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Music Trader We believe in form and functionality, offering competitive pricing and our satisfaction guarantee on our entire selection of new and used instruments. Our used selection are completely restored to like-new condition. If you have any questions about our collection of Woodwind, Brass, or Stringed instrument, one of our experienced team members is always happy to help.

Our repair shop has continued to serve the Pacific Northwest as one of the best repair, and restoration specialists. Our mission is to provide honest quality work that exceeds our customer's expectations.
Services
Back in 1995, Lars Kirmser was teaching the Instrument Repair Program at Renton Technical College when he decided to open The Music Trader. Ever since, the incredible Music Repair Shop, located in the heart of Maple Valley has been offering music lovers as well as professional musicians all the music equipment they could possibly need.
At The Music Trader Inc. we know how difficult it can be to start playing a new instrument or switching to a different piece of music equipment, and we want to make sure that our clients are ready to commit before they make a permanent purchase. Our rental program is on a month to month basis with a minimum rental period of 3 months.
For 21 years, The Music Trader has been working hard making sure our clients receive the best possible musical equipment services in Maple Valley. Whether you need to repair your instrument or annual maintenance, we'll be happy to assist you. Contact us today to speak with one of our professional team members to see how we can help you.
Includes: Complete disassembly; the instrument and mouthpiece are thoroughly flushed and sterilized; all slide tubes are polished, re-lubricated, and adjusted; all valve corks and felts are replaced; worn springs are replaced; all water key corks are replaced; valves are thoroughly cleaned, sterilized and adjusted to their casings.
Reviews (19)
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Jeff Baran
Apr 21, 2022
Bought some violin polish from them today.nice conversation too. Worked great!
Curtis Stewart
Dec 31, 2021
Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. They are full service, in house repair. Excellent attention to detail. Had my clarinet refurbished, plays like new! Thanks Sam!
Beth Yz
Sep 06, 2021
They went above and beyond in tuning and getting my violin ready for my daughter to learn on. They even helped fix my case that was missing a bow holder clip inside! We will definitely be back with any music needs in the future! Thank you so much for your stellar customer service!
Suzanna P.
Mar 15, 2021
I was a little hesitant because of the bad reviews but was pleasantly surprised when I went in. The owners were the ones working and were both extremely friendly and helpful! I would be happy to give them my business again.
Vera Grant
Jan 13, 2021
Fabulous family run business. They are very knowledgeable, super helpful and very reasonably priced! Even the school music teacher highly recommended them.
Kathleen Treece
Nov 23, 2020
Salesman very helpful with purchase of accessories and installation of pin for my ukelele. Very reasonable pricing.
Gena Vansickle
Feb 09, 2020
We've been customers of Music Trader for three years. We started off by renting a violin for my daughter to see if she liked it, she plays through the school's music program. After two months we decided to buy her one. Most recently, over the summer, we bought a Kala brand tenor Ukulele from them. We're always happy to visit their store. They have a wide selection of instruments, accessories and sheet music for a variety of budgets and knowledgeable staff.

They've been in business for twenty years and offer lessons in store. They also have a public restroom which is always a bonus. We will continue to look to them for all our music needs. Thanks Ada and Lars!
Tina Hawley
Jun 30, 2019
I had the instrument for my daughter stolen out of my truck and they wanted to charge me $600 for a not new very best up instrument, when I finally had them drop the price I asked them to make payments and they took $244 and change out of my account and now just took another 75 out. If they take anymore out without my permission I will take them to court for a fraudulent purchase
Bruce B.
May 02, 2018
Our family has been a customer of Music Trader in Maple Valley for 5-years. Last week we learned that MT had turned our account over to a collection agency! The credit card we were auto-paying with was renewed on Dec 31, so stopped working. Rather than attempting to reach us using reasonable means, especially given our long-term relationship, they took the extremely unreasonable step of sic-ing a collection agency on us!

