Best Places To Buy Musical Instruments In Baltimore
Whether it's chamber music or something more outré - don't forget that Frank Zappa hailed from Maryland - that captures your musical imagination, there are plenty of places in Baltimore to buy or sell instruments, have them repaired or take lessons. Here are a few of our favorites.--Mary Medland
Ted's Musicians Shop
11 East Centre Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 685-4198
Dating back to the 1930s, Ted's Musicians Shop is located in Baltimore's elegant and historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood. It's also just a stone's throw from the world-renowned Peabody Institute, and while other music stores have fled to the suburbs, Ted's resolutely remains in the city. Owned by Fernando and Alvaro Roman, Ted's is pretty much a one-stop shop, which sells everything from new and used saxophones, guitars and marching drums to sheet music and musical accessories. The brothers Roman are also connoisseurs of old instruments and can tell you the value of a piece, as well as whether or not it is worth repairing. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wood Bridge Music Shop
5809 Clarksville Square Drive, Suite 103
Clarksville, MD 21029
(443) 535-9677
www.woodbridgemusic.com
It's pretty much agreed that Wood Bridge Music Shop is the place to head when it comes to the finest in string instruments - all of which follow the patterns of Antonio Stradivari. But along with violins, the store offers piccolo, flutes and oboes, as well as horns and drums, and pretty much everything one could possibly want when it comes to accessories. Wood Bridge travels the world for its instruments, and its hand-finished stringed instruments come with a 10-year guarantee. Anyone considering dipping a toe into musical waters will be pleased that Wood Bridge is also known for its top-quality private lessons. Hours: Monday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rosso Music Center
5712 Ritchie Highway South
Baltimore, MD 21225
(410) 789-3330
www.rossomusic.com
One can take music teachers out of the classroom, but not out of the music business. At Rosso Music Center, a number of these former educators remain determined to put the needs of students and beginners of any age first, and they are committed to developing an appreciation of music among children. Rosso's General Manager, Leroy Bamberger, notes that the store - in business since 1947 - sells, buys and repairs pretty much everything from brass and woodwinds to percussion and fretted instruments. Lessons are available for all instruments, with the exception of percussion. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, by appointment.
