I’ve been in and out looking at the showroom for the past year since moving here. I recently had a sick amp that needed an Amp Doctor and I knew Mr. Ben was exactly who I needed to talk with. Being as busy as he is, he took the time to talk with me and all my excitement to pick his brain a little. Very fast turn around to boot with my Marshall DSL sounding as crunchy as ever. Ben is a local treasure and hope to work with him anytime my gear needs a techs hands.Many thanks to the team there, always looking forward to stopping in and chatting.Cheers!
The owners and staff at Alpha Music are top notch. I started to come here in November 2020, and I have never looked back since. I always recommend my friends to go check this place out whether they are just beginning or are seasoned music professionals. Ryan, Micah, and Ross in the guitar department are a joy to work with, and Walter in repairs is nothing less than a wizard of bringing guitars to their fullest potential. Support your local business and shop here!
Amazing place! Had the most friendly experience picking up my hubby’s anniversary gift today. Definitely recommend this local place for all your musical needs
The only place @ the beach for guitar (etc) supplies. I get all my strings, etc there & have bought several guitars from Alpha over the years - had nothing but good experiences. Their staff is helpful/knowledgeable & they keep a big selection on hand. Also their prices are great - very competitive with anything online. So its nice to hold something before buying. Very happy to recommend!
I shop at Alpha often and enjoy consistent strong customer service; particularly from Clint in the drum department. I am very curious and can be very particular, as I hone my craft and get the most out of my musical journey. Client is always very patient to listen to my questions and offers appropriate ideas for me to explore. The location, the team, the products and the experience will keep me coming back to this local store. I appreciate what you guys do.
From the moment I walked in I was welcomed! I came in with my two kids in search of the perfect electric guitar for my needs! Jacob was very thorough and helpful and not pushy at all. He really wanted to make sure I left happy!Ryan rang me up and also helped me carry my guitar out to the car. 10/10 for me! I will be back soon (:
Best guitar/music store Ive ever been to, I think. Everyone I talked to was incredibly knowledgeable and generous of their time. They have an incredible inventory of guitars and pedals. Prices were very competitive with Reverb and Guitar Center. Ill definitely be going back and I live in Richmond. Highly recommended!!
Stellar customer service! Very knowledgeable staff. Well stocked with new and used products. They buy used instruments.Expansive store full of great stuff for the beginning or the expert musician. You won’t be disappointed...
I had an outstanding experience buying a bass guitar from the folks at Alpha. They have a very friendly, knowledgeable staff and an excellent selection of quality instruments on the wall. The salesmen are honest and not pushy, and care about getting the customer the perfect instrument for their needs. I look forward to buying from them in the future.
Just picked up a great bass from Alpha! They got the new Guild Starfire I in stock before any other shop in the country - Im very pleased with this guitar, it looks like a million bucks, plays/sounds awesome AND it was affordable - also very happy to get this new model so quickly. This is the 2nd Starfire bass Ive bought from Alpha Music. Their tech does a terrific set-up and the whole staff is great to deal with, very accommodating.Def recommend Alpha for any/all music stuff.
The absolute best music store period. Best staff, best gear, and theyll go to the depths of hell to find something for you. Also, one time Clint sold me a pack of guitar strings and invited me for grilled cheese and homemade tomato bisque. Thats customer service.
Very good place to take musical equipment for repairs. Very good people. Very good service.
Excellent service, very helpful with figuring out a way to resolve my issue in very short order. Would recommend to anyone in need of gear or service.
Every time Ive been here everybodys been super helpful and knowledgeable, also have a lot of options. Would definitely recommend
Everybody was nice, they got a nice set up and the sticks are organized . Everything is it’s just beautiful 😭
Came into this store as green as could be. I was assisted warmly, and did not feel intimidated, nor embarrassed. Bought my first guitar from them the day before Thanksgiving 2020, and have bought another since. The knowledgeable staff, and warm feeling you get when interacting, is something you dont see much of these days. Also, mad perks for purchasing your guitars from the store, trust me, it pays off big time down the line. Ask about it when you go in......well.....what are you waiting for?! GO! :)
This has honestly been my go to music store since i was 16. Customer service and equipment knowledge has always blown their competitors out of the water. Same employees still work there today that i remember from over 10 years ago, which is evidence of a good company both inside and out.
