Barnstorm Music II

Been in here buying DJ and Studio equipment. They have always been helpful, honored agreed prices.

Know your niche and give great service. That’s the answer to why this store has been in business for as long as I can remember. I’ve lived in the area since 1988. I’ve been coming to Barnstorm Music, even before it moved to its current location in Medway. I’ve bought two guitars, drums, a violin, a bass guitar, bass amp, microphones, and two guitar amps from Ted, the owner. None of these were top-​end instruments, all were affordable. And the advice is always, «Try this out, see if it works. If it doesn’t, come back and we’ll work something out.»
No, this place is not flashy. Far from it. It’s also not loud, so when you go in to play an instrument you can actually hear yourself play. While I’m not a fan of the DO NOT TOUCH signs, either, just ask, and you can play. The prices are also reasonable. He tries to make sure that everyone gets a good deal and sells affordable instruments. As he says, «Anyone can get a great instrument by paying a fortune. The trick is to get a decent instrument without paying a lot.» I had only one problem with an instrument (a bass guitar that developed a short in the ¼″ jack about 6 months after I purchased it), and he swapped it out for another, different guitar, no hassles.
Ted will also trade, sell on consignment, or purchase used instruments. I’ve watched numerous swaps and trade-​ups over the years.
The owner is a working musician and he’s good to the local musicians as well as the students. He’ll refer you somewhere else, when it’s not in his niche — affordable, serviceable instruments.
As to the NOT FOR SALE instruments that were mentioned by another reviewer, I view that as a free Modern Art museum. There’s a local guy that makes some amazing looking electric guitars, for his own therapy, I think. As Ted explains it, the guy says, «If I start selling them, then it will become a business, and I don’t want the hassles of a business.» So just go in and enjoy the designs of the guitars that Ted graciously displays.

Our daughter has been taking lessons at Barnstorm for almost 2 years. Cannot say enough good things about those guys. Yes the store is older but the equipment is excellent. Sad to see someone from 1 hour away give the place a quick look and a lousy review.
We have purchased 3 guitars there and 2 amps. One guitar had a problem and they replaced it no questions asked with a brand new one. We also had a Mandolin repaired there which was a family heirloom and in some sad shape. They fixed and gave us a free case to keep it in.
This place is not a shiny retail store where there is a pushy sales person. This is the real deal filled with people who love music. Best place in the area to get music lessons.

I found that Barnstorm has a great selection of instruments at very fair prices. There’s always an interesting vintage amp or guitar to try out. I am a regular customer, and the service and the prices are best anywhere IMHO.
Drew — go shop at guitar center, you’ll see what overpriced means…

The place looks like its on the verge of going out of business. The level of instruments on display and for sale is low and many are over priced or marked DO NOT TOUCH and NOT FOR SALE. How does a place like this stay open.