Banko's Music

I've shopped at Banko's from the 60s to the present and there's no place better to shop for musical instruments or to take lessons. I just picked up my Rickenbacker 330-12 Fireglo last week and finished my second guitar lesson learning to play solos with Eric. Joe Salvati is always friendly and helpful to everyone who comes in. He has earned the title "The biggest little music store in CT" and gives generous discounts because he has no franchise fees to pay. Call him and ask for whatever you need -- he'll have it or he'll find it for you! more

The owner, Joe Salvati, is a friendly enough guy. He’s pretty knowledgeable about his trade. He has a store loaded up with inventory – guitars hanging everywhere. I just can’t figure out how he stays in business. Joe is the most unmotivated person on the planet. Remember Maynard G. Krebs, the guy who avoided work at all cost? That was Joe in a past life. I dropped off a $3500 vintage guitar for him to put up on e-bay. After hearing all of his past success stories, I figured it was a no-brainer. He told me he would shoot pictures of the guitar, write a description and have it online in a week. Great. Well, I’m now into the fourth week and just found out that my guitar is right where I left it. Hasn’t moved. All the success stories were a mirage. He says he’s been too busy. Huh? Too busy? Why didn’t you tell me that before I dropped it off? He wasn’t too busy when I was in his store for over an hour (after waiting outside another half hour for him to finally show up for work) as I was the only person in the joint besides him the whole time. I mean, c’mon! For taking 10% of the sale ($350), all he’s gotta do is maybe an hour’s work! Gradually, it occurred to me that this wasn’t the first time I had encountered this phenomenon with Joe. I dropped another guitar off for minor repair years ago and was told I’d have it back in a week. A month later,I finally got it, but only after circumventing Joe and calling the outsourced techie directly! Then there was the time I asked him if he knew where I could get a Roland-ready Stratocaster. Sure! It’ll be here in a week. Several calls and four years later, I still got zip! This guy is unbelievable! No wonder the store is a ghost town. Guess I’m the idiot for going back, huh? I let him sweet talk me again. No more. I wouldn’t p*ss on Banko’s if the place was onfire. more

I've been going to Banko' s and dealing with Joe since 1964 probably even before that and he's the best around! No complaints EVER! Yours truly, Larry P. more

Although this is a very packed little music store, you'll always find what you can't find anywhere else...a small and friendly place that cares about the customer. The business seems like its been there forever and they have a great staff to help you out and they do know what they're talking about. I would highly recommend this store... however you must park on the street since parking is limited so keep that in mind. Also, prices are high since they are not a chain owned store. more