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The Top 5 Music Stores in Brisbane That Keep The Local Music Scene Alive

  • Variety of Instruments: I want a store with a wide selection of musical instruments. It’s important because it allows me to explore different options in person, whether I’m looking for a beginner's guitar or a high-end piano. Having many choices increases the likelihood of finding exactly what I need.
  • Expert Staff Knowledge: I’d prefer a store with staff who are knowledgeable and passionate about music. Their expertise can help me make informed decisions about the right instrument, accessories, or gear. This is particularly helpful when I’m buying something new or need advice on maintenance.
  • After-Sales Support and Warranty: Instruments are investments, so after-sales support is crucial. I want to be sure the store offers good warranties, repair services, and maintenance options. If I ever need help with a malfunctioning instrument, it's reassuring to know I can get assistance.
  • Customer Reviews and Reputation: I rely on feedback from other musicians to gauge whether a store is worth my time. Reading reviews and testimonials helps me understand the reputation of a store and whether other customers have had positive experiences with the instruments, service, and overall shopping process.

In my opinion, one of the most therapeutic hobbies out there is listening to music. But what’s even better than that is actually making music with the best instruments that I have! For me, my instruments are investments, so the place I get them matters.

That’s when music stores come into play for all of us musicians out there. The only question is who they are and where we can find them. Luckily for you, I’ve curated a list of the best in Brisbane!

Get ready to make some music by visiting these stores! Read on!

1. Riffs & Licks Music

riffs-licks-music

Website: https://www.riffsandlicks.com.au/

Address: 56 Commercial Rd, Newstead QLD 4006, Australia

Contact Details: +61 7 3124 7157

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM; Saturday: 9 AM – 3 PM

Google Reviews Score4.9/5
Facebook Reviews Score4.4/5
Score Consistency4.7/5
Variety of Instruments5/5
Expert Staff Knowledge5/5
After-Sales Support and Warranty4.5/5
Customer Reviews and Reputation4.5/5

Riffs & Licks Music has one of the largest catalogues of musical instruments that customers can choose from. They have it all, from guitars, drums, keys, orchestral, and even amplifiers, stage accessories, and studio equipment!

When you have a variety of products like them within one place, the convenience will always be there. The place is also known for having extremely helpful staff who will help customers walk through almost the entire line of items!

From time to time, they have sales & promotions on their website to help potential buyers with their decision-making. Talk about knowing how to get your money’s worth without having to visit them, right?

One downside that we found from online reviews is that the place needs some work with their online orders. You can find almost no complaints, but that particular aspect is a common one for them. Maybe if they figure it out, they’ll be the ultimate music store!

Pros

  • Extremely wide variety
  • Helpful and patient staff
  • Sales & Promotions on website

Cons

  • Online service needs improvement

Great service

First time in store for me and first impressions were all positive. Store is well laid out and presented, and the staff were welcoming without being pushy. I couldn’t see what I was searching for but Tommy found one boxed. He asked if I’d like to try it and then happily unpacked and set it up for me. It was a really relaxed and enjoyable experience. Even when I expressed my preference for a strap, Tommy quickly added what I needed to the guitar so I could have it exactly as I wanted. A really impressive range to choose from and staff who are ready to give you any help you need. Great service!

Rockelle Duffy | Google Reviews

I won’t shop anywhere else

The most genuine, welcoming, high level customer service I think I’ve experienced anywhere (music store or otherwise). What started with me asking for advice on new strings this morning turned into an afternoon of hands-on learning. Tommy took the time to educate me on all things from restringing my bass to caring for the neck & body of the guitar, and adjusting the neck and bridge. Thank you for re-instilling my passion for my instrument and music – I won’t shop anywhere else.

Isabella Kibby | Google Reviews

2. Mannys Music

mannys-music

Website: https://www.mannys.com.au/

Address: 1/71 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia

Contact Details: +61 1300 626 697

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Google Reviews Score4.7/5
Facebook Reviews Score4.2/5
Score Consistency4.5/5
Variety of Instruments5/5
Expert Staff Knowledge5/5
After-Sales Support and Warranty5/5
Customer Reviews and Reputation4/5

Mannys Music is one of those places that makes musicians feel at home despite the size of their catalogue. Not only that, but they’re also very accommodating to non-musicians who wish to check everything out.

