Toronto’s vibrant music scene is a haven for aspiring musicians and seasoned professionals alike, and finding the right place to buy your instruments is crucial for crafting your sound. Whether you’re in search of a sleek new guitar, a grand piano, or the latest in digital synthesizers, the city boasts an impressive array of musical instrument stores that cater to every need and skill level. In this guide, we’ll explore Toronto’s best musical instruments stores, where you can find everything from beginner-friendly options to high-end gear favored by pros. With so many choices, this article will ensure you discover the best stores to buy musical instruments in Toronto, making your musical journey as harmonious as possible.
Top 18 Musical Instruments Stores in Toronto
- Long & McQuade
- Steve’s Music Store
- Cosmo Music
- Remenyi House of Music
- The Sound Post
- Paul’s Boutique
- The Twelfth Fret
- Encore Music Exchange
- Kaos Music Centre
- Merriam Music
- Yorkville Sound
- Just Drums
- The Acoustic Guitar
- Acoustic Music Shop
- Ring Music
- L.A. Music
- Metro Sound & Music
- Toronto Guitar School
Long & McQuade
Long & McQuade is one of the most recognized and best musical instrument stores in Toronto, renowned for its extensive selection of instruments and gear catering to musicians of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, this store offers a vast range of instruments, including guitars, pianos, drums, brass, woodwinds, and electronic gear. Long & McQuade stands out not only for its inventory but also for its exceptional customer service. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist with expert advice, helping customers find the perfect instrument or gear to suit their needs. They also offer rental services, making it convenient for those looking to try out an instrument before committing to a purchase. With locations across Toronto, Long & McQuade remains a go-to destination for anyone seeking quality musical instruments and sound equipment in the city.
Address: 925 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L5, Canada
Contact: +1 416-588-7886
Steve’s Music Store
Steve’s Music Store is a staple in Toronto’s music community, known for its friendly atmosphere and comprehensive selection of musical instruments. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Steve’s has been serving musicians for decades, offering everything from guitars and basses to keyboards, drums, and recording equipment. One of the store’s unique features is its wide variety of instruments available for all budgets, making it one of the top musical instruments stores in Toronto. Whether you’re a novice musician or a seasoned pro, Steve’s has something for everyone. The staff is highly knowledgeable, often musicians themselves, providing personalized service and expert advice. Steve’s Music Store also has a rich history of supporting local musicians, making it a beloved institution in Toronto’s music scene. After picking up your new instrument, consider booking time at one of the best recording studios in Toronto to bring your music to life.
Address: 415 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A5, Canada
Contact: +1 416-593-8888
Cosmo Music
Cosmo Music is often regarded as one of Toronto’s best musical instruments stores, offering an unmatched shopping experience for musicians of all genres and skill levels. Located in Richmond Hill, just north of Toronto, this store is known for its massive showroom, which houses an extensive selection of instruments, including guitars, pianos, drums, and orchestral instruments. Cosmo Music is not just a store; it’s a destination for music lovers. The store also features a concert hall, rehearsal spaces, and a music school, making it a hub for the local music community. For musicians ready to take the stage, explore the best live music venues in Toronto, where you can witness amazing concerts and performances. What sets Cosmo Music apart is its dedication to customer service, offering personalized consultations, repairs, and instrument rentals. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, Cosmo Music provides everything you need under one roof, solidifying its place as one of the best stores to buy musical instruments in Toronto.
Address: 10 Via Renzo Dr, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 0B6, Canada
Contact: +1 800-463-3000
Remenyi House of Music
Remenyi House of Music is a prestigious and historic musical instrument store in Toronto, renowned for its specialization in high-quality pianos, string instruments, and sheet music. Established in 1890, Remenyi has a long-standing reputation for excellence, making it one of Toronto’s best musical instruments stores for classical musicians. The store offers an exquisite range of pianos, from grand and upright models to digital pianos, along with violins, cellos, and other string instruments. What truly sets Remenyi apart is its commitment to craftsmanship and tradition. The store also provides expert repair and restoration services, ensuring that each instrument maintains its optimal condition. For those passionate about classical music, Remenyi House of Music is not just a store but a cornerstone of Toronto’s musical heritage.
Address: 109 Vanderhoof Ave Suite 15, Toronto, ON M4G 2H7, Canada
Contact: +1 416-961-3111
The Sound Post
The Sound Post is a highly specialized musical instrument store in Toronto, known for its focus on string instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Established in 1991, The Sound Post has built a strong reputation among classical musicians and students for offering high-quality instruments and expert services. The store carries a wide range of instruments, from beginner models to professional-grade options, making it one of the best musical instrument stores in Toronto for string players. What sets The Sound Post apart is its commitment to craftsmanship; they also offer restoration and repair services performed by skilled luthiers. In addition to instruments, The Sound Post provides an extensive selection of bows, cases, strings, and accessories, ensuring that musicians have everything they need under one roof.
