Long & McQuade

Ken is just great. He’s down back by the rentals nearly every day but he’s knowledgeable about nearly everything in the store. If there’s something he can’t answer, he’s quick to find someone who can. The staff here are friendly, funny, and passionate about music, which is exactly what you want whether you’re living out your rock god dreams through your six year old’s ukulele classes or whether you’re an actual rock god. Many of the staff are active in the city’s music scene so it’s also a great place to go if you’re looking for news on up-​and-​coming acts. The music lessons are upstairs and all the teachers are talented and enthusiastic. Lessons aren’t cheap, but neither is hockey gear and trust me, your kid is going to wish he played guitar over hockey when he’s in his dorm freshman year.

I enjoy going to this store. It’s a great store to browse and I love going Ito the guitar room and trying out all the acoustics. The staff is great and really helpful and very knowledgeable. Most of them are super passionate about their jobs. My only negative is that often times big box competitors have better prices. On one hand, I want to support the staff for the service they give, but on the other some things (like guitar stools) just don’t require the service or the price gap is just too big to justify. The website could be better. All of that said, if I was going to shell out any major amount of cash for an instrument it would be here because I know I would get what I really wanted /​needed.

I don’t know much about musical equipment or the technology involved in putting on live shows which could easily become a problem when planning parties involving a band. Luckily for me, Long & McQuade exists to make sure people like me don’t HAVE to know much about it.
A quick visit to chat with their experts wherein I proved my ignorance multiple times resulted in me walking out with a bag full of cords and machinery that prepped me for just about any situation that could arise before a night of great local talent. Sure, I walked out with more than I needed, but it didn’t matter since my total was only $ 5 for the 24-​hour rental.
No really. Five dollars.
Cheap, professional expertise? Yes please.
The only downside is the death-​by-​paperwork that you experience in setting up your account. It seemed a little silly to have to provide three references with mailing addresses for a $ 5 rental but at least you only have to do it once! Good to know since I’ll definitely be back!

Its been a year since I bought my Limited Edition Takamine acoustic electric guitar from Long & McQuaid on Main Street. As it was a major purchase it took a number of visits to consider the purchase and to get the guitar prepped before buying. I must say that I liked the guitar room in the back with a door that can make the space much more conducive to hearing an acoustic than the busy store floor. The staff were pleasant and patient with each visit, and in the end it was a great purchase which I enjoy every day.
I was back in today to pick up some supplies and am still impressed with the array of musical materials in the store — certainly everything that I could think of.
Being on the busy stretch of Main Street one has to be a bit careful getting in the parking lot.