TEN STARS! The employees here go WAY above and beyond. I needed replacement mallet heads for my mini-steel tongue drum, and I was able to find what I needed thanks to Dave. There was a gentleman whom tried to find some older sheet music for me, and even let me know via text message that he couldnt track it down. I cannot remember his name but he was very kind and worked near the sheet music. This place truly knows what customer service means 🥰

I am a complete beginner player (don’t even know a single chord yet), but have always dreamt of learning to play guitar and have been saving up for a quality instrument that would continue to make me happy as I progress. I came to Ted Brown just planning to look at what they had, but Gary helped me to fall in love with a guitar I couldn’t leave without. He listened to what I wanted, picked several and assessed the fit, played them for me to compare sound, and told me about each from a very knowledgeable perspective. I gave a ~$500 budget. Despite him selecting multiple in the $200-300 range to show me, I ended up choosing a guitar at the top of my price range strictly because of how it sounded and felt, he did not try to sway me at all on the higher price point. In addition to lots of great tips, he made it clear that I could come to him for support in caring for my instrument for as long as works there. I never write reviews, but the service here was absolutely unparalleled. If you’re looking for a guitar, look for Gary at Ted Brown!

Ted Brown Music is great, Im always impressed with the selection of guitars, they only carry a few different brands of acoustic and electric however they have a variety of different levels of each. Not just a bunch of the same old stuff. The staff is great... very friendly, patient and most of knowledgeable. I look forward to visiting every time in traveling through Tacoma.

I was searching for an affordable hard case for my 7/8 cello and having a hard time finding one. I realized my best option was to find a full size case but was unsure if it would work. I noticed a chat function on Ted Brown’s site and tried it out. They were SO helpful! Jeff’s customer service was stellar. And my case arrived in less than a week. I am so happy I found them as we are moving soon and I needed to protect my cello for cross country travels. Thank you all so very much!

Great service, knowledgeable staff. They made my trip easy and enjoyable

Amazing, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Definitely recommend this place.

I walked in, not knowing a thing about selecting a bass guitar. That was until I met Jeff Hamel. The man knows his stuff! After asking the right questions, as any good doctor would do, he was able to quickly select 2 bass guitars from among a number hanging on the wall. This made it much easier for me to select the best pick. No doubt, his experience playing a bass in a band was a huge credibility factor. Jeffs the man!

Great prices, got a killer deal on a sabian crash.

The staff at Ted Brown are very competent individuals that have a passion for music. Their guitar inventory is quite impressive especially for higher end acoustic guitars. They gave me a great deal on a jazz master too. Highly suggest visiting here!

If I could I would give Mr. Gary Allen a whole lot more than 5 stars. I called in yesterday as I was having issues after restringing my guitar. When I showed up Gary instantly noticed the problem as I didn’t have a saddle in. He went out of his way to find one laying around for me, filed it down to fit all while taking care of his other customers as well. He re strung my guitar for me and cleaned it up very nicely! I used to go to a different music store (which I won’t name), but for now on I will be coming to see Gary. He even gave me his card for when I can afford one of those nice Taylor guitars you guys have on display ;) Thank you Gary and Ted Brown Music for your amazing customer service!

I made a call about purchasing a drum set. I have no knowledge of how to do so. JEFF was great! He answered all my questions. By the time I got off work, he had a whole display set up for me to view. Also found it within my budget. Then he did go above. Helped me get it home n setup. Im Soo thankful. Now in my dads coolest child. Thank you guys.

Able to get the equipment needed today instead of next week. Prices were as good or better than online with expert advice.

Jeff was knowledgeable and answered all of my questions leaving me very excited about my purchase. The transaction was smooth and I will do business here again. Recommend highly.

Jeff Hamel is amazing!! If you have any questions hes your guy. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Id say hes a REALLY great guy! Would travel long distance just to see him.

Ted Brown Music is a very great place for instruments, reeds, and instrument care. They also have some other fun things. Whether it is in person or virtual shopping, the service is always great. The staff members are all really nice, and are always so helpful. I only get my clarinet reeds from Ted Brown, and get repairs from Ted Brown Music as well.