They offer any product or service catered to musicians, DJs and production, live sound, and stage, and even education on music! The people there really are professionals with an immense love for creating and teaching the art.

We heard about how good their repair services are, and how they are always willing to assist customers with damaged instruments or faulty purchases. With that kind of customer service, it feels rewarding to visit!

However, we read that some people have negative experiences when it comes to the staff as they can be rude or uninterested. In terms of their deliveries, they still need some significant improvements.

With those two things being extremely important, we can only hope that they can capitalize on their mistakes for even better results. Luckily for us, our experience was complete and fulfilling!

Pros

  • Wide selection
  • Teaches music
  • Good repair service
  • Generous warranties

Cons

  • Staff can be rude
  • Delayed deliveries

Great prices and exceptional service

Great prices and exceptional service. Thanks to Callum and Dustin for taking the time to explain many things and find me the best prices. A special thanks to Callum for helping manoeuvre boxes around the interior of my car for 10 minutes.

James McDonald| Google Reviews

I will always return here

Absolute stellar group of people. I went in with a worn & barely functioning set of speakers I unfortunately bought from Facebook Marketplace, Conner, Jacob and Vivian took the time to assist me and asked me to bring them in. Once I returned, they took great care in providing a temporary solution which they didn’t need to do, they did this out of love for the craft and respect for musicians. I will always return here and would recommend Mannys Music to anybody.

James Hart | Google Reviews

3. The Music Spot

the-music-spot

Website: https://www.musicspot.com.au/

Address: 129 Browns Plains Rd, Browns Plains QLD 4118, Australia

Contact Details: +61 7 3800 5229

Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM; Thursday: 9 AM – 6 PM; Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM

Google Reviews Score4.9/5
Score Consistency4.9/5
Variety of Instruments4.5/5
Expert Staff Knowledge5/5
After-Sales Support and Warranty4.5/5
Customer Reviews and Reputation5/5

To us, The Music Spot is a place that feels like home. It’s like you’re just visiting a friend who just happens to have lots of instruments you can buy.

The people in the store specialize in hospitality and educating even mere visitors. They even encourage window shoppers to try some stuff out just so they can come back when they feel like enjoying themselves!

Their catalogue is also wide, with some of the most generous sales from time to time! We recommend checking their website as their list for money savers changes regularly. If you want the best instruments at discounted prices, then this is the place for you!

Unfortunately, I did find a few complaints from online reviews stating that their repair services can sometimes be expensive and even take a long time. If The Music Spot can train its staff better in this area, maybe it’ll have more loyal customers come over.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • customers
  • Regular discounts

Cons

  • Inconsistent repair service
  • Can be pricey

Have always felt warmly welcomed

Great Customer service! Have always felt warmly welcomed when opening the door. Hamish and the crew do a great job ensuring you are satisfied with your visit and help guide you into the right direction when deciding what product may be right for you. I have been a happy customer at the Music Spot since 2015 starting with my first Peavey beginners guitar kit to now owning my beast rig REVV Generator mkiii with the matching 4×12 cab. Thank you guys at the Music Spot!

Cody Shaw | Google Reviews

Will undoubtedly be returning in the future

The service provided was exceptional, characterized by very friendly, welcoming staff members who were readily available to assist at a moment’s notice, along with remarkably reasonable pricing. I purchased my son’s first electric guitar and amplifier here and I could not be more satisfied. I highly recommend this cool, little shop and will undoubtedly be returning in the future.

Bridget Myers | Google Reviews

4. Vivace Music

vivace-music

Website: https://www.vivacemusic.com.au/

Address: 36 Compton Rd, Underwood QLD 4119, Australia

Contact Details: +61 7 3090 4268

Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM; Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM

Google Reviews Score4.3/5
Facebook Reviews Score4.5/5
Score Consistency4.4/5
Variety of Instruments5/5
Expert Staff Knowledge5/5
After-Sales Support and Warranty4/5
Customer Reviews and Reputation4.5/5

Vivace Music prides itself on its fantastic service– they are known for being very patient, letting customers try out as many instruments as they’d like. Despite having plenty to choose from, they’re always willing to give out guidance and suggestions!

