Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Musical Instruments in Vermont and New Hampshire
Founded in 1946, Ellis Music has been a family-owned institution serving Vermont, New Hampshire, and surrounding regions for over 75 years. We specialize in high-quality musical instrument sales, rentals, and repairs, offering brass, woodwind, percussion, and string instruments alongside accessories and sheet music. Our expert technicians provide comprehensive repair services, including dent removal, pad replacement, and electronic instrument maintenance, with free estimates and loaner instruments available.We prioritize customer convenience through school delivery programs, nationwide shipping, and a robust online shopping platform. Our commitment to musical education is demonstrated through partnerships with schools and educators, providing free pickup/dropoff services and discounted arrangements. With a focus on quality brands and personalized service, we cater to parents, students, educators, and professional musicians alike, maintaining a reputation as a trusted resource for all musical needs.
Services
Instrument Sales
Rentals
Repairs
Accessories
Sheet Music
Special Orders
Repair Estimates
Loaner Instruments
School Delivery
Online Shopping
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1946 with 75+ years of musical expertise
- Free school pickup/dropoff service for convenience
- Expert repair technicians specializing in all instrument types
- Quality brands recommended by music educators
- Nationwide shipping and special order capabilities
What people say
Expert technicians
Honest appraisal
Free pickup/delivery
Quality instruments
Reliable service
Services
Instrument Repairs
Our expert technicians specialize in repairing brass, woodwind, percussion, and electronic instruments. From routine maintenance to complete overhauls, we handle privately-owned, school, and rental instruments. The repair shop uses ultrasonic cleaning technology for environmentally safe maintenance while preserving instrument integrity. Estimates are free, and loaner instruments are available during repairs.
Instrument Rentals
We offer quality instrument rentals starting at $23/month with flexible month-to-month contracts. Rental options include rent-to-own pathways, early payoff discounts, and exchange privileges. Available instruments include flute, clarinet, trumpet, violin, and more. Maintenance coverage and school pickup/dropoff services included for convenience.
School Deliveries
Ellis Music provides free school delivery programs during academic years, serving hundreds of Vermont and New Hampshire schools. Services include instrument delivery, repair pickup, and supply distribution. Our representatives coordinate directly with music educators to streamline transactions. Special programs include discounted arrangements and teacher resource directories.
Online Shopping
The Ellis Music website offers easy browsing by product type, instrument, or manufacturer. Customers can filter results and access accurate product searches. Special order capabilities allow requests for out-of-stock items. The platform supports secure transactions through PCI-compliant processing for instruments, accessories, and sheet music.
Special Orders
We accommodate special order requests for virtually any musical product not in stock. Our staff works directly with customers to source specific instruments, accessories, or sheet music. The process maintains quality standards while expanding selection beyond standard inventory through established supplier networks.
Questions
Does Ellis Music offer instrument repair estimates?
Yes, all repair estimates are free regardless of purchase origin. Bring your instrument to our store or schedule a school pickup for evaluation.
Can I rent instruments for summer practice?
Yes, rentals continue year-round. Your monthly agreement remains active through summer breaks until you return or purchase the instrument.
What payment methods does Ellis Music accept?
We use secure PCI-compliant processors for credit card transactions. Specific payment methods aren't listed, but our system ensures safe online transactions.
Does Ellis Music serve schools outside Vermont and New Hampshire?
Our core school delivery program focuses on Vermont and New Hampshire. Special arrangements for other locations require direct consultation with our representatives.
What brands do you carry for instrument rentals?
We rent Yamaha, Conn-Selmer, Ludwig, and other educator-recommended brands. All rental instruments undergo professional inspection and maintenance.
Can I return rental instruments through my school?
Yes, but you must notify us first. Rental returns require store processing to stop charges, even when using school pickup arrangements.
Reviews (5)
Steven Rosen
Feb 06, 2022
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Just want to give a big thanks to Jon Ranney for the excellent work he performed on my vintage alto and soprano saxophones. His honest appraisal and repair work was spot on. My horns feel and sound as good as ever. And the reasonable price and prompt delivery was a definite plus. I highly recommend the folks at Ellis!
Harry Drum
Apr 21, 2021
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In 2004, after a 27 year absence of music, I was introduced to Ellis Music, their staff, products and services. Ellis music is truly an oasis for musicians in the Northeast. Initially, my tenor, alto and clarinet were brought back to "life". Good as "new"! Since then all my instruments have been professionally maintained by Ellis music. Also, their instrument pricing is extremely competitive which led me to buying a Yamaha Bari sax right from their stock! Bring your horn in for a "tune up", meet the staff and experience their 5 star service.
Julie Alexander
Mar 15, 2021
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Despite pandemic constraints due to COVID19, we had fantastic service and a very personalized welcome at Ellis Music last week. All sanitary conditions were respected, yet my 11-year old daughter felt comfortable and at ease to test 3 different tenor trombones - both new and used - before selecting the one that was right for her. Denis and Joan were highly professional, courteous, and gave the right advice. We even got offered an unsolicited quick repair from a technician for a small issue on her old trombone that we had with us. Great after-sales communication as well. We are grateful!
Rebecca White
Mar 04, 2020
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Called with a stuck trumpet mouthpiece and they were able to look at it and get it fixed right up. My 8 yr old is so relieved. Thank you! Great service and people!
Shannon Morrill-Cornelius
Jan 04, 2020
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We rented a trumpet for a year from Ellis-it was fine, but over $20 per month. When my son decided to keep playing, I spoke to his band director and bought a trumpet online for around $200. The band teacher noted that it was a good instrument when my son used it through 5th grade. When our oldest gave up trumpet, he let his little brother play with it and some of the keys became stuck. We took it to Ellis for repair and they very haughtily told my step dad that working on that instrument was below their standards and that they won't touch it.
This is not a concert level musician-this is a hand-me-down for my 6 year old! Well, now I can find someone else to repair the trumpet, I could pay over $200 per year to RENT from Ellis again or I could buy another brand new trumpet online and teach my youngest to take better care of it. Well, as Ellis is too haughty to work on the trumpet I am handing down to my elementary aged musician, we certainly won't be renting from them ever again. And I'll be telling other families in the area that buying online is an option.
This is not a concert level musician-this is a hand-me-down for my 6 year old! Well, now I can find someone else to repair the trumpet, I could pay over $200 per year to RENT from Ellis again or I could buy another brand new trumpet online and teach my youngest to take better care of it. Well, as Ellis is too haughty to work on the trumpet I am handing down to my elementary aged musician, we certainly won't be renting from them ever again. And I'll be telling other families in the area that buying online is an option.