I brought my guitar in to get tuned and i got the chance to meet jeff, as he was the one who did the tuning. he was really kind, just like everyone else i got the chance to meet, and got it done really fast ! absolutely recommend going there for your music needs.

The only place to buy music if you are serious about it. Been twice and both times very knowledgeable, friendly staff eager to help me and my family as we were looking for several guitars. And they have crazy amounts of variety.More retail businesses should take note of the way the employees here treat their customers - its clear they set high standards for their staff.Also fun to just gape in awe at all the gorgeous instruments on display here even if you arent in the market.

No pressure, sincerely cared about my questions and informative.

Good store bought a hard case for a vintage bass guitar also a Taylor 12 string good service and reasonable price. JR

I was looking for an Ibanez RG550 electric guitar. Cant be found in Canada right now so I started looking south. Called Ted Browns in Tacoma, talked to Gary. Do you have an RG550? ....Is that that yellow one? Music to my ears. He verified that was the one they had. I hummed and hawed, never bought a guitar I had never tried myself. Decided to take the plunge. A week later I had the best guitar ever. I knew I was doing good when he congratulated me on my purchase. Thank you guys, I am so happy!😁

Customer service was very nice.

Very friendly staff! Plenty of inventory, high end fender Paul Reed Smith and more.

I’ve been there two times and both times had good experience .Serj from Pro Audio department was very helpful, professional, and friendly .

JEFF was awesome. He greeted us with warmth and made us feel welcomed. He was very professional and courteous. He knew what he was talking about and helped me and my kids get what we were looking for. Best guitar buying experience by far. If you go here, ask for JEFF he will show you and give you great customer service

Awesome place, today I saw Jeff cause I was having what I thought was a fret problem with my high E and he was able to fix it in less than a minute free of charge. All of them are super nice and knowledgable here. Gary is another employee worth mentioning, ive taken a few guitars to him now and each time theyve hooked me up in some way with it. As someone whos played guitar for 8 years and been to guitar shops all over the west coast Id say this is the best place ive been to. Jeff and Gary are the best

There are so many great instruments here and the staff are well-trained to not keep you waiting. Some things are periodically out of stock due to covid-19, but the store still runs fairly smoothly. When I was there, everyone was properly masked, and there was hand sanitizer dispensed by foot pedal. I felt safe in the store despite the virus.

One day I broke my violin and had to get it fixed, so i stopped by this store! The violin and chello repair specialist, sam was extremely knowledgeable. Honestly, I think my violin was better after he was done with it than it was before it broke!

It was a great experience like always, got replace the G string on my grand daughters violin.

Very friendly and extremely helpful staff. Jeff, the sales associate, in particular is really fun and nice. We hungout and had a little jam sesh. He also fixed my uke (by replacing the battery heheh which he gave me for free). Jeff also taught me how to fix a big issue I have while playing the guitar for free. I am an experienced ukulele player and brought my friend here to help him pick out a new tenor ukulele. The instruments from this place are high quality. Their inventory and selection is much larger than the big Guitar Center in Tacoma (at least for ukes). I had a lot of fun. Going to this place made my day. When we got home, my friend and I played with our ukes for hours. The one we bought from this place had a smooth, quality sound to it and was worth the price.

Friendly, and knowledgeable. I just went in for a tin whistle and was meet with a smile.Easy parking

I already know the costumer service is great just by the reviews giving actual feedback . but will be stopping by soon !

Had an awesome experience purchasing my first Uke with a rep name Jeff! Just came from a different store and the help was night and day, felt like a friend was helping me

Purchased an instrument and received excellent assistance from Gary.

I text with an inquiry, super quick response and suggestions. The professionalism and customer service I received was so refreshing!

Excellent selection of instruments and printed music. Everything for every level of musician. Staff very helpful and knowledgable.

Got a Taylor GS Mini today, thanks to Jeffs awesome advice and help, and I couldnt be more happy with it! The price was even $100 less than I expected, so it was a win all-around. Already looking forward to my next guitar upgrade!

Better than guitar center!

Total rip off. Allow you to overpay your instrument 2Xs over. Don’t let them scam you!