This is my new go to music store. I spent months trying to find my “next” guitar and Alpha had it and did a pro setup on for free! I can’t wait to buy my next guitar from Alpha. Everyone here loves their job and it shows.
Thank you for making my recent purchase an amazing experience, Staff was very friendly and informative. I got the Tangerine burst LP and am thrilled and Thankful for the very Knowledgeable Tom for his help.
If you need any kind of work on your guitars other than a simple set up, DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE! Took a guitar in to have some fret work done, and they butchered it! They have no clue what they’re doing when it comes to anything other than strings and set up.Reply to Alpha Music:It’s my husband, Andy, you are looking for. Now you’ve been enlightened.
Excellent store with great staff. Any guitar you buy here gets free set up and service for life. Walter is an incredible luthier and has a great reputation in the area.
Customer service dosent exist. They just walk away in the middle of service to hangout with friends that come and leave you hanging. Way over priced. Ive spent several thousand dollars over the years and this is what I get.They use to be better when Mike the original owner worked in the store and they cared. Now their terrible. Hopefully Guitar Center dosent go out of business or Ill have to order all my drums online.RESPONSE TO ALPHA MUSIC.Moving forward I would suggest that you finish transactions with customers before leaving them hanging to chill with friends. I had other items I needed behind the counter. I had to wait 10 mins before another person came and asked me if I needed help.As for Clint he has failed to give adequate service in the past. Ive asked him to research and order me parts (some warranty parts) and he failed to call me back numerous times.This is why I decided to write this review and take my business to guitar center and online stores. The crazy part is after Clint showed his buddy everything in the store, he rang him up at the register while I just stood there waiting. Worst customer service ever. Your lucky I still purchased the several items I had on the counter.
Took my Martin in on Thursday. To have neck adjusted. It was ready for pickup on Fri. Afternoon. The work was excellent. The guitar plays better than when it was new. Ive owned Martins for 45 years and Ive never played one that notes this easy. Thanks guys for a job well done.
Wonderful music store with a kind staff and an expansive selection of gear. I purchased my gibson sg at this store and they were more than happy to let me try multiple different guitars to help me make my decision.
The staff person I had interaction with was friendly and knowledgeable.
I highly recommend this place! I brought my 15 year old son here to buy his first guitar. Excellent service from Ryan who was extremely knowledgeable and genuine. No pressure at all and let us ask as many questions as needed. We felt very welcome and we look forward to returning for all of our guitar needs.
I remember when Eddie Hancock started Alpha back in 1978. (or 79, 80, somewhere in there!🤣) Its great to see that Alpha is still in good hands!
Knowledgeable, professionals with abundant real world experience, and creative input is whatre found here..
The only reason I gave 4 stars is because I have yet to buy from them since I am new to the area. I was driving by and stopped by on a whim just to check them out. Very friendly staff without being overbearing, great selection of gear with reasonable prices with a full service tech bench. I also love the fact that they are family owned, which for me seals the deal since I am a firm believer in supporting the local economy. I look forward to doing business with you in the future.
If you buy a guitar here, they will service it for you for life.They also care more about a satisfied customer than a pay check. I went in looking for a high quality amp and a bunch of pedals, but they suggested I stick with the amp for now and get used to the EQ controls, drive and reverb before getting pedals.
Went in just to ask a few questions and get a look at a few more guitars. It was clear that they are knowledgeable and willing to give as much info as needed in order to make a good decision.
First time going today and it was a great experience. Guitar Center told me years ago that a separation could be an issue on my Taylor and today the tech said that it’s completely normal and he can fix it no problem.Happy to support local places that apparently care about what they do.
