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American Music
Categories: Shopping Musical Instruments & Teachers Active Life Musical Instruments & Teachers, Active Life [Edit]
4450 Fremont Ave NSeattle, WA 98103
Neighborhood: Fremont
(206) 633-1774
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We are the place to go to rent a piano in Seattle. Our rates start as low as $25.00 per month.Every piano in our store is available to rent on a month… read more »
32 reviews for American Music
Review Highlights
32 reviews in English
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Review from Thai D.
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is the best music store in Seattle. Great service, everyone on the staff are local musicians who are all about getting you what you need and not about how to bump their sales. It's a very laid-back atmosphere, there's a great selection, and everyone here is very helpful. Go to American Music - not Guitar Center!
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Review from Jason K.
Seattle, WA
2/27/2012
Staff was very helpful. Got my finger picks and learned all about them.
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Review from Mister F.
Seattle, WA
1/26/2012
Everything they've ever sold me has turned out to be an A+ piece of equipment for the money, from my first bass guitar to my first PA system on down. Terry in live sound has especially steered me towards great gear for the money. I also appreciate the laid-back atmosphere, there's no pressure here. If you're serious about music, about finding the right gear to meet your needs, these are the folks to turn to. They are honest and knowledgeable and many of the staff have been working there for years and years. There may not be as wide of a selection as an online superstore, but then again, their inventory seems to be based on quality, not quantity.
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Review from Erik H.
Seattle, WA
8/31/2011
This review is specifically for the amazing service I received from Sean Lane - the drum tech.
I'm fairly new to drumming, and I was struggling with getting a usable sound out of my snare. Came in and Sean talked me through the different batter/reso head choices I had; when I asked if he could walk me through the tuning process, he said no problem and started replacing the heads.
While replacing the heads, he identified a couple problems with my snare:
1. My throw off was partially broken.
2. One of the tension rods had fused within the tension casing.
We discussed how necessary a new throw off was - for my rather limited drumming needs - and he was refreshingly honest, and told me I should just hold off from buying a new throw off, and put that money towards a new snare, when I felt the need to upgrade.
From there, he spent a good 15 minutes dealing with the fused tension rod. He took apart the tension casing, and replaced the broken tension rod. He even added a couple drops of oil to each tension casing to prevent future problems.
All in all, I was there for about 50 minutes, came away with a huge improvement in snare sound, a better understanding of the snare drum as a whole, and all I had to pay for was the new heads Sean had put on.
It absolutely made my day. I wanted to tip him, but I didn't have any cash on me, which really bummed me out, as he went above and beyond. Thank you Sean! -
Review from Andrew F.
Seattle, WA
12/7/2010
I've spent 20+ years shopping at music stores in Boston, New York, New Jersey and South Carolina and never once have I experienced the kind of service that I have received in my first three visits to American Music.
First off, I was greeted and asked if I needed help by every employee who passed me - something that sure won't happen at Guitar Center where they're too busy playing the instrumetns to answer your questions.
Next, they offered me genuine input and assistance and did not try to sell me on the merchandise. I asked about bass pickups, and got recommendations about all kinds of pickups, not just about what was in the merch case.
And finally, I brought in a bass on a Sunday to have it looked at, thinking I would be dropping it off on a busy day and awaiting a call. Not so. An employee whipped it out of the case and in five minutes had it opened up and was looking at the electronics. He waited on other customers as needed, but always went right back to my bass. He even tried soldering it on the spot to see if a bad connection was the issue. I did not expect this kind of service, and though it still resulted in me checking it into the shop, I was grateful for the effort.
First rate staff. The instrument selection may lean towards the more economical, but otherwise, great shop. -
Review from Cee B.
11/6/2011
Great selection of amps. They had a great selection of Gretsch guitars. I bought some in-home recording equipment and a used 1960s Fender Mustang (shipped to me) for a decent price. The employees were extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and able to locate things in the area if they didn't have them.
Listed in: SEATTLE
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Review from Yolanda D.
Seattle, WA
2/13/2011
I needed several items for my guitar and I was told to try American Music in Fremont. It is a smaller shop, but well stocked. I was able to buy everything I needed at a lower price then Guitar Center.