Service is Awesome at Ted Brown Music!! We are from Chehalis Wa.. We had first gone to Guitar City and they had nothing in stock for us, and their service was lousy...We purchased a product and found out it did not work..Ted Brown Music accepted our return and decided to go with a different brand..It is Awesome! It works well. Thank you for taking the time in finding what we needed!😁

These people are so awesome. Every time go in, they are friendly and help me to find exactly what I need SO quickly. I just went in to get a rental violin switched out for a bigger size, that Jeff helped me with and a drum head replaced that Stephanie and Doug helped me with. I literally was in the store for 5 minutes.

This is a great music store. One of of last ones that covers all instruments and has a large sheet music section.

Super helpful and locally owned!!

The staff is always knowledgeable, quick to respond to my questions, and ready to go above and beyond.

Excellent customer service. Helpful and knowledgeable.

Love that you can text them a question and they respond so quickly!!

Okay so with my one year anniversary of playing banjo coming up, Im starting to figure things out, right? So I figure I should probably start getting serious about better strings and making sure she recovers from the beatings shes gotten from my 1st year as a beginner. I call up my regular place in King County, they cant take care of her. They recommend Ted Brown. So I called after business hours and left a voicemail. They called me 30 minutes after they opened and told me they can do everything I need, today. So I drive from Auburn to Tacoma, walk in the doors at Ted Brown, am immediately greeted by two workers whom are helping people at the time. Once Jeff finishes up, he calls me right up to the counter and boom boom boom. Addresses my needs and tackles them. I go and make friends in the guitar room, try out a banjo and a guitar and hes done! Sign me up for your rewards program. You got a new lifetime customer. As long as theres a Ted Brown in my area, thats where Ill go. Unless of course I find a banjo specialty shop... But Im more likely to win the lotto than find a banjo shop in Seattle/Tacoma area. Jeff, youre my bffl now. Thanks bud! 🤘

What a beautiful store and shop.I got $40 of service on a $6 purchase.The first time wont be my last!

Jeff is so nice! When I bought my guitar he cleaned it and tuned it for me and was so helpful!

My question I had about a particular instrument was answered very quickly.

AMAZING service! Very smart and very helpful. I took my saxophone in to be cleaned and tuned up. When I arrived they encouraged me to try it out in a practice room and make sure everything was the way I wanted it.They made several more tiny adjustments, at my request, and now my sax is working the best it has ever been.I am REALLY impressed by the quality of service I received, I have never seen anything like this at a music store.

Amazing customer service great attitudes love ted brown Tacoma location

Great customer service. Very friendly.

Its the only place for professional music care I know. They are the best!!!!

We have been customers of this store for many years. Recently, I took my sons trumpet in for a tune up. $100 later and you would think it would work great but it didnt work at all. We couldnt figure out for 2 days what was wrong with it. Wed tried everything. I finally took it in to his band director who couldnt figure it out either. We decided to put the snake cleaner through it (which I hadnt thought of because it had just been cleaned so I didnt think it needed thst) and guess what? A part of the snake head was broken off clogging the trumpet up. I couldnt believe it. That tells me that they dont test their work. Very disappointed that my son went 2 days with this rediculous piece stuck in the trumpet after paying that much $$. Will think twice before taking our instruments there again.

Our family has been purchasing everything from sheet music to reeds to major instruments through Ted Brown Music for over 60 years. Each and every transaction has been nothing but the best. Staff members are always very knowledgeable and willing to consult with other staff for expanded expertise. We were very happy with equipment rentals for students, too.The Ted Brown Music You Tube videos are really instructive and fun!Kudos to the Ted Brown Music family! Your dedication to music, community and family are apparent in the day to day business ethics of you company! Many thanks!

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I was there to purchase an item for my Fender. The sales person was most helpful and another item I asked about he didnt have, but could be delivered in short order. He answered all my questions and I was on my way a happy customer. I give them a 4 star plus