Tom in the repair department is phenomenal. Goes above and beyond! Thanks for the great work.
Ive done business here for 15 years. Always received very knowledgeable help and their prices are competitive with other music instrument stores.
Great staff
Whatever your music needs are..instruments, lessons, audio gear, or even repairs. Everyone is helpful, knowledgeable, and committed to getting you started or keeping you running. Check them out!
Another guitar purchased and another happy customer. The staff was there to assist me through the entire selection process and explained all the great benefits of buying from Alpha Music. I couldnt be happier!
Ive been shopping at Alpha for about 20 years. I keep going back because Ive never gotten better service anywhere else (and thats not because I havent been to other music stores). All three major purchases Ive made there, starting with a bass about 18 years ago, a drum set 16 years ago, and ending with a high-end acoustic just yesterday have been delightful experiences. You can tell theyre not commission based--every conversation with a sales rep is pressure free and their interest is in the customer feeling like they got the right item for them. From major purchases, to the repair shop (the bass is right now in the expert hands of Walter in need of some TLC), to all of the small things this is the absolute place to go!
The staff is amazing, I love everyone there. They are very helpful and genuinely care about you as the customer. They want you to get what is right for you and not just push a sale or an expensive instrument on you. They carry a wide range of gear from beginner to professional and it is by far my favorite music store. Another great addition is their guitars come with free setups which is just absolutely amazing. The tech service is top quality and they always exceed my expectations when I get my guitar back. I can not recommend Alpha enough, it really is a suitable name for the company. They are absolutely top notch and number 1 in my book.
Alpha Music is still open even during these trying times. They have an amazing, helpful staff. They didnt have a particular cable connection that I needed, so they MADE ME ONE! Ill only ever shop at Alpha
Been shopping there for years the staff is amazing
I love Alpha Music. Great shop run by good, knowledgable people. i’m not a professional musician so I need a lot of help to put together gear that does what I have in mind and they always get me there. I’ve bought a couple of guitars there too and they service those for free. Their amp repair guy is a local treasure. Old navy electronics guy who loves getting amps in shape. Great shop.
Awesome store, awesome customer service, always willing to help you. My favorite music store in the area by far. Highly recommend
I have been shopping here at Alpha for many years and have always been pleased. Its the people who provide genuinely courteous service and expertise.From picks and strings, to top of the line Gibson acoustic-electric guitars I have purchased and had them serviced right here a t Alpha. I highly recommend Alpha music 🎤 to the novice as well as the full time professional.
The only music store in 757 that still has pro recording equipment in stock, beautiful spacious store, nice employees.
Greatest music store in all of Virginia! Ive been going here for 24 years!
Always great customer service and knowledgeable staff willing to help in any way they can to make sure you sound your best
Amazing local music store. Great selection of guitars, everyone Ive played and bought from here has an excellent set up done to them. They have standard pedals and some great offerings from boutique builders. Great selection of amps, including Supro. Most importantly their amp guy is top notch and their guitar tech out of this world. I take all my gear here for work and they are better priced and more able than GC. Alpha is aptly named because there isnt a better music shop in Va.
Great service and great selection.
Called Alpha on the phone to ask about having my Fender Princeton looked at for repair and was told I could drop it off for a tech to work on. When I arrived in person the owner told me he was way too busy, as he was standing on the show floor drinking coffee and that he wouldn’t take the amp. Not a good look, I will not seek there services again.
Out of the handful of music stores in the Hampton Roads area, this has been my go-to for a while now. They have helpful and knowledgeable staff. Good selection of guitar gear--especially effects pedals. Ive had an acoustic guitar worked on there, as well as an old tube amp. Both of them came out great!
Best place to get all of your guitar paraphernalia and instruction. All pros and very friendly, especially Ryan! I love visiting the store.
Ordered a guitar online from the shop. Arrived earlier than anticipated. Guitar was just as described in the listing. Communication was excellent. Overall an exceptional transaction. Thanks!!