The people are very friendly, and accomodating each time I visit. There is always a place to park when I go, and they didn't even try to sell me a new guitar when I thought something was wrong with mine.
Great little store! -
Review from Alison D.
Seattle, WA
3/27/2011
Wandered in here on a Saturday to look at keyboard stands- they had maybe two that I could see. Perhaps they had more magical ones in the back- I'm not sure and I'll never know because not one of the 'men' working in the store, not ONCE, acknowledged my existence. There were at least 4 people working (from what I could see).
I circled the entire store at least three times. The selection of guitars was nothing to be excited about. They had some interesting keyboards and synths.
There are other music stores in Seattle...
EDIT* I received an apologetic message from the owner, so I'm bumping it up a star. At the end of the day, it's this kind of thing that can make a difference when shopping somewhere local. I appreciate the message she sent me and like I told her, would not let the experience I had here deter me from ever coming back. -
Review from Jessi M.
Seattle, WA
10/12/2010
I went in here yesterday to buy my first guitar. It was great for a beginner-- they talked me through the different qualities to look for in a guitar. If I'm looking for a cheaper guitar, what gives the best sound? If I have tiny hands, what brands have smaller necks?
They were patient, and never seemed to be pushing a particular brand or price on me. When looking for a case, they gave me a variety of options, including ones that required going to the warehouse (I ended up getting one of the warehouse ones-- a more inexpensive hard case with a bag exterior).
It was nice to feel like they weren't talking down to me or trying to scam me, which I was worried about when guitar shopping on my own for my first guitar. I'm glad I went here instead of some place like Guitar Center. -
Review from Phil E.
Seattle, WA
12/16/2008
Ahh music stores. The only place a struggling musician spends more time is the instrument repair shop. Or perhaps Taco Bell. Now if only there were some way to combine the two. Can we build it? Do we have the technology?
It's difficult enough to find the cable or mic or pedal or keytar you want let alone someone who works at the store who knows what they're talking about. But not at American Music.
It's not a mega-chain-van-halen-wannabe-take-your-girlfriend- to-show-off-the-nickelback-riff-you-learned-once-d uring-a-lifetime-bi-weekly-sale-event store. You know who I mean. i'm looking at you, AXL... Nay - this is a smaller store that, I'm sure, will be the first to admit doesn't have everything under the sun. But what you will find are the items you actually need (i.e. No Angus Young certified ear plugs™) and a helpful and knowledgeable staff. Imagine that! They will actually have the answers to your questions and not sell you a USB cable when what you really need is a Wammy Bar.
I can't speak to the other departments, but the gents I've dealt with in keyboards and pro-audio have been great and I will certainly be back again. Plus they don't seem to mind when I sit down at a two thousand dollar keyboard and play a polka version of Sweet Child of Mine. -
Review from Josh B.
Seattle, WA
1/14/2008
Let me put it plainly: The day of my first visit to American Music was also the day of my last visit to Guitar Center.
I went in, spent 3.5 hours (with a break for lunch at a place they recommended), and then spent way more money than I had intended to. I left delighted and eager to return.
They are helpful, not pushy, and have a selection which is just as nice as some of the big music chains. -
Review from Laura B.
7/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
You have yet to really impress me.
You seem to be earnest but don't deliver as expected.
Your repair shop is amazing. Five stars amazing.
Some of your sales staff are great and some aren't.
Actions speak louder than words, but a phone call to let me know what's going on is important for customer service... Don't forget that part.
update: and when an order gets messed up and I come in to pick up the order.... it does not inspire confidence that you haven't even opened up the guitar case to check if this time the order was correct.... really unprofessional!Comment from Stacy B. of American Music 11/5/2010
Please contact our store manager at 206-633-1774 so we may… More » -
Review from Andrew C.
5/11/2010
If I had a building in which to put a business, I'd have no idea where to put anything. My eye for interior design, outside of a home or apartment, is heavily dependent on copying the ideas of others.
It seems as if many independent music stores are in the same boat. Many of which try so hard to make their store look like Guitar Center and wind up failing miserably. But that's alright because they're independent music stores and we all want that kind of thing to succeed, right?
American Music is another place that falls into that category. Not a sparse selection but not quite a GC. They've got a lot of good stuff in here and a lot of it is well priced. The guitar selection is primarily Fender with a few other brands thrown in. Same with the Bass selection. About two lefty's in the entire store so don't bother if you're in that market for one of those.
