Will West Music & Sound — Attraction in Jefferson City

I’ve been to many music stores all over the country, and this was by far the worst experience I’ve ever had. They have a good selection of instruments but everything is way too overpriced and the owner is really patronizing and condescending, making me feel unwelcome from the moment I walked in. He followed me around the store, refused to let me try instruments without his supervision, and treated me like I was a little kid. Any time I would try out a bass or guitar the owner would hover over me and tell me what to play, and he wouldn’t let me try out certain instruments and said it was because I could probably never afford them without knowing anything about me, and he also insisted on “teaching” me while I played, but everything he said was inaccurate or really bad advice. He wouldn’t stop bragging about being in some “amazing” and “famous” band and how I wasn’t a real musician because I don’t play like him. He is one of the most incompetent people I’ve ever met, he has absolutely no idea what he’s talking about.

If you want somewhere better to go, I highly suggest Palen Music Center in Columbia. Everyone there is super nice and knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about music and...

I've been playing guitar for 16 years now I've also traveled a lot so I will say they do have some decent priced guitars and are willing to deal the staff are knowledgeable and are eager to help with your needs wether it be advice or your looking for a specific instrument however, Mr. West is very pushy he will follow you around the store and if you play an instrument and you add your own spin to something he voices his opinion on if it's the correct way to play it or not and will try to show you up and make you feel stupid. On another occasion I came in with my brother who also plays and we were trying to pass time so we looked at some of the pricier guitars (Gibson's, Martin's, etc.) Mr. West came in and told us they had just restrung the instruments for people who wanted to buy them and made other insinuating comments that suggested we couldn't afford them and shouldn't play them ...all in all the pricing is fair and staff is knowledgeable but Mr. West is very rude and pushy I only shop there because it's the closest...

My overall experience was good, but Mr West is an issue. I bought a solid guitar, a bit overpriced, but that's the name of the game with musical instruments - it is always over valued, not as bad as jewelry but pretty bad. However, the guy I dealt with directly was very helpful and patient. I have forgotten his name, shame on me, but he was very courteous and professional. Mr. West came in later when I was still deciding on a guitar and just killing time. I was not in hurry, so I told the guy helping me to go ahead with other customers. Anyway, I would've given them 5 stars even with the overpriced guitar, but my brief interchange with Mr. West was enough to diminish my opinion of Will West Music and Sound. I'm not sure if he means to be rude and impatient, but that's exactly how he came off to me. He certainly didn't make me feel like a valued customer, or does he seem very respectful to his employees. I will most likely shop there again, but I will call first to make sure Mr. West isn't going to be there...