Amazing service, knowledgeable, friendly staff and great prices!
Super nice staff and good selection.
I am a beginning guitar player and am looking to upgrade from my entry guitar. I have been looking at catalogs, but nothing substitutes for seeing the guitar in person. I visited Alpha Music and was able to look at the guitar I was interested in, the salesman was helpful and let me look at the guitar without hovering. The price was good and I am a fan of buying an instrument locally even if it were to cost a little more.
Love this shop! Knowledgeable and helpful staff that dont pressure you to make a purchase then and there. They always try to help you make the best selection for your rig, not just make a sale. modest selection of bass stuff, but always stocked full of great gear. Great layaway option that helps you afford the gear you want and need. Lets just say I drive past two other music shops to get here.
They have so much stuff here. The staff is super friendly and helpful. I spotted a celebrity when I was there last. They have instruments for the beginners and for the advanced. Wide price ranges. Check it out!
Alpha Music is an excellent music store in Virginia Beach with friendly, knowledgeable sales people and a great selection of instruments. Ive bought 2 guitars in the last 2 years and got great deals on both. Dont bother with Guitar Center. If you are looking for new musical gear, go to Alpha Music and get treated like a person.
Jacob was super helpful and helped me pick out all the necessities for my first guitar. They have a lifetime warranty on all of the products, if I remember correctly. Happy I bought my first guitar with them.
I just tried to call and do business with the store for the very first time. I asked to speak with a store owner or manager, and I was put on hold. Someone then picked up the phone and hung it up. I called back, I asked for the same request, and a man name Eric answered. I told him that I was on hold and then someone hung up. He asked what I wanted, and I said to speak with a manager. He proceeded with questioning who I was and why I was calling. He was extremely and short and rude. I explained that I was simply calling for the first time and needed a microphone. He said that they were busy. I said I have never done business with the store. He reiterated that they were busy. I shared that I was calling to do business but with that response, I dont have to use Alpha Music. He said Ok and hung up. I then read on the website from Eric the following: We have done many things right along the way at Alpha Music but we can always get better. Pick up the phone, drop me an email, or stop by and let me know how we can improve. I appreciate your input and your business. Dont believe this comment. This guy doesnt need your business.
Good store for new gear with moderate prices. I really wish they had more used gear. Overall, Id rely on Alpha for buying a new item to avoid shipping costs of purchasing online, and you know their in-store items have been well maintained while in the store. I recently purchased a set of tubes there and had two very knowledgeable staff members help me select the proper tubes and explain how to install them. Ill be returning there for any amp maintenance needs that may arise in the future. The prices of the tubes were a little higher than ordering them online elsewhere, but obviously theres no shipping costs when you buy in the store. Plus, I didnt want to wait a week for shipping. Aside from the lack of used gear, my only real complaint with Alpha is their return policy. Id have to check the back of my receipt again for details, but I recall from the past them having a pretty strict policy on returning items. I think its important to have an accommodating return policy for music gear. Sometimes an item sounds good in the store, but once you get home on your own gear, you easy to change your mind about it.
I have purchased 4, 6 string guitars and 2 bass guitars since 2012. Micah, provided excellent service on each purchase. He knows his guitars and always makes time to answer every question I have. The *set-up for life* that comes with new AND used purchases is a plus. Do your research before your purchase and you will have a very enjoyable experience.
Been coming here for at least fifteen years. I can buy most of the strings, picks, and other items online, but Im trying my best to support local businesses when I can. Alpha Music has been a mainstay in the area and I really appreciate their guitar techs keeping my Gibson Les Paul and Fender Strat in pristine order, each and every time I drop them off for maintenance.
Great staff and customer service. Eric, Clint, and the staff are the best.
Very friendly staff, theyre definitely there to make sure you walk out with a purchase youre gonna be happy with
The No. 1 and Best School in Hampton Roads to learn or have a family member learn to play any musical instruments. Great line up of fender guitars and amps too.
