Rocketeria

Rocketeria has great products and even better people. I took lessons here for a few months and Allan was a wonderful instructor. I’ve purchased equipment, too, and it’s always been great quality stuff. Their counter staff knows what they’re talking about, and they have a good selection of guitars. Plus, they’re happy to order for you.
If I had to complain about anything I’d say it’s a toss-​up between price and policies. They have a 7-​day return window, which is narrower than almost any I’ve ever experienced. Their lesson policies are also really restrictive, though I can understand the reasoning behind it. Plus, you’ll pay 10% — 20% more than you would on Amazon for the same products. Of course, nobody at Amazon is going to help you pick out the right guitar or help you decide if a capo will fit your instrument, so there’s definitely value in the premium.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for an instrument in Olney, check this place out.

support Rocketeria in Olney, The School of music in rockville, and Dales Music in silver spring. Three of my favorite stores and also all locally owned!

Awesome family-​owned neighborhood music store. The super friendly staff is always ready to help out with any questions. The selection of instruments is small — but they are great about special orders. They can also hook you up with repairs. The music books are pretty comprehensive, though — you’ll find books that cover a nice range of instruments and styles — and, again, whatever isn’t stocked can be ordered in a pinch. The offer music lessons, too — piano, voice, guitar, drums — with a great fleet of instructors. My favorite aspect of the Rocketeria is their commitment to community building — they host electric & acoustic adult jams & recitals, how awesome is that? $ 20 bucks, a cooler of beer & a killer song list to jam to on a Friday night with your new best friends. Gotta love it.

**MOVED**
Olney gained an independent music store a couple of years ago and it really does bear mentioning.
Owner Dave Peers sells instruments and music memorabilia in the store and online. The gallery is here:
He is a dealer of Hamer guitars and basses, which I’d have to know a lot more about to tell you about with any skill or, well, actual knowledge, but I’m sure if that strikes your fancy you can check out the website and learn from someone who has both.
I took a guitar in for repair and it was professionally handled and not very expensive. It was also a pleasant experience — Dave is super nice.
They offer lessons in guitar, bass, drum, piano and trumpet. Oh, and you can pick up supplies — i.e., a good selection of strings — here as well. If you’re in the area, check out Rocketeria. Guitar Center serves a purpose, but I like to support small artistic businesses. And so should you, if you don’t mind my saying.