Address: 93 Grenville St, Toronto, ON M5S 1B4, Canada
Contact: +1 416-971-6990
Paul’s Boutique
Paul’s Boutique is a unique and eclectic musical instrument store in Toronto, known for its extensive collection of vintage and used gear. Located in the vibrant Kensington Market area, Paul’s Boutique has become a go-to destination for musicians seeking rare and hard-to-find instruments. The store specializes in guitars, basses, and amplifiers, but also carries a variety of other instruments and accessories. What makes Paul’s Boutique stand out among the top musical instruments stores in Toronto is its carefully curated selection of vintage instruments, each with its own history and character. The knowledgeable staff at Paul’s Boutique are passionate about music and are always ready to help customers find the perfect piece of gear, whether it’s a classic Fender guitar or a unique pedal.
Address: 69 Nassau St, Toronto, ON M5T 1M6, Canada
Contact: +1 416-603-9477
The Twelfth Fret
The Twelfth Fret is one of Toronto’s best musical instruments stores, renowned for its expertise in guitars and stringed instruments. Established in 1977, this store has become a haven for guitar enthusiasts, offering an impressive selection of acoustic, electric, and classical guitars, as well as banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles. The Twelfth Fret is particularly known for its high-end and custom instruments, making it a favorite among professional musicians. What truly sets this store apart is its world-class repair and restoration services, performed by some of the most skilled luthiers in the industry. The Twelfth Fret also offers consignment services, allowing customers to buy and sell pre-owned instruments. With its dedication to quality and craftsmanship, The Twelfth Fret remains one of the top musical instruments stores in Toronto for guitar lovers.
Address: 2132 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C 1J9, Canada
Contact: +1 416-423-2132
Encore Music Exchange
Encore Music Exchange is a standout musical instrument store in Toronto, particularly known for its focus on pre-owned and vintage instruments. Located in the heart of the city, this store caters to musicians who are looking for high-quality instruments at affordable prices. Encore Music Exchange offers a diverse range of instruments, including guitars, basses, keyboards, and drums, along with various accessories. The store’s specialty lies in its well-curated selection of used gear, making it a top choice for those who appreciate the charm and character of vintage instruments. Encore Music Exchange also offers trade-in options, allowing customers to upgrade or swap their current instruments. With its commitment to quality and value, this store is a favorite as the best musical instrument store in Toronto among both novice and seasoned musicians.
Address: 239 Sheppard Ave E Unit #203, North York, ON M2N 3A8, Canada
Contact: +1 647-222-1660
Kaos Music Centre
Kaos Music Centre is a trusted name among musical instrument stores in Toronto, particularly popular for its comprehensive range of instruments and its exceptional music education programs. Located in the west end of Toronto, Kaos Music Centre offers everything from guitars, drums, and keyboards to band and orchestral instruments. The store is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are always ready to help customers find the right instrument or gear. What sets Kaos Music Centre apart is its dedication to music education; the store features a highly regarded music school that offers lessons in a variety of instruments for all ages and skill levels. Kaos Music Centre is not just a place to buy instruments; it’s a hub for musical learning and community engagement.
Address: 3016 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M8X 1C4, Canada
Contact: +1 416-233-2232
Merriam Music
Merriam Music is one of the best musical instrument stores in Toronto, particularly known for its high-quality pianos and comprehensive music education programs. With locations in Oakville and Vaughan, Merriam Music offers an extensive selection of new and pre-owned pianos from leading brands, as well as a wide range of other instruments, including guitars, drums, and digital keyboards. The store is renowned for its exceptional customer service, with staff members who are passionate about helping customers find the perfect instrument. In addition to its retail offerings, Merriam Music is also home to one of Canada’s largest private music schools, offering lessons for all ages in a variety of instruments. This combination of retail and education makes Merriam Music a unique and valuable resource for Toronto’s music community.
Address: 943 Eglinton Ave E #200, East York, ON M4G 4B5, Canada
Contact: +1 647-484-7786
Yorkville Sound
Yorkville Sound is a major player in Toronto’s music industry, known for its role as a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional audio equipment and musical instruments. While not a traditional retail store, Yorkville Sound is highly influential in the Toronto music scene, providing high-quality gear to many of the city’s music stores and venues. The company offers a wide range of products, including amplifiers, speakers, mixers, and microphones, as well as a selection of musical instruments under various brand names. Yorkville Sound is particularly renowned for its Canadian-made Traynor amplifiers, which are highly regarded by musicians for their durability and sound quality. As a key supplier in the industry, Yorkville Sound plays a crucial role in ensuring that Toronto’s best musical instruments stores are stocked with top-notch equipment.
