Excellent service. Competitive prices. A fun place to browse.
Great music store. Friendly staff.
The guys in pro audio are great! Super knowledgeable, friendly and helpful
They have a great selections, but not much holiday saving even after you have made a lot of expensive spending
helpful staff
Very fun! Showed me lots of sheet music and an employee played the cello for me.
Couldn’t be better.
Many of the staff here are just rude. Go take your money elsewhere for some decent customer service.
They haven’t had single strings in Stock for months. Need some .36s and they had none. So I bought 2 packs of fender strings… came to $25.10 and the manager wouldn’t give me 10 cents off even though all I needed was the 36s in the pack.
Terrible service everytime I have been. It like they think they are too good for you… Super unhappy with that store.
Won’t buy anything from them ever again
Went in today for my son school instrument for the first time and had “Michael”needs training cause he was unhelpful and unknowledgeable of the instrument,gave us a scratch up and peeling off Trumpet I ask for a different one good thing I open it before got home.
2. Tapestry Music Ltd.
Address: 772 Bay St #3, Victoria, BC V8T 5E4, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
Awesome customer service, careful and thoughtful about making sure my daughter had the right sized instrument. A great, locally owned shop I will gladly visit again!
The folks at the Victoria location are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They went out of their way to bring in a keyboard piano for me from another location. It arrived quickly and was exactly what I wanted. Definitely recommend shopping here. I was really happy to purchase local.
Excellent communication and service. I returned a bass guitar and then ended up wanting it back. They found it for me right away and I bought it at an amazing price!! Thank you so much!!
Always friendly. Solid service.
Staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The store is well-stocked with a variety of Ike’s, guitars and other stringed instruments. Check it out!
Nice little shop. Low key sales style. And some very good quality classical guitars.
Response to the owner’s response: To ask a question does not mean to circumvent. This stands especially true when you specifically say on your website that you can change instruments and transfer the balance to another instrument at anytime. Instead you used a car rental to compare an instrument rental, which are completely different in all aspects including type of agreements and the items themselves. Then followed up by saying “most people understand” and “everyone else understands” and the list goes on. On a final note, again you are wrong about asking to talk to you. Actually customer service suggested to talk to the MGR. Then the MGR brought “the owner” up. It was only after the owner was brought up in the conversation that I asked to speak to the owner. In most cases the buck stops at the MGR, if the owner does not want to or have the skillset or the patience to address customers, the buck should always stop at the MGR. Finally and in fairness, the owner did call back after my review and apologize via voicemail.
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Staff are wonderful, equipment is great but lost four stars for the very condescending owner. So bad, I had to hang up on him because no one deserves to be talked in a way that I was spoken to. Too bad because we rented a flute for the year and we were going to rent a second instrument. That won’t happen now. He should probably leave customer service to the hard working team who work the front lines.
3. Victoria online record store
Address: Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2G5, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
I’ve had the pleasure of ordering from Ashe a few times. Product has been exactly as described, shipped quickly and well packaged. Stock is added to fairly frequently and reasonably priced. Recommended. 🙂
Excellent range of records, fast and efficient service. Highly recommended!
Found some sick records here. Really good selection, and some pretty uncommon gems as well. Customer service is quick, personal, and real. Prices are exactly what I want them to be – how often can you say that lol. Recommended!
No store exists
4. Dominelli Guitars
Address: 928 Queens Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 1M6, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
Marcus Dominelli makes some of the finest classical acoustic guitars to be found anywhere. Combining old school proven principles with new school techniques and materials, he meticulously crafts heirloom quality instruments.
5. Guitars Plus
Address: 1118 Blanshard St, Victoria, BC V8W 2H6, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
I know I’m in good hands at Guitars Plus! These guys are friendly, knowledgeable and honest, I completely trust them with my guitars and gear. They take the time to show and explain things to me so I can learn in the process. I’ve had some great conversations about song writing and was even asked to share a song when it wasn’t super busy. They love music at Guitars Plus and they love helping people create it by helping them with their instruments.
I recently had Kurt and Co. give my Squier a complete makeover and they turned a cheap guitar into a serious boogie machine that I can gig along with my nicer guitars. The work was solid and exceeded my expectations. Overall the store is a great place to grab strings, cables, or just check out all the cool stuff on the walls.
