Musical instrument store · Memphis, TN · reviewed since 2011
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%87+55.3Reliability 28%79+22.3Replies to reviews 8%73+6Experts Score= 84Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.84SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#110 of 171 music lessonsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 36%
4.8★★★★★496 Google reviews · 24 photos
92%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
3.4%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Memphis Drum Shop 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 496 reviews, with the owner responding to 84 percent of them. Customers frequently praise the extensive inventory of drums and cymbals, knowledgeable staff, and the ability to test instruments before purchase. Positive feedback also highlights helpful advice, fast shipping, and friendly service for both in-store and online orders. However, some low-star reviews criticize high restocking fees and shipping costs for returns, while others describe uncomfortable experiences involving perceived surveillance or unwelcoming treatment from employees.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 496 reviews (92% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 496 Google reviews (362 with written comments, 34 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 84% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 29, 2026.
Service: Music Lesson serving Memphis, Tennessee.
Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.
Score profile vs other music lessons
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.
Memphis Drum ShopMusic Lessons median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Memphis Drum Shop: 87/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.A
87
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Memphis Drum Shop: 79/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.B
79
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 92.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Memphis Drum Shop: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Memphis Drum Shop: 73/100 on this factor. Category median: 48.B
73
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
496 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars45492%
4 stars245%
3 stars31%
2 stars61%
1 star92%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 362 written reviews
97%praise
Praise30097%
Complaints103%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude11136%
Quality & results5116%
Speed & response5116%
Price & value3812%
Would recommend3110%
Communication206%
Honesty & trust83%
What customers talk about
We read 362 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“These guys are polite, knowledgeable, considerate, and patient.”
“Great experience with my nephew who just started playing drums.”
“…nd toured, I can say for a fact, that Memphis Drum Shop is one of the worst drum shops I’ve ever had the displeasure of conducting business with.…”
“Easy checkout process online, my snare drum arrived quickly and in great shape, it was an absolute pleasure to purchase online from this company.”
“…d, calling you back/emailing you with that information and within a reasonable time.…”
“A return will really cost you (mine was over $100)!”
“I highly recommend the MDS to serious drummers looking for the best.”
“…or the proper mallets for my new 28” Paiste Symphonic Brillant Gong, explaining to me the way to hold them, and how to approach the gong.…”
“This individual was actually the last individual that took down my information over two weeks ago and never followed up on the matter.”
“Memphis Drum Shop (MDS) does everything possible to earn and to keep my business; it is so refreshing to deal with people I can trust completely.”
People customers mention
Jim7 reviews
Robinson6 reviews
Jameson5 reviews
Drums4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
JJeff4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 days ago★★★★★
The inventory was incredible. They allow you to play and test out instruments before you buy.
AAndrew5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
I had heard great things about MDS for many years and finally had a chance to visit this past weekend and was not disappointed. Excellent selection, awesome displays, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. I'll be back every time im anywhere near Memphis.
BBrock1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Robinson helped me pick out a side-cymbal (Meinl Byzance Dual Crash) and was very attentive to my needs. Brilliant shop and a lovely walk around. As someone who has trouble articulating their thoughts, Robinson did his best to understand what I was looking for and he nailed it while helping me choose from tons of cymbals. Would come again.
LLandon2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Robinson was great in helping my brother pick out a symbal, Super cool store! -Landon from Florida
EEvanLocal Guide · 109 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
Easy checkout process online, my snare drum arrived quickly and in great shape, it was an absolute pleasure to purchase online from this company.
DDoraLocal Guide · 22 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
An incredible drum shop with an unbelievable selection!
We wanted to give a shout out their team member, Robinson, who helped my partner and I. We are so grateful to him for the patience, care, fun, and knowledge he shared with us. One of the best customer service experiences we have ever had, period. Many blessings ♥️🙏 we’ll be back!
The inventory was incredible. They allow you to play and test out instruments before you buy.
Response from the owner · 4 days ago
Hi Jeff, thanks for stopping by the shop and for the 5 star review! Glad you were able to play and tested out what you needed to buy beforehand. Hope to see you back soon!
J
James CarboneLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews James has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Memphis Drum Shop (MDS) does everything possible to earn and to keep my business; it is so refreshing to deal with people I can trust completely. Their hallmark is conscientious, consistent customer service. If you value dealing with actual drummers, or you have questions before purchasing, I personally recommend MDS. I have purchased from Robinson, Shaun, and Bill Frazier, the store manager, and their goal remains to meet customer needs above everything else. These guys are polite, knowledgeable, considerate, and patient. And should they need more time to gather the information you require, they keep their word, calling you back/emailing you with that information and within a reasonable time. Bill fielded my very many questions about the features and options available for the Ludwig Legacy Mahogany kit that he arranged for me to recently order, whether concerning lugs, bass drum spurs, hoops, or snare butts and throw-offs. Robinson and Shaun were of tremendous help selecting heads, sticks, and Zildjian ride, hi-hat, and crash cymbals. In addition, their prices are very competitive.--James Carbone, Sierra Vista, Arizona
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for your kind review, Jim!
A
Andrew Finke5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Andrew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had heard great things about MDS for many years and finally had a chance to visit this past weekend and was not disappointed. Excellent selection, awesome displays, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. I'll be back every time im anywhere near Memphis.
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Thank you for the kind words Andrew! Hope to see you again soon.
G
Greg SmithLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Greg has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Robinson helped me pick out a side-cymbal (Meinl Byzance Dual Crash) and was very attentive to my needs. Brilliant shop and a lovely walk around. As someone who has trouble articulating their thoughts, Robinson did his best to understand what I was looking for and he nailed it while helping me choose from tons of cymbals. Would come again.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thanks for stopping by and the kind words Brock! We're glad Robinson was able to help you pick out a cymbal, and we'll let him know what a good job he did for you! We to see you around the shop soon!
L
Landon Morgan2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Landon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Robinson was great in helping my brother pick out a symbal, Super cool store! -Landon from Florida
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Hi Landon, thanks for stopping by the shop and for the review! We're glad Robinson was able to help you out, and we'll be sure to let him know about the kind words! Hope to see you in the shop soon, thank you!
B
Bryan CastleberryLocal Guide · 201 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Bryan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.