Ive been dealing with Alpha for over 20 years. The products and service have always been the best in the area. I wont go anywhere else.
Great atmosphere, great service, totally engaging. I live in Newport News, and this just became my new and only place to go. I got exactly what I wanted.
Knowledgeable friendly and helpful staff of active musicians, wide selection of musical equipment, no high pressure sales tactics. Locally owned.
I have been a customer of Alpha Music since before 2009. They are not only honest and reputable people but they have a quality staff that is willing to work with customers seeking a beginners guitar to a more advanced or professional players guitar.I will continue to support this store and appreciate everyone involved at Alpha.Joe DeLong
Great locally owned store that has satisfied my musical needs since the early eighties. Thanks for the fun ride!
THE best staff.
I went in to Alpha to see what they had, since I had never been to Virginia before. I wanted to try a bass or two out, and it took about 20 minutes to finally get a sales rep to get one down, since everything is behind a counter. The entire time I had the bass, the employee stood around impatiently staring at me. After about 10 minutes, he told me he needed to be somewhere else, took the bass and left. Same thing happened when I wanted to demo a guitar. Poor service, I wouldnt go back.
Great shop, excellent selection of guitars and other kinds of musical instruments, good prices, knowledgeable staff and a very friendly and professional atmosphere. If youre looking for a guitar shop where the luthiers are experienced and highly qualified . . . where the sales people actually know about what they are selling and care about their customers, and where you have a wide selection of makes and models of instruments to choose from, be sure to visit Alpha Music. After years of searching for a great Rickenbacker, I found one at Alpha Music. I could not resist. I am the proud owner of a beautifully-crafted new Rickenbacker 330. Part of the reason I bought it at Alpha Music was the way I was treated at the store. It was a great experience.
Just called to ask some simple questions... The guy Russ was extremely short and interrupted every second I tried to talk. He may be knowledgable but jeez let the customer talk!
Its Great to have a local music store that the employees know the instruments and how to use what there selling. All the salespeople have a great attitude also and go out there way to help.
Its Great to have a local music store that the employees know the instruments and how to use what there selling. All the salespeople have a great attitude also and go out there way to help.
Always helpful to me. I like to show up in person and be face to face with any questions I may have and Alpha never fails to hdlp! Thanks!
Customer service is #1 at this store unlike the chain stores in the area. Personable, professional, knowledgeable and helpful.
I agree! The staff is friendlier, the instruments arent all beat up, and they carry good brands that you wont find at MegaMusic. Oh, and if youre a drummer, DEFINITELY start here.
This place is where I have been buying the bulk of my music equipment for years. Free set up for life on guitars. Cant beat that deal.
Quick and friendly service to an out of towner who needed a fast repair.
Theres not a single person at Alpha that isnt superb at their job. Ive dealt with at least 5 different people over the past few years and Ive purchased a few different instruments from here including a Fender MIM Stratocaster, a Fender Squire Vintage Modified Stratocaster with HSS pick ups, a Kohala Ukulele, and a Canadian made strum stick. Each time Ive gone there have been absolutely no pressure sales or up sales gimmicks used. Every time, every person has made their primary goal helping me get the best possible product for my needs (a couple times even showing me lower priced options that fit my needs/wants better than higher priced options with more than I needed). The people here have, on numerous occasions, spent significant time with me just helping to educate me in the different products even when Ive let them know I wasnt ready to make a purchase at that time. One of the things Ive appreciated most is the pure knowledge base that the employees here have. If you go in there and have a question about instruments, amps, pedals, accessories, basically anything at all, theyll have someone that works there with a wealth of knowledge that they are willing to share. From buying instruments/gear to having them serviced this is definitely the place to go. On top of making great purchases, Ive also been able to really expand my understanding of the instruments I own and even gotten to the point where I can do some minor service/upkeep on them myself because of the time that the staff has spent with me. It doesnt matter if youre a novice guitar player playing in the comfort of your own home (like me) or a professional gig player, the people at Alpha will be able to take care of your needs.