Great owner and very helpful staff. Walked in looking for a guitar got attended to right away and then given my space without any pressure to try the guitars of my choice. Total dudes here! Feels like talking to buddies not sales men. Completely helpful, knowledgeable and honest. Will for sure visit again when I’m in the area. Thanks guys loving my Martin!
Great selection; knowledgeable helpful staff
Awsome blossom
Very helpful staff, and very knowledgeable with the products sold.
In trying to tighten the jack input on my custom built baritone ukulele, Kurt the owner carelessly left permanent scratches on my beautiful instrument. Unbelievable. DO NOT TAKE YOUR INSTRUMENT THERE FOR REPAIR.
I think the person that is running the store is actually racist or i don’t know just not a nice person. I am middle eastern. I went there once and guy was helping the white folks there very nicely in a good manner. However, when I ask my question the very first thing that he mentioned was the price range of their guitars ( Our budget for a guitar was actually more than that) right after he started giving life lessons about how I shouldn’t surprise any one in life and I actually making me feel bad about my question. I actually don’t recommend going this store especially if you’re looking for experts to ask questions about guitars and absolutely don’t go there if you’re a visible minority.
Rudely asked to leave the store for “browsing” because another customer was waiting outside.
We are actually looking to BUY a guitar, which would require said browsing.
It is not a good idea to ask a customer to leave the store to have another customer come in.
Definitely not buying the guitar from here.
6. Tempo Trend Music | Music Store | Victoria
Address: 410 Burnside Rd E, Victoria, BC V9A 1B1, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
Friendly local music shop. Accordion specialty but other instruments too.
Great local store for musicians of all ages.
Lots of selection of new and used.
Eye candy fills the store. The owner and staff dont disappoint with knowledge and friendliness. You’re not walking into a chain store where your a creditcard waiting to be processed, you’re treated like youve found long lost friends. You wont be disappointed.
I bought a accordion on line and the seller did not package it properly. I called and spoke with Martin, who was amazing to deal with!! Thank you Martin for helping me and fixing my accordion
Antonio
Back in 1980 I experienced my very first, and last, banjo lessons at Templo Trend Music on Burnside Road E.
Wonderful for repairs. Have a Value Village accordin the the wizard fixed up beautifully. Leveled the keys and fixed a reed and put on reasonably priced comfortable straps. Have to go back to fix an air leak after a drop. I’m hopeful she is repairable. The only place that could fix her. My main squeeze is hurt. See yas soon!
Had some work done on a bass guitar. I’ve been chasing the invoice for over a year after work was completed. I’ve stopped in, I’ve provided my email. I was told it will be sent later or I need time to find it. I have been told that the invoice has been emailed over a year ago, and told tempo trend I have not received it. I checked all my folders including spam. A printed copy should have been readily available or printed on site, and or sitting with the finished instrument detailing work and price. This store will not receive future repeat business from me ever again.
I still don’t have the invoice or the bass. I refuse to make payments without the included final price. I am asking to have my bass returned/picked up at a discount price. Due to the unprofessional non-chalant service I have received during this process. If you want to chase tails in circles, I recommend you go to tempo trend. Find another small local retailer who provides the same services and instead you will be more satisfied.
Some neat vibes in the place, I’m all for independent businesses. But when there’s a sale with a money exchange and deposit, you let the person know when the product they ordered comes in. 6 months later, still no call. One day I happen to walk in and oh! My item was waiting for me, as if that day it came in… it’s advertised as a music school. Maybe it should stick to what it knows best.
Very disappointing, my husbands check has supposedly been sent three times in the past three months.
7. Vinyl Envy
Address: 1717 Quadra St, Victoria, BC V8W 2L7, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
They always seem to have something I have been looking for and Michael and Matt will gladly hunt down something for me. My favorite stop for crate digging and a good chat. To top it off live music instore on weekends.
Nice selection, nice guys. Sweet bathroom too!
Good store for new and classic vinyl. Nice staff!
What a lovely record store, lots of older vinyl. Worth a look in for certain.
Staff was very friendly . Nice open space with lost of elbow room to dig .Small selection for Jazz even smaller for Metal, otherwise prices seamed typical.
Small but good record store. Neat and tidy, great staff, somewhat limited selection, but well worth a visit!
I will never go back there record snobs such bad service no mask very sad.
