Sam Ash

Profile

Since 1924, this nationwide chain has been supplying musicians and DJs with everything from 99-cent guitar picks to recording equipment that runs into six digits. (The store also reimburses down-on-their-luck musicians with cash for trade-ins.) Helpful staffers, typically musicians themselves, have plenty of advice for prospective buyers and encourage customers�and potential instrument-renters�to take advantage of the "try me" policy resulting in a cacophony of sounds at back. Instructional books, DVDs, and videos as well as sheet music are arranged library style but there's no shush policy here. — Chanize Thorpe

Those on the store’s mailing list are privy to "secret sales" plus a list of closeout items.