After 16 years in the pro audio world, I’ve only met one company that I can fully trust. That is Ted Brown Music and Mike Kay. Mike has always helped me get the right solution, and answered questions even if it didn’t always end in a sale. When it did though, I’ve never had to worry because Ted Brown stands behind their work, time and time again. The customer service, knowledge and support is unsurpassed. The real difference is their passion for what they do and dedication to who they are working with. Ted Brown isn’t about just selling products, they are about making projects come to life, creating systems that can be used so that people can experience real moments in life. Be it a live concert, musical theatre, a conference room or a large outdoor stadium they have made a difference in my community. Working with a lot of public and non-profit groups, I’ve always appreciated that they aren’t going to oversell me on what I dont need, but rather figure out what is really needed and also account for what might not be as obvious, like product and technology changes. Whether it’s been determining a new front of house console, new main line array speakers, or even just getting a good set of drum set microphones without blowing the budget - they have answers or can get them to any questions. Fast forward 30+ musicals, 1000’s of events, a performing arts theatre system design, an auditorium system design, a football stadium system design and several other minor PA and meeting rooms with AV systems, Ted Brown remains the gold standard.

Ted Browns always has what I need. I live it there!

Gotta love a store that has everything! They are always super accommodating in both in the instrument repair shop and on the sales floor. They are also very generous when it comes to trying out instruments to purchase. Its the kind of place I could hangout at all day!

Fast, easy, and had exactly what I wanted

We stopped in to get my sons instrument for school and Steve helped us. He was so friendly, helpful & knowledgeable! They had everything we needed and at good prices too.

The folks at Ted Brown are consummate professionals taking their jobs seriously! Making an equipment purchase is ALL about developing a relationship with your local retailer. Those of us who buy musical and recording gear need someone we can trust will give us current and informed information AND someone who can bail us out when something breaks in an emergency situation. Several years ago, I had a mail order service send me the WRONG product—something I needed badly for a recording session the next day. The sales person wasnt informed enough to know what I was asking for and sent the wrong product. I scramble and learned a very important lesson when I called Ted Brown and found a music professional who knew exactly what I needed and had it in stock for me to pick up. Mike Kay at Ted Brown is the most informed and professional retailer youll find. Whenever I need something, I call Mike. He has the industry depth required to know what Im asking for—and maybe even more importantly—he stays up-to-the-second current so he can let me know when theres a new or better option available. I give Mike and Ted Brown Music an A+ for providing the best customer service in a very impressive facility. In my book, they are consummate professionals taking their jobs seriously!

Saxophone overhaul. Always a great experience and great service.

Great place, always friendly and helpful.

Loved this store and bought all my equipment from here until today. I called for a very basic question to see if I could test my Yeti 1000 lithium generator on some tower speakers that I intended to buy if they worked on the power attentive, as we play some hippie dessert shows. I did not appreciate the way that I was handled by their audio department being told very sternly that “you are not testing your generator on my speakers” with no further explanation or problem solving strategies. I do not mind at all that the answer was no, I mind entirely that for someone who buys all of their gear from Ted Brown (over a span of ten years) being handled this way. I will now and forever more be taking my buisness to guitar center. They may be younger, less experienced and have a smaller audio section, but I’m sure ill be treated a lot better by some teenager with blue hair than the Wednesday morning audio guy at Ted Brown.

Great service. Great selection. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Picked up instrument rentals for a daughter in orchestra and one in band. Great value for rentals.

Musicians man the counters and the instruments are fairly priced. We have done much business there from renting a viola to purchasing a sheet music, an intermediate model flute and a baritone uke and even a 6-string guitars. This is a great place to shop.

Just FYI, Music Lessons cannot be booked on-line (although we were directed to do so when we called the Tacoma branch). They wouldnt give info (pricing, available time slots, etc) over the phone either. You must come into the store in-person for any info on lessons. It would be helpful if their customer service extended to this area.

My son takes lessons here, and there is a bad that practices at the same time. The rooms must not be insulated well because you can hear it as if you were in the room. Its so loud I can not hear my phone with headphones in at top volume. There is no way my son can have a productive lesson with the racket going on in the room next door. Had I known about the band practice at the same time I would have gotten a different time slot. The lessons always go over late and not for the full time. If I pay for 30 min I expect 30 min. As I sit here in the other lobby I can hear the NOISE going on. Its just ridiculous!

I took my trumpet in to get cleaned and was told it would be a week turn around. Two days later they called and said it was done. Super happy with the service and everything seams to be working as advertised!

Very helpful, and knowledgeable.