Address: 550 Granite Ct, Pickering, ON L1W 3Y8, Canada
Contact: +1 905-837-8481
Just Drums
Just Drums is a highly specialized musical instrument store in Toronto, exclusively dedicated to drummers and percussionists. As its name suggests, this store is known for offering an extensive selection of drums, percussion instruments, and related accessories. Just Drums caters to everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals, making it one of the best musical instrument stores in Toronto for drummers. The store carries a wide range of products, including acoustic drum kits, electronic drums, cymbals, drumsticks, and percussion instruments from top brands like Yamaha, Pearl, and Roland. What sets Just Drums apart is its deep focus on the drumming community; the store offers drum lessons, repair services, and regularly hosts events and clinics with professional drummers. Just Drums is a go-to destination for anyone serious about percussion in Toronto.
Address: 137 Willowdale Ave, North York, ON M2N 4Y3, Canada
Contact: +1 416-226-1211
The Acoustic Guitar
The Acoustic Guitar is a niche musical instrument store in Toronto, specializing in acoustic stringed instruments. Located in the city’s east end, this store is a haven for acoustic guitar enthusiasts, offering a carefully curated selection of guitars, banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles. The Acoustic Guitar is known for its intimate and personalized shopping experience, making it one of the best stores to buy musical instruments in Toronto for those seeking high-quality acoustic instruments. The store features instruments from renowned brands as well as handcrafted models from local luthiers. The staff at The Acoustic Guitar are musicians themselves, providing expert advice and personalized service to help customers find the perfect instrument. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, The Acoustic Guitar offers a unique shopping experience focused on quality and craftsmanship.
Address: 15-109 Vanderhoof Ave, Toronto ON M4G 2H7.
Contact: 416.961.3111.
Acoustic Music Shop
Acoustic Music Shop is a well-regarded musical instrument store in Toronto that specializes in a variety of acoustic instruments. The store is known for its wide selection of guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, and other stringed instruments, making it a top choice for acoustic music lovers. What sets Acoustic Music Shop apart from other stores is its focus on high-quality craftsmanship and its commitment to providing a personalized shopping experience. The store carries instruments from both well-known brands and independent luthiers, ensuring a diverse selection for customers. In addition to instruments, Acoustic Music Shop also offers a range of accessories, including strings, cases, and picks, as well as repair and maintenance services. With its dedication to acoustic music, this store is a favorite among Toronto’s acoustic musicians.
Ring Music
Ring Music is one of Toronto’s longest-standing musical instrument stores, known for its specialization in guitars and other stringed instruments. Located in the city’s Annex neighborhood, Ring Music has been serving Toronto’s music community for decades. The store offers a wide range of instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars, basses, mandolins, and ukuleles. Ring Music is particularly well-known for its selection of vintage and rare guitars, making it a top musical instrument store in Toronto for collectors and enthusiasts. The knowledgeable staff at Ring Music are passionate about helping customers find the right instrument, offering expert advice and personalized service. The store also provides repair and customization services, ensuring that each instrument is perfectly suited to its owner. Ring Music’s long history and dedication to quality have made it a beloved institution in Toronto’s music scene.
Address: 17 Carlaw Ave #6, Toronto, ON M4M 2R6, Canada
Contact: +1 416-693-7464
L.A. Music
L.A. Music is a well-established musical instrument store in Toronto, renowned for its extensive online presence and large selection of instruments and equipment. While the store has a physical location in Mississauga, its reach extends across Toronto and beyond, making it a top destination for musicians looking for a wide variety of products. L.A. Music offers an impressive range of instruments, including guitars, basses, keyboards, drums, and DJ equipment, as well as a comprehensive selection of audio gear and accessories. What sets L.A. Music apart is its competitive pricing and frequent promotions, making it one of the best stores to buy musical instruments in Toronto for those seeking value without compromising on quality. The store is also known for its fast and reliable shipping, catering to the needs of both local and international customers.
Address: 230 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga, ON L5G 1G9 TEXT#647-0026, 360, Canada
Contact: +1 905-271-0303
Metro Sound & Music
Metro Sound & Music is a long-standing fixture in Toronto’s music community, known for its friendly atmosphere and wide selection of instruments and equipment. Located on Yonge Street, this store has been serving musicians for decades, offering everything from guitars and basses to keyboards, drums, and pro audio gear. Metro Sound & Music is particularly known for its customer service, with knowledgeable staff who are passionate about music and eager to help customers find the right gear. The store also offers repair services, making it a one-stop shop for all things music. What sets Metro Sound & Music apart is its dedication to the local music scene, often supporting local musicians and events. As one of the best musical instruments stores in Toronto, Metro Sound & Music is a reliable choice for musicians at all levels.
