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January 2024 by PatRJ B
Been here so many years ago. Seems like it was just yesterday. They have everything in music you need. Awesome customer service. Great hospitality. Thank you guys for letting me son enjoying your keyboards. We do need an acoustic guitar. So we were window shopping. You guys are the best. Best music store in town. ??
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December 2023 by Rob Arndt
If you need a set up guy for your guitar go to Carlton's and ask for Joe. The best I've found here in Lakeland.
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November 2023 by Melissa Primm
Staff is always so knowledgeable and helpful. I have always had a wonderful experience at Carlton!
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October 2023 by Signomancy
A local treasure. Carlton has been serving excellent service and instruments to Polk County for decades. Drop in get the gift of music.
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September 2023 by Jake Lawson
Great selection of acoustic guitars, Matt was very knowledgeable and helped me pick out the right one. I also rented some live gear, Derek made sure I knew how to use all of the equipment. Great place
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September 2023 by All The Reviews Truth
Upon entering, a bald head older male with glasses shot up to ask if I needed help (never mentioned his name). I asked about an instrument since he was the first one up. The guy was short with answers and giving a vibe that he did not want to attend me, throwing a book down back and forth. I watched another gentlemen’s with longer hair pull the same book out and explain in detail with people very nicely. I informed that guy, we were new to this experience and were recommended there by a local music teacher. The guy kept leaving me to go assist other customers, get on his phone to verify our information, stopping to call someone to ask for help and told me if I don’t provide a reference he will charge me a $200 deposit. I was forced to call a reference and put someone down on paper I did not want to. Then the guy left me to decide…After being alone for a while, another gentlemen came to help & was a great. I explained the situation and how I was feeling. He apologized for the other guy and stated, “I’m sorry for him, that’s just his personality”. I stated to the new guy, he should know if he doesn’t want to fully assist a person and immediately ask another associate to help. He agreed. When the new guy asked the old guy if he already verified my information, he lied and told him no. That’s when I got upset and asked, why he lie like that?Being a single small business owner for 20 years, a husband, father and grandfather I understand protocol/business. I felt discriminated by this guy & his demeanor, skepticism and unfair treatment which is a huge concern for me. We rented the D grade instrument and left …After discussing with my wife, we found an A grade instrument and a trumpet and paid cash for them and drove 4 hours to go pick it up. Monday was Labor Day so we didn’t visit the store to return the instrument. I visited the location today to return the saxophone because my wife and I made a decision not to do business with people like RP… RP is the bald guys name I learned today…Today, I was returning the instrument. Matt was the gentleman that was helping me today. In speaking with Matt, the bald head guy “RP” took it upon himself to continually and rudely interject into the conversation. Stating he needs to call the corporate office to verify return policy. As I was asking Matt questions for clarity, RP took it upon hisself to keep answering for Matt and give me a card when I can return the instrument. I asked RP to excuse hisself from our conversation and allow me to deal with Matt. He rudely stated, go ahead and finish with him and I will write the notes on his file.As a State Official for 6 years, this gives me the indication that RP wants to attempt control the narrative with our story now and I’m on the defensive side of this situation. Even after being asked not to interject with my conversations, RP doesn’t seem to understand how I’m feeling at this point…So, from RP calling corporate, I now know there is one & find myself calling the corporate office and spoke with Glen. Glen is working to make things right and once again, on another business day, apologized for the RP’s behavior!For the guys that are picking up the scraps for RP, I’m giving a 2 Star Rating.RP needs training on empathy, customers service & how to discern when NOT to service a customer AKA stay out of it! I hope he takes the courses to become better at what he does someday. We forgive you buddy, we just won’t ever do business with you!
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September 2023 by Amanda
Very easy online order/ reservation process. Had everything my daughter needed for her Viola. When I called with a question the staff was friendly and helpful.
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September 2023 by Stacey P.
Made it with minutes to spare to buy my daughter her band boom for her instrument she's learning this year. Was quick and easy with friendly staff.
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August 2023 by Mike W.
I may be their oldest customer, not in age, but in years of buying there. It is good to see a family business thrive in this big-box store culture. Carlton offers a wonderful personal experience. In Lakeland, Julie (3rd gen Carlton) is there to keep the family name and reputation high, and Joe Gavin, the best acoustic player in Lakeland, oversees the day-to-day operation. The repair department, unheard of in the big-box world, can do just about anything. Joe is the only one I trust with my touring instruments (This includes composite acoustic instruments). He is a master of wood repair and electronics, too. I feel you will be as happy as I am with the service at Carlton Music on Harden Blvd in Lakeland, FL.
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August 2023 by Dave Healey
Great team to work with!I was looking to treat myself to new drum heads all around (batter and reso). I put a cart together at Sweetwater to see what it would run me. I prefer shopping local whenever possible so I reached out to see what the same combination of heads would run.The team at Carlton got back to me quickly and had exactly what I needed in stock. The price was literally $2 difference. I let them know that I'd be in the next day to pick them up.When I arrived at the store they had everything stacked and ready to go! They even worked to help me track down some other items I've been looking at.Carlton Music Center will be my first stop for all music equipment needs moving forward without a doubt.
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August 2023 by Rican Romeo
Amazingly friendly staff. Easy to finance an instrument for my daughter and always honor warranty without hassle. They deserve 10 Stars!
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August 2023 by C Daddy
Great store with knowledgeable and down to earth folks to help you with your musical needs and for your kids instrument rental.
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June 2023 by Christina
Helpful staff and great store to find what you need for your instrument.
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June 2023 by Phoenix Bejarano
These guys were super helpful, I came in looking for a very specific power supply, and not only did they take the time to help me, they had it in stock
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June 2023 by Harold Donaghe
Great experience! Helped me beyond what expected! Friendly! Great work!
