Ordering & Shopping
I'm buying a guitar as a gift but don't know much about instruments. Can you help?
Absolutely. We work with gift givers all the time. If you know the recipient's skill level and musical taste, we can guide you to the right instrument. Call either of our showrooms and we'll ask a few simple questions to narrow it down. We also offer gift cards in any amount if you'd prefer they choose themselves.
Can I try instruments before buying?
Yes. Both our New Albany, Ohio and Charleston, West Virginia showrooms have demo rooms where you can play guitars, keyboards, and drums. No pressure, no rush—take the time you need to find the right feel and sound.
Do you price match?
We evaluate price match requests on a case-by-case basis for identical new products from authorized dealers. Reach out with the details and we'll work with you.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. We offer gift cards in any amount, available online or at either showroom. They're perfect for musicians who know exactly what they want or for gift givers who want to let the recipient choose their own gear.
Shipping & Pickup
Do you offer free shipping?
Orders of $99 or more ship free to the continental United States. Guitars and basses priced $500 and up also ship free. Orders under $99 pay standard shipping, calculated at checkout. Free in-store pickup is available on everything we sell, at both stores.
Why do some items have a flat shipping charge or ship pickup only?
Some larger items, such as keyboards, benches, stands, combo amps and guitars under $500, ship for a flat $24.99 because of their size and weight. Drum kits, digital pianos with stands, speaker cabinets, PA systems and other large or heavy items do not ship and are in-store pickup only. Both are marked on the product page, and any shipping charge is added automatically at checkout. For anything you're unsure about, call us before ordering and we'll give you a straight answer. Charleston: 304-744-0500. New Albany: 614-259-7611.
Where do you ship?
We ship to the continental United States only. We do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories or military addresses.
How do you ship guitars and other instruments?
We pack every instrument with care. Guitars ship with necks de-tuned to protect against tension damage in transit. Tracking is provided for all orders.
Can I pick up my order in-store?
Yes. Choose local pickup at checkout and we'll have your order ready at either our New Albany or Charleston showroom, usually within 24 hours. We'll email you when it's ready.
Returns & Exchanges
What's your return policy?
You have 30 days from delivery to return most items in new, unplayed condition with original packaging. Instruments must show no signs of use—no pick marks, no strap button installs, no wear. Custom orders, clearance items, and software are final sale. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility unless the item arrived damaged or defective.
Can I exchange an instrument if it's not the right fit?
Yes, within the 30-day return window. We'll help you find a better match. If there's a price difference, we'll either refund or invoice accordingly.
What if my instrument arrives damaged?
Contact us immediately with photos. We'll file a claim with the carrier and send a replacement or issue a full refund. Don't refuse the shipment, we need it for the claim process.
Trade-Ins & Used Gear
Do you accept trade-ins?
Yes. We accept trade-ins on guitars, keyboards, drums, and pro audio gear. Bring your instrument to either showroom and our staff will evaluate its condition and make you an offer. Trade-in value can be applied toward your purchase or issued as store credit.
How do you determine trade-in value?
We assess condition, brand, model, market demand, and current resale value. Well-maintained instruments from reputable brands hold value better. Cosmetic wear, missing parts, or needed repairs will affect the offer. Our staff will walk you through the evaluation and explain the pricing.
Do you sell used instruments?
Yes. We carry a rotating selection of quality used and certified pre-owned guitars, keyboards, drums, and audio gear. Used inventory varies by location and is clearly marked with condition details, photos, and pricing. Check online or visit your nearest showroom to see current availability.
Do used instruments come with a warranty?
Used gear is sold as-is unless otherwise noted. Some certified pre-owned items may include a limited warranty depending on the manufacturer or condition. Ask our staff about warranty coverage for specific used items.
Guitars
I'm a beginner. Which guitar should I start with?
Depends on what music you want to play. Acoustic guitars are great for folk, singer-songwriter, and fingerstyle. Electric guitars suit rock, blues, and jazz. We recommend starting with a quality entry-level instrument from brands like Yamaha or Fender—they're easier to play and stay in tune, which keeps new players motivated.