Our family's credit has always been above-average, so this experience was, to put it mildly, unsettling. We are taking our business elsewhere, and suggest all MT current and future customers think twice about choosing MT for their music needs - there are plenty of other choices in our area.
Jb S.
Apr 20, 2018
Hello Musictrader, I am shocked and so much disappointed on how you treat your customer. First of all, I have no intention of stealing your money. It's nothing but I explained as detail as I can for what I saw and heard while repairing. $100 is not that much worth to me to spend this much of my time and effort. As you mentioned, If the issues were damages by shipping, it tells me how poorly you packaged to make such of many issues to fix.

I suspect it had the issues originally and you are not honest and simply blaming to shipping. Or your repair skill is so poor not recognizing the issues. I am so frustrated to you are not willing to take any responsibility on the product you sold and simply blame to shipping company then put your customer into long time taking claim processing. I needed to play the horn in Sunday evening. Well, it's over now as you mentioned below, however I will spread my terrible experience on Musictrader as much as I can and also asking to Reverb for what you did is right. Good luck on your business, ha ha ha! JB
Cotton EyedEm
Feb 18, 2018
For a smaller shop they have always carried whatever we have needed for both guitar and trumpet! People are friendly and very kind behind the counter! Also had a trumpet repaired at very reasonable cost!
Erica A.
Jul 11, 2017
I love this little shop. I feel so lucky to have a luthier just down the street from us. They are friendly and knowledgeable, and anytime I need a new shoulder rest or rosin, they are there.
Suzie S.
Jun 20, 2016
Low rating is absolutely absurd and RIDICULOUS! Never had an experience here that was less than extraordinary! Thank you guys for offering excellent customer service and explaining how to care for our instruments! Can't wait to be back in the area to stop by again!
H. T.
Jun 17, 2016
Treated well by woman and the "technician" but when we tried to rent an instrument for summer practice, a rude old man with a beard came out and treated my son and myself horribly. He basically wanted him to sign up for lessons with him or we weren't getting the instrument. Incredibly and unapologetically rude that my son would break it without lessons. an idiot.

Left with heartbroken son. Horrible. Update **Music & Arts in Issaquah will rent without hassle or harassment and offers protection coverage with rental in case of dents, etc.
Edmond R.
Nov 03, 2015
It's great to have a local shop where I can pick up strings, picks, straps, etc. for my guitars without having to travel far. I could order from an online retailer, but I believe we need to support local businesses that help support the arts! I see that they have a wide assortment of band and orchestral instruments as well as various music related accessories and such. I can't really speak to their lessons or rentals, but it seems that they have a great service for aspiring musicians in the area!
Melissa Anthony
Dec 06, 2014
This store is run by a luthier, who offers repairs and has all the prices listed on his website. The selection is pretty small, but there is a big sheet music section. If you're looking for a specific product, go to amazon, but if you need are a student who needs a new tuner, a dampit, a folding stand, or anything like that quick, go here. I got my peg holes on my violin recarved and they turn without a problem.
Mary M.
May 15, 2014
Went to Music Trader with a clarinet that had been damaged. Lars to the rescue! We were afraid it couldn't be repaired, but Lars knew exactly what to do. We are so grateful. A very expense instrument saved and in use! They are wonderful.
Colton Barton
Jan 17, 2014
Cheap guitars that are overpriced. Only aftermarket stuff that isn't worth purchasing unless your gonna put it on the wall for display. Mostly centered around school band and orchestra students. It's called music Trader, I assumed it would have some good used stuff. Didn't have any.
Susie K.
Nov 30, 2011
We've shopped at this store over the years; this storehas been in Maple Valley for many years. A nice family business. It's a small independently owned business right over near Four Corner Teryaki, shopping here is supporting a family owned business in our community. They are also specialists at repair and restoration on instruments. From their website, "Professional woodwind, brasswind, orchestral and fretted string instrument repair authorized straubinger pad technician, former teacher of violin making and guitar building." http://www.musictrader.com/