Contact: +1 604-374-1116
Toronto Guitar School
Toronto Guitar School is not just a place to buy guitars; it’s a comprehensive music education center dedicated to helping guitarists of all levels improve their skills. Located in the heart of Toronto, this school is known for offering a wide range of guitar lessons, from beginner to advanced, in various styles including rock, blues, jazz, and classical. While the focus is on education, Toronto Guitar School also offers a selection of guitars and related accessories for sale, making it a convenient spot for students and guitar enthusiasts alike. The instructors at Toronto Guitar School are experienced professionals, many of whom are active musicians in the Toronto music scene. This dual focus on education and instrument sales makes Toronto Guitar School a unique and valuable resource for guitarists in the city. After mastering your musical skills, why not explore the best dance classes and studios in Toronto to add rhythm to your repertoire?
Address: 116 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X8, Canada
Contact: +1 416-707-1077
Toronto’s Best Musical Instruments Stores for Beginners
Toronto is home to several musical instrument stores that cater specifically to beginners, making it easy for those just starting their musical journey to find the right instruments and guidance. Long & McQuade is one of the best musical instruments stores in Toronto for beginners, offering a wide range of affordable starter kits across various instrument categories, including guitars, keyboards, drums, and more. Their knowledgeable staff are always available to provide beginner-friendly advice, helping new musicians choose the right instruments and accessories. Additionally, Long & McQuade offers rental options, allowing beginners to try out instruments before making a purchase. The store also provides music lessons and workshops, making it a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to learn a new instrument.
Kaos Music Centre is another top choice for beginners in Toronto. This store not only offers a selection of affordable instruments but also has a well-regarded music school on-site. Kaos Music Centre provides lessons for a variety of instruments, ensuring that beginners receive the proper instruction to start their musical journey with confidence. The friendly and supportive environment at Kaos makes it one of the best stores to buy musical instruments in Toronto for those new to music.
For beginners looking for acoustic instruments, The Acoustic Guitar is an excellent option. This store specializes in acoustic guitars, ukuleles, and other stringed instruments, offering a range of beginner-friendly options. The staff at The Acoustic Guitar are musicians themselves and provide personalized advice to help beginners find the right instrument. They also offer lessons, making it easier for new players to get started.
Best Stores to Buy Musical Instruments in Toronto for Professionals
Professional musicians in Toronto have several excellent options when it comes to purchasing high-end musical instruments and gear. The Twelfth Fret is one of the best musical instruments stores in Toronto for professionals, known for its extensive selection of high-end and custom guitars. The store specializes in acoustic, electric, and classical guitars, as well as banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles. Professional musicians appreciate The Twelfth Fret for its world-class repair and restoration services, as well as its expert consultation services. The store’s knowledgeable staff are seasoned musicians themselves, offering personalized advice to help professionals find the perfect instrument or gear for their needs. After finding the perfect instrument, dive into the rich world of music at Toronto’s top vinyl record stores to expand your collection.
Cosmo Music is another top destination for professional musicians in Toronto. This store boasts one of the largest showrooms in the city, offering a vast range of instruments, including pianos, drums, and orchestral instruments. Cosmo Music is known for its high-end selection, including custom orders and exclusive models from leading brands. The store also provides expert consultation services, ensuring that professionals receive the best advice and support when selecting their instruments. Additionally, Cosmo Music offers repair and maintenance services, making it a one-stop shop for all professional music needs.
For those in search of professional audio gear and studio equipment, Yorkville Sound is a key player in Toronto’s music industry. While primarily a manufacturer and distributor, Yorkville Sound supplies top-notch audio equipment and instruments to many of the best musical instruments stores in Toronto. Professional musicians can find high-quality amplifiers, speakers, and other audio gear, with the Canadian-made Traynor amplifiers being particularly popular among pros. Yorkville Sound’s products are known for their durability and exceptional sound quality, making them a preferred choice for professional musicians and audio engineers.
Online Music Stores in Toronto
In today’s digital age, many of Toronto’s best musical instruments stores offer robust online shopping options, allowing musicians to browse and purchase instruments from the comfort of their homes. L.A. Music stands out as one of the top online music stores in Toronto, offering a wide range of instruments and audio gear through its comprehensive e-commerce platform. This store is particularly known for its competitive pricing and frequent online promotions, making it a popular choice for those looking to score a great deal on musical instruments.