What brands of guitars do you carry?
We carry Taylor, Fender, Yamaha, Dean, ESP LTD, Gretsch, and EVH guitars. Taylor is renowned for premium acoustic guitars with exceptional tone and playability. Fender is the iconic electric guitar brand behind the Stratocaster and Telecaster. Yamaha builds reliable, high-quality guitars across all price points. Dean specializes in metal and hard rock guitars with aggressive styling. ESP LTD offers professional-grade instruments favored by metal and rock players. Gretsch is known for vintage-inspired hollow and semi-hollow guitars with rich, warm tones. EVH guitars are designed by Eddie Van Halen for high-performance rock and shred playing.
How much should I spend on my first guitar?
Plan to spend $200–$500 for a quality beginner guitar that will stay in tune, play comfortably, and last. Cheaper instruments frustrate new players with tuning issues and poor playability. You don't need a $2,000 guitar to start, but investing in a solid entry-level model makes learning easier and more enjoyable.
Acoustic vs electric guitar for beginners—which is better?
Neither is inherently better—it depends on your goals. Acoustic guitars don't require an amp, work for campfire singalongs and unplugged settings, and build finger strength. Electric guitars have thinner strings and lower action, making them easier on your fingers, and they're better for rock, metal, and blues. Choose based on the music you want to play, not what someone tells you is "easier."
What's the difference between Fender and Squier guitars?
Fender is the original brand known for iconic models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster, built with premium materials and craftsmanship. Squier is Fender's budget line—same classic designs but with more affordable components and overseas manufacturing. Squier guitars are great for beginners and intermediate players who want the Fender look and feel without the premium price.
Are Taylor guitars worth the price?
Yes, if you value tone, playability, and build quality. Taylor acoustic guitars are known for clear, balanced sound, comfortable necks, and innovative construction. They hold their value well and are built to last. If you're a serious acoustic player or advancing beyond beginner level, a Taylor is a solid investment. For casual players or tight budgets, brands like Yamaha offer excellent value.
Ukuleles
What size ukulele should I buy?
Soprano ukuleles (21") are the classic, bright-sounding size—great for traditional Hawaiian music and beginners. Concert ukuleles (23") offer more fret space and slightly fuller tone. Tenor ukuleles (26") have even more room and deeper sound, preferred by fingerstyle players and performers. Baritone ukuleles (30") are tuned differently and sound closer to a classical guitar. Most beginners start with soprano or concert.
What brands of ukuleles do you carry?
We carry Mahalo, Fender, and Kala ukuleles. Mahalo offers affordable, beginner-friendly models with solid construction and playability. Fender brings their guitar-building expertise to ukuleles with quality tone and reliable hardware. Kala is a ukulele specialist known for excellent craftsmanship, tone, and a wide range of models from entry-level to professional.
Are ukuleles good for kids or beginners?
Yes. Ukuleles are smaller, lighter, and easier on the fingers than guitars—perfect for kids and adults just starting out. They're affordable, portable, and you can learn basic chords quickly.
Can I use a guitar tuner for my ukulele?
Yes, as long as your tuner has a chromatic mode. Standard ukulele tuning is G-C-E-A, which a chromatic tuner can detect. Clip-on tuners work great for ukuleles and are affordable and portable.
Guitar Pedals & Accessories
What guitar pedals should I start with?
Most players start with the basics: a tuner pedal (essential for live and studio), an overdrive or distortion pedal for gain, and a delay or reverb for ambience. From there, add modulation (chorus, phaser, flanger) or time-based effects based on your sound. Build your pedalboard around the sounds you actually use, not what's trendy.
Do I need a pedalboard and power supply?
Once you have more than two or three pedals, yes. A pedalboard keeps your pedals organized, protects them during transport, and makes setup faster. A dedicated power supply eliminates noise and powers multiple pedals reliably.
