Woodwind and Brasswind

When it comes to buying guitar strings on line, I admit that I just go for the best price. For Elixirs, the best price was at Interstate Music, and my buying experience there was A-OK. For Martin SP 80/20 Lights, the best price I could find was at ...

Further Update, December 2006 I received an email from a Music 123/Woodwind and Brasswind employee, who said that there had been no dismissals, business was proceeding as usual, vendors were cooperating. I then saw a late November article in ...

The first time I ever ordered from them was a wonderful experience. I am a bassist who tends to be picky about his rosin (for the bow) as a lot of tonal quality depends on this. They didn't have one of the three brands I like to mix and match, but it was ...

The Short: * They are helpful people and the prices are good. * Don't buy anything that is not in stock. * They are dishonest about what is in stock, and when things are expected. * They will tell you almost anything to keep you from canceling ...

This is the worst music sight I've ever been to. I ordered my sax on November 15 and confirmed it tne next day to make sure it would be here when they said it would be. I later got an e-mail saying that it was on time and would arrive the day it said ...

Positives: The customer service people responded back within minutes of my email asking them questions on two different occasions. Their website was easy to use and included automated tracking numbers and return authorization number. They did refund my ...

Disregard this opinion if you can speak to a live person through the WWBW sales line at 800-348-5003 in under 30 minutes. (Granted,) I ordered during the Christmas rush...but that is no excuse for what followed. Okay, I ordered a Uke, top of the ...

I orded a sax gig bag & 2 boxes of reeds via phone to take a advantage of a 20% discount special.  The notice stated that we had to order by phone.  The man who took the order seem to have an attitude or just did not care about helping with ...

I'd never heard of WWBW before but they had the best price on the monitors that I needed. They call ...

When you order and check out_ everything is fine. everything is in stock or you wouldn't order it thinking it would ship the next bussines day for what ever plan you chose. ordered a bass amp combo and a ext.cab $899.00 add said free shipping on ...

Best Price, Excellent selection, Fast shipping and with their 3 payment plan on any instrument "affo ...

I have shopped at the Woodwind Brasswind since college (1984-1988). I was a music major at Butler. They were first a brick and mortor and a mail order store (long before the arrival of the commercialization of the internet and the wwbw.com website. They ...

I bought my daughter's Yamaha trumpet from Woodwind and Brasswind. I had no problems, and I liked the convenient 3 payment option. I initially started out at my local Sam Ashe store and even the counter help there recommended WWBW. He said that's where he shops...especially for hard to find or out of stock items. The item was shipped in pristine condition and the sales help was pretty good. And the price was unbeatable. They even sent me an appraisal of my new instrument when I requested one for my insurance company. I think some of the responses here are isolated incidences. People are more likely to write about a poor experience than a good one because it is their avenue to vent. I had a good experience and would buy from them again. As a matter of fact I'm now looking for a viola for my son and WWBW is the first place I went.

I purchased an acoustic guitar and after viewing the site, I called and talked with a rep. Transaction seemed to process smoothly, however I was told I'd receive a confirmation email. Nothing! Called, they stated I'd receive an email when it shipped. Nothing!! I ended up tracking it by contacting FedEx. Well packed and arrived in one piece...great guitar.

I question whether they honor their guarantees. The day after I ordered the guitar, I received an email saying "Valentine's Sweetheart Deal" Purchase and save 'X' amount depending on your purchase. WWBW states that they have a 45 day price guarantee, but I've sent 3 emails, spoke with Customer Service, who said I need to talk with Sales, then attempted on 3 occassions to call sales directly. I can not find ANYONE at this company that will tell me whether or not they will honor the price guarantee. So far, nothing in any shape of a response from WWBW or Bobby S. the sales rep. It's been nearly a month and I'm done with Music 123 and WWBW, solely from a customer service perspective.

I would avoid doing any business with them if at all possible.  They are linked to a scam in eBay.  The eBay merchant’s name is 35redluvr and they were selling music gear through WWBW.  The items were sold for great prices especially the Gibson Guitars.  The items were shipped from WWBW.  Most of the buyers never received their items because the shipments were recalled, and as of right now they are holding on to both the customer’s money and equipment.  When called and confronted about the situation they claim no ties to 35redluver but know exactly what is going.  They are not very willing to work with the customers.  Type in 35redluvr into a search engine and there is a four page Gibson Guitar forum on postings regarding this mess.  Buyer be ware, I found that out.

