Who Are the Best Music Store Suppliers? 11 Top Options

musical instruments in a musical instrument store

Running a music store is tough enough.

Between helping customers, keeping your shelves stocked, and trying to compete with the big guys, the last thing you need is to be chasing down orders or waiting weeks for gear from your suppliers.

The truth is, your suppliers can make or break your business.

Good ones keep your shelves stocked — but bad ones? They can be the reason you end up waiting three weeks for a basic set of guitar strings while frustrated customers walk out the door, straight to Guitar Center or Amazon.

So, which music store suppliers are actually worth your time and trust?

Let’s look at what makes a good supplier and 11 of the top names music shops like yours trust.

What Matters When Choosing a Music Store Supplier?

Before we name names, here are a few things that separate good suppliers from the rest:

They carry what you need. There's nothing worse than having five different suppliers for 10 different product lines. The more bases one supplier can cover, the simpler your life gets.
They support local stores. The right partners understand what it means to be part of a music community. They offer fair pricing, help with events, and want your store to succeed.
You can reach a real person when things go wrong. If something goes sideways, you want a rep who answers the phone and helps you out.

Music Store Supplier Categories (and Who Tops Each List)

Here are the best music store suppliers, broken down by category.

Instrument Distributors

You need quick shipping, fair terms, and suppliers who treat independent stores with respect.

1. KMC Music

KMC is a trusted distributor with decades of experience.

Here’s why they’re a strong supplier:

They have a dealer-first model — they do not sell direct-to-consumer.
They offer a wide range of brands across multiple instrument and accessory categories.
They’re known for fast shipping and straightforward dealer support.

2. St. Louis Music

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, St. Louis Music is perfect for you.

Here’s what makes them stand out:

They’re a full-line distributor and manufacturer of guitars, orchestral instruments, percussion, and pro audio.
They’ve been in business since 1922 with a strong indie-store focus.
They’re known for flexible dealer terms, in-house financing, and private-label options.
They’re a great fit for stores with diverse inventory or shifting product needs.

3. Yamaha

Yamaha is reliable, professional, and widely recognized.

Here’s why they’re a go-to for music shops:

They offer both direct and distributor-based relationships, depending on store size and product line.
They’re known for exceptional product reliability, brand recognition, and logistics support.
The brand is a strong addition to almost any inventory strategy.

Sheet Music and Educational Materials

If you work with schools or teachers, these are the go-to names for print music and curriculum content.

4. Hal Leonard

You can’t talk print music without talking Hal Leonard.

Here’s what makes them an industry leader:

They’re the largest sheet music publisher and distributor in the world.
Their catalog includes everything from method books to pop arrangements and digital content.
They integrate with point of sale (POS) systems like Music Shop 360 to simplify ordering and reordering.
They’re a trusted name among teachers and school districts nationwide.

5. Alfred Music

Alfred Music is perfect for you if your store works closely with schools and teachers.

Here’s what you should know about them:

They offer educational resources widely used in band, orchestra, and piano classrooms.
They’re known for strong pedagogy and curriculum-aligned content.
They’re a smart pick for lesson-based retail or institutional supply.

6. J.W. Pepper

This is your go-to if you work with community or school ensembles.

Here’s what makes them a top choice:

They specialize in choral, band, and orchestral music.
They have strong relationships with schools, churches, and local music groups.
Their website is a top resource for conductors and educators seeking repertoire.
They’re an essential supplier if you support ensemble programs.

Accessories and Everyday Essentials

Strings, reeds, cables — these suppliers offer the daily supplies musicians need.

7. D’Addario

When it comes to the day-to-day stuff, D’Addario delivers.

Here’s why they’re an industry favorite:

They offer everything from strings and reeds to cables, capos, and care products.
They’re known for fast restocking and strong dealer support.
They’re backed by useful dealer programs, from planograms to marketing support.
Many products are made in the U.S., which helps ensure quality and availability.

8. Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball is a household name among electric guitar players.

Here’s what sets them apart:

They’re famous for their Slinky strings, bold packaging, and rock-centric branding.
They focus primarily on guitar and bass accessories.
Their products move fast, especially with rock, punk, and metal customers.
Their branding often does the heavy lifting on your sales floor.

Used and Consignment Gear

Used gear brings in great margins and keeps things interesting.

9. MIRC (Musical Instrument Reclamation Corporation)

MIRC is a hidden gem for stocking affordable, high-margin instruments.

Here’s why music stores enjoy working with them:

They partner with top brands to refurbish B-stock or returned instruments.
All their gear is quality-checked and restored to like-new condition.
They sell exclusively to dealers — no competition from direct-to-consumer sales.
Working with them is a great way to offer customers a "like-new" experience at a lower price point.

Repair and Parts Suppliers

Whether you do repairs in house or just need parts on hand, these suppliers are essential.

10. Allparts

Allparts can be your go-to for essential hardware and replacement parts.

Here’s what they bring to the table:

They offer everything from knobs and tuners to bridges and pickguards.
They’re especially valuable for guitar shops that handle light repairs or mods.
They offer good inventory, fast shipping, and dealer pricing that leaves room for markup.

11. StewMac

StewMac is tailored more for techs, luthiers, and shops with serious repair work.

Here’s what makes them a standout:

They’re known for high-end tools, precision parts, and hard-to-find items.
They offer everything from fret wire and nut files to soldering equipment and jigs.
Working with them is great if you want to take repairs in house or support DIY musicians.

How Music Shop 360 Helps You Work Smarter With Suppliers

Between tracking down orders and dealing with multiple vendor systems, supplier management can quickly eat up your day.

That’s why more independent music stores are turning to Music Shop 360.

This all-in-one POS system is built specifically for music retailers, and it integrates with suppliers like Hal Leonard to make your life easier.

When your suppliers are integrated with Music Shop 360, you can:

Order faster with built-in vendor catalogs.
Trigger purchase orders based on stock levels.
Get real-time product info with images, descriptions, and pricing updates.

Of course, having great suppliers is important. But having the right tools to manage them is what really sets successