Laconia Music Center Inc — Local services in Town of North Hempstead

My review of Laconia has been revised multiple times - my initial experience did not leave a warm and fuzzy feeling, but once I got in contact with the technician (owner?), things leveled out.

'Brutally' honest - It did take a long time for my repair to be complete (1 month) when i was told by the clerk it would take up to a week... But, realistically, when any business is under the gun during the holiday season, it's not exactly the easiest thing to keep the phone line open when customers are piling in and work needs to get done.. fair.

One walk into the shop after the School Concert/Holiday season, and you will immediately understand exactly how busy this little establishment is.

As promised, I'm bringing my review from 2, to 4 stars, and frankly, it doesn't deserve a lower rating.

My experience was unusual, and could have beenhandled differently, but in the end, I picked up my horn just yesterday and it plays wonderfully. Ray replaced way more pads than what was discussed, repaired the leaks, all the while keeping the price of the work very, VERY reasonable - especially for a student model horn such as mine (which I actually take on gigs across North America a few times a month). I use my own 3D printed reeds, and they play great - now that the horn is fixed, i know my reeds weren't my squeaky issue, nor was it me!

Alas - if you're in the area and need a repair - just give them a call and speak to the technician about a realistic time frame if you need a repair. I will certainly recommend them for rentals as well.

Laconia has been around for decades - I rented from here when I was in Middle School (1994-1996!) and will rent for my kids when...

KINDNESS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUND! LOOK NO FURTHER FOR RENTAL INSTRUMENTS FOR NYC STUDENTS.

At the school's recommendation, I contacted the first company on the list. Bad idea! I contacted Music and Arts. I feel scammed, mistreated and generally abused. After repeated phone calls, including those where they insisted they must speak to my 12 year old, they were unwilling/unable to give me useful information about the whereabouts of my instrument. And, they were unkind, reading from a script, always with a different, unhelpful message.

HAPPY DAY! Fast forward to my call to LACONIA MUSIC CENTER! WOW! Night and day. Matt was thoughtful, kind and responsive. We were unable to pick up the instrument in person. He made arrangements to ship it. He communicated with me so I would know exactly what to expect and when to expect it. Not only did the instrument arrive exactly as expected, it had a tag on it with the child's name and school. So simple. Made a kid feel so good to see her name and school.

To top it all off, the cost of the rental instrument for one year with Laconia is 1/6 the cost of the rental instrument from M&A. And, with Laconia, you have kind, supportive people with whom you can have reasonable conversations about the instrument, the students needs and general questions. When you call, they answer.

If you need a rental instrument in the greater NYC area, please use LACONIA MUSIC CENTER! What they do is simple. They are kind and supportive and make getting an instrument to learn with easy. ...

This is a gem of a music store. There are services for lessons, supplies/literature for things like NYSSMA and fabulous knowledgeable staff to guide you through any musical needs. Joan and Ray go above and beyond in their service, both owning as well as being available to help with any needs or requests. The store is expertly managed by Matthew who is a guru of all things, including a vast wealth of knowledge of music. Repairs done by Matthew and Ray are absolutely top notch, you will almost never find such extent of detail in dent work key alignment or other repair work done masterfully by Ray, or guitar work as seamlessly and sensibly done by Matthew. Ray is on a level of craftsmanship and mastery in the repair world that very few in the world can rival, I only trust him when having my tubas worked on. I trust this underrated establishment with all my music and repair needs and recommend them to anyone from beginner to seasoned pro. Laconia has gone above and beyond for me on many ocassions. Of course their teachers for private lessons are outstanding and offer a wide variety of lessons from strings to winds, several students do go on to all county and even all state. Please give this local mom and pop shop a chance, they are worth every second and penny! If you are looking for an instrument to buy or rent, lesssons or other musical needs you can rest assured you will be in great hands with people who are passionate and care deeply about each person who walks through their door. Great job as always...