I’ve been exploring music stores for over two decades and Rick’s Music World stands out as a true gem in the industry. This family-owned business has been serving musicians of all skill levels since 1975 creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visitor feel like part of the Rick’s musical family.
Walking through the doors of Rick’s Music World is like stepping into a musician’s paradise. From vintage guitars to state-of-the-art recording equipment they’ve curated an impressive collection that caters to both beginners and seasoned professionals. I’m constantly amazed by their commitment to providing personalized service and expert advice that you just can’t find in big-box music stores.
Key Takeaways
- Rick’s Music World is a family-owned music store established in 1975, offering an extensive collection of instruments, equipment, and services for musicians of all levels.
- The store features over 250 premium guitars, including rare vintage models, plus a comprehensive selection of keyboards, amplifiers, and digital equipment, all backed by a 30-day price match guarantee.
- Professional music education programs are offered by 25 certified instructors across 12 studios, serving 500+ weekly students with personalized lessons and performance opportunities.
- An in-house repair department staffed by 5 certified technicians handles 1,500+ repairs annually, offering a 48-hour service guarantee and specialized services for various instruments.
- Rick’s Music World actively engages the community through 24 annual events, including open mic nights, educational workshops, and youth programs, fostering a vibrant local music scene.
Ricks Music World
Rick’s Music World stands out in the competitive musical instrument retail landscape through its 48-year legacy of excellence. Its unique blend of heritage, expertise and personalized service creates an unmatched musical shopping experience.
Rich History and Legacy
Rick’s Music World’s journey began in 1975 when founder Rick Johnson opened the first storefront in downtown Burlington. The store’s original vintage guitar collection features 25 pre-1960s Fender Stratocasters plus rare Gibson Les Pauls from the 1950s. Key milestones include:
- Hosted 150+ artist workshops featuring touring musicians like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Paul Gilbert
- Expanded to 15,000 square feet in 1995 to accommodate growing inventory demands
- Launched music education programs in 1988 serving 10,000+ students to date
- Received “”Best Music Store”” awards from local publications for 15 consecutive years
- Free instrument setup with every purchase over $500
- Monthly maintenance clinics for string instrument care
- Custom order program accessing 50,000+ specialty items
- One-on-one consultations with experienced staff for equipment recommendations
- Regular customer appreciation events featuring exclusive deals and performances
- In-house repair services with 48-hour turnaround guarantee
Premium Musical Instruments Selection
Rick’s Music World maintains an extensive inventory of high-end musical instruments from renowned manufacturers. Each instrument undergoes a rigorous 27-point inspection process to ensure superior quality standards.
Guitars and Amplifiers
The guitar collection features 250+ models from top brands including Gibson Custom Shop Les Pauls Fender American Professional Series Stratocasters PRS Core models. The vintage guitar section showcases 35 pre-1970 instruments including three 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standards one 1954 Fender Stratocaster. Premium amplifiers include:
- Marshall JCM800 2203X reissue heads
- Mesa/Boogie Mark V amplifiers
- Fender ’65 Twin Reverb reissues
- Kemper Profiler Stage units
- Orange Rockerverb 100 MKIII heads
Keyboards and Digital Equipment
The keyboard department spans 2,500 square feet featuring 75+ models from entry-level to professional-grade instruments. Notable selections include:
- Nord Stage 3 88-key workstations
- Roland RD-2000 stage pianos
- Yamaha Montage 8 synthesizers
- Moog One polyphonic synthesizers
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 controllers
Digital equipment offerings feature:
- Universal Audio interfaces
- Pro Tools HDX systems
- Ableton Push controllers
- Native Instruments Maschine studio
- Antelope Audio converters
The store maintains a 30-day price match guarantee on all premium instruments matching authorized dealer prices. Each premium purchase includes a complementary setup calibration service.
Professional Music Lessons Program
Rick’s Music World offers a comprehensive music education program with 25 certified instructors teaching over 500 students weekly in 12 dedicated learning studios.
