Eastside Music

Eastside Music is like any other business. They are run by Humans. Just as you can say how bad they are, they can give you twice as many stories about the customers who are demanding and feeling entitled to some special treatment because they've walked through the door. Remember that the bad reviews posted here are from a very few self centered customers who were treated poorly by someone who was tired of self centered customers. I've been dealing with this store for over 15 years as a professional musician and teacher. They don't stock everything, but they've got a good selection to fill most needs.
Sure, there have been some unfortunate experiences and employees along the way but in the long run, I'll bank on Eastside. The best time to go is before 3pm on weekdays and when your not expecting them to fall on their knees to serve you. The current staff are the most likable people you can meet if you give them a chance.

Posted 09/30/09 | Report Abuse

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The employees at Eastside Music are extremely rude and disrepectful. I have never been treated so this bad from a place of business. They really need to take a hard look at themselves and figure out if they should stay in business.

Posted 09/13/09 | Report Abuse

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I have been to this store like 5 times in my life. Every time they were really nice. Even when I was just getting picks, and they knew I was not gonna buy a guitar, they would still let me play with them and talk music with me for as long as I felt like hanging out. They are not the largest store around but I like it there. I did buy an IBANEZ ARX 500 brand new on sale for only $499.99! This is a thousand dollar guitar folks! Guitar center was asking $749 on sale. I bought the guitar with amp (Ibanez tbx65r, $219.50) for a total of $719.45. Amp msrp is $373, on sale at guitar center for $279.99. Look on any website any where and you will NOT beat that deal. I have a dream guitar I never thought I could ever own. I bout a guitar and amp for cheaper than the guitar would have been by it self anywhere else. THANK YOU EAST SIDE MUSIC!

Posted 07/26/09 | Report Abuse

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Excellent customer service and deals! The staff did a good job helping me find the saxophone I needed. They were friendly and surprisingly very knowledgable. The prices were a steal compared to the other music places around the Portland area. I would definitely recommend any music lover to this store! Keep up the good work Eastide!

Posted 07/16/09 | Report Abuse

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The rude, arrogant and defensive employee that worked for Eastside is no longer there. The staff is pleasant and extremely knowledgeable. For those that had a bad experience it may be worth another visit.

Posted 12/03/08 | Report Abuse

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I was nervous about going back after reading the reviews, but they were fine with me. Although, usually you would find better than average customer service at a small store, they were just average.
Rental situation - I needed to return a cello for a violin. Everything went fine, the only minor problem was that I got to Eastside with about 10 minutes to close and he tried to discourage me from making the switch because it was so close to closing. With a very upset 11 year old I convinced him that I really needed to get this done today rather than make the trip again. Not a major thing, but again, you should expect to receive better than average customer service from small shops like this.

Posted 10/09/08 | Report Abuse

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We rented an instrument several years ago because of school band.
We kept getting statements and statements but when we called to ask how much more do we owe on this- they could not tell us. When we questioned their customer service -The man became very rude and explained they had the best rental financial software available. "Then why can't you tell me how much i owe?"- The man became angry and defensive. I am not renting there again- This year i am buying from another dealer. Now Eastside Music charges an extra $5. a month just to send you a statement! About the only nice guy there is Nate. He was helpful.

Posted 08/25/08 | Report Abuse

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I'm amazed at the other reviews. I'm sure they're true, but I haven't had a similar experience. I like how all the staff seems knowledgable, and there is usually an expert around for any particular question. I like the small and independant feel. When I took my violin in to ask some questions about maintenance and repair, without even offering to buy anything from them, they cleaned it for me for free and gave me great advice. I ended up buying a new shoulder rest. Later, when I took my guitar in to ask why a string was buzzing, they fixed it for free. Nice guys.

Posted 08/05/08 | Report Abuse

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when i went there to look at new guitars to buy, the first guy i talked to them about was pretty cool, but then this rude mister know it all guy butted in and gave me some okay advise but he just steped over and yaped at me for about an hour. some things they price are riddiculs, then wanted 2 dollars for a leater pick holder about 3in both ways and could only hold very small picks. i like there prices on guitars. but there costumer service was okay. they need more people to work there. if your not ready to jib jab (talk for hours), then dont go to eastside music.

Posted 07/04/08 | Report Abuse

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I bought a Sorinuri Digital Metronome M-13, when turned off the batteries go dead. I called the store the sales person (Nate) had to put me on hold to answer each question I asked and implied I didn't know how to turn it off. I am from out of town and bought it six months ago, so I was informed I was out of luck. I asked to have Gary the manager call me back when he was back from vacation. It has been over a week no call. This is an inexpensive item and I received no service at all, I would not buy anything here ever again.

Posted 05/27/07 | Report Abuse

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I would have to say my experience was similar to the others. You have to watch these guys like a hawk; almost every time they ring up a higher price than the label on the product.

Music stores are suppose to be a great place to get advice and encouragement. These guys aren't even nice, unless you're flashing a lot of green. I'm at a loss why they're even in the business.

Posted 12/30/06 | Report Abuse

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I went in to Eastside music to purchase a music book. While there I saw a display of music stands with a sign $9.00.
When I told the unfriendly sales clerk that I would like one of them, he said black or blue. I said blue.
When I got home I saw that I was charged $13.95 for the stand instead of the $9.00.
I took it back the next day and let them know that I was charged 13.95 instead of $9.00. He said "yeah". I said I thought they were $9.00, he said you got a blue one.
I told him that the sales person did not mention a difference in price between black and blue! He was so rude in explaining to me I couldn't believe it. Upset with his attitude I told him I just wanted my money back. He said I could give you a store credit. I said here is my receipt from yesterday, here is the stand and I want my money back, nothing was posted about store credit. He then said you paid by check you will have to come back in two weeks. I said two weeks? Why? He said we have to wait for your check to clear, and I told him it doesn't take two weeks, he said if you want your money you'll have to come back in two weeks and snubbed me. I left and I will be back there in exactly two weeks.
What a jerk!! When I get my money back I will never go back and I will tell everybody I know the same!! All the staff there is arrogant, cocky and act like they are doing you a favor when you ask for assistance...

Posted 03/01/06 | Report Abuse

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This music store left me very unsatisified. I had a clarinet repaired here and the work was very poor. The prices for this store are not the best you could find, although they were not outrageous. I would recommend Wally's or Beacocks Music, and although they might be inconvienient, the products and repairs will be more satisfying. The staff is friendly enough, but as for being helpful, not so much.

Posted 01/01/06 | Report Abuse

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