I ordered a Marshall amp at a good price. It came slowly, but it came. When it arrived, the shipping box was fine but the inner box was mangled, suggesting they sent it out that way. When the inner box was opened (early Christmas present), the amp didn't work -- not too surprising, I suppose, considering the box condition. When I sent it back, they paid for return shipping -- Yay! However, then .... nothing. Two months later, WE had to call THEM to find out that they had no more of these in stock and that they would refund the purchase price to our credit card. DIDN'T THEY THINK WE WOULD WANT TO KNOW? In the meantime, my son

I have ordered a flute,two piccolos, and a a music stand from Woodwind and Brasswind and I have had terrible experiences. The flute played extremely out of tune and had pad problems even though it was brand new. It took two monthes for them to send me a new one. The music stand arrived dented and I also had to send for a new one. The first piccolo arrived with a cracked bore and the company refused to replace it because the defect came from Selmer and they were just a warehouse. I would never reccomend this store to anyone unless you want a huge headache. It would be better to pay more money at another store. When you send back an item W&B will charge you for the shipping.

This company is apparently under new management, and has really gone to the dogs. The old WW&BW used to have excellent customer service.

They converted to a new system and deleted all of their old customer accounts. The people working there now have no concept of customer service and can't be bothered to lift a finger to help a mere customer. They expect customers to put up with inconveniences that they cause, for the privilege of doing business with them.

Initially I had serious doubts that WWBW is Music123. After receiving some spam from Music123, I compared the headers in the emails. We have, unfortunately, a match. This may only mean that Music123 bought WWBW and left management intact.

Whatever their affiliation or ownership, I bought Sibelius 3 academic/church with photoscore bundle and am VERY pleased with the price, customer service and speed in delivery. I got it within a week, and their customer service department answered every email faster than any other online company I've dealt with. I emailed them because the stock picture was slightly different than the description and I wanted to make sure of what I was getting...and they assured me that the description was accurate. They sent with my purchase a woodwind catalog--the selection is mind-boggling. I now check there first when comparing prices for items and accessories like microphones and music stands.

After reading a number of reviews, I decided to take a chance on this outfit because their inventory had the special item I wanted at a nice price. I knew satisfaction was spotty, but I wanted it right away. Long story short, it came sooner than expected, in perfect shape. They had great email communication, the inventory I wanted in stock and the shipment tracking worked fine. I was very satisfied with them. By the way, these guys are definitely the same outfit as Music 123. Look at their physical address, same one. But they seem to have somewhat higher satisfaction for some reason. At any rate, I think the most accurate way to portray the situation is, "You lays your money down, you takes your chances."

What a horrible on-line experience!  They told me that the cello stand was available when I ordered on December 1.  Nothing was shipped, but my account continued to show that the order was being “processed”.  Ten days before Christmas I contacted them because it was supposed to be a gift from Santa.  NOW they told me it was backordered. So my daughter only got a picture of the cello stand on Christmas Day. Then 2 weeks AFTER Christmas, I went to check the on status again, and my account says it was CANCELLED. No one ever contacted me.  When I got a hold of them, they said the item had been discontinued but no one ever contacted me about this.  Well I went to Birdlandmusic.com, and they had LOTS of the exact same cello stand in stock, and I got it in 2 days at a cheaper price!  Shame on the folks at Woodwinds and Brasswinds! They have NO CUSTOMER CARE.  They ruined my daughters Christmas.  I will never shop here again, and will never recommend it to anyone else.  Buyer beware!  There are a lot of other decent places to shop out there…this just isn’t one of them.

I wanted to exchange cello strings, which I bought in July. I send back the wrong strings per regular mail to save additional costs. I called 5 times, emailed 3 times about the order. I was told that the strings never arrived in their warehouse. I ask for a supervisor and was told he would call me back. Nobody ever called me. One of their customer service persons was extremly rude, telling me it is all my fault, because I didn't use a trackable mail service. After the 4th email, telling them that I have no tracking number and that I am disappointed in their lack of courtesy I finally got lucky and I got an email, that they will send me new strings. Yeah!!! after 3 month of agrivation.

I was worried about ordering from this site after reading some of the other reviews, but I actually had no problems. My order was shipped quickly, arrived in perfect condition and the customer service was very friendly and helpful. I would definitely order from this site again

Something fishy in the state of Indiana.....

I've done business with this company since 1980. Last month I received an E-mail regarding a 3-day Thanksgiving sale. I telephoned to confirm a price on a Yamaha 461 Flute. I was quoted a price that was $200 off of the price listed on their website. GREAT! I ordered the flute. It arrived quickly and is a terrific instrument. Here's the rub. I still hadn't received an invoice, so I checked on line only to discover the quoted $200 savings was M.I.A. I naively called thinking it was just an oversight, however, I was told the sale price that I was quoted was not valid because of a change in policy. When I questioned the appearance of this bait and switch, the manager said, that "Yes, I can see where you would feel that way." but reiterated that Yamaha won't allow them to sell below M.A.P.
To say this least, I feel deceived and would NEVER do business with this company again.

