A A Rayburn Musical Instruments

I recently inherited a clarinet. I hadn’t really touched one with any degree of seriousness since junior high and didn’t really think the 30 year old reeds still in the case were going to do me much good, so I stopped in Rayburn to get some brand new reeds and a bit of advice.
I stood by the counter for ten minutes before any of the employees, who all looked Very Busy, would acknowledge that I was there. Someone finally asked if I needed something, and when I answered he said, «That’s not my department,» then went back to what he was doing. Considering how small the store was, I found it hard to believe that there were so many separate departments to begin with. Another minute later, a different employee came over and asked if I needed something. I told him about my new (to me) clarinet and that I needed some reeds, but hadn’t bought any in a decade so I wasn’t sure if there was a particular brand or size I should get.
«Well I don’t know, what do you want?»
«Um, I don’t remember how the sizing works for these. Can I just have some sort of medium? Not too thick, not too flimsy?»
«MEDIUM? Like a 2? 2 ½?»
Ah, okay, condescension, got it. I begrudgingly bought a couple of the 2 ½ size because I wasn’t entirely sure where else in the area to go. Next time, though, I’ll be ordering online.
Since this experience, a friend that was renting an instrument from Rayburn told me a story about the store scamming her out of a bit of money. Apparently they have a policy that if you keep the instrument for less than 15 days of a month, the deposit you made for that month should be refunded to you. This is clearly stated in the contract both the customer and the store sign, and yet the store makes no efforts to return the money that customers are due. Between the awful customer service and the sketchy scamming going on, I would advise you to take your business elsewhere. Since they are still THE place for rentals, make sure if you must rent from them you read the contract thoroughly and be prepared to demand that they uphold it.
It’s a real shame, the store apparently used to be grand and the Rayburn name has quite a reputation.

This place used to be a staple in the music merchandise industry in Boston. When it was still at this location right next to symphony hall, it was the place to go for high end instruments. Now, they’ve kind of fallen off the map… they’ve even changed locations. Pretty much all there useful for now is affordable rentals. It’s a sign of the time i guess.