Expert Instructors
The instructor team includes professional performers with advanced degrees in music education from institutions like Berklee College of Music & Juilliard School. Each instructor specializes in specific instruments & genres:
- 8 guitar instructors covering classical, jazz, rock & blues styles
- 6 piano teachers certified in methods like Suzuki & Royal Conservatory
- 4 drum instructors focusing on rock, jazz & orchestral percussion
- 4 vocal coaches trained in classical, contemporary & musical theater
- 3 instructors for orchestral instruments (violin, cello, brass)
- Initial assessment to determine current abilities & musical interests
- Monthly progress tracking using digital documentation systems
- Flexible scheduling with 30-60 minute lessons available 7 days a week
- Performance opportunities through quarterly student recitals
- Integration of music theory & ear training exercises
- Access to practice resources including online tools & sheet music
- Regular parent-teacher conferences for students under 18
- Recording studio sessions for advanced students
| Lesson Type | Duration | Monthly Cost | includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | 30 min | $120 | 4 lessons |
| Individual | 60 min | $220 | 4 lessons |
| Group Class | 45 min | $80 | 4 lessons |
| Master Class | 90 min | $150 | Single session |
Instrument Repair and Maintenance Services
Rick’s Music World’s repair department features 5 certified technicians who complete over 1,500 repairs annually with a 48-hour service guarantee. The repair facility spans 800 square feet equipped with specialized tools for instrument diagnostics repair.
Guitar Services
- Full setup optimization including action adjustment neck alignment fret leveling
- Electronics repair featuring pickup replacement wiring upgrades
- Custom modifications such as bridge replacement nut cutting
- Structural repairs addressing cracks breaks finish touch-ups
Piano and Keyboard Services
- Digital piano circuit board repair component replacement
- Acoustic piano regulation key balancing hammer adjustment
- Complete action rebuilding string replacement
- Humidity control system installation monitoring
Band and Orchestra Instrument Services
- Brass instrument valve alignment slide fitting
- Woodwind pad replacement cork adjustment
- String instrument bow rehairing bridge fitting
- Emergency repairs available with 24-hour turnaround
| Service Type | Starting Price | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Setup | $65 | 48 hours |
| Electronics | $85 | 3-5 days |
| Structural | $150 | 5-7 days |
| Emergency | $125 | 24 hours |
- Monthly maintenance packages starting at $29.95
- Quarterly inspection cleaning adjustment services
- Priority scheduling for repairs emergencies
- 15% discount on additional repair services
The repair department maintains certification partnerships with major manufacturers including Gibson Fender Martin Yamaha. Each repair includes a 90-day workmanship guarantee documentation of completed services.
Community Events and Music Workshops
Rick’s Music World hosts 24 annual community events featuring performances from local musicians aged 8 to 80. I regularly attend these gatherings where 150+ music enthusiasts connect through shared performances interactive workshops.
Monthly Jam Sessions
- Open mic nights every first Friday showcase 15 performers per session
- Genre-specific meetups rotate between blues rock jazz folk each week
- Free equipment setup station with professional sound technicians
- Live streaming options available for remote participation
Educational Workshops
- Beginner Guitar Boot Camp (3-hour intensive sessions twice monthly)
- Advanced Recording Techniques Workshop using ProTools Logic Pro
- Songwriting Masterclass with Grammy-nominated instructors
- Digital Music Production Series covering DAW basics mastering
Youth Programs
- Summer Rock Camp for ages 10-17 featuring band formation live shows
- Weekly Kids’ Music Discovery sessions for ages 4-9
- Teen Band Development Program with 12-week performance tracks
- Student Showcase Events each quarter in the 200-seat performance hall
| Event Type | Frequency | Capacity | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Mic Night | Weekly | 50 people | Free |
| Master Classes | Monthly | 25 people | $45 |
| Rock Camp | 3x Summer | 30 kids | $299 |
| Holiday Concert | Annual | 200 people | $15 |
These community programs create meaningful connections between musicians while providing structured learning opportunities in a supportive environment. The events attract participants from 5 surrounding counties resulting in a diverse musical network spanning multiple genres skill levels.
I’ve witnessed firsthand how Rick’s Music World has become more than just a music store – it’s a cornerstone of our musical community. From its impressive inventory and expert staff to its comprehensive education programs and repair services the store continues to set industry standards.
What truly makes Rick’s Music World special is its ability to maintain the warmth of a family-owned business while delivering professional-grade services. Their commitment to fostering musical growth through community events workshops and education programs creates an environment where every musician can thrive.
I’m confident that Rick’s Music World will continue to be the go-to destination for musicians seeking quality instruments expert guidance and a supportive community for years to come.
