Your Guide to Local Rhode Island Music Shops!

 

A Guide to Local Rhode Island Music Shops

Last weekend, the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, www.rhodeislandmusichalloffame.com, inducted its Class of 2015, and a cornucopia of local musical luminaries were honored. New Wave legends the Schemers, Prince protege Brenda Bennett, pop baritone and Hollywood star Nelson Eddy, trombonist George Masso, Newport Jazz and Folk impresario George Wein, bandleader Duke Belaire, manager Paco Zimmer, rock rebel George Leonard, Sixties hit makers the Others, psychedelic pop mavens the Ascots, bassists Bob Petteruti and Marty Ballou, and rhythm and blues drummer Marty Richards all were inducted in 2015, the fourth year of the Hall’s existence in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village. They join a list of heavyweight Rhody music makers like Paul Gonsalves, Tavares, Roomful of Blues, Duke Robillard, Randy Hien, Paul Geremia, the Cowsills, Eddie Zack, Sissieretta Jones, Dave Mckenna, and John Cafferty and Beaver Brown. Known worldwide for many genres of music, from jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll, to punk, new wave, and pop, the smallest state can claim a disproportionate amount of excellent, world class singers, instrumentalists, producers, composers, educators, and behind the scenes talent. It’s no accident, then, that RI is home to a number of super music stores, where musicians young and old can purchase instruments, written music, accessories, and, perhaps most importantly, instruction. While not every musician is bound for the Hall of Fame, the benefits of playing music and learning its theory and practice are wide ranging and inarguable. Some of the things music can do for the minds of students of any age include refined development of the areas of the brain that govern language, reasoning, and mathematics; enhancement of creative senses and problem solving abilities; and increases in the capacity for the brain to take on multiple tasks with flexibility and suppleness. Music develops discipline, while the rewards: learning great songs, joining in harmony with others, positive attention, interplay with other cultures and times,self expression; make the work fun. There’s never been a better time to join in the Rhode Island tradition of fine musicianship. These local shops will help you get there.

 

Empire Guitars, http://empireguitarsri.com, 1271 North Main Street (rear entrance), Providence, phone 1-877-55-TWANG. This store is a dream come true for guitarists, bassists, and synth players, with a vast array of fine luthiery, the most modern electronic effects, high quality amplification, and a sales staff that is relaxed, friendly, and full of knowledge about vintage instruments and the devices that can bring out their best tones. While Empire is well known for vintage treasures like the 1964 sunburst Stratocaster hanging on the wall at $18k, or a 1953 Gibson ES-295 at $9500, they also have a wide range of very affordable instruments for students and tight budgets. Empire has a great repair department, and their guitars are set up and ready to play. Owners Jeff Keithline and Michael Goldstein, along with manager Michael Samos, offer a musical shopping experience like no other in our state, and local guitarists and bassists, from novice to professional, are lucky to have a place where they buy the basics like strings and picks, and also get to interact with a fantasy collection of instruments and sonic tools. Hours M-F 10-7, Sat 9-6.

 

 

Robert’s Musical Instruments, http://www.robertsmusicri.com, 687 Quaker Lane, West Warwick, phone 823-5459. Robert’s offers a full range of musical instrumentation, accessories, and sheet music,including legal electronic downloads of sheet music. Their repair shop is ready for any type of instrument, and they offer lessons from experienced and highly qualified teachers. They rent instruments to students as well, starting at $20 per month. Robert’s has you covered for your band instrument needs, offering lines from student to professional from makers like Selmer, Yamaha, Bach, King, Xeno, James Galaway, and Eastman. They have guitars from Yamaha and Washburn, and a range of Kala ukuleles. Owners Rob and Terri Vivieros, owners since 1980, are proud of their store and customer service, and are ready to help you with all of your musical needs. Mon-Thurs Noon-8, Fri Noon-7, Sat 10-5.

 

Wakefield Music, http://www.wakefieldmusic.com, 58 Main Street, South Kingstown, phone 783-5390. Owned and operated by passionate musicians, Wakefield is a real small town music shop with a friendly and often bustling neighborhood feel. Wakefield Music is one of the only shops in the state stocking a full range of folk instruments like mandolins, dulcimers, and banjos. Offering the full range of band instruments, expert instruction in many instruments and levels, a finding service that matches professional musicians with events, a repair department, student rentals, a huge collection of sheet music, and authorized dealership in Ramirez, Fender, Taylor and Martin,guitars, and Deering banjos, Wakefield Music is a boon to the South County area and its many musicians. Mon-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 9:30-5.

 

Rick’s Musical Instruments, http://www.ricksmusicalinstruments.com, 2352 Mendon Road, Cumberland, phone 658-3404. Serving the Northern RI zone with a huge selection of top quality brass, woodwind, percussion, and stringed instruments, along with pro audio, rentals, repairs, and skilled instruction, Rick’s has been owned and operated by dedicated local musicians for more than twenty years. Featuring great brands like Peavey, Pearl, Bach, Blessing, Gemeinhardt, Jupiter, Keilwerth, Ludwig, and Yamaha, this store’s sales and instruction staff will help get you on the path to musical skill and knowledge the right way. Their motto is “Shop local, shop competitive, shop smart.” Call or visit Rick’s and start playing today. Hours Mon-Thurs 10-8, Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4.