WWBW's website provides a clue. Its laid-out virtually identically to the infamous Music 123's. And the prices, product descriptions, item numbers, etc, are identical. A nice touch was WWBW's registering/chartering in Indiana: it makes it appear that they're somehow connected with the reputable Prowinds. Nice try, boys.

My first order with this company was also my last. Order received on 12/23. It sat on somebody's desk until 12/29, when my card was billed. THEN they decided that doing inventory was more important than servicing PAID ORDERS and delayed processing until 1/5. They didn't get the chance... I canceled order on 1/3.

Fast email confirmation of order and shipment of merchandise. I ordered an electric guitar kit with other accessories on Monday night, I got the accessories on Thursday morning and the guitar kit on Saturday afternoon. I wasn't expecting such fast shipment by FedEx since shipping was free (as long as purchase total over $99). So I ended up saving shipping and getting my product fast. Excellent price for the guitar pack too. A decent beginner's guitar. I'll definitely shop here again.

Woodwind and Brasswind was good at one time, but personally, I will no longer do business with them. An order placed last year that was promised in 2 days took close to 6 months to arrive. Yesterday, I placed and order, received a guarantee that the instrument was in stock and would be shipped -- and that the sales person would personally walk this order through, but when my shipping confirmation came, not only was the address wrong but only the 2 small pieces were shipped. The clarinet, which is the specific piece promised to be in stock and shipped, is now mysteriously "back-ordered" -- this, after they charged my credit card for the full amount. I feel like I have been swindled and lied to, and this is the second consecutive time. In hindsight, I think I was foolish to even give them a second shot at getting it right. My advice -- STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE!

Just a comment on the similarity between the Music123 website and the Woodwind and Brasswind website... I too have noticed the similarity, but they ARE DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME STORE! Woodwind and Brasswind is a real brick-and-mortar store based in South Bend Indiana. I used to go there all the time when I lived just across the state line in Michigan. It's a great store with a huge inventory. Why the similarity in web sites? Maybe both stores have contracted the same company to handle the web-end of their business.

I've ordered from WW&BW web site since moving away from Michigan and had great service from them over the web.

Actually ordered items at Music123 and then had to deal with WWBW customer service and poor management. After waiting 2 months for a item that was supposed to be in stock, I found out that they were actually backordered. This I found after contacting the manufacturer directly. Once the item actually arrived at the WWBW Indiana warehouse, it took them over 2 weeks to unpack it and ship it (this again was confirmed by the manufacturer, who apparently knows more about WWBW warehouse stock than the WWBW people do). Endless excuses, endless promises, and endless emails and telephone calls. I should have been smart and cancelled my order. What a runaround. The left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. Unbelievable they can stay in business. I will NEVER do business with them or the other companies that "front" for them. Be careful if you order over the internet, MANY sites with different names are actually business partners with these clowns - if the price and page view look similar to WWBW or Music123 - watch out!

They seem to have the best prices on the market. Btw, and fwiw, I did my research and they are *NOT* related to music123, though they are using the same outfit for their web design and extended payment plans.

I ordered a mouthpiece and after nearly two weeks it had not been received. I called customer service and they said it could take 15 business days (three weeks). It was sent USPS first class and there is no way a small package should take this long. I cannot imagine how they think three weeks delivery is acceptable. I will never shop there again.

Will never shop this store again. Ordered a snare drum in September, here it is Dec 12th and still no drum, was told that it would be available Dec 15th, now they tell me it will ship sometime after the first of the year 2005!!!!! A great Christmas present huh?? What a nightmare.. a four month backorder??? Also the shipping information is misleading, tell you that its available in 2-3 weeks, click on that icon and it pops up with ships in 1-2 weeks.. That is if and when they finally get it in their warehouse. Customer service was ok. The only option given was a cancellation of the order. I'm ashamed to find that the company is in Indiana. I usually like to keep my money in the state that I live in, but in this case I wish I hadn't.. Buyers beware!! CAll FIRST BEFORE PAYING.. 12/21/04. To clear things up. This company IS OWNED by the same people who have MUSIC123.com. After going round and round with a customer service rep I bluntly asked her that question and yes they are owned by the same company.. The service that I've recieved thats no big surprise

A horrific experience. I ordered a triple trumpet case from them because they had a free shipping offer at the time. When I decided I didn't want it and sent it back, they charged me over $10 because "I am responsible for the outbound shipping if the item is returned." WHAT?? I already paid for the return shipping. I have never, ever in my life had a company charge me for shipping TO me when there is a free shipping offer, after the fact. That little piece of information is NOT written anywhere on the return policy section of their website. I see the free shipping offer has CHANGED in the past week or so to include this tidbit of information. I guess they must have had many more people than just me complain about them.