Do not trust the owner’s quality ratings. I was in a hurry and did not closely inspect the records I bought, but they were labeled NM, meaning Near Mint. I got them home and they were visibly scratched and had sound pops and crackles in numerous places. These should have been graded a G at best, not even VG. Definitely not VG+, nor NM. Thank you.
8. The Turntable
Address: 3 Fan Tan Alley #107, Victoria, BC V8W 3G9, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
Tiny place, loads of stuff to look at. I hear there is more upstairs so ask the staff. They’re pretty friendly. You may be chatting a while lol
Cool record store in a cool location.
I’ve been buying records here since I was a teenager….a looooong time ago. Customer service is amazing. Knowledge is amazing.
Stock is amazing.
The atmosphere is amazing.
The mustache is amazing.
All killer no filler
This VERY SMALL Record Store is FULL of great albums & posters. It took a bit to find using Google maps but we finally found it & it didn’t disappoint. So much stuff to look at. I didn’t end up buying anything but it was fun to see what they had.
Friendly staff. Lot of rare stuff.
Not much for new vinyl but a lot of old stuff. The two owners are good guys that LOVE music. Small place but they pack it in. Classic rock city in there.
OMG ! ….”EXPENSIVE VINYL HERE” – i’m picky and the quality of vinyl here does not match high prices they are asking. Not doubting that the staff is cool, but I guess that’s you are paying for – don’t plan on going back – better stores elsewhere.
Put obvious signs up if u don’t want pictures taken
Brought in a few records to sell that they had in stock for $40. Basically offered me $2 a record. Try selling on facebook marketplace instead. Went to Ditch got $100. Do not go anywhere near this place if you want an honest interaction.
9. Allison Piano
Address: 2328 Government St, Victoria, BC V8T 5G5, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
Great products with a great attention to detail. Offering a wide selection from 2×4″ magents, to large formats art prints, mugs, water bottles, trivets and coasters, art cards, calendars locally made, hand carved native wall art and much more. Friendly and dedicate staff.
Great products!
11. Supreme Echo
Address: 2504 Government St #102, Victoria, BC V8T 4P7, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
Great selection. Great owner. I’ll shop here again
Amazing vinyls Store, Jason knows the music.
80’s, rock, new wave, punk, electro …He is also helpful and super friendly.
For me, the best on Vancouver Island.
Victoria has lots of different shops, and Supreme Echo has found its niche.
Jason is simply amazing! Always willing to talk to customers and educate them about music, the industry, etc. He is also very happy to send you to a shop that may have what you are looking for if he doesn’t.
This is always my first stop when looking for new vinyl.
Sold some records. Nice local small business.
Always nice to see more vinyl available in Victoria. Very small closet shop. Has some unique choices but prices are on the high side across the board. Very friendly and helpful guy. I had a hard time buying a single thing as did my friend. Yet dropping $350+ at Ditch or Fascinating Rhythm is not a problem. I will go back to check him out but I hope he compares his pricing to his competition.
Tiny store with a good selection and really nice owner.
Very small shop and for a couple bucks more than his pricing you can buy new.
Every time I try to do a transaction with this guy, there’s a problem. I tried to buy Victoria CD book/compilation. It’s clearly 54.99, but when the paypal bill comes up it’s magically transformed in to US $( 74$?). Also, guy’s communication skills are kinda rude and wanting..
12. Piano Files
Address: 767 Tyee Rd #219, Victoria, BC V9A 0G5, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
One of the few vinyl places in Victoria that are really good offering newer and older selections of music. Pretty cool. Also check out the turntable In Fantan alley (but don’t tell anybody I said that)
I always look forward to going into Ditch, but you need time! There’s so much to flip through, and plenty of genres. These guys are fun to chat with and knowledgeable. They’ve special-ordered albums for me on a number of occasions. Probably my favourite store in Victoria.
Thank you for the death grips record.
Swell spot for vinyl
Nice record store, glad to see a revival in vinyl.
Extensive collection but lacking some brand new music
Brutal. For all you saying it’s the best shop in Victoria, you’re right cause it’s the only one worth even walking into. Most of the staff have the personality of a wet rag. Will definitely not be going back.