They also have competitive prices for their products! I appreciate them for recognizing that instruments are investments and that you really get what you pay for. Because who would want something expensive but is considered subpar, right?

But what really impressed me about Vivace Music is how they make swapping so easy. A customer can purchase a guitar, for example, and find themselves not liking it after a few days. The store is willing to replace it provided that it doesn’t have damages!

What bothers even their regulars, though, is how their website displays different prices compared to the ones in the store. They also reply slowly in emails and don’t make online customers a priority. We hope they can fix this issue to improve their accessibility!

Pros

  • Plenty of choices
  • Patient staff
  • Easy purchase swaps
  • Competitive prices

Cons

  • Inconsistent online service
  • Ignores emails
  • Warranties can take time

There are lots of musical instruments here

We just bought a TD17 KV Roland Drum Set here and we loved it a lot!!! Customer Service was so great and they are there to help us and that’s cool! There are lots of musical instruments here like acoustic and electronic drums, violins, electric and acoustic guitars, piano and keyboards and so much more!!!

Liz Cabaraban | Google Reviews

Service was second to none

Great range of quality instruments and accessories to suit all levels of musical ability and taste. Red Hot deals on famous brands but above all the service was second to none and even though I was only making a minor purchase today I was looked after by the professional, knowledgeable and courteous team like gold. Highly recommended and will be back for more… Oh yeah, thanks guys for helping me pick out this beautiful Butter Scotch Blonde Bombshell, Cheers…

Joe Azzopardi | Google Reviews

5. Artie’s Music Max

arties-music-max

Website: https://artiesstrathpine.com.au/

Address: 700 Gympie Rd, Lawnton QLD 4501, Australia

Contact Details: +61 7 3889 7499

Operating Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM; Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM

Google Reviews Score4.9/5
Facebook Reviews Score5/5
Score Consistency4.9/5
Variety of Instruments3.5/5
Expert Staff Knowledge5/5
After-Sales Support and Warranty5/5
Customer Reviews and Reputation5/5

Artie’s Music Max is known for a couple of things: their very experienced staff and competitive prices. We heard that some of their customers have been around since the 90s, so that should tell you how experienced they are in what they do!

The people there give suggestions, especially when you don’t know what you want. Just give them your budget and a few of your ideas, and they’ll whip out multiple options with guidance for each!

The catch? They give discounts if you ever want to upgrade in the future! That’s something we’ve never heard about from other music stores. As long as you buy from them, they’ll give you a call if there’s an upgraded version of the product you bought.

However, we have to mention that their product range is limited. Unlike other stores that are like one-stop shops, Artie’s Music Max has less available options. Regardless, they’re still willing to help as much as they can, and we think that’s enough!

Pros

  • Tenured staff
  • Staff gives suggestions
  • Competitive prices
  • Discounts for future upgrades

Cons

  • Product range is limited

Highly recommend this shop to anyone

This is an incredible music shop with a fantastic owner! My partner has been buying all his music equipment here for years, and the owner knows him so well just from his regular visits. It’s the only place I can confidently shop for a gift for my partner without him being there, knowing the brand, quality, and overall standards will meet his expectations (I have no instrument knowledge) — thanks to the owner’s expertise and personal knowledge of what he likes. Highly recommend this shop to anyone, whether you’re a musician or just shopping for one!

Hollie Dawson | Google Reviews

Outstanding service and advice

Without a doubt the most friendly and helpful service I believe I have ever received. I certainly can’t ever recall having such a pleasant experience while shopping with any retailer. It was the first time that I had met Peter (who I believe to be the owner) and he made me feel like we had been friends for a lifetime. From this moment on I will without doubt be purchasing all of my guitar equipment solely from Arties Music Lawnton. Thank you Peter for your outstanding service and advice.

Evan F | Google Reviews


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