Easy Music Center

Shopped here a few times for recording equipment and my overall experiences were not that great.
Checking your bags in with the door greeter was a hassle and gives a bad first impression. I understand, for the owner, he needs to protect his assets but requiring customers to check in their bags, purses or guitar cases is just irritating. There must be a better way to deal with shoplifters and not make the honest ones feel uncomfortable from the get go.
The sales people were nice but not the most knowledgeable when it came to recording gear, they all seemed super busy and stressed out trying to help multiple customers and answering phones at the same time. That made me feel stressed out for them. Maybe they were understaffed the few times I visited.
The store itself is really nice, from their cool stage and lighting and various instruments and amps, it really is a candy store for musicians.
I would really like to support local businesses but why should I shop at EMC when I can order from Amazon without the hassles? My experiences have been not so easy music center.

THE WORSE CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!!
They keep an eye on you like you gonna shoplift or something!!! DONT TOUCH NOTHING THERE! You will pay for your finger print on it!!! Hahahahahha!

Very helpful but don’t return something you can feel the vibe staff there doesn’t want you to return. Even if your within the 5days refund policy

Terrible customer service! Over priced! I wanted to like this place and support local businesses but their customer service was bad and you can get stuff way cheaper at Amazon.

I don’t usually write reviews. But after my most recent encounter with Mike at Easy Music Center, I felt compelled to do so…
I called EMC to track down a specific guitar that no one else had on island. EMC didn’t have the guitar as well. I explained to Mike that I had heard that the guitar was discontinued. He said he would call the vendor and check.
Within a couple of hours, Mike called back and left me a message confirming that the guitar was discontinued. He offered to help me find an alternate guitar and left it with me to call him back or not.
I got really busy and wanted to thank him for trying. But, the next day, before I could call Mike, he called me. When I answered the phone. Mike said he want d to make sure that I got his message. Then, he offered to help me search the Internet to see if anyone had any stock of the discontinued guitar.
How’s that for service? I never expected for a salesperson to help me in this way. I have never met or bought anything from Mike. Yet, he was willing to take his time to find this very special guitar for me.
That Mike is a rock star in my book! I hope to meet him someday so that I can personally thank him.

As Christmas approaches, kama’aina are being enouraged to «shop small,» buy local. Easy Music demonstrates why that is not at all Easy. I’ve been the store twice. I’d like to say that would be a final statement, but because music stores are quickly becoming extinct here in Hawaii, I’m going to say I’ll probably be back — however grudgingly.
The first time I went to the store, it was like a scene out of Beavis and Butthead. I had an acoustic with broken preamp. After waiting for 10 minutes with NO ONE behind the counter acknowledging me, I asked when someone might become available. (To my own observation, it didn’t appear that anyone was actually doing anything anyway.) That’s when one of the famed cartoon duo finally took a look at my guitar. In his professional opinion, it was the battery. I needed to replace the battery. I suppose a woman as stupid as myself might not think that an item with a battery might need it replaced sometime. When I told him we had already tried that, he then told me they don’t fix guitars. Umm.. . He then proceeded to tell me that he was pretty sure it was the battery, and as if for emphasis, removed the battery, shook it (clearly a technique I was unaware of) and put it back and tried again. I asked him for the name of someone who does fix guitars, and hence the only reason I can grant any stars for this review at all — he did give me the name of a stellar luthier. The phone number he gave me was off by one digit, but thanks to the Internet, I was able to find the repair guru’s shop.
A few weeks later, we went shopping for an electric guitar. The only acknowledgement we received at all was from the guy sitting on a chair at the front of the store. He took my purse and locked it up – security procedures, you know. After that, nada. No one spoke to us, even when it was clear we wanted to buy a guitar. Oh well. I guess they’re just for display and not purchase. We walked out. What gets my goat is that should the store end up closing like their predecessors, you know they’re going to blame mainland competition. This is clearly not the case here. If you don’t sell the items in your store when you have an interested audience, you don’t survive. Perhaps Easy Music makes money on lessons or something. Maybe there is an area they excel. Who knows? All I can say is that I left my two encounters critically underwhemed.