Not friendly at all staff doesn’t even look at you when you walk in the door or otherwise
Can you say overpriced? If so, check out Rich, excuse me Ditch records. The day I spend 20 dollars on a Simon and Garfunkel Greatest Hits is the day I throw myself off a tall building. No offense to Simon & Garfunkel, great tunes I’m just using an example. Where I come from that record is in the $2 bin. You’ll be hard pressed to find anything decent for less than $15. I was very unimpressed. Mostly new pressings, used pressings overpriced. Check out Lyle’s, while they have less selection you’ll find something cool for a reasonable price. I understand wanting to make some money but somebody should inform these guys that these artists sold MILLIONS of albums. My opinion is this place is a rip-off. I won’t return.
14. Joe Music
Address: 1284-A Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
My daughter decided to change woodwind instruments for grade 8. During the summer she had a few lessons with Joe. My daughter is abbig Disney fnn and boughta Disney Music Book. Joe lowered the notes so she was able to play. My daughter now thoroughly enjoys playing her instrument.
Great shop, lots of vintage gear with reasonable prices. Julian is great to chat with, very knowledgable.
Great shop with many rare and beautiful instruments and amps at affordable prices. Julian is friendly and knowledgeable, and since he’s an experienced technician, you can trust that the gear has been gone over.
Top notch service, a wide array of new and vintage instruments, and the best synthesizer selection in victoria (lots of guitars, amps, effects too). Check it out!!
17. Kimberley Jurens Woodwind Repairs Inc.
Address: 612B Manchester Rd, Victoria, BC V8T 2P1, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
I took my flute to Kim originally to see if I could sell it, having not played it for 25 years. She recommended an overhaul, and it was really in need of that. She did an extensive historical investigation to find out exactly who had made my flute, where he lived, and how good a craftsperson he was. Really interesting. A year later, since we are now stuck at home with COVID, I wanted it back. It arrived this week and it is beautiful. unrecognizable! It looks and feels fabulous. I was not allowed to pay for shipping! Contact over the year while it was trying to be sold was prompt and helpful. All round, the service has been excellent and I would highly recommend Kim for her exceptional skills and personable service.
Ruth Hibberson, Courtenay BC
Just recently started shopping with Kim for my flute needs. Kim has been an excellent resource as I have been searching for a new, professional level instrument- she has patiently answered a million questions and is a true expert in the flute community. Most recently I purchased several accessories from her new web-shop. Her offerings are well curated and she shipped so fast it was less than 24 hours and the items had arrived to me.
Kim did such an amazing job on my daughter’s flute! Absolutely gorgeous work and plays as though it is brand new (this flute is 31 years old!)!! I cannot thank her enough!!!
18. Christian Book & Music Victoria
Address: 3090 Nanaimo St, Victoria, BC V8T 5A6, Canada , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
Excellent customer service. What a unique little coffee bar.
The staff is helpful and if you need cheesy christian novels to read they have tons, as well as great books that are actually helpful
I enjoy the little coffee shop inside. Their lattes are great and the cinnamon buns are really good too. Soups are great and sandwiches are tasty. The ambience is quiet and relaxed. The store is relaxed and merchandise is tastefully displayed. Books, inspirational plaques and posters as well as music are all available.
Has a lot of interesting niknacks I there
Great selection of books and other resources, with an enormous clearance section. Not many Bibles besides NIV and NLT though
Wide selection of stuff but very expensive. Also I understand retail employees wanting to protect their products but one thing I’ve noticed is when I’ve gone in dressed well and proper, everything’s fine, no one bothers me, but when I’ve gone in really dressed down I get followed around the store everywhere I go. Makes me feel judged and unwelcome.
Poor service
Once again, what I was looking for was not in stock! Will order online
Nothing like something new, and a little nostalgia at the same time. Fun selections. Games too!
The guys there are very helpful and delightful.
I absolutely could spend a whole day here looking for movies from past days. I find it ridiculous that I have to pay $8 to watch a movie from 20 plus years ago. Come here and buy for the same price and it’s yours for life.
Almost always a pleasure! Most items that I am looking for can either be found in-store or can be ordered. Currently, takes a little longer to receive items, but not to worry!
Fairly competitive pricing, and some surprising sales/finds!
Super nostalgic and friendly customer service
Interesting
The young lady at the counter didn’t want to take a look at the list of records I was looking for, I just needed a random one or two from that list, but instead she told me to search by myself.
I am not familiar with records and even less with the music my husband listen to.
The only ones I found the section for, the section was empty.
She promised to come help in few minutes, but after half hour of her pretending not to see me, I decided to leave.
Nice people, good service…but not much music knowledge…