As far as I am concerned, they stole money from me by not making this fact clear when I chose to purchase from them.

I Purchased a trumpet that apparently has a defect with the valves (sticking). I sent it back twice and they, so far, haven't responded to multiple voice mails, except one time they finally answered the "returns" phone call, which they told me that I can't be told anything about the status of my trumpet for 8 to 9 weeks. Tomorrow I plan to see about a credit card charge-back. I won't use them any longer. Customer service must not exist at this store!

This company is one of those pieces of crap that don't have the technology to accurately keep up to date information of their items on hand. Plus, they are so slow that they only ship out the same day on supposed in stock items only if you order using 3 day or less express. If not, you have to wait 2 to 3 full business days because their technology is not accurate enough to keep up with todays technology. Talk about not keeping up to date, stupid fart stains!

I have ordered three times in the last 4 months from WWBW. The items I have ordered are great and the price fair. However, be aware that their return policy is DECEPTIVE. You have to dig around in the web site to find out what happens when you return an item that you received with free shipping. This information does not appear on the returns information page for your full understanding of their policy. Also, when you order online you can be most sure that your online invoice will be incorrect! I ordered 3 times and twice the amounts on the invoices were incorrect. When you need to call them regarding questions, be prepared to sit in a que for at least 15 minutes and if they need to transfer you to another department you will wait another 15 minutes. This HAS NOT been a very pleasant or easy shopping experience at all. For better Customer satisfaction I would pay a little more and shop elsewhere!

This store is awful. Their customer service is horrible. They have way too much attitude and don't care about the customer. When I tried to escalate the problem, I was told that their customer service managers "don't talk to customers"!!!! Do yourself a favor...give your money to someone else!

As for this being and "isolated incident." Even if this place has just a few complaints, you should look elsewhere. Why take a gamble on this company when there are honest, consistent online retailers out there.

I've had mixed experiences with this company. It seems as though recently their customer service has suffered as it usually takes 15 - 20 minutes on hold to get a hold of anyone. There have been more mistakes on my orders recently and their way of tracking orders is not as helpful anymore - I've had a item listed on line as "now shipping" for a week and a half and just found out (after being on hold 20 minutes) that it is back ordered.

Their product selection, free shipping, and prices are the only reason I have always used them in the past and why I would currently use them. I will now be trying other vendors to compare however.

We ordered two metronomes from wwbw.com. They were both defective. I returned both of them and ordered higher price model over the phone with wwbw. They first refused to pay for return shipping. It took them over two weeks to ship the replacements and they double charged me for shipping. When I sent emails inquiries about the double shipping change, they didn't response. When I called, they refuse to refund the extra charge. When I asked to speak to a customer service manager, I was told that no manager was available.

I've had a number of satisfactory experiences with WWBW.

As for the relationship betw. WWBW and Music123, if you go to any domain name "whois" lookup, you'll discover that the both domain names are registered to the same person at the same address. I assume that the person who registered both domain names is either the owner of both companies or related to the owner.

Thanks.

I got a major run-around with my purchase. According to their website they had 2 in stock when I bought it online. They didn't, which I only found out after about 7 or 8 calls to customer service (you get a different story every time you call, even within the same day). They put me on back-order without telling me and then kept extending the shipping date, so that eventually I was going to wait almost 2 full months for a product that they said they originally had in stock.
Also, heaven forbid you want to talk to a "manager". They ask "Why?", when it's obvious they have screwed up and don't know what they are talking about. Apparantly you're only allowed to talk with a manager if I you have a worthy problem. ("Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!")
I have cancelled the order and bought the ROLAND TD-6S from another company.
I'm not giving them another chance after all the false promises they gave me.

To anyone who is not sure about the relationship between wwbw.com, music123.com and Guitar Center I stumbled across a document that shows they certainly are all companies that were obtained by Guitar Center, Inc.  It is a fairly long document, but you can find this information right at the beginning -> part I under "History"  The link is here: http://google.brand.edgar-online.com/EFX_dll/EDGARpro.dll?FetchFilingHTML1?SessionID=RDImWLubcd_aM00&ID=5003907

Customer service at this site (wwbw.com) is very lacking.  Any questions other than those relating to a possible sale are ignored.  Waiting to see if my item will arrive correct and in good shape.