Some of the friendliest and helpful people I’ve ever met are found here. These people are knowledgeable and willing to work with you to get exactly what you’re looking for. You can tell that this place is a real «family» oriented Business establishment based on the aloha they share with everyone. Upon entering the store, I felt extremely welcomed there. I will be returning to purchase more things in the future. ¹⁰⁄₁₀

Sigh. I hate to give bad reviews, especially of a business I have had such a long and often fond relationship with. But after over 20 years of the same crap, I’m really tired of it!
Ok, first the good: selection and quality are good overall. Prices are average. Knowledge is average. Most of the staff are helpful, and a few are wonderful. Location and hours are the best in town — which is why I will probably keep shopping here, even when I sometimes really want to boycott them.
Here are my gripes. None of them are flukes — like I said, I have been dealing with this for well over 20 years. And sure, a lot of these describe the quintessential music store. For me, that does not make it any more ok.
Biggest gripe: sexism. With a few great exceptions over the years (I sure miss them), staff are overwhelmingly male and there is a pervasive discriminatory vibe. Ugh. EVERY time I have ever walked in there with a guy, staff talk to him as the presumed musician and treat me like the semi-​invisible «girlfriend,» even though it is often the other way around. Years of observation around the store have yielded the same stuff that makes my skin crawl: women are often treated like they don’t know what they are talking about, shouldn’t be touching equipment, need to be told really elementary stuff in condescending voices. That old BS.
Next gripe is similar: classism. I can’t say I have ever been a victim of this personally, but have seen it enough to be really bothered by it. When someone who looks poor walks in there, that person tends to be treated like he or she is going to steal something. Staff who should be helping customers start doing biker-​movie formation, while one excessively polite representative works on shooing the person out with super-​cold attentiveness. Of course, it is rare that anyone who looks poor (note: hipsters fool no one) walks in there at all. But like I said, I have been shopping there a looooong time, and this really bothers me.
Then there is their business style. Defensively capitalistic, with condescending, seminar-​type active listening «people» skills that make me want to barf.
I have many examples, but here is the latest. Last week was the first time I ever had to return anything there. Like I said, their stuff is good overall — but boy, will I think twice before buying anything over $ 20 again! I was doing a semi-​impromptu, one-​time recording session of kupuna (elder) masters, and had no access to my regular equipment, so I bought a cheap packaged condenser mic ($ 79) and the cheapest headphones they had ($ 49), which came with a 1/​8″ jack option that I could plug into my laptop. I was not told that headphones were not returnable (it was later pointed out to me that this was printed on the receipt — and indeed it was, right in the center of a corporate soliloquy that looked like the terms & conditions for a web «I accept» button. I also pointed out that if I was reading the receipt, I had already bought the thing, which they insisted was absolutely, literally a point of no return). I broke no seals, and the packaging was exactly as I had bought it. The headphones did not work in my laptop. Later, it was discovered that there was a way to override the problem, although it turns out that there is more to this, and it is a pain. Anyway, several cheapy, crappy earbuds worked fine. So I ditched the idea of messing with the headphones, since my hands were super full. We ended up recording the kupuna on an iPhone. I repacked the headphones and tried to return them to the store.
Well, that was when I was shown the fine print on the receipt, etc. I was referred to the general manager, Mike, who was nice but would not take the headphones back. He said I would need to bring in my laptop to prove that they did not work with it. He was very insistent. The whole thing took half an hour and was very draining. Two days later, I brought the laptop in. I showed the clerks how the new headphones did not work, but my small earbuds did. That looked legit to them, and one went to go get somebody to give me a refund. Instead (a full 15 minutes later) a tech guy comes out and starts messing with the settings on my laptop. Without introducing himself or asking if he could touch my computer, mind you! He did find an override (although I discovered later that there are problems with that). He declared that it was therefore a problem on my end, and the headphones were not returnable. They called the GM at home and (another 20 minutes later) he agreed. They cited «health» reasons. Since headphones touch the head, apparently — though I never did remove the plastic wrap around them. They did.
Anyway, I was in there for almost another full hour. And it went nowhere. Whatever, they are ok headphones. But I’m really over this!
And parking sucks.
Of course, I will prob keep shopping there. Seems Easy Music and I are stuck with each other.
Sigh!

