The Cost of Instruments at Music Stores in Toronto

Before we can get to the reviews, let’s dive deep into the costs first.

The table below is the list of the most common instruments at music stores and their respective costs:

Instrument	Estimated Range
Keyboard	$299 - $1,499
Piano	$3,000 - $6,000 $5,000 - $25,000 (high-end upright) $77,000 - $30,000 (entry grand piano)
Acoustic Guitar	$100 - $500
Electric Guitar	$100 - $400 (beginner) $400 - $900 (intermediate) $1,000 - $2,500 (advanced) $2,500 (professional)
Violin	$50 - $500 (children’s) $600 - $5,000 (advanced)
Drum Set	$300 - $1,000
Saxophone	$800 - $2,700 (beginner) $2,000 - $3,000 (intermediate) $3,000+ (entry-level pro)
Flute	$500 - $1,000 (beginner) $1,400 - $2,500 (intermediate) $2,500+ (entry-level pro)
Trumpet	$400 -$1,200 (beginner) $1,200 - $2,300 (intermediate) $2,300+ (entry-level pro)
Cello	$300 - $2,500 (beginner) $2,500 - $10,000 (mid-level) $10,000 (high-quality pro)

1. Long & McQuade Musical Instruments

Products available	★★★★★ (5/5)
Range of instruments	★★★★★ (5/5)
Accessories and tools	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Brands sold	★★★★★ (5/5)
Price range	★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer service	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Product knowledge	★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer care	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Buying experience	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Services and warranties	★★★★★ (5/5)

Long & McQuade Musical Instruments won a space on this list by providing a great selection of items with favorable policies. Other than that, they also offer products at fair rates and provide a great community for musicians in the area.

Being a national musical store chain, this shop basically has access to every instrument you can imagine. In fact, it’s one of the things that we liked most about them since they also carry famous brands such as Yamaha and Roland.

The buying experience though is a mix of both good and bad in our opinion and in our experience. During our visits, we did have a fine time listening to expert advice from the musicians that also run the store.

However, we encountered comments on our survey wherein customers weren’t satisfied with the customer service. Additionally, they also noted how a couple of items were in stock, which was a shocker for them seeing how the shop has extensive items.

Despite this, we appreciate a lot of compelling things including their flexible terms on exchanges and returns. Having well-working instruments is important to us too, so this is definitely a score in our book.

Additionally, we find their 30-day price protection sufficient as well as their low rental and financing rates. And if you’ll ever need services for the items you’ve bought, they can accommodate your needs as well.

Customer Reviews

Delivers top-notch services

I have been a L&M customer for years and have been very pleased with every locations I have dealt with, but this particular store goes even further in delivering top notch service and advice. In terms of customer service, Long & McQuade Pro sits at the top of the food chain. – Mario Cantin

Fast and informative process

Kelly, thanks for your help with buying my new Gibson. Kelly knows the ins and outs with finance options. As a first time financee, he made the process quick and kept me informed. Thanks again, will be back for the rest of my gear as time goes on. – Matthew MacKinnon

2. Remenyi House Of Music

Products available	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Range of instruments	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accessories and tools	★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Brands sold	★★★★★ (5/5)
Price range	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer service	★★★★★ (5/5)
Product knowledge	★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer care	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Buying experience	★★★★★ (5/5)
Services and warranties	★★★★☆ (4/5)

Although fairly limited in terms of products offered, Remenyi House Of Music is a great choice if you want a high-end buying experience. In addition to that, the place also bears over 130 years of musical heritage, so it’s safe to say that they know their thing.

This quality music store has a lot of advantages including its solid sales support. One of the first things we noticed was how well detailed they are in explaining different options to clients – great for beginner players, in our opinion.

It’s also relatively mid-size so the in-store experience won’t be a hassle if that’s your thing. The instruments are also well-organized bases on three different levels so casual browsing is easy with or without an assistant.

Another plus point is the fact that they offer related services to every instrument they sell, whether it’s maintenance or repair. We know it’s more convenient for buyers that way since they don’t have to visit a different shop.

Unfortunately, it’s not among our recommendations when it comes to music tools and accessories since the offerings are low. They do have print music and books though which is a nice touch for a traditional music store.

Despite having a few bumps in customer service in the past, we do think they’re on a steady path towards better client care. We saw this through their expert knowledge and services as well as high-quality instruments.

Customer Reviews

Wide selection of instruments

I originally went in for music books, having planned to purchase a piano at another store, but was blown away by their options for digital pianos. (My apartment doesn’t have temperature or humidity regulation so an acoustic was out of the question.) Found an amazing Roland and couldn’t be happier! – Gypsy Elixir

Quick and top-quality services

I ordered a few pieces of sheet music to be delivered from Remenyi and was excited to see they arrived the next day! Given most stores are closed right now, it was great to receive a delivery so quickly. Everything is in perfect condition (brand new), and their packaging is recycled material. Thanks Remenyi! – Jaclyn Lang

3. Steve’s Music Store

Products available	★★★★★ (5/5)
Range of instruments	★★★★★ (5/5)
Accessories and tools	★★★★★ (5/5)
Brands sold	★★★★★ (5/5)
Price range	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Customer service	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Product knowledge	★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer care	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Buying experience	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Services and warranties	★★★★☆ (4/5)

This wonderful gem of a music store impressed us with its extensive catalog of instruments and related accessories. They have some of the world’s most reputable brands while offering them at competitive prices.

