Music Go Round — Local services in Kenosha

BE WARY OF THIS STORE (Buying Online)

I recently ordered a PEM-500 system from this store. It was used. I inquired as to what it came with and, among other things, I was ensured that it came with the case and that everything was in great condition.

When I received the item the case did not have the factory foam (so the expensive electronics were just floating freely) and there was a very large hole in the side. So essentially the case ($30 to replace) was useless. I checked the packaging to ensure the missing plastic was not in the box, that it did not break on shipping.

When I contacted on of the managers of the store he told me to file a complaint with UPS and that he did not know foam should be there. It is hard to believe he did not know foam should be there since he thought enough to wrap the foamless case in bubble wrap before shipping. I told him I did not want to talk to UPS since it clearly was not their fault and it would be wrong to ask them to pay for it, but he refused to help me beyond that.

I even explained that I could get a new case for $30. If he could give me a partial refund or gift card for even half that cost I would be happy. But again he refused. He stated my only option was to send it back to them for a refund of the unit cost (which means I still have to pay $50 in shipping to and from and am left with nothing).

I contacted the director of music go round, but since stores are independant, he has no say in the matter.

The owner was not available to speak with.

I am still hopeful for a resolution and will update my rating if there is one, but for now BE WARY of this shop. I feel I was, at the very least, misled into believing what I was purchasing was better quality than what it was.

UPDATE: A different manager contacted me today and offered a full refund including shipping cost. However, I am unable to find a better deal elsewhere even with having to buy the case. Of course, cost of the product was never a complaint. It was being misled as to the quality of the product. I still would not recommend buying online from this store, but if you do, avoid taking their word for product quality. Ask for pictures or...

My name is Pedro Caraballo, and I’m an Army veteran. I recently brought my brand-new Epiphone guitar—generously gifted to me through Vets4Guitars—into Merry-Go-Round Music Store for a simple repair: the volume knob had broken off.

Vets4Guitars is a nonprofit organization that supports military veterans by providing free guitars and lessons as a form of healing. Many veterans, like myself, live with the effects of trauma and are seeking healthy, creative ways to process and reconnect with life. Music can be deeply therapeutic—it’s not just a pastime, it’s part of our recovery and emotional well-being.

That’s why this guitar meant so much to me. It was given to me in brand-new condition, still with the protective plastic on the pick guard. When I brought it in, I specifically asked the staff not to rush the job—only to prioritize it since I was leaving town. They told me it wouldn’t be rushed and would be handled with care.

When I picked it up, the plastic had been removed and the pick guard was scratched. I understand that pick guards eventually show wear, but that wear should’ve come from me through playing and connecting with the instrument—not from someone else before I even got the chance.

I paid $30 for the repair and also purchased a new case. In the end, the store waived the repair fee, which I do appreciate. But I didn’t receive any real empathy from the staff—it was more of a “that’s just the way it is” kind of attitude than an acknowledgment of what this guitar represented to me.

As a veteran, I hold respect and responsibility in high regard. When something is entrusted to someone for care—especially something with emotional significance—I expect that to be honored. I left feeling disappointed and let down. It’s like getting a brand-new car and someone else puts the first scratch on it—it changes the experience.

That said, I’m not writing this to bash anyone. I’m writing this because I believe they can do better. I truly hope they use this experience to reflect, grow, and better serve future customers—especially those coming in with instruments that carry personal meaning. A little extra care and communication can...

BEST place to buy USED GEAR in USA

I'm a huge fan of musicgoround and buy all my used equipment from them. The two stores in Wisconsin are my favorite locations.

I'm writing this review as an example of how the staff goes above and beyond (because I've written reviews about how awesome the selection and prices are) when something goes wrong...

I purchased a used jazz bass at a great price. The staff packed and shipped it out quickly and had great communication. When the bass arrived and I pulled it from the box, I saw pieces of wood and finish in the bottom of the box-- UH OH....

Looking at the bass, it had a chunk out of the side (like someone whacked it with a hammer!). Likely the box was dropped on a hard surface on its side abruptly and with great force.

When I reached out to the store, their staff, Tristan specifically, got me to send pictures and detail what happened. They quickly filed a claim and refunded me not just the shipping cost, but also the full cost of the instrument-- I was stunned...

I reached out thinking this was a mistake (I had only expected a refund of shipping and perhaps something to cover the repair of the instrument). I was assured the full refund was indeed correct AND that btw, I can keep the instrument.

Now I have a rather "worn in" jazz bass at no cost to me-- and boy does it...