Awesome selection, knowledgeable staff, reasonable prices, and free parking. What more could you ask for?
Whether you’re looking for ukuleles, guitars, drums, or amps these guys have it. In fact, they not only have it, you can test them out relatively freely. And if you’re feeling really brave you can use their in-​house stage that is already set up for live performances.
I just wish that there were more music stores like this around the island.

Found what I needed and reasonably priced. But customer service needs improvement. The guy behind the counter made me feel most unwelcome. I will give him the benefit of the doubt and say maybe he was just having a bad day, because we all have those from time to time, but his treatment was bad enough for me to never want to return.
Parking however is great! They have their own designated lot right out front and if it’s full they will validate if you park in the structure.

Peter… once again Easy Music delivered. Yesterday, I met Jon who went out of his way to demonstrate the Kanilea guitalele and baritone ukulele. He patiently answered all my questions and concerns.
I walked out with a thorough feel for these instruments of which I had no prior experience with prior to my visit.
I must say that from the moment I walked in the store the greetings and welcoming feeling was displayed by all.
Oh yah, I also left with a Kanilea guitalele under my arm.
Mahalo!

So updating my review I’ve made arrangements with the manager and he definitely helped me out big time!
I like how he took the time to discuss my issues and quickly resolved them in a timely manner. It shows that they do care about their customers and their quality products that they offer.
So EXCITED on this equipment that is coming in! It’s been a LONG grueling wait but this would probably be my early birthday present for myself!

AWESOME SERVICE & knowledgable staff!!! Peter D. was/​is a great help in helping me get the equipment I need. Recently purchased some pioneer equipment that is notoriously on back order. Peter made it happen! Strongly recommend Easy Music Center to anyone. They can add another customer on their roster.

Easy Music Center
Really easy.
For two weeks I have been asked for hours of the day– «can we get a guitar? can we get a guitar? can we get a guitar? can we get a guitar? can we get a guitar???» The oldest asking is 5 years old and the youngest is 3. Are they really wanting a guitar? Yes– Yes they are. Being able to sing Frozen– Let it Go! And Do you want to build a Snowman pretty well in entirety acappella. Yeah, I think they are pretty ready for a start at ‘playing’ on an instrument.
In general, Japanese and Koreans are better at hearing tone. It is because in language their ears have to hear a wider range and distinguish sound. I really want my girls to be able to hear music that is not just the mid range on CDs– easiest way is to play and listen to real live music.
It’s better to get some advice before jumping in to buy a $ 200~ item, especially if it gets broken in a month. I scouted ahead before bringing any 3 or 5 year old into a store where they could do some serious damage if an accident happened.
Earlier, I had spoken to two different sales associates to gauge their reactions– why? Because they appreciate music first off– and want to have lifelong customers to stay afloat.
Ones advice surprised me — in that he suggested one of the smallest electric guitars as they have the easiest finger positions. That surprised me and I thought very insightful. I continue to talk story and he suggested about 12 years old to really get into playing. I share a little bit more that I just want to get something since I feel at the least the older one is ready for something… and he then says trying a ukulele — any ukulele would last about a month if it is beaten up and dropped. So that helped for 2 reasons– how to care for the instrument better and a more realistic sense.
He suggested that a real acoustic guitar is going to be more expensive, may break also and will be harder to play of those 3 choices for little hands.
On a different day, another sales person said he gave a specific ukulele to his 2 or 3 year old son and it lasted 4 months. OK– I can see that.
Comes the day to get something. Guess who was over super excited? I settled on the nice ukulele. I got 2 picks which they each got to pick their color.
Fresh out of the box, and they helped tune it up for us.
Needless to say– for 4 hours straight both of them were playing taking turns, as one had to eat the other jumped on, then switched off and back again and again. Two were in heaven… Music makes people so happy!
From walking in the door to having the door opened for me since I had my hands bundled so full– it is great to have sales staff that is as passionate about what they are doing as can be.
No you won’t find a dulcimer or tuba on the shelves. You will find mostly ukulele, guitars, electric guitars, keyboards, some dj displays and then kit equipment needed for a band. The website is extremely through in describing what you will most likely see inside the store. Not saying at all that they can’t help you with other instruments– just that the most popular items are on display.
There is a wide enough range of items on display. If you know what you are looking for– you are bound to find the tool within your price range well.
It’s on King St. Since the new green lane for bikes was put in — it can be a little tricky if there are pedestrians. Parking is validated on the inside– which isn’t as clear to see if you are new to during to this location.

