Making music has long been a means for creative expression, but it also may lift you out of a funk. Playing a musical instrument or participating in music therapy can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and listening to music can lower stress, your heart rate and blood pressure and stimulate brain cells, according to VH1’s Save the Music Foundation.
Whether you’re looking for musical instruments or CDs and records in Charlotte, the Queen City has you covered in all things music.
Records, Tapes and CDs
Lunchbox Records
What: Search through a wide variety of records at local favorite Lunchbox Records, and pick up a turntable and record player here while you’re at it. New releases – whether they’re in the form of CD or vinyl – are posted on the store’s website, so you can see what they have before you come in. Plus, see live music at the store for only a $3-$5 donation.
Where: 1419 Central Ave., Ste. A, Charlotte, NC 28205
Manifest Discs and Tapes
What: As a novelty store plus music store, Manifest has new and used CDs and DVDs, vinyl records, t-shirts, games, comic books and posters, plus a world of funky collectibles and knick-knacks, according to the Manifest Discs and Tapes site. If you need to purchase a gift for the music lover in your life, this is the perfect place to find a rare CD, a vintage concert t-shirt or a record with cool cover art that you can frame. Plus, the store has regular appearances by musicians.
Where: 6239 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217
The Last Word
What: This secondhand media store offers books, games, game players, DVDs, VHS, CDs, video games and records in a modern, clean environment with comfy chairs and couches for lounging, according to The Last Word Charlotte site. Plus, there’s a trivia question of the day for a chance to receive a discount on merchandise, and the store offers free (good) coffee on Fridays.
Where: 230 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262
The Wax Museum
What: If you’re looking to build your record collection quickly – whether you’re decorating your wall with them or listening to them – records at The Wax Museum start at 99 cents. Find vinyl records, LPs and 45s on CD here, as well as jukeboxes, vintage game room games, slot machines and music memorabilia. They also perform music “miracles” of sorts – fixing broken 8-track tapes, restoring old home movies and turning records into CDs, according to the Wax Museum website.
Where: 5419 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212
Musical Instruments
Howren Music and Sound
What: With two Charlotte locations and one Gastonia location, this family-owned music store sells beginner through professional instruments, sound design and installation and private lessons and offers payment plans, as well as five price points on new, rental, returned and used instruments, according to the Howren Music site. Also, all of the employees are musicians, so if you have a question, just ask one of the staff members.
Where: 4209 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209
Music Go Round
What: If budget is a factor, shop for musical instruments at Music Go Round – or sell your gently used guitars, keyboards, pro sound equipment and percussion instruments for someone else to buy. The “Most Wanted” list on the company’s website helps you determine before you go in if you have a brand the store is interested in buying. Music Go Round also offers new, brand-name instruments and accessories, according to Music Go Round.
Where: 9623 E Independence Blvd., Matthews, NC 28105
Piedmont Music Center
What: Located in Charlotte and Winston-Salem, Piedmont Music Center sells Kawai, Steinway and Hailun pianos and piano discs. They also offer service and installation, tuning, regulation, repair and piano lessons, and they’ll rebuild a piano you already have, according to the Piedmont Music Center website.
Where: 4317 Park Road #B, Charlotte, NC 28209
