Emile Baran Instruments

Returned an instrument we bought here and I've been trying to get our refund for months now. Cons: It is a con more

I grew up in Atlanta. Went off to conservatory to become a professional bassist. Shops that I've been to or dealt with: David Gage, Kolstein, Lou Dillione, Arnold Schnitzer, Mike Shank, Robertsons, Ronald Sachs, Draisen Edwards, Krazy Al's, and tons more. I took my old conservatory-quality bass in to the shop. I wanted to sell it on consignment. The ""bass guy"" comes out with a tape measure, frowns, does some quick measurements, looks at the bass disapprovingly, mutters in some (probably faux) european dialect, shakes his head. Throws up his hands, and paces around the room. Finally he says, to the owner and myself, ""I can't do anything with this. No, no. No. No, it's just not good. No."" (remember, the accent) BS. Like I said, I've been around to many shops. You get to ""smell"" a fish after working with these guys. If they don't want to sell my bass, fine. But all the hoopla? The pomp? If I was a young parent, trying to buy my child an instrument, I might fall for this kind of bullsh1t on the sale. THAT's what makes me mad. Knowing that these guys are just clowning around and probably snickering about all the 'suckers' they've pulled in. Two reputable shops in Atlanta that I know of, for sure: Ronald Sachs Williams Gengakki Draisen Edwards is more for beginners/students, but they never did me wrong. Skip Emile. Pros: A music store. There are not that many around. Cons: A Really bad attitude. more

I've had nothing but good experiences with Emile Baran. Billy has been helpful to me on more than one occasion in the past. Bottom line: you have to know what you're buying, what it's worth and what you're willing to pay BEFORE you walk into ANY store with the intention to buy an instrument. Don't take for granted that the staff will know the exact details of an instrument. Mistakes are made, some of which the buyer is responsible for. The prices there are high on some things, low on some things, and competitive on others. Shop wisely. more

For the other reviewer above.. If you used to work there, shouldn't you know how to spell his name? Get a grip. more

After reading the past few comments,I had to relay my feelings. I am an old-time rock and roller, you know, the one who had a garage band, joined the marching band in HS because it's where the good looking girls were in the majorettes, learning to play because it was fun. Pros: Real musicians running a real music store, not a Sam Ash clone. Decatur is a cool place. Cons: Parking is the only real problem. more

This is the one of the most unprofessional business that I've ever stepped into. I rented a new alto sax from this store, the terms and and agreements were if the instructment needs repair that i can bring it back and have it repaired at no cost. Well, after the first 6months of having this sax, the pads started to stick. I took it back to have it serviced, the sales person was no longer employed and the owner, Billy said that he couldn't help me. He stated that ""someone"" has to pay for it"". And don't try to talk to the owner about anything, he is so RUDE! I've gone to him on several occassional whereas the sax just wasn't working properly, he always says, ""it must be the player because there's is nothing wrong with this instructment"". Then when i take it to someone else to look at it, there's alot that is wrong. Sax needs pads and it has leaks. He just makes you feel stupid since he's been playing for ""60years""! Maybe it's time to retire! Well, at other places i've rented from in the pass, they repaired it, because IT IS A RENTAL!"" I also did my research on the cost and i am being charged triple just to rent this instructment vs. buying it. Don't waste your money, find somewhere else to do your business! Cons: Not professional. Not nice. Not a people person. very rude! more

I used to work at this store so my comments should weigh significantly. Cons: it's in business more

I just want to say that my experience at Emile Baran Instruments was outstanding. I don't know where the other 3 comments came from, but they are totally wrong. Since they are all dated the same date, I feel they are all from the same person who obviously is trying to hurt this business. This place is awesome and the customer service was the best I've experienced so far in this area. Their violins are some of the best I've seen and I've tried out many violins from several stores in the Atlanta area. So please check this place out, you won't be disappointed! more

How do I start with ""Emile Baran"" who's real name is Billy Baron who owns Dekalb Musician Supply and the next door store Emile Baran Instruments. From the very start of my dealings with this shop they have misled me on every purchase. The carry EXTREMELY substandard equipment that is so overpriced it is comical. Notice how the made in China labels have been removed from all of there stringed instruments and replaced with the ""Emile Baran"" label. There stringed instruments are a joke. Don't waste your time. They lied to me and ripped me off badly. They make Guitar Center look fair and honest. Pros: It is small, you might get lucky and not find the store at all Cons: They are the epitomy of the old ""bait and switch""/""rip 'em off good"" stores that ruined the mom and pop music industry more

I will not use this store in the future. The clerk was rude and did not want to answer any of my questions about what I was buying. Cons: Lacking customer service. more

I went to the store to buy a bass. The clerk sold me a bass that he said was European, and that if I bought it, he would let me return it if I was not satisfied with the quality. I bought it, took it to an expert, found out it was a copy made in China, and I tried to return it. The store at first refused to take it back, and finally agreed to exchange it for lesser priced equipment. Terrible experience. Buyer beware. Cons: Terrible customer service. Do not back the quality of their instruments. more