The Troubadour Music Center

I’m going to have to give this store a two. Only because the guy who helped us in buying our first banjo was so nice and helpful. He should not be confused with store owner Kent who is very anal about his instruments being played. At first we thought he was a cool guy and very knowledgable about his field. As he may be very knowledgable, he is the least bit nice. I have been playing for over ten years and know how to treat instruments with respect and have proven that every time I have been in his store to play an instrument I was interested in. Yet every single time I go in there he very analy has to interrupt my playing to make sure I’m not scratching the instrument with my jacket zipper or what have you, even though I wasn’t even wearing a jacket. Also anytime I play their acoustics the lady that works there sits down and very awkwardly watches me play the entire time instead of giving us space to try the instruments. Although they do have a descent selection, it could be larger. I would suggest the fingerboard extension. Much wider selection, nicer people, and a much more comfortable place to try an instrument before buying.

My wife surprised me by taking me to this store last Saturday to buy me a banjo for a gift. Kent, the owner, sat down with me and showed me all about the instrument — how to play, how to care for it, the history behind it. We were there for 2.5 hours, and I haven’t felt that welcome in a business in a long time. He even cleaned up and did maintenance on the banjo for me for free.
The staff is very knowledgeable and willing to help. The atmosphere is pleasant, laid back, and not at all pushy. They even showed concern when I wanted to spend more money to buy a fiddle for my wife. They wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to spend on a whim.
These people operate a music instrument store the way it should be run — the way any business should be run — and this is why I prefer independent shops. I will be returning for lessons and tips in the future… happily.
Also, pet the dog! –:)

I love browsing music stores, and am a musician. I’m trying to raise my son with the same appreciation for fine instruments as I have.
That said — I took him into this store — he was quiet and respectful, and sat down at a grand piano and was very quietly and gently playing a few notes on it. I was watching him and he was in no way being careless with it — I appreciate musical instruments and am very fussy with treating them with care and respect.
The guy I believe to be the owner very grouchily told him to quit playing it and get away from it.
He asked my «Daddy why did that guy talk so mean to me?»
Not a good way to encourage a future musician. Maybe he’s having a bad day — but my son will remember this always I’m sure. What reminded me of this is today we drove past the store, and 2 years later he said «There’s the grouchy guy store» (My son is now 9)
I think they have a fairly nice store — but for this reason I wouldn’t buy even a set of strings there.

Great store for stringed and folky instruments. Very helpful staff, and good policies. They’re a bit on the spendy side, especially for regular items like strings and picks. Multi-​generational, which is a plus. You’re not gonna find drum sets, or effects pedals here (well, not many) but you will find lots of other types of exotic drums, great acoustic guitars, odd stringed instruments from other cultures, etc.