 

Village Drum and Music, http://thevillagedrumandmusic.com, 17 Silk Lane, North Scituate, phone 764-0990. A true specialty shop, located in the heart of charming North Scituate, Village is a drummer/percussionist’s fantasy made real. In addition to their thoughtfully curated selection of new stock, Village Drum buys, sells, and restores used gear from many eras. They also offer drum, of course, guitar, bass and keyboard instruction. Village Drum is certified to sell and service a vast array of drum and percussion manufacturers, including Ludwig, Sonor, Pearl, Taye, and Crush. They are authorized dealers for Zildjian, Meinl, Paiste, Bosphorus, Istanbul, Dream, Silverfox, Audix microphones, Zoom, and more! If you have a drummer in your life, Village Drum is the perfect place to shop for gifts, and if your heart’s desire is to keep time and bash the skins, Village Drum is the place for you. Hours Mon, Tues, Thurs 11-7, Weds, Fri 11-6, Sat 10-5.

 

Al Trombetti Music, http://www.altrombettimusic.com, http://rhodysound.com, 2067 West Shore Road, Warwick, phone 739-0182. Serving the musical needs of Kent County musicians, from student to professional, continually since 1978, Al Trombetti Music is exactly the kind of small business that makes you understand the benefits of shopping local. Providing instruction,rentals, repairs, pro audio, a full line of Fender gear, and Gretsch drums, this shop has also worked closely with the Warwick school music programs for many years. Owner Bob McKenna is a highly respected local musician, and has worked diligently to expand Trombetti’s customer base the old fashioned way, with great prices and excellent customer service. Hours Mon-Fri -8, Sat 10-3.

 

Rossi Music, http://www.rossimusic.net, Spindrift Village, 271 Post Road, Westerly, 596-7034. Westerly’s only full service musical shop, Rossi has been family owned and operated since 1986, and recently moved from Downtown to Dunn’s Corners. From guitars to drums, brass to woodwinds, harmonicas to amplifiers, Rossi Music can place in your hands the instrument that will be your musical voice. Customer satisfaction is their highest goal, and whether you are renting, buying used, or purchasing brand new, Rossi’s is the place in Westerly to get your groove working. Hours Mon-Fri 1-6, Sat 10-4.

 

More Than Music, http://www.morethanmusicri.com, 170 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, 295-1950. More Than Music’s focus is on meaningful, multifaceted musical instruction, and students have traveled to their North Kingstown location from all over the state since 1988. Nancy Shanahan has managed the business since the beginning, and the proof of her expertise in matching students with the right instructor can be seen and heard at their annual Spring recital. An emphasis on confidence in performance is such an important aspect of music instruction, and More Than Music’s experienced teachers make sure that their students, in voice, guitar, percussion, woodwind, brass, piano, bass, or strings, are well prepared. Hours by appointment.

The Music Complex RI, http://www.themusiccomplexri.com, 66 Montgomery Street, Pawtucket, phone 729-1860, and 615 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, phone 949-1060. Rudy D’Agostino’s unique music business is a lot more than just a store. While most of the shops listed so far are multifaceted and offer a combination of goods and services, the Music Complex takes the concept a few steps further, adding a professional recording studio and 24 hour rehearsal rooms to the mix, and really giving musicians a one stop shopping experience. This shop caters to musicians at all levels, from student, to hobbyist, to touring pro. Their teaching staff emphasizes goal oriented learning, with an eye and ear toward performance. Product lines include Fender, Taylor, Takamine, Crafter, Dean, Korg, Mackie, Lexicon, Soundcraft, Marshall, and many more. With two Northern RI locations, musicians can count them selves lucky to be close to such a full service facility. From obtaining your ax, to learning, to practicing, to recording and performing, Rudy has you covered. Hours in Pawtucket Mon-Thurs 2-8, Sat 11-6. Smithfield Mon-Thurs 2-9, Sat 11-6

 

 

Al Drew’s Music Center, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Al-Drews-Music-Center/134092269974628?sk=info&tab=page_info, 526 Front Street, Woonsocket, phone 769-3552. Al Drew’s will be celebrating 50 years in business next year, making them the oldest continually run independent music shop in the state. Offering the full range of musical services, along with vintage guitars and drums, Al Drew’s has served everyone from Cheap Trick to the Rolling Stones to long distance customers worldwide in their half decade of business, and they are ready to help you with your musical journey. Especially focused on high quality drums, instruction, and primo vintage gear, Al Drew’s is a musical oasis in Woonsocket. Hours Mon-Thurs 12-8, Fri 12-6:30, Sat 10-4.

