Where to Buy or Rent Musical Instruments in Eugene, Oregon

Learning to play a musical instrument isn’t just kids’ stuff. Taking up an instrument can be a relaxing hobby and a great activity for any age. Trying to decide which instrument to play is the first step in the process. In Eugene, Oregon, whether you need an instrument for a school-age beginning musician, or you are looking to upgrade or purchase an instrument for your own use, there are several resources ready to rent or sell you the perfect instrument.
McKenzie River Music is an amazing guitar store. Just about any kind or type of guitar – new, used, or vintage can be found at McKenzie River Music. When my daughter was first learning to play the guitar, she used to love to go in and the friendly staff would let her try out various guitars (even the expensive ones which made her mother cringe). McKenzie River is located at 455 West 11th in Eugene. Parking can be a bit of a challenge since it’s on busy 11th Street, but there is a parking lot nearby. This store is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 6 pm or Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. Call 541-343-9482 for information or visit the website www.mckenzierivermusic.com.
J & K Keyboards is located at 1720 White Oak Drive in Eugene and they specialize in keyboard sales and rentals – including organs, digital pianos and accessories. Call 541-485-1999 or 1-800-304-1999 for hours, information and directions.
Another gem of a shop in Eugene is Pacific Winds Music. This little store has a great selection of band and orchestra instruments. I rented my eldest daughter’s alto saxophone here the first year she played and then we purchased one the next year. With periodic repairs and maintenance (also provided by Pacific Winds), she is still using that sax in her final year of high school concert and pep band. Pacific Winds keeps the necessary music books and supplies required by local schools and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The store is located at 791 West 8th and you can either call 541-343-5660 or go to www.pacificwindsmusic.com for information.
If you are interested in playing a string instrument, then the place to go in Eugene is The String Shop at 1325 Railroad Boulevard. With violins, violas, cello and bass, this shop provides instruments, as well as repairs and restoration. Visit http://www.thestringshop.com or call 541-683-1909 for hours, availability and information.
In nearby Springfield, Blue Ridge Music is a store selling band and orchestra instruments, as well as providing rentals, accessories and music books and cds. Blue Ridge Music is located at 3524 Main Street in Springfield. Call 541-7467804 or visit www.blue-ridgemusic.com for hours, information and direction.
Finally, a fun little shop with a variety of new and used instruments – including percussion instruments – is Buy and SellCenter. This shop has instruments, supplies, music books and other accessories for musicians. The store is located at 201 W. 8th Street in Eugene (the corner of Charnelton and 8th in downtown Eugene). Call 541-344-9273 for information, availability and hours.
In addition to providing instruments to buy and rent, as well as accessories, most of these establishments are also well connected with the area music scene – they can help you find a teacher or lessons or find out what might be going on musically in Eugene