As a local music store, it does win a customer with its friendly and non-pushy approach to sales. The location is also pretty spacious so you can browse for hours without feeling pressured to buy anything.

The fun and laid-back atmosphere are just some of the many things we love about this store. Another thing is their expert knowledge when it comes to instruments – seeing the positive response from our survey truly proved this.

Among all the shops we’ve reviewed, this one has the most efficient online ordering system. It’s just as simple as the in-store experience since it’s easy to see the collection, check out, pay, and receive orders.

Even the delivery process is reliable as customers note that the delivery was fast without any damage to the items. There are also financing options in case your total has exceeded your budget at the time.

On the flip side, we find their return and exchange policies a bit restrictive compared to other shops. Regardless, if everything went well during your purchase, then it’s safe to say that the rest will be good as well.

Customer Reviews

Remarkable services and products

Great, knowledgeable, and friendly staff! Recently bought a Godin Radium there and they were helpful every step of the way (reserving, asking questions, curbside pick up). I love taking a trip to Steve’s! – Daniel Kerr

Incredible buying experience 

Jesse the manager of the drum department is one of the best people I’ve ever met. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and studies every detail when ordering a product for a customer. If you don’t think of it he’s already thought of it for you. If you’re buying anything drum related in Toronto go and see Jesse! – Michael Sage

4. The Sound Post

Products available	★★★★★ (5/5)
Range of instruments	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accessories and tools	★★★★★ (5/5)
Brands sold	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Price range	★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer service	★★★★★ (5/5)
Product knowledge	★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer care	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Buying experience	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Services and warranties	★★★★☆ (4/5)

Through our research and visits, we can say The Sound Post is dedicated to giving out  comprehensive services to the string community. That is why they are a great choice for providing string players with quality products and services.

At very friendly prices, you can enjoy their wide range of work for repairing, as well as buying and selling said instruments – a sure plus. In addition to this, they are also well known for restoring and selling antique instruments.

Speaking of their pricing, the shop can offer a further five percent discount whenever they find a lower published price by any competitor just so they can’t be undersold. This, we think, is a great deal for its clients who deal with a tight budget.

Another great thing about them is their understanding of how difficult it is to make a decision on a major purchase. This is where their one-week approval loans will come in handy, which enables their clients to test instruments in their own homes at no cost.

However, we do hear some bad feedback regarding their online store. Despite this, the staff always take action to solve such inconveniences as soon as they can and that is being done by them constantly updating their clients.

Nevertheless, it is safe to say that the store is truly professional in the industry being in the business for decades. We can see why it is one of the most trusted one-stop suppliers for string players and luthiers in the city.

Customer Reviews

Honest & reliable service

I’ve been coming here for years for instrument repairs, rehairs, accessories and more. They are really one of the best shops in the city for string instruments, honest and reliable service with fair prices, look no further! – Jonathan Garabedian

Superb customer service

Another repair shop recommended purchasing a new instrument. The Sound Post saved my daughters bass! Superb customer service and very informative for my daughter learning about her instrument. – Kelly Bland

5. The Twelfth Fret Guitarists’ Pro Shop

Products available	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Range of instruments	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Accessories and tools	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Brands sold	★★★★★ (5/5)
Price range	★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer service	★★★★★ (5/5)
Product knowledge	★★★★★ (5/5)
Customer care	★★★★★ (5/5)
Buying experience	★★★★☆ (4/5)
Services and warranties	★★★★☆ (4/5)

If you are looking for a place to buy fretted instruments and their related accessories, The Twelfth Fret is a good go-to shop. Other than providing said products, they are also open to giving you repairs on the items they sell.

Being in the industry for over 45 years, it is important for them to deliver the best service possible. This is possible with their team who are not just experts but are also musicians – so we can say that you are in good hands.

Other than fretted instruments, some customers who are into other particular instruments (drums, violins, etc.)  can still be accommodated by the shop. For your information, they also do sell a wide variety of instruments and exotic pieces from time to time.

Another great thing that we found out about them is their shipping system. Not only do they sell locally, but they also deliver across the world- on a daily basis too! (great for those considering moving homes or sending overseas gifts).

On the other hand, compared to others, they do not offer instrument rentals. Although this is the case, they are, however, one of the few shops that allow their customers to pay for anything they have in stock, no matter the price. 

Overall, it’s a nice choice if you want a solid online ordering system with a seamless delivery process. It’s also a great place to drop by if you want to score unique instruments that you can’t do anywhere in the city.

Customer Reviews

Friendly staff

Went in by appointment to get some assistance for my wife to look at beginner guitars. Brian was very helpful and gave her a handful of different guitars to consider – different makes and models and price ranges. There are plenty to choose from. The shop appears clean and well run and with friendly staff we’ll plan to be back! – Karl Peterman

Go-to guitar shop

I’m a newbie guitarist and I took my instrument here for a set-up. The folks working here were very honest with me, they did not try and coerce me into paying for unnecessary work on my instrument, which is always my fear with these type of things. It was difficult to get through to them by phone, when I emailed they got back to me in good time. This is definitely my go-to guitar shop now! – Jayme Carter

FAQs About Music Stores in Toronto

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There you have it – the best music stores in Toronto are finally within your reach. To help you unlock the musical genius within yourself, check out our review of the best piano lessons in Toronto to be the next modern Mozart!