Been shopping at Alpha since they were on Military Hwy, yeah that long.Great shop, excellent staff, dont hover and arent pushy when you are browsing, always willing to answer questions no matter how inane mine can be. Great selection of gear for any budget new and gently used.Just now getting into building so wish they carried a bit more luthiere tools, but thats what StewMacs for. The repair guys are always eager to answer noobie luthiere questions.Last trip I was hit with easy finance options, thanks guys does that Gretsch come with a place to sleep after the wife kicks me out?
Fantastic service!!! Clevan is on top of things, and a great help! Faifield Flowers is so excited to enjoy our new Music Selection!!! Thank you!!!!
Walked in looking to purchase a guitar. Looked like they had a descent selection however only one of the five sales persons was willing talk to me, just to say hi, and went back to BSing with someone not buying anything. Four other employees stood around and BSed completely ignoring/oblivious to my presence. They didnt want my business so I left. Went down the road on a future date to Guitar Center and immediately was greeted and assisted. Service at Guitar Center was exponentially better and I would highly recommend them over Alpha Music. If your like me and big on customer service, then go elsewhere.
- Edit - the owner called me asap and eased my troubles. Wonderful customer service here and incredibly friendly and helpful staff. Try to take your amps in on M-F when Tom is working to have him assess the amp instead of dropping off on Saturday to avoid confusion.Id give Walter 5 stars for his guitar work but this will be my third time bringing an item back for repair twice to the Amp Tech. This time I am required to bring in a 80 pound musicman amp 30 miles again because I asked for rca 90 jacks and got a single ts jack. Paid $40 to get pedal ends soldered together and told the tech didnt have a 90 rca jack. So I have to buy my own jacks again, he could have asked before deciding if he forgot what the amp was from a week ago I had photos. Ive already paid over $200 to get amp fixed but since I forgot to bring the pedal in the same day it would cost another $40 for the wrong jack?Then was the space echo 201, I paid $100 and I asked to get the heads cleaned. Was told it was done and picked up for $100. Was very happy but again got it home and find out that the echo still doesnt work and all that was done to echo was replaced two trs jacks. When I brought it back up I was told that he was confused between reverb and echo and will have to pay to ship it to Roland and I can get a whopping $30 off to cover me traveling back three times and having to go through 3 different rolls of tape now. Paid $18 for an old digitech echo pedal to be told he doesnt work on digitech pedals and $250 for a Marshall amp and the effects still dont work on it. He seems a bit long in the tooth and if there is no online repair manual then be prepared to pay $18 to find out he doesnt work on them. Im now up over $200 in labor charges for items that still dont work
Love it. They’re so professional.
Great customer service. Guitars are basically life time warranty
I have been a loyal customer for many many years and have never asked for a dime off list price. I have spent many thousands of dollars. I put a menu strat with a,floyd on law away for a couple weeks. Its a, $700 guitar. When I called to say I would be in t9 pay it off and take it home I asked how much guitar stands are. I was told $ 12 I asked could you throw one in. He said he ha DC to get a,manager. The manager came on and I made my request he said let me look up your purchase he the said ahhh no its,a Mexi strat soooooo like it was a,cheap guitar not worth qla,12 dollar guitar stand. Now I dont care about the stand I am mad he would act like the guitar I bought was cheap. I said I am a bit put off and the more I thought about all the money I spent at that store and how this,guy was talking made me angry. If he had just said its,not store policy I would have said thanks for your time. Instead I got ahhh its a,Mexi strat soooooo no. I guess a 2,000 American strat is worth a,free 12 dollar stand. So after 20 years of being a loyal customers I will never buy another thing from the store. I am glad they are doing so well they can afford to lose 20 year customers
They always try to complete my equipment needs.
Friendly knowledgeable service, quality instruments
Great place, awesome service...