Not really sure what to say about the keyboards being I'm not a keyboard player. There was some cheap stuff and some expensive stuff. I guess that covers the skill and wallet levels.
The drum room was pretty solid. I was surprised. They've got the "sound proof" cymbal room in the back with a ton of cymbals, again very reminiscent of any Guitar Center. A few acoustic sets were displayed next to two or three electric sets. An electric drum set... mmmm.. who wouldn't want one of those to mess around with?
Rest of the place, strings, accessories...etc. You know, music stuff. Amp room with some good stuff at normal high prices.....etc.
And too many people walking around bored as hell asking if you need anything. I guess that one part is unlike Guitar Center, where most sales staff are nearly impossible to find. -
Review from Will L.
11/12/2007 2 Check-ins Here
I'm reviewing solely the Service Center, not the retail shop. Sorry, rocker-sales-dudes, but my only experience in your shop was walking in and saying, "Where are your repair guys?"
Note: the repair shop is on the opposite side of the street (west), about half a block south, shares a parking lot with an auto detailing place.
When you first enter the doors, you'll generally see no one. Don't despair. Knock/open/look through the window of the door on the right, next to the stage with the old drumset on it. There will probably be a tech lurking within. If he isn't on the phone, he'll generally head right out to talk. That's where I knock off a star, though. If I didn't know better, I would have stood out in that entry area for about 5 minutes then given up.
I've taken my 5-string bass to them three times now. My 4-string once, my acoustic guitar once, my electric guitar once. The reason my 5-string has had so many visits is I play it regularly, and thus knock it out of whack, break knobs, wear down the bridge, and generally cause it grief. My other instruments mostly collect dust.
Ben is the name of the tech who's tuned my Ibanez 5 string custom the last 3 times. His name should be, "Awesome" because that is the job he does with my bass, every time. Here's my best 'kudos' story to him:
I had a chipped piece of wood in my Ibanez custom 5-string's fret board, at the 4th fret. It would confuse me when playing on a dark stage, as it would reflect light similar to the mother-of-pearl dots at the 3rd and 5th frets. I invariably would go to hit a note on what at a quick glance I thought was either the 3rd or 5th fret and hit a note a half-step off. The technical name for the resulting sound is "Asstastic." Mr. Awesome repaired this and stained it so well that only close examination reveals that there was ever a chip there.
He's also totally friendly and totally honest. He charges me exactly what he thinks he needs to, and knocks off dollars if he didn't do what he thought he'd have to. He works fast--he mentioned he was 'a week behind,' and I was expecting to get my bass back in a month.
He's gone through and completely identified all the wood used in my bass for me, replaced the circuit board at one point when it was crapping out, tracked down new pots when I bent the crap out of them. When I get my bass back from him, it's like owning a brand new bass. The action is awesome, the 19th fret is in tune with the 7th fret, the strings are new, and I am happy. And then so is my band.
Because no one likes to sound Asstastic. -
Review from Chris J.
Seattle, WA
6/17/2010
Being an average drummer, I love coming to this place to see what kind of bargains I can get for my set. I've purchased a few cymbals, sticks and heads here at some really great prices. Not cheapy namebrands but the good stuff. The staff is so nice and laid back and it seems like such a great environment. I also had to bring my kick pedal in here to see if they could adjust and fix it for me and even though they didn't have the correct part in stock, the guy took apart another one and made it work. Oh yeah, and he didn't charge me a cent. "Just come back and purchase your equipment here" That, my friend, won't be a problem.
They've got everything any musician, novice or expert, could need and the staff and atmosphere is awesome!! -
Review from Tanarut P.
Seattle, WA
1/30/2007
I've been here a handful of times and always had a good experience.
I was in the market for an electric piano and the keyboards dude really knew what he was doing and knew exactly what would meet my needs. I ended up buying a perfectly working used Yamaha KX-88 and keyboard stand at a very reasonable price.
The prices in general may be a tad higher than Guitar Center's, but that's to be expected.
On a side-note, I had e-mailed to ask about drum lessons and I got a reply a while week later. In other words, don't count on these guys to e-mail you back promptly. -
Review from Shane L.
