brushes for my drum kit. In a heavy practice session I damaged one of the brushes. I brought them back to W & S and they were exchanged with no questions asked, simply an apology and a smile. The staff person also upgraded the style of brushes to a better brand/make. 2. More recently (and more significantly), I returned to the Wood & Strings shop as I was in the market for a Banjo and a Dulcimer as gifts for family members. Most of my communications/interactions were with Mick (sp?). Mick was the absolute man. He was patient, informative and packaged together a fantastic deal for a brand new banjo and slick, vintage dulcimer. Not only did he guide me through my instrument decision making process with poise, patience, and knowledge, he threw in tuners, stings, gig bags, stands, and cases to boot. I cannot think of another store I would turn to in Boston, New England, the US for my string and percussion needs. My whole experience, from start to finish, was pleasurable, authentic, entertaining, and informative. The shop is old schooled and filled with music treasures. All of the staff are knowledgeable and simply put - great, real folk. We need more shops like Wood & Strings around Boston, and we all need customer service experiences as I had with Mick and the gang from Woods & Strings. Thanks guys. read more

Amazing service! My son went to Wood & Strings five minutes before closing to see if they could replace a broken string on his new guitar. The staff member who helped him was extremely nice, replacing the broken string, oiling the fingerboard, and explaining how to care for his new guitar. All for just $5.00! read more

I brought in a hurting guitar and Deb did an excellent repair. The finish on the back of the neck had bubbled up and she refinished it. It is now completely smooth and you can't tell where the original finish leaves off and her repair begins. She also lowered the action to my liking. I found the price in keeping with the hours for such a repair. Such a skilled person is so valuable. There are plenty of retailers out there, but sooner or later an instrument worth keeping is going to need maintenance, and there are too few with such skills. Glad to support his shop. read more

I took my vintage martain guitar into this place for a tune up. They told me I had ruined the instrument through poor storage and that they would charge about $700.00 to fix it. They, to their credit said I could consider calling someone who could repair the neck more expertly working with the wood. They said I could trade in my guitar for one of their $200.00 one. I was devastated. I took it too an expert place in Winchester. They said the guitar was great! They only charged me less than $200.00 and said my guitar was worth at least $2000.00. I was incensed and complained to the owner of woods and strings and she did apologize. I would not recommend this place! read more

i don't feel that this place deserves the bad reviews it has. I was surprised to hear it's been here so long and i'd never heard of it! they definitely need to do better advertising. It's not just any music shop, but a really unique one I more often see in nyc. There's everything from guitars and ukuleles to violas and cellos. the casual folk songwriter would be at home here along with the classical musician. plus they sell kids instrument toys. it's fun even just to browse around in here. The staff was friendly and attentive, and although the prices are high, they offer rent and rent to own programs which is rare. the website is unfortunate and could use some re-doing (I can make it look super!) read more

It's nice to have this in town - but the customer service is weirdly not great. Went there recently and was ignored by the only person working (she was reading emails and eating her dinner while I stood in front of the counter getting more and more annoyed). Once she did help me she was ok - not rude but definitely not friendly. read more

This is a very small music store but has a really cozy, homey feel and the staff are really nice. I used to take piano lessons here as a kid and as small as the store is, there are private rooms for lessons. Another nostalgic place for me. read more

It's an odd and tiny store, but somehow, every time I go in there, they have the exact item that I need.

I'm new enough to playing an instrument that I can't comment on prices, but the staff is very helpful and managed not to laugh when I displayed my absolute ignorance. That right there is reason to return (and it's conveniently located). read more

If I could give this place 6 stars I would. Mick is fantastic and the place has the most wonderful items. I purchased a restored vintage violin for my daughter and it is out of this world quality and a fair and honest price. Mick took so much time with us, helped us select the right one based on her playing style. LOVE this place - it has old world charm, great knowledgeable experts working there, a wide variety of instruments including those unique and is a delight to do business with. read more

I used to frequent this place a lot in high school, and even took guitar lessons here for a while. I had a great teacher, and stuck with him even after he left Wood & Strings. The only reason I gave it four stars is because it's somewhat cramped and their prices are a little higher than average. read more

I'm local, I go in here all the time to browse, like someone said it's a little shop you'd expect to find tucked away in Greenwich Village. The staff always leave me to hang out, poke around and try guitars I may have no intention of buying that minute but when I do take the plunge I wouldn't hesitate to support this shop. The selection of all different instruments available for such a small place is truly amazing. Once I went looking for a replacement saddle for a junker I was working on and they just gave me one they had lying around for free. Prices seem to be in line with what's available elsewhere. read more

New guy took it over a year, maybe more ago. Support local shops - it's tough - cuz the Internet allows you instant access to deep pocketed / deep inventory - tho - fo the small things - I will gladly spend a little more. read more

Might be fun to browse in and I'm all for local but I will NO LONGER shop here because my friend got a LOUSY deal for a trade-in from the owner, who clearly does not deserve the "best and friendliest service" award. Poor choice as I am a music teacher and could offer them lots of business and referrals. read more

While there can be a bit of a wait if there are a number of customers or students in the store, the Wood & Strings staff have always been extremely helpful with assisting me in finding stock items and ordering items they don't generally carry. I have also used them exclusively for my violin and viola repairs and bow rehairing for several years, and have found Wood & Strings to be quite quick with turn around -- always faster than the estimated time given to me when I take the item in to them. read more

Please do not go here, this place used to be a decent source for strings and other misc. music objects but has recently become over priced and full of rude workers. The manager, a very large, short haired woman was totally volatile and rude. When I went to get my guitar fixed, they had rose the price by 15 dollars for a job that is quite simple. Then they said I need more work on the guitar, when I questioned why I needed work on the guitar, she freaked out, cursed and threw me out. I was once a customer but now I will never go back. Bad business read more

I got my son started here on the guitar and thought they were great: they had a decent starter guitar and had a lot of useful tips for getting going (like 'get a stand because the guitar will get played more' - it does) I thought prices were pretty good, definitely comparable. can't speak to repair or rental read more

My teen son walked in with his uncle today and walked out with a lovely (his first first-hand) ukelele and case for a price that seemed very fair for what he got. No substitute for choosing and "meeting" your instrument first-hand in a dedicated place, rather than going online and taking luck of the draw. Thank you, Wood & Strings! Long may you run. read more

Fabulous place great prices wonderful owner this place is the real deal because of the owner.

I love this store :) Part of it may be happy memories I have there from going as a kid and buying little egg shaker rattles or mouth harps. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and I would rather support a small, local business than somewhere like Guitar Center. read more

I have found Wood and Strings to be a terrific local resource for all my music needs. I have been very satisfied with the quality and price of all of my purchases. When I needed a new music stand, the proprietor, Deborah Lempke, recommended the "Hilton Magic Stand." It proved to be an excellent investment. It is sturdy, performance-quality stand made of black plastic with a handy shelf large enough to discreetly hold your tuner, pencils, etc., yet it is also lightweight and portable. I use it constantly, at home and at gigs. Another excellent investment was a beautiful shofar from Israel; very reasonably priced and with an excellent tone quality. Wood and Strings has a large inventory of useful items, but if you need something that they do not have, they will find it for you, including esoteric music and hard-to-find supplies. It's also fun to go in there and just wander around, checking out interesting instruments, music, tools and recordings. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and do not give you the "hard sell." Whether you are a professional or amateur musician, you can rely on Wood and Strings for high quality products, friendly service and good value. read more

Fun little music store and a nice new staff. Its all about supporting local businesses which I will do.

Super nice local music store - the owner is dedicated to working in harmony in the community.