"Music Go Round (MGR) is a franchise operation under the same umbrella as Play It Again Sports and Plato's Closet. As such, they should be regarded as independent businesses.
That said, they are governed by franchise rules and that is what I want to address.
First, as noted by a previous reviewer, their return policy allows only 48 hours from time of receipt of an item to check it out and report any issues. I buy synths and would have to drop everything else I am doing to be able to thoroughly check one out in that time frame and even then would not be confident that I covered everything. Obviously a trumpet or drum would be a different story. For comparison, Guitar Center (GC) allows 45 days.
Website descriptions vary from OK to non-existent, forcing you to call the store. In my most recent interaction with one, the person who answered the phone clearly knew nothing about the product but felt it was OK to make guesses and told me I could return it if it wasn't right. To be fair, I called that store previously about a different instrument and the manager was honest enough to let me know that it had some issues -- though why weren't those clearly described on the website?
Which brings us to shipping. The website does state the cost for each item and compared to GC, MGR is MUCH higher. A keyboard that GC charges $20 to ship can cost as much as $80 to get from MGR. And, if you need/want to return it, you have to pay the shipping charges back to the selling store and the original shipping charges are not refundable. Again, by contrast, GC allows you to return an item you don't want to any of their stores so if you live within reasonable driving distance, it costs only your time and the gas.
Before you ask, no, I do not now nor have I ever worked for GC. My goal here is to make sure you are aware of what to expect from MGR. Good luck!"
"bought a used keyboard that was supposed to be in good working order, once it showed up it had issues, after contacting Music Go Round they sent me a link to do a factory reset on it, which I can look up online myself, and they refused to take the instrument back. Not a recommended site! "
"I was shopping for an inexpensive piano bench... Found a used one on this site that would likely sell new for less than $50.
Priced at "Music Go Round" for $39...
While anywhere else (Amazon) you would likely see free shipping, "Music Go Round" has a shipping calculator...
Take a guess...
Georgia to Phoenix.... $98
Really?
"
"I've had good experiences with MGR! Products arrive as described and with timely delivery."
"Recently purchased a used Hamer Slammer. Before buying, I called and inquired upon the condition of the frets and fretboard and the general condition. Was told no issues. Received the guitar with a hole in the rosewood, multiple cracks and dried glue from the nut, missing screws, as well as rust and pitting on every piece of metal, including in the pots. Sent photos to the shop and inquired why they would ever sell a guitar in this condition. They indicated I was "accusing them" of misrepresenting the guitar, which they didn't take my word for. I explained that they didn't have to take my word for it, as I sent photos. They also said if it was damaged in transit on the way back, using their materials, they would deduct it from my return. Will never even consider doing business with this store again. Shameful."
"I used to like this place. An eclectic mix of older and newer gear in a good location. And I appreciate the "masks required" policy. But what happened yesterday in Kenosha, Wisconsin soured me on them. I called to ask about a cable I needed and, yes, they had it -- one left "for eight bucks." They held it for me and when I went into the store to buy it the price increased $2 although the package was clearly marked $7.99. The employee said the prices in the computer must have been increased because of tariffs (but this was existing stock, not new stock). He offered to drop the price 10%. I said -- correctly -- that they must honor the lowest advertised price. In Wisconsin, It is illegal for a person to represent a false price in connection with the purchase, sale, or advertising of any commodity, thing or service. The price charged for an item must agree with the lowest advertised or displayed price. They didn't budge. I left. It's not the money, it's the law -- plus nobody ever wins an argument with a customer."
"Overall a very, very good experience. Quick and friendly service, item was shipped immediately and the condition was like new. Came with a small letter detailing the testing done. Excellent. I would highly recommend."
"On the heals of my worst customer service experience ever, I decided to purchase the same product used from the store in Ann Arbor. I started by sending an email with some questions, but then decided, due to previous experiences with sister companies Play It Again Sports and Plato’s Closet, that they could trusted. After having been given the run around by Guitar Center for 3weeks, not only did I get a prompt and thorough response to my questions, but my product shipped, all within 24 hours. They completely changed my buying experience and I truly appreciate what they did!"
"Got my package in 6 days, guitar came looking completely in touch by human hands. Fresh set of strings on it, LOADS of bubble wrap, so it definitely traveled safe. I mean 70% of that box was bubble wrap man, it was crazy. Excellent prices for the instruments, comfortable website layout, shipping could cost a little less, but **** dude. With quality this good, it’s honestly worth it. BUY FROM MUSIC GO ROUND. I will definitely be returning "
"This store is great! My daughter needed a drum kit for band practice with only a weeks notice and this store came through. For starters, one of the owners returned my email on west coast time immediately even though the store hours were long over. He sent over tons of pics so I could ensure I was getting the right kit. Next, when the package arrived on time because it was immediately mailed the next morning, it was in absolutely beautiful shape. This shop even took the care to pack brand new sticks and mallets and send a thank you. A++ thanks Phil!"
"Regarding the store in Natick, Ma. Sales folks were great to deal with! Pricing was decent. Trade values were BETTER than Guitar Center with store credit being even higher value. 100% impressed and will definitely deal with in the future as I've got more gear to sift through as my studio upgrades continue. "
"Went to the store a couple of times to just check out guitars. First time, I saw a semi-hollow (maybe an epiphone) with the bridge studs not fully set in the body. Salesman told me he saw nothing wrong with that and just shrugged it off. Today, I returned and apparently stepped over an imaginary line towards some guitar wall. Another salesperson loudly told me to step away several times. I explained I was only looking but he reaffirmed there was a line there and I could not cross it. Rude and not very welcoming."
"I ordered a used professional model Bach Trombone from the website, and I experienced fine and rather impressive service. The instrument shipped quickly, in two days from the location (Georgia) to my house (Pennsylvania). It is over-excessively packaged to provide the utmost care and protection for the instrument, yet still at a flat shipping rate of $40 (pretty good pricing for a sixteen pound package). What arrived was exactly what was listed, and to my surprise, provided a fourteen step inspection and repair of the instrument free of charge. The instrument plays beautifully, and would definitely consider this retailer for another purchase."
"Walked in and didn't get acknowledged until I got to the back of the store by someone that did online sales. I was the only one there. She was helpful and patient with me. I found something they didn't have listed on their website and I showed an interest. I had found something identical to it locally but at a much lower price. My problem was I had time constraints. So I tried to see if they had some wiggle room on the price and was then I was told to go and buy it from where I found it cheaper. So I did, instead I drove just down the street to guitar center and bought the amp new.They didn't seem too interested in retaining a repeat customer just the now sale. First time in and last time."
"I ordered a used set of percussion bells for my son's band class. I immediately received an email apologizing that the one I'd purchased had some damage that wasn't clear from the photo. They offered to replace it with a better set and a new case for the same price. When it arrived, they had thoughtfully included sticks and mallets. Outstanding and conscientious customer service. I couldn't be more pleased."