I came here about a month before Christmas as I was trying to find a keyboard for my husband. When I walked in the door there were several employees standing up front. One was kind of behind a stand? to the left and several others scattered on the floor or behind the counter. They were ALL within speaking distance. NO ONE greeted me. I thought it was weird and then thought perhaps they were having a meeting or discussing something before I walked in. At first I was kind of confused. Anyway, I kind of brushed it off and thought maybe they didn’t see me? So I am still standing in the entrance and still NO ONE says anything. I have to approach one of the sales people who was STANDING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME AND LOOKING AT ME and initiate the conversation. It was like pulling teeth. In my head I am thinking, «well, I guess they need a little more training on customer service.» Then the first guy who I talk to pawns me off on another «salesman». He wasn’t warm or inviting at all. I understand that not everyone is a «warm-​fuzzy” — I get that, neither am I. But if you’re going to be working with the public and you’d like to sell something, you need to at least be approachable and courteous. There were a plethora of keyboards, but the guy only tried to get me to buy from two certain kinds. He didn’t explain why and did a poor job of even answering the questions that I had in any sort of detail.
At the end of it I just lost my taste to even deal with them anymore which is unfortunate because my main goal was to purchase a keyboard. I later went to Good Guys and purchased one there. My experience with GG was much better and I wish I’d just stared there to begin with.

Went into the store to look at Keyboards. The store was a Musicians Wonderland. They have a huge selection of Guitars and other goodies. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

I don’t like how they asked women to put there personal bags in lockers and they will not take responsibility for anything missing. They profile young kids thinking that they would break anything which is unfair to the kids. They really make customers just unwelcome.

My friend wanted to get some guitar things here, so her brother took us here. This place is really cute. When you get in they required you to lock your things in a locker.
I don’t play instruments, but it was soooo pretty and amazing in here! So colorful and nice. Whatever you want you can get it here. We tested out all the instruments and sort of just played around. They allow you to do that. Awesome! Can be a bit pricey on certain items.

I wasn’t sure if I walked into heaven on earth or if I randomly walked into Santana’s garage. A semi dark atmosphere made me feel like I was about to jump onto the stage at Sydney ampitheatre, lights and cords and guitars hanging down ready to be tried.
Be advised: they will take your purse or backpack, but the trade off is great because they let you play with all the toys.
What I wanted: I wanted some one on one time with the Full black ovation and the cool amp.
What I got: some one on one time (non interrupted) with the full black Ovation.
The employees: the employees are actually off season rock stars, apparently you need to be able to play Stairway to Heaven on the electric guitar with your eyes closed to get the job. Ask them anything and they will help and point you in the right direction.
Overall: great experience. Excited to go again.

I never thought to review this place, even though I’ve been in here multiple times, including for guitar lessons at their old location on Keeaumoku. Personally, I like this location better, even if the parking lot is smaller (way smaller) then before.
I dragged a friend in here back in November because I was on the hunt for the John Mayer stratocaster. Mike helped me by calling Good Guys (another music store I frequent), and Hot Licks (which I’ve never heard of). While my friend and I were looking at the acoustics, he told me Hot Licks had one.
But he didn’t stop there. Since I wanted to try out a Fender, Mike was more than happy to show me one (including his own), and told me about the sound. He left me alone to try it (the floor model, of course). He looked up another guitar that John Mayer custom built (a Martin acoustic, apparently he made two of ‘em), just for fun. Then told me the price. I wasn’t surprised at how expensive it was. He was a nice guy and not pushy for a sell or anything.
Overall, this place is incredible. I always have a moment of «wow!» whenever I walk through the doors: Everything is strategically placed, and it really gets you hooked. I make a beeline for the electric guitars every time.
But the cool part about Easy Music are the clinics they have… which are FREE!!! I’m sad that I missed the guitar clinic earlier this year, but I’m definitely keeping an eye out for another one which I hope happens. I also plan to go to their first Thursday jam sessions, since it’s there. And free.