Google reviewers rate Eckroth Music 4.5 out of 5 based on 105 reviews, with the owner responding to 13 percent. Customers frequently describe the staff as knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful in selecting instruments, managing rent-to-own programs, and providing repairs. However, recurring criticisms involve pricing discrepancies where quoted costs increase unexpectedly and lease totals exceeding online market rates. Additional complaints include perceived unhelpfulness during specific transactions and a credit check performed despite full prepayment.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Very helpful and friendly staff!
Thank you for the review, Colin! Our team in our Waite Park store is truly top notch and I'm so happy that you had a great experience in our store. We hope to see you again soon!
We leased a percussion instrument from Eckroth Music, and once the down payment and monthly lease payments are complete, the total cost will exceed $800. This is outrageous. The exact same model number is readily available online for around $300. There is no justification for charging more than double the market price. When I contacted Eckroth Music, they attempted to defend this by claiming a $24 songbook was included and suggesting I could resell the instrument for $300 at the end of the lease. That explanation is completely unrealistic and misleading. There is no scenario in which a used instrument can be resold for the same price as a brand-new one available online. This is price gouging, plain and simple. Families should be warned: this leasing model is grossly overpriced and unfair, and it takes advantage of customers who assume they are paying a reasonable market rate. I strongly regret doing business here and would not recommend Eckroth Music to anyone. I am adding an additional note after receiving the canned response from Eckroth. The EXACT model is available for more than $500 less online. Your reasoning of offering lease payments to families at affordable monthly lease payments, is not an answer. Charging the families that need a low monthly payment an additional $500+ is hurting these families not helping them. DO BETTER ECKROTH.
Thank you for the feedback and we are sorry that you did not have a good experience renting from Eckroth Music. While it is possible to find percussion kits that are less expensive, we work closely with band directors to ensure that we are providing a quality instrument from educator approved brands that sets beginning students up for success. Additionally, we offer these instruments as part of a rent to own program that allows family to secure a quality, educator approved instrument at an affordable monthly payment. Customers have the option to return the instrument at anytime which is great if a student changes their mind and decides to switch instrument or stop participating in band class altogether.
Cute place, great staff
Great place just spendy
I can’t say enough about how amazing Eckroth music store is! 🎶 From the very beginning, they went above and beyond to work with me, making sure my daughter’s very first experience playing an instrument was a truly special one. The patience, encouragement, and excitement they showed made all the difference—and watching her light up as she received her first flute was absolutely priceless.
Incredibly knowledgeable staff that truly wants to make sure you have the best experience possible. Wade did a fantastic job. I highly recommend visiting here for your next purchase.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience at Eckroth Music, Jacob! We always aim for great service, and we’re so happy that Wade and the St. Cloud team were able to help you. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to assisting you in the future!
They have all the instrument supplies we need.
Thanks for the review, Jean! Play On!
Knowledgeable, friendly staff I definitely recommend this place for all of your instrument needs.
Thanks for your feedback, Mitch! We're so glad you had a great experience!
Great experience! Very knowledgeable staff helped educate me on my wife's French horn. They have reasonably priced services as well. We had it Chemically cleaned, and adjusted, great service!
Thanks for your feedback, Chad! We always aim to provide great service and are glad you had a good experience. Please let us know if you have any additional questions about the french horn. We look forward to helping you with any other musical needs in the future!
The staff here are amazing and very helpful. I would highly recommend them for musical instruments.
Thanks for the feedback! We're so glad we could help!