Play It Again Music Center

This little shop is great. I consigned a tenor sax with them and they sold it fairly quickly for way more than I would have been able to get for it. The only reason I’m not giving them five stars is that it took 4 months for them to send me the check from the sale. Whenever I called to check they were helpful and had what I thought were legitimate reasons for the process taking awhile, but 4 months is still a long time.
Thumbs Up.

I consigned an instrument to be sold here. I was told it sold and I’d receive a check soon. I waited and waited… and waited. I called back and was told that the check would be cut soon. I waited and waited… I called back and was told that I’d have my check within 10 days. On the 11^th day, I called back and they said they would mail it the end of next week. I asked if I could pick it up and they said that they were waiting for something to clear. Well, if the customer bought it, they should have the money. According to the paperwork, it took 6 weeks between «sold» and «check date». who knows if they actually sold it before that time because the communication was very poor.
I get that this is a small shop and they are probably struggling to make ends meet but if you decide to consign your instrument to be sold there, make sure they state in writing how long after they sell the item for you to get paid. That way, if you have to go to a lawyer, you will have a good case.

These guys seem like a mostly a legit mom and pop shop, with good rates. However they are very slow with regards to customer service. Some may see this as the «old» way of doing things, but it is now 2012 and you can see why these little shops can’t compete unless they offer something special.
I went in to rent an instrument from them and it took over an hour of waiting around, filling out forms and waiting for the management to process my rental. Places like Rock n Roll Rentals set me up with a new rental account and I was out the door in 20 minutes.
They also require a cash deposit on their rentals, which is fine, though I would rather put down a credit card on file than having to front them additional cash. When I went to return my rental, I discovered I had been charged for cleaning supplies that I was not given as part of my rental package. Additionally, when I requested my deposit, they said only a certain manager would be able to do that, and that he wouldn’t be there for several days. On the day they specified, the manager was there and simply said, sorry, we have 30 days to get your deposit back to you, I’ll be processing that later. The shop recently came under new ownership, and the owner told me his story of how he had ran several businesses in the past but that they had all gone under until he wound up here. Should have been a red flag. I’m worried they could go out of business at any time, and since I am waiting on my cash deposit that they are keeping for no reason, that money could just be lost.
Sure, mom and pop shops are great, but you can see why in 2012 there are very few left. As a busy, working person, there isn’t time to deal with old fashioned slow service like this, and shady practices like keeping a customer’s deposit for 30 days after ending a rental are pretty much unheard of today.
As always, caveat emptor, and be sure to read every form you sign carefully.

Play It Again is one of those wonderful Mom and Pop places that make Austin what it is supposed to be. A great shop full of old Blues musician stuff that sells and rents band instruments to anyone. Great rates on rentals and fast turn-​around on repairs. Carol is awesome and she knows everything about EVERY band instrument and can play almost all of them, too!

I first found Play It Again Music Center when I stepped into the Musical Exchange located on North Loop back in 2000. Carol Scarlett, owner of Play It Again Music, and music teacher is knowlegeable in all things pertaining to band instruments, accessories, repair, and much more! This woman is on the ball! I play flute and many times I’ve come to her with repair needs and she’s been able to whip out her set of tools and make minor repairs on the spot. For more tedious jobs, she sends the work out, which never takes long, is extremely reasonable and she also provides me with a free rental during repair. When looking for accessories, gifts, or that perfect, unusual, musical item, she’s got it! If she doesn’t have it in stock, she’s got loads of catalogs and she’ll help me hunt down items, order them, and follows up with me upon their arrival. Play It Again Music Center has become a MUST for me during the holidays, especially when I’m looking for handfuls of stocking stuffers for musician friends. Last year I left with a bagful of goodies that included bandanas, colorful pencils (even MOOD pencils), magnets and yes, musical confetti. Space is limited but once you get Carol started, she’ll dig out all sorts of surprises. Her store reminds me of that tale about the little big top from the exterior, and once inside — it’s HUGE! Recently Mr. Richard retired (we’ll miss you Richard) and Carol is taking over his old space (much needed) to display her wonderful selection of used and new instruments, and the glass display case is quickly filling up with much of her stock that’s been «hidden» to us in the past. Want to sell an old instrument? Carol is the BEST at handling consignment sales, combining expert knowlege, good judgement and friendly service. Want to have an instrument gold plated? Carol’s got someone reliable and reasonable she contracts to for this service. I recently had my flute redone and the work came out beautifully. On top of a great plating job, I learned that I get a free «touch up». When having my flute gold plated, we learned it needed some new pads and minor maintenance so I had that done, and again, learned that the work came with a warranty. Want to try playing something different and new? She’ll rent instruments at a fair deal and who knows? She might even throw in a mini-​lesson to get you on your way. I could go on and on about her wares, the service she provides, great prices, etc. but it’s better if you check her and the store out for yourself. Tell her Renita sent you! Next time you need to find the right gift for a musician friend, or have ANY need for the instrument you play, go see Carol at Play It Again Music Center. You won’t regret it.