Vintage tan guitar amplifier with silver control panel and handle on top

Strains Of Music, Inc.

Products

Sunburst electric guitar on a stand in a music shop, with gear and amp displays behind it.
Three Yamaha keyboards on stands in a music room, with microphones and cables nearby.

Products Overview

At Strains Of Music, Inc., our product assortment reflects six decades of listening to musicians’ needs. We offer a balanced inventory of new and used guitars, drums, and amplifiers, curated to serve beginners, hobbyists, and gigging professionals. This Products page provides in-depth information on what we stock, how to evaluate instruments, and practical tips for buying with confidence.

Why High-Quality Instruments Matter

Instruments are the tools that shape musical expression. A well-made guitar, properly set up drum kit, or responsive amplifier can accelerate learning, improve tone, and make practice an enjoyable experience. Conversely, ill-fitting, poorly maintained gear can be discouraging and limit progress. Choosing the right products—new or used—means finding instruments that match your playing style, ergonomics, and sonic goals.

Core Product Categories We Carry

Two guitars on stands in a music shop, with cases and gear displayed behind them.

Guitars (New & Used)

  • Acoustic guitars: steel-string acoustics for songwriting, travel guitars for portability, and acoustic-electric models for live use.
  • Electric guitars: single-coil and humbucker-equipped models suitable for blues, rock, jazz, and modern styles.
  • Classical guitars: nylon-string models for fingerstyle, classical repertoire, and students.
  • Thru-neck and specialty instruments: select models for players seeking unique builds or tonal options.
Light blue drum kit with chrome hardware in a cluttered indoor corner

Drums (New & Used)

  • Full acoustic drum kits: shells, snares, and hardware sized for practice rooms and stages.
  • Snare drums and percussion accessories: standalone snares, cajons, shakes, and sticks to round out your percussion setup.
  • Electronic drum modules: when available, electronic kits and triggers provide quiet practice options and flexible sound libraries.
Fender Champ 20 guitar amplifier with silver grille and black control panel on a shop counter.
Purple Mad Professor Royal Blue Overdrive guitar pedal with four white knobs on a dark surface

How We Source and Prepare Products

Red electric guitar on a stand in a music shop, with shelves of gear and boxes behind it.
Electric guitar on stand in a music shop, with speaker cabinet and resonator guitar in the background
  • New Inventory: We work with distributors and trusted manufacturers to bring current models selected for quality and playability. New instruments come with manufacturer warranties when applicable.
  • Used Inventory: Pre-owned gear is evaluated by experienced staff. We inspect structural condition, electronics, necks and frets, hardware, and overall playability. Necessary setups and basic repairs are completed in-store to ensure the instrument plays well for the next owner.
  • Consigned Instruments: Items accepted on consignment are priced and presented to attract serious buyers while protecting seller value.
Acoustic guitar on a stand in a music shop, with shelves of guitar accessories behind it.
Brown acoustic guitar on display in a music shop, with amps and accessories behind it

Product Selection Criteria

When choosing gear for our floor, we consider:

  • Playability: Neck profile, action, and ergonomics.
  • Tone and construction: Materials, pickups, shell composition, and hardware.
  • Condition: For used gear, structural integrity, cosmetic wear, and functional reliability.
  • Value: Instruments must present a compelling combination of price and performance.

Buying Guide: Guitars

  • Acoustic vs. Electric: Choose acoustics if you want unplugged simplicity and dynamics; choose electrics if you seek tonal shaping via pedals and amps.
  • Body size and comfort: Smaller players or those seeking portability may prefer concert or parlor acoustics, while larger-bodied dreadnoughts offer fuller low-end.
  • Wood choices: Tonewoods affect sound—spruce tops give clear articulation, mahogany emphasizes warmth, maple increases bite. Our staff will explain these nuances.
  • Playability checks: Ensure comfortable neck thickness, smooth fretwork, and low action without buzzing.

Buying Guide: Drums

  • Shell size and tuning: Larger shells deliver deeper tone; smaller shells produce higher pitch and quicker response. Tuning technique greatly affects final tone.
  • Hardware quality: Sturdy stands and pedals improve reliability on stage.
  • Cymbal choices: Pairing cymbals with shells requires listening to how they cut through and blend.

Buying Guide: Amps

  • Wattage vs. volume: Choose wattage based on rehearsal and performance needs—lower-watt tube amps can be cranked for tone at lower volumes with modern attenuators or by using a mic and PA.
  • Speaker configuration: Single 12, combo, or head-and-cab combinations influence projection and midrange.
  • Tonal voice: Test amps with your guitar and pedals to hear how the amp responds to your playing dynamics.

Advantages of Buying Used Instruments

  • Cost savings: Quality used gear often provides better materials and construction for the same or lower price than new entry-level instruments.
  • Unique character: Vintage or well-played instruments can offer distinctive tones not present in modern mass-market models.
  • Sustainability: Buying used extends instrument life and reduces resource consumption.

Consignment Instruments: How It Helps Buyers and Sellers

For sellers

Consignment gives instruments visibility, professional presentation, and sales expertise. Sellers get fair market exposure without the hassle of private listings.

For buyers

Consignment provides access to unique instruments and fair-priced used gear. Each item is vetted and set up before sale, minimizing surprises.

Two electric guitars and amplifiers in a music store display, with a natural wood guitar centered.
Black Fender guitar amplifier with control knobs and price tag hanging on the left

Product Care and Maintenance Advice

  • Guitars: Regularly change strings, wipe down after playing, and maintain proper humidity to prevent warping. Annual setups keep intonation and action optimal.
  • Drums: Rotate heads based on playing frequency, check lug tension, and keep hardware lubricated.
  • Amps: Keep electronics dry and dust-free; check tubes periodically for wear in tube amps. Proper ventilation and transport covers extend amplifier life.

How Strains Of Music Helps You Choose

  • In-store demos: Play multiple models and amp pairings with our guidance.
  • Comparative listening: We set up side-by-side comparisons so you can hear subtle differences.
  • Expert advice: Our staff has decades of experience in music retail and instrument evaluation—ask for tonal demonstrations and setup recommendations.
Two guitars on stands in a music shop, with cases and gear displayed behind them.
Cream electric guitar on a stand in a music store, with amplifiers behind it.

Warranty and After-Sale Support

  • New items: Manufacturer warranties apply based on the brand and product.
  • Used items: We provide transparent condition notes and may offer limited return options depending on the item. Discuss specific terms at purchase.
  • Consignment sales: Sellers and buyers receive clear documentation detailing condition and sale terms.

How to Shop with Confidence

Fishman guitar amplifier atop a Kustom amp in a music store display
Small drum kit surrounded by black guitar amplifiers in a carpeted room by large windows
Fender guitar amplifier with silver grille and black trim on red carpet in a shop display area
Large silver guitar amplifier on a red carpet in a music shop.
  • Try before buying: Play instruments in our store to compare feel and tone.
  • Ask for the condition report: Understand any wear, modifications, or repairs performed on used items.
  • Use our consignment listings: Check our in-store and promoted items for curated used instruments.

Contact

Strains Of Music, Inc.

67 Academy Street, Waynesville, North Carolina 28786, United States

Store hours and additional contact details can be found on our Contact page.

Red electric guitar on a stand in a music shop, with shelves of gear and boxes behind it.