Seattle, WA
8/16/2011
American Music has always underpromised and overdelivered as far as their repair shop goes. I recently tried Condor Electronics (bad idea) and ended up back at American so they could fix what Condor couldn't in less time and for less money. I HIGHLY recommend American Music over any shop in Seattle. I have had several amps and a guitar into American over the last couple years and if my crap keeps breaking (!), I'll keep going back.
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Review from edelweiss s.
Seattle, WA
6/20/2011
When it comes to a sound system rental , I am technologically challenged. American Music's Service Rental Manager Erik set me up with perfect sound system: speakers, amp, mic and a cable to connect up to my 'little mp3 playing' device. At the weekend rates, I got an affordable sound system for the family hula show! Super fast check out and return, very professional quotes.
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Review from Braden B.
Seattle, WA
12/29/2009
This is my pick for a Seattle-based guitar place. The staff has always been friendly to me and as-knowledgeable-as-I've-needed-them-to-be. I've made several purchases here and even traded in a couple of pedals, and I've always been treated fairly.
2011 Edit: Still five stars! I go here a lot more often now since I recently bought a guitar from them and it has a floating bridge, so I prefer to trust professionals with my string changes. I love stopping in and actually hope to get on a first-name basis with some of them. I also had a guitar-store breakthrough moment the last time I was there--when you are told that you have adhered to an incorrect assumption about guitar, don't try to play it off that you knew otherwise all along. Admit ignorance, and if you're in a decent place (like this one) they'll talk to you about it and not belittle you.
Fascinating. -
Review from paul b.
Seattle, WA
1/17/2011
Ultra friendly staff, definitely not the creepy,hovering, asking if they can help you every five seconds style of customer service you get at GC. This place provides a we can nerd out about gear without pressuring you to buy something style situation. normal prices and good selection.
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Review from Joel B.
Seattle, WA
1/14/2010
I've only been in here a couple times, but it's been a great experience both times.
The first time I came by was right after barely surviving the condescending oppression of Dusty Strings, and enjoying a comparatively breezy walk up the ten blocks of Fremont Ave. I just needed some picks and asked about a capo and a chord chart. They happened to be fresh out of charts, and I was fine without a capo for a while, anyway. The cashier was friendly, didn't assume I had played guitar for twenty years, and made me feel like I was an okay person even though I'm just starting out with my roommate's guitar.
The second time I went up, when I needed strings to replace the ones I broke on my roommate's guitar, they had the charts, and the cashier (a different one) was similarly friendly, accepting of my being a guitar newb, and even recognized and complimented my Woot shirt.
I'd probably give four and a half stars if I could - they didn't blow me away - but I'll definitely err on the side of being positive, especially after Dusty Strings. Either way, it's definitely worth the jaunt up the hill. -
Review from Greg A.
Seattle, WA
4/3/2008
Of all the really good instrument shops, this is the most professional. I have witnessed and received good service here. They will answer all of your questions. They have always treated me well. I have had work done on one of my guitars and have purchased other misc. gear as well.
Expect more new instruments than used. Parking is ample. Selection is good. Staff is on the ball.
Guitar Center is a punch line. This place is no joke. -
Review from Hernan S.
Seattle, WA
1/3/2007
Great neighborhood music store. I've been coming here for years and they're always friendly, patient and helpful. The service is so much better than what you'll get at the big stores like Guitar Center
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Review from Paul L.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2007
I've yet to make a purchase in the retail portion of the store, so my two cents are in regards to the repair shop.
The first time I went in there I had a problem with a pickup on my guitar. The guy working actually took time to open it up in front of me and asses the situation. It really was a nice gesture, as most places will def make you fill out paper work before they even touch anything. So after checking a bunch of things he determined the pick up was faulty. Since it was a new guitar I had purchased from a shop that had a warranty through Fender, he made a point of saying they would be able to bill them and fix my guitar for free! I had to use the guitar for a gig, so I told him I'd bring it back with a receipt next week.
Fast forward to this week. I brought the guitar in with reciept, and Ben, the guy that does repairs informed me it would take about two weeks to get a new pick up shipped in. But rather than leave my guitar there, leaving me SOL, I was able to keep it with me until the pick up came into the shop.
