Reviews of the Best Music Stores for Professional Gear

Reviews of the Best Music Stores for Professional Gear

As a professional musician, finding the right gear can be a challenge. Whether you're a guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, or DJ, having access to high-quality instruments and accessories is crucial to your performance. In the vast world of music stores, the choices are endless, so it’s important to know where to find the best options for your needs. I've spent years trying out different music stores across the U.S., and in this article, I’ll share my experiences and review the best music stores for professional gear. These stores are known for offering a broad selection of top-notch instruments, superior customer service, and a level of expertise that can truly make a difference in your musical journey.

1. Guitar Center: A Reliable Name for Every Musician

When you think about music stores in the U.S., Guitar Center is likely one of the first names that comes to mind. With locations across the country, Guitar Center is one of the largest and most well-known music retailers. They offer an extensive range of instruments, including electric and acoustic guitars, basses, keyboards, drum kits, and professional audio equipment. The store is particularly great for musicians looking for high-quality professional gear at competitive prices.

One of the standout features of Guitar Center is their in-store experience. Many locations offer the opportunity to try out gear before purchasing, which is essential for those buying expensive instruments. The staff are typically very knowledgeable and can assist with product selection, whether you’re looking for the latest high-end guitar or need advice on professional recording gear. If you’re after big-name brands like Fender, Gibson, or Roland, Guitar Center has you covered.

However, despite its size and selection, Guitar Center sometimes faces criticism for higher-than-average prices on certain items. But with frequent sales, promotions, and the option to buy used gear, Guitar Center remains a go-to destination for many professional musicians.

2. Sweetwater: Personalized Service and Expert Advice

If you’re looking for a music store that combines expert advice with exceptional customer service, Sweetwater is the place to go. Known for its customer-first approach, Sweetwater provides an unmatched level of personalization in the music gear shopping experience. While the store primarily operates online, it has built a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the industry.

Sweetwater offers a wide selection of professional-grade instruments, recording equipment, and live sound gear from top-tier brands like Yamaha, Marshall, and Neumann. What sets Sweetwater apart is their customer service. Every order comes with a dedicated sales engineer who is available to answer any questions and provide ongoing support. This means you have access to an expert who will guide you through your purchasing decisions, whether you need help choosing the right microphone for recording vocals or the best drum kit for live shows.

Additionally, Sweetwater is well-known for offering free shipping and a 2-year warranty on most items. Their commitment to customer satisfaction makes them an excellent choice for professional musicians looking for both high-quality gear and expert advice.

3. Sam Ash: A Store for Professional Musicians

Another big player in the music retail space is Sam Ash, a family-owned business that’s been serving musicians for over 90 years. With numerous locations across the U.S., Sam Ash is known for offering a vast selection of musical instruments and professional audio gear, including guitars, pianos, synthesizers, microphones, and drum kits.

What I love about Sam Ash is the emphasis they place on quality and affordability. While they carry many high-end brands, they also cater to musicians on a budget, making professional-grade equipment more accessible to a broader audience. The store frequently runs sales and promotions, so you can often find discounts on items like audio interfaces or pro-level keyboards.

One of the drawbacks, however, is that the customer service experience can be hit-or-miss, depending on the location. While many of the salespeople are knowledgeable, some stores may lack the personalized service you’d get at places like Sweetwater. Nevertheless, Sam Ash is a strong contender for professional musicians who want a balance of quality and value.

4. B&H Photo Video: More Than Just Cameras

While B&H Photo Video is primarily known for its photography and video gear, it also offers a wide range of music equipment for professional musicians. The store’s extensive inventory includes everything from pro audio equipment to lighting gear and even instruments like keyboards and synthesizers. If you’re a musician who also works with video or sound production, B&H is a great option for all your needs.

B&H stands out with its online shopping experience, providing detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and expert buying guides. They also offer free shipping and have a knowledgeable customer support team that’s easy to reach. However, one downside is that the store lacks physical retail locations, so you won’t get to try out gear in person before buying. Still, the convenience of online shopping combined with the store’s trusted reputation makes it a solid choice for professional musicians looking to expand their gear collection.

5. Reverb: The Marketplace for Musicians

Reverb isn’t your typical brick-and-mortar music store; it’s an online marketplace where musicians can buy, sell, and trade new, used, and vintage music gear. Whether you're looking for a rare guitar model, vintage amplifier, or a high-end microphone, Reverb offers an incredible selection that can’t be found anywhere else. It's one of the best platforms for finding unique, one-of-a-kind items that can take your music to the next level.

Reverb’s marketplace is made up of both professional sellers and individual musicians, so the pricing and condition of items can vary greatly. However, their buyer protection policy offers peace of mind, ensuring that you get what you pay for. For professional musicians, this is a great way to get your hands on equipment that may be hard to find elsewhere, but it’s important to do your due diligence and carefully check product details before purchasing.

6. Local Music Shops: The Hidden Gems

While large retailers like Guitar Center and Sam Ash are great, don’t forget about your local music store. Many smaller, independent shops carry a selection of high-quality gear and offer personalized service that larger stores often can’t match. In fact, many musicians prefer shopping at local stores because of the sense of community and the opportunity to support small businesses.

Local music shops often have knowledgeable staff who are musicians themselves, so you can get advice from someone who truly understands your needs. They may also offer custom orders or special discounts for long-time customers. While the selection might not be as large as the bigger stores, local music shops can still carry excellent gear, from boutique amplifiers to one-of-a-kind instruments.

The downside is that local shops may not always carry the latest models or brands, and their prices may be higher compared to larger retailers. However, the personal service and sense of connection you get from shopping locally can make it well worth it for professional musicians who want to try something new or find a unique piece of gear.

Conclusion

When it comes to buying professional music gear, there’s no shortage of excellent options, from large retailers like Guitar Center and Sweetwater to specialized marketplaces like Reverb. Each store offers a unique shopping experience, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re after expert advice, vintage instruments, or the latest gear, there’s a music store out there that can help you take your music to the next level.