These arent a bunch of entry level high-schoolers, folks. I try to buy local, but usually buy things online for price. Id never heard of Ted Brown Music, but not only was I impressed by the store and the people, Gary got me a way better deal on two high end guitar pedals than I found in the entire area, online retail, online used, and even in Portland (no sales tax). I used to sell music equipment so I get it. If he was going out of his way to make a good first impression and hopefully a lasting customer, you, sir, succeeded. I left a little guilty. Coming back FOR SURE!

Good store. AMAZING employees, except for Jim S. I pray for anyone who has to work for that guy, the guy is a stressful mess, life is too short to have to work around that kind of negativity. Everyone else, is amazing!

Couldnt be happier. Ive been a customer for about a year and a half. All the staff are super friendly and helpful as soon as a customer walks through the door. Im fiddle oriented, so Erika and Josh are the two people I do pretty much all my business with, and they just dont make em any better than those two.

Great staff! Great selection of instruments, accessories, instructional materials and song books! The go-to music stop for students and pros!

If you want a pushy salesman to try and sell you everything under the sun that you don’t need, then this is the place to go. They don’t have a good selection of guitars and their prices are not worth it in my opinion. Also, they seemed short staffed and out of inventory of the items that I actually did want.

Super friendly, knowledgeable and informative staff!

An excellent branch of a world-class company! Love the selection, service and location. A must-see for any musician, at any skill level.

Gary best in area.

Sales people here were very helpful to me when I was looking to buy my grandsons first guitar.

Dave came through with my purchase.He always has what I need ! Or he will order what I need! Thanks Dave!Drums Department!

My daughter takes piano lesson at Ted Brown with Kareem Kandi and he is an absolutely great piano teacher. Ted Brown always have what we need for all her piano needs, and the staff is always soooo polite and helpful!!!

I come here for my musical needs even though its an hour drive. Well worth it.

I called and ordered an item to be delivered to Ohio. Via phone and email, the staff was knowledgable, helpful, concise, and prompt. First time Ive worked with them and they left a wonderful impression.

Friendly knowledable employees, great selection, community outreach programs for musicians and young students.

I was not impressed. The woman who answered the phone clearly stated she was not willing to spend any time on the phone with me answering any questions in relation to music lessons, I would have to look online period. She was rude and short with me when I asked for her help. Not how to win my business. Substandard customer service.

Always helpful and courteous with a good selection

Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, the shop is stocked well.

Love the building and the people who work there are dedicated to music and know lots to help you out, always helpful. Also the prices are fair and pretty cheap.

It was a pure delight very professional people great selection

Disgraceful customer service every time I have gone there. This time I stood at the counter and had several employes walk right by. No Ill be right with you. No Have you been helped Just ignored me. Will go out of my way to another music next time.

Every time I take my sax in for repairs or adjustments it is done before they say it will be and at half the cost. The staff are knowledgeable and always helpful.

I am so thrilled to have a Luthier like Josh Hegg at Ted Brown Music in Tacoma. Many of my instruments are old, so repairs are undertaken with caution, as they seem unique and irreplaceable to me. My century old banjo has had an issue for awhile, but I have not been able to bring myself to hand it over to a fella half my age who looks at it as though he’s never seen one before, but is willing to take it apart in hopes he can get it back together later. Yikes.Recently I had occasion to have Josh make an adjustment to a new instrument I bought there, and his demeanor and our conversation inspired confidence in his work. We talked about alternate tunings, and it became apparent that he understands the engineering underlying the instrument, and is not just a technician, but a true Luthier, who could build instruments if he was so inclined.Today I took the century old banjo in to him and he corrected the issue while I waited, and did so perfectly. The Banjo plays beautifully now, thank you very much Josh! I would also like to say he is a good communicator, so when you are discussing your instrument and what you would like to have happen, he listens and discusses before taking action, which can be hard to find in those with expertise. He is someone I trust to repair mystringed instruments now, and I think you should too.

Good selection. Mostly friendly staff others must be musicians, lol!

I was talking to guitar center for a bass they wouldnt help at all i had alot of problems with them so i called ted brow and they helped me im done with guitar center im going to ted brown from now on more people need to know about ted brown music

Awesome people here

Super friendly staff! I wont be going to guitar center again..

Great staff

A great place to shop