Tee's Music House — Local services in Victoria

I stopped in here today for the first time. When I arrived the doors were locked during business hours and the owner pulled up a few minutes later, just as I was about to leave. The hours seem a bit loose, but it is a small business so not an issue.

The owner then let me in and I was immediately greeted by the pungent smell of animal urine in the building. Not great, but again, small business so I let it slide. I also noticed there was a younger guy sitting in a side office with his feet up on the desk, who was watching some magic the gathering box breaks on YouTube. The owner explained he was the son of his former manager. The kid didn't seem to be working or doing anything, so I wondered why he was there? He didn't answer the door when the owner was out, he was just hanging out? Whatever, again, let it slide.

I then cordially struck up a conversation about his store and its history as I grew up in Victoria and never visited Tee's when I was younger, and I was interested to learn about the place, that's when harmless small talk about musical instruments and the fine arts turned into an unabashed political rant wherein the owner said he was ok with "nuking" the city where I currently work (Austin) because of the "liberals" that live there. Wow. He then went on to explain he has many gay customers, but at least they don't "flaunt it" in his obvious grievance against pride. Ok. I was polite and kept trying to change the subject but the guy just wouldn't let it go. I was there to buy a guitar, not learn about his hateful beliefs.

I eventually got out of...

It's a really great place to satisfy your music needs. As a musician who plays multiple instruments, Mr. Tee has it all, and he's never steered me wrong whenever I've needed anything from reeds, strings, or new instruments to try and books to learn from. I've been a loyal customer since middle school and that isn't changing ever. There are a lot of reviews complaining about the smell but honestly its to be expected. Its an old shop. He has animals inside that he gives shelter to, and they're quite friendly and lovable. It has a distinct smell yes, but it shouldn't deter you. It has never deterred me or the other regulars. It has a great mom and pop shop vibe and he can provide what a lot of big box music stores can't. Advice. Check his store out and you won't be...

Not impressed. The older guy there (probably the owner) is abrupt and borderline rude. After three attempts at communicating and being cut off, unable to reach the period at the end of my sentences, i just gave up.

Then I saw the $12.25 price tag on the set of guitar strings I wanted to purchase! I'm accustomed to paying under $5.50 at Guitar Center. I get that this is a small independent store so i expect to pay more but $12.25? Is that a joke? When I pointed this out I got "Ok. I'll 'give them' to you for $10 if you pay cash."

🙄

It's beyond me how this business has garnered this level of...