 

Dan’s Music Center, http://dansmusiccenter.com, 961 Namquid Drive, Warwick, phone 467-8080. Owner Dan is the guitarist for popular Rhody house rockers The Senders, and music runs strong in his blood. Dan’s is truly dedicated to the customer and making sure to make available the most up to date equipment and accessories, at the best prices. Guitars, basses, percussion, amplification, keyboards, and band instruments, and teachers to show how to use them can always be found here, and Dan’s many connections in the local music scene provide an always changing selection of high quality used gear. Let Dan and his crew apply their passion to help you reach your musical potential. Hours Mon 11-7, Tues-Thurs 11-8, Fri 11-6, Sat 10-5.

 

Musician’s Corner, http://www.musicianscorneronline.com, 1530 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, phone 353-3805. This store, in the Luca Building, has provided a haven for musicians for many years, offering caring service and repair, fair pricing policies, an array of great Rhody musicians to teach lessons, and top quality products from Fender, Ibanez, Yamaha, Seymour Duncan, Mackie, American DJ,and Rickenbacker. The staff at Musician’s Corner know what it takes to make the gig, and they can help you get your best sound together, whether you are an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro. Their website lists their inventory, both new and gently used. Hours Mon-Thurs 12:30-8, Fri 12:30-6.Sat 10-4.

Main Street Music, http://www.getyoursound.com, 4 King Street, East Greenwich, 884-1430. This shop has a strongly stated mission, and they exist to help musicians get their own sound and take it to the stage. As their website states, the crew at Main Street Music will show you how to play, hook you up with like minded players to jam with, make sure your equipment is working as it should, and also, through their Rock Band 101 camps, get you performing songs on stage with a band. In business in their current incarnation since 2002, this is a full service stop for those who want to express themselves in a rocking way. Hours Mon-Fri Noon-7, Sat 9-3. Sun by appointment.

 

 

Ross Music, http://www.rossmusicstore.com, 1800 Post Road/Airport Plaza, Warwick, 738-7677. This shop has been family owned and operated in Rhode Island for more than 35 years, and no business survives that long unless they offer excellent pricing and dedicated customer service. Experiencing great growth during the Heavy Metal Eighties, Ross became the place to go in RI if you need the power of a full Marshall stack, but the store also offers much more, including a full line of folk and bluegrass instrumentation, horns, and pro audio. Ross Music is RI’s only authorized Gibson repair facility, and they stock a beautiful collection of Gibson instruments, as well. Hours Mon-Fri 11-8, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5.

Dimeglio Music, http://www.dimegliomusic.com, 670 Killingly Street, Johnston, phone 455-0022. In business since 1935, with an owner who has been in the music business since 1937, Dimeglio’s is the last of the truly old fashioned music stores in RI. Specializing in unusual, rare, and vintage instruments; perfect repairs, and lessons with the finest instructors, Dimeglio’s takes pride in their ability to help you make a joyful noise. The store’s owner has the ability to identify any instrument before it is taken out of its case, and the Old World emphasis of the shops extends to their stock, which includes exquisite accordions, balalaikas, and vintage archtops. Dimeglio’s can use their vast knowledge to help you make wonderful sounds. Their Facebook page has featured their youngest student, studying music at four years old, and proving that music truly does bring joy to all ages. Hours Mon-Sat 11-5.

 

Bedrossian Music,http://www.bedrossianmusic.com/music/, 78 Post Road, Warwick, phone 270-5379. This small family-owned shop has been helping musicians since 1978, offering sales, service and instruction, along with all the necessary services for school band programs. Their Facebook page spotlights some great deals on used instruments, and rentals are available, too. Hours Mon, Tues 12-8, Weds, Fri 11-6, Thurs 11-7, Sat 10-5. Sun by appointment.

 

Beekman Violin, http://www.beekmanviolin.com, 1058 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, phone 284-0265. Located in the heart of Peace Dale village, Beekman Violin is a family owned and operated full service shop for stringed instruments. Offering rental, repair, and sales of fine violins, violas, celli, and string basses, Beekman Violin is fully dedicated to supporting and nurturing Southern Rhode Island’s community of stringed instrument players and students. Hours Tues-Fri 12-5:30, Sat 10-3.

McCarten Violins, http://mccartenviolins.com, 1005 Main Street, Suite 2201, Pawtucket, phone 312-4260. A full service stringed instrument shop, McCarten Violins provides repair, restoration, and sought after setup work for violins, violas, and celli, along with handmade instruments by owner Dennis McCarten, and fellow luthier Armand Aromin. Their bright and lovely shop is located in Pawtucket’s bustling Hope Artiste Village. All of McCarten’s instruments and repairs are 100 percent guaranteed, and they are able to match players with the right instruments, at a price that fits their budget. Visit McCarten’s website for a full list of services. Hours Tues-Thurs Noon-6, Fri Noon-5, Sat Noon-3.

Oasis Music, 223 Putnam Pike, Johnston, phone 231-7440. For more than 33 years, owner/drummer Tom Nimmo has been giving his customers fair and honest deals on instruments, instruction and musical advice. This tiny shop is well known for the welcoming nature of its owner, and for sending its students very prepared for the world of playing out. Offering instruction in drums and guitar, along with excellent prices on a small but well selected inventory, Oasis is the place for you if you want a kindness in your musical shopping experience. Hours Tues-Fri 12-8, Sat 9-3.