Another reputable online option is Cosmo Music, which provides an extensive selection of instruments and accessories on its website. The online store is well-organized, with detailed product descriptions and reviews that help customers make informed decisions. Cosmo Music’s website also features a live chat option, where customers can get instant advice from experts, making it easier to find the right instrument or gear.
Shopping for musical instruments online offers several advantages, such as the convenience of browsing from anywhere and the ability to compare prices across different stores quickly. Many online stores also provide free or discounted shipping, making it easier to have large items like pianos or drum kits delivered directly to your door. However, there are some downsides to online shopping. One of the main drawbacks is that customers cannot physically try out the instruments before purchasing, which can be crucial for musicians looking for the perfect sound or feel. Additionally, returns can be more complicated and time-consuming compared to in-store purchases.
For those who prefer the tactile experience of shopping in-store but want the convenience of online browsing, many Toronto-based music stores, including Long & McQuade, offer the best of both worlds with an online shopping option combined with in-store pickup. This allows customers to browse online, secure their desired items, and then visit the store to try out and finalize their purchase.
Stores with the Best Deals and Discounts on Musical Instruments
Toronto has several musical instrument stores that are well-known for offering great deals, discounts, and seasonal sales, making it easier for musicians to find high-quality instruments at affordable prices. L.A. Music is one of the best stores to buy musical instruments in Toronto if you’re looking for significant discounts. This store is famous for its regular promotions, including holiday sales, clearance events, and daily deals featured on its website. L.A. Music also has a price match guarantee, ensuring that customers always get the best price available.
Steve’s Music Store is another great option for those hunting for bargains. This iconic Toronto music store frequently offers discounts on a wide range of instruments and gear, especially during seasonal sales events like Black Friday and Boxing Day. Steve’s Music Store also has a loyalty program that rewards frequent shoppers with points that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
Long & McQuade is also known for its competitive pricing and financing options, making it one of the top musical instruments stores in Toronto for deals. The store offers a rent-to-own program, which allows customers to rent instruments with the option to purchase them later, often at a discounted price. Long & McQuade also runs regular sales events and promotions throughout the year, including back-to-school sales and clearance discounts on select items.
Finally, Encore Music Exchange is a must-visit for those looking for deals on used and vintage instruments. This store specializes in pre-owned gear, often offering instruments in excellent condition at a fraction of the price of new ones. Encore Music Exchange also allows customers to trade in their old instruments for store credit, which can be used to score even bigger savings on their next purchase.
By taking advantage of these deals and discounts, musicians in Toronto can find high-quality instruments and gear without breaking the bank, making their musical journey more affordable and accessible.
Key Takeaways
- Toronto offers a diverse selection of musical instrument stores, catering to musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals, with a variety of instruments and specialized services.
- Stores like Long & McQuade, Kaos Music Centre, and The Acoustic Guitar provide affordable instruments, starter kits, and beginner-friendly advice, along with lessons and workshops to help new musicians get started.
- For professional musicians, stores like The Twelfth Fret, Cosmo Music, and Yorkville Sound offer high-end instruments, custom orders, and expert consultation services, ensuring top-quality gear and personalized advice.
- Toronto’s best musical instruments stores, including L.A. Music and Cosmo Music, provide robust online shopping options, offering convenience and a wide selection, although the tactile experience of in-store shopping is still unmatched.
- Stores like L.A. Music, Steve’s Music Store, Long & McQuade, and Encore Music Exchange are known for offering significant discounts, seasonal sales, and loyalty programs, making quality instruments more accessible to all.
FAQs
- Where can I find vintage musical instruments in Toronto?
Paul’s Boutique and Encore Music Exchange are popular for their selection of vintage and used musical instruments. - Can I rent musical instruments in Toronto?
Long & McQuade offers a rent-to-own program, allowing customers to rent instruments with the option to buy later. - Do any Toronto music stores offer lessons?
Yes, Kaos Music Centre and Long & McQuade offer lessons for various instruments, suitable for beginners and advanced players. - Where can I buy acoustic guitars in Toronto?
The Acoustic Guitar and Ring Music are top choices for purchasing high-quality acoustic guitars. - Are there any music stores in Toronto that offer repair services?
The Twelfth Fret and Metro Sound & Music provide expert repair and maintenance services for instruments. - Which music store in Toronto has the largest selection of instruments?
Cosmo Music is known for its massive showroom and extensive range of musical instruments. - Is there a music store in Toronto with a loyalty program?
Steve’s Music Store offers a loyalty program where frequent shoppers can earn points for discounts on future purchases.