Want to support local businesses after the pandemic? Hoping to find a local community? Or maybe you’ve experienced bad customer service at the big music stores? Regardless, this article is for you.
In Toronto, there aren’t a whole lot of music stores. The biggest chain, Long & McQuade is where most go. I’m a regular just because it was closest to home, but their customer service is very poor. You walk in and you’ll be left alone unless you hunt down someone.
In the middle of the pandemic, I decided to get my first brand name guitar (my first was a 2nd hand Behringer guitar), and ordered from Cosmo. The ‘new’ guitar had noticeable damage and cracks, and they also forgot my bag. I waited a good month and only after calling them was it ready.
While writing my article on Bad Customer Service at Music Stores, it was apparent that many people faced bad customer service, either bad work on their instruments, or rude and dismissive comments from the staff.
I shared the article and started a discussion, and many told me they go to mom & pop shops, as they care more about their customers. I wasn’t really aware of where they were in this city, thus this article 🙂
Allegro Music
Website | Facebook | Phone: (416) 483-7203
Location: 2043 Avenue Rd, North York (Wilson Ave & Avenue Rd)
Open: Monday to Thursday & Saturday | Closed: Friday & Sunday
We are here to support you through your musical journey
At Allegro Music, we proudly provide a stellar musical experience for each customer backed by 50 years of teaching and product knowledge.
You will always be greeted by friendly, dedicated staff who are professional musicians. We will take the time to chat with you and answer your questions. You will feel confident that you’ve made the most informed decision about your musical needs.
Capsule Music
Website | Facebook | Phone: (416) 203-0202
Location: 985 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto (Dupont and Ossington)
Open: Appointment Only Until Further Notice
Hey Folks, if your looking to sell your instrument or amplifier bring it down to Capsule! We have over 20 years experience selling Vintage and Used instruments. Over the past 2 decades we have built a large local and international clientele that contact us daily looking for gear. Our Repair Dept is in full swing! We have the quickest turn around on guitar and amp repairs in the city!
Cask Music
Website | Facebook | Phone: (647) 748-2275
Location: 1054 Queen St E, Toronto, (Queen St E & Carlaw Ave)
Open: Wednesday-Sunday | Closed: Monday & Tuesday
Cask Music is Leslieville’s only purveyor of used guitars and other musical performance equipment for emphatic musicians and audio production enthusiasts. Boutique imports, locally-created essentials and gear with character, even when you’re on a budget. We buy, sell, trade, and consign. If there is something in particular you’re looking for, or have something you want to see in our store, get in touch!
Club Bass & Guitar
Website | Facebook | Phone: (416) 538-1685
Location: 698 The Queensway, Etobicoke (The Queensway & Royal York Rd)
Open: Tuesday to Saturday | Closed: Sunday & Monday
Boutique guitars, basses, guitar amps, bass amps. Custom strat-style, tele-style guitars, vintage style Jazz & P basses. Eco-friendly guitar & bass cabinets.
Frank Brother’s Guitar Company
Website | Instagram | Phone: (647) 479-8023
Location: 21 B Carlaw Ave, Toronto (Carlaw Ave & Lake Shore Blvd E)
Open: Monday to Friday | Closed: Saturday & Sunday
Frank Brothers Guitar Co. is composed of three brothers, Nick, Jon, and Tim (left to right in both photos). As twin brothers, Tim and Nick are constantly motivated to exceed each others expectations. They are responsible for the quality and performance of all our guitars.
Our guitars are distinguished for professional performance, heirloom quality, and original design. We provide a true custom shop experience. You can talk directly with the brothers crafting your dream guitar and customize from a variety of wood, finish, colour, hardware and electronics options.
Junction Guitars
Website | Facebook | Phone: (416) 761-0056
Location: 2776 Dundas St W, Toronto (Keele St & Dundas Ave W)
Open: Monday to Saturday | Closed: Sunday
Junction Guitars is happy to carry the following brands: Fender, Gretsch, Yamaha ,Sigma, Guild, Takamine, Fender Squier, Vox, Marshall, Digi Tech, Dunlop/MXR and Electro Harmonix among other brands. We also buy, sell and consign used gear and currently has Gibson and Fender products in stock. We offer professional guitar repairs with a fast turnaround time. We are an Authorized Fender Service Center.
Lil Demon’s Guitar Shop
Website | Instagram | Phone: (416) 530-1766
Location: 1612 Queen St W, Toronto (King St W & Queen St W)
Open: Tuesday to Saturday | Closed: Sunday & Monday
We are a guitar shop in Toronto, specializing in guitar repairs, guitar modifications and restorations of vintage guitars and amplifiers. As well, we have a boutique showroom with a select and ever-changing inventory of vintage and used instruments and equipment.
We have serviced and sold to such artists including: Bare Naked Ladies, Jeff Healey, Joe Bonamassa, Foot in Coldwater, Parachute Club, Die Mannequin, April Wine, Trooper, Chris DeBurgh, Cancer Bats and The Flatliners to name a few. Regardless, all our valued customers recieve the same high level of attention and service.
Our mission is to bring beautiful music in the world. As musicians and guitar techs. For over a decade, we have established ourselves as one of the GTA’s foremost expert guitar repair facilities.
Mother of All Guitar Shop
Website | Facebook | Phone: (416) 763-0750
Location: 437 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto (Roncescalles Ave & Dundas St W)
Open: Tuesday to Saturday | Closed: Sunday & Monday
The Mother Of All Guitar Shop is Toronto music store located in Roncesvalles village. We buy and sell new and used musical instruments, vintage acoustic and electric guitars, tube and solid state amplifiers, boutique pedal effects and accessories. We offer in-house service, setup and repairs.
Paul’s Boutique
Website | Facebook | Phone: (416) 603-9477
Location: 69 Nassau St, Toronto (College St & Spadina Ave)
Open: All Week Long 🙂
Paul’s Boutique buys, sells, trades, rents and consigns the finest in vintage musical instruments, amps, effects and recording equipment.
“After spending seven years in San Francisco and Los Angeles playing in bands and selling vintage guitars, I came back to Toronto in 2000 to open my own shop. I try to specialize in unique and funky gear but occasionally I’ll run across some nice classics!”
Remenyi House of Music
Website | Facebook| Phone: (416) 961-3111
Location: 109 Vanderhoof Ave Suite 15, Toronto (Eglinton Ave E & Bayview Ave)
Open: Monday to Saturday | Closed: Sunday
The Remenyi House of Music Guitar Department offers a unique and continually expanding selection of acoustic and electric guitars, basses, amps and accessories, as well as a great selection of folk instruments including banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins. Whether you are just starting out, or looking to order a custom creation from one of our many boutique guitar lines, you can count on our expert service to help you find the perfect instrument.
A wide range of instruments and accessories, and a helpful and experienced staff are just the beginning. We support our customers’ musical progress through in-house workshops, recitals, concerts, masterclasses and product demos.
The Twelvth Fret Guitarists Pro
Website | Facebook | Phone: (416) 423-2132
Location: 2132 Danforth Ave, Toronto (Danforth Ave & Woodbine Ave)
Open: Tuesday to Saturday | Closed: Sunday & Monday
The Twelfth Fret is Canada’s premiere source for new, used and vintage guitars, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles – and amplifiers. We also provide lessons and host the world’s largest mandolin and guitar workshop. We’ve been providing services to musicians worldwide and of all levels since 1976.