So I've yet to have the actual work done, but so far I've had nothing but good service. I'd recommend this place over any other reapir shop because they are really helpful, and won't try and screw you over.
EDIT: ok. so i got my guitar back. but it was a bit of an ordeal. i had originally expressed interest in a set-up, but didn't confirm that i wanted it done for sure since it costs $90 + tax to do it there. When I got the call from Ben to inform me it was ready to pick up, he told me I'd have to pay for the work done when I came to get the guitar. I was confused and a bit pissed since he only said he would be installing the pick-up when i dropped the guitar off(there was no indication of the set- up on the invoice he gave me).. When I brought the guitar in I had also mentioned to them someone would have to come pick the guitar up since I work during there business hours. Why would they have not mentioned they were going to do the extra work that would involve payment since it would be a someone that's not me coming to get the guitar? In the end i had to call in my credit card, and just suck it up. the work had been done. now don't get me wrong, he did a good job setting the guitar up and installing the pick up.. however, after this whole experience i feel a bit sour about this place. -
Review from nathan r.
Updated - 8/26/2010
This is specifically aimed at the repair shop guys Cooper and Steve. They are seriously the best. They listen, they care, they cuddle, they fix...well, I don't know about the cuddle part- I just threw that in the mix for some strange reason. Hands down- the only guys I trust with my gear. They answer calls quickly, they figure out issues quickly and the turnaround time is great. Plus, they really know music gear through and through, which is important to me. Thanks guys for the awesome service.
Listed in: The Five Star List, Music Supply, Born to Shop
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/25/2009
This has become my favorite place- I admit it. I am recognized by some of the staff- they are… Read more »
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Review from Ryan L.
Orlando, FL
6/21/2007
The best independent music store in Seattle, period. Good selection (would like to see some more acoustic guitars, though), competitive prices, and fantastic and knowledgeable staff (big props to Derek!). The repair shop is second only to Third-Coast Guitars in Chicago, and even that may be a stretch. Highly recommended.
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Review from Gordie H.
Seattle, WA
6/22/2009
You get 5 stars just because you aren't Guitar Center. Cheers.
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Review from Brien H.
Seattle, WA
6/19/2008
Great staff, great atmosphere. Selection is on the small side, but then again they have limited space to work with. Ultimately, my favorite shop because I bought my gorgeous guitar here and the amp that goes with it, and they make a killer tone together. I've been happily playing that setup without any desire to replace either of the pieces for the last four years, and still can't imagine replacing them.
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Review from Rich E.
Charleston, SC
9/11/2008
Way better than GC. The staff, at least the gent I jabbered with, knows a thing or two. When talking neck radius, amp tube difference, or wood tone characteristics, they don't stare Bambi-style into your eyes.
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Review from steve c.
Denver, CO
10/20/2008
Not bad-it is a smaller store, which is a plus, but it doesn't have the feel of 'The Trading Musician,' either. I was looking for drum stuff, so they had nothing here for me. (I'll have to go back-one of their employees yelped me that they have one of the best drum rooms around) If you're in Freemont and are looking for guitars/and or gear, not a bad place.
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Review from Brycelaine P.
Seattle, WA
10/27/2005 2 photos
Wow, if your a musician and you play the guitar or the drums...here's your store. They have an amazing selection with very experienced staff...guitars, drums, percussion, and music...great stop.
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Review from Kat H.
Anchorage, AK
8/1/2007
My roommate's new puppy got out. I was the only person home. It wasn't my fault--I swear...the wind blew the door open, which hadn't latched properly! Apparantly, the 4-footed golden girl made her way to busy Fremont Ave. The golden boys of American Music-Man somehow a) saw her, b) collected her, c) got her to the pound, where they d) held her until my roomie could retrieve her after e) I had several minor heart attacks thinking she was probably dead or eternally lost. Thanks to the AMM boys, we have all recovered from this little incident and I still have a roof over my head. I took ice cream bars to all the employees as a thank you. They had no idea who I was or why I was walking through their doors, arms loaded with frozen confections, which is why I love the hair-rocker guy even more for exclaiming, "Dude, you brought us ice cream?" as I busted in there. Yep. Mission accomplished. Nice hair, boys, and I'm sure you sell a great guitar, too.
