Intercontinental Music

this is the Amy’s Baking Company of music stores. my husband and I went in today for some guitar stuff (strap, amp cord, some picks) to go with his Christmas present and while we got what we came for at a decent price, what paranoid, standoffish people! the place is wallpapered with signs made in Microsoft word informing customers of the rules and rules and rules of shopping there: customers are not permitted to write down models or prices. customers are not permitted to use their cell phones in the store. customers are not permitted to play instruments more than five minutes. then a bunch about how the better business bureau is a scam and how they sued them in 2011, and something about not carrying gorilla products because they’re not in the «monkey business,» then a bunch about how time is money & customers should be happy for the chance to learn things, and the icing on the cake: «we reserve the right to ask you to leave.» EVERY wall and counter all over the store. what the actual hell? do you want customers or not? first time I’ve ever been in a store and felt unwelcome before I even spoke to anyone. the older gent was nice enough (to us, at least, but read the other reviews) but the woman who was present was giving us the evil eye for looking around. oh, and their two giant dogs (both in dire need of a bath) were lounging around in the store, so screw you if you have allergies I guess. cramped parking lot too. never going in there again. we still need to grab some stuff for the guitar but I would rather drive out of my way to ANYWHERE ELSE.

I had a similar experience to some of the other people who wrote reviews.
On Saturday, we made a special trip out to Intercontinental Music to price out a few items (both of our kids play instruments). As we walked in we were immediately greeted by an older gentleman. He asked what we were looking for and we indicated that we were going to have a quick look around (he didn’t respond).
After walking around for several minutes and admiring some of the guitars, the gentleman asked if he could help me find something. I indicated that we were still browsing (it’s a fairly big store) and he responded by saying that he’s in the business of selling things. Initially I laughed, because I thought he was joking, until he turned his back to me and walked away while muttering something else.
Aside from my strange interaction with what could have been the owner, I was very confused because there were sale signs everywhere but nothing outlined exactly what was on sale. Also, the price tags on some the equipment seemed very inflated for items that we’ve seen in other music shops.
After our abrupt interaction, my teenage son pointed out the signs saying no use of cell phones, and the notice posted about suing the BBB (as the previous reviewer pointed out).
For all of the reasons above I would never return to this business.

Looks great from the street, with the long line of windows filled with assorted guitars — so naturally I was forced to stop and go in.
Initial walk thru the door brought a greeting… good, good.
A walk down the aisl to look at instruments revealed assorted snarky signs: Customers are not permitted to use cell phones in the store. If you want to play and instrument for more than 5 minutes, you must get approval from a sales person. A sign about them suing the Better Business Bureau. A sign about how they don’t carry Gorrilla equipment as they aren’t in monky business. You are not permitted to note models and pricing.
Hmm. Mightly unfriendly. Not service oriented. Must feel threatened by good old compettion.
I also noticed that the staff did not look happy. Only one person approached us — I’m thinking it was the owner, but not sure — and pointed out how today there was a 50% off sale on anything in the store! Wow — really? Today only? Then why is the sign so grimy? Please give me more credit as a consumer, and provide me with good honest pricing and great customer service.
Would I recommend: No.
Would I return: No.

I was in this store looking at pianos and electric pianos a few years ago. This store stands out in my mind because of how terrible the customer service was. The vendors were reluctant to let us play any of the instruments, and were not very helpful at all, only pushy. They expected customers to buy right away… which doesn’t make any sense since most people need to do well-​informed research and try different brands/​models first. Not to mention the poor selection and very dated models available.
As the other legitimate filtered reviews (read them!) have stated, yes, the owner did run out after another customer and I left the store without buying something and made obscene gestures while yelling at us from the front door. Bizarre! I am actually astounded that this music store is still in business.

My brother and I once formed a band and spent some time ruining the hearing of audiences of our friends. Well, my brother moved away and I moved overseas and our musical dreams had to go on hold. But, years later, my brother and I were reunited in Ottawa and are now trying to get our band off the ground again. First thing though, we need equipment. I have been keeping my eyes open for a music store and then, one night as I drove up Bank Street, I spotted Intercontinental Music on a side street. They have an incredible number of guitars and other instruments hanging in their windows. Now, once inside, I noticed that the selection wasn’t top of the line but lesser, less pricey products — most of the names I didn’t really recognize. But, they carry everything a beginner band needs at middle-​of-​the-​road prices. Check it out.