How often should I change my guitar strings?
If you play daily, change strings every 2–4 weeks. Casual players can go a month or two. If your strings sound dull, feel rough, or won't stay in tune, it's time. We carry D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Fender, and Elixir strings.
What guitar strings should I buy?
We carry D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Fender, and Elixir strings. Ernie Ball Slinkys are the most popular electric guitar strings in the world. D'Addario offers excellent phosphor bronze and coated options for acoustic guitars. Elixir strings are coated for extended life, lasting 3–5 times longer than traditional strings. Ask our staff to recommend the right gauge for your playing style.
What accessories do I need for my guitar?
At minimum: a tuner, extra strings, picks, a strap, and a gig bag or hard case. Add a string winder, wire cutters, and a cleaning cloth for maintenance. Quality cables are essential. If you're gigging, bring a backup cable, extra picks, and a small toolkit for quick fixes.
Drums & Percussion
How do I know what size drum set I need?
Room size and music style matter most. A 5-piece kit works for most genres and fits in standard practice spaces. Jazz players often prefer smaller shells; metal drummers may want larger kicks and more toms. Measure your space and let us know your style.
What brands of drums do you carry?
We carry Tama and Yamaha drum sets. Tama is known for innovative hardware and durable construction. Yamaha builds reliable, high-quality drums with excellent tone across all price points.
Acoustic drums vs electronic drums—which should I buy?
Acoustic drums offer authentic feel, tone, and dynamics. They're loud and require space. Electronic drums are quieter, take up less room, and offer built-in practice tools. If noise or space is an issue, go electronic. If you want the real thing and have the room, go acoustic.
Keyboards, Digital Pianos & MIDI
What's the difference between a keyboard, digital piano, and MIDI controller?
Digital pianos prioritize realistic piano feel and sound with weighted keys. Keyboards offer more sounds and production features. MIDI controllers have no built-in sounds—they send data to your computer or hardware synth.
I want a digital piano for my home. What should I look for?
Prioritize weighted, hammer-action keys, at least 88 keys, quality piano samples, built-in speakers, and a sustain pedal. The Yamaha YDP series is an excellent choice for students and home players.
What brands of keyboards do you carry?
We carry Yamaha and Korg. Yamaha excels at realistic piano feel across all price points. Korg specializes in innovative synthesizers and workstations favored by producers and electronic musicians.
Pro Audio & Recording
What's an audio interface and do I need one?
An audio interface converts analog signals from mics, guitars, and keyboards into digital audio your computer can record. If you're recording vocals, instruments, or podcasts, you need one. Built-in computer sound cards aren't designed for low-latency, high-quality recording.
What's the difference between a condenser mic and a dynamic mic?
Condenser mics are more sensitive and capture detail, great for vocals and studio recording. They require phantom power. Dynamic mics are rugged and handle high volume levels well, great for live performance, guitar amps, and drums.
Lessons & Expert Help
Do you offer music lessons?
We don't offer lessons in-house, but we're happy to refer you to excellent local instructors for guitar, piano, drums, and other instruments in the New Albany and Charleston areas.
Can your staff help me choose the right instrument?
Absolutely. Every member of our team is a musician with hands-on experience. No sales pressure, just honest advice from people who play.
Warranty & Repairs
Do instruments come with a warranty?
Yes. Most new instruments include the manufacturer's warranty, typically 1–5 years depending on the brand.
Do you offer repair services?
Yes. Both showrooms have experienced techs on staff. We provide professional setups, restringing, electronics work, and repairs for guitars, basses, keyboards, and drums.
Payment & Financing
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Shop Pay, and Apple Pay. Financing options are available through Shop Pay Installments for qualifying orders.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Shop Pay Installments lets you split purchases into interest-free payments. Eligibility and terms are determined at checkout.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out anytime. Call our New Albany, Ohio showroom at 614-259-7611 or our Charleston, West Virginia showroom at 304-744-0500, or email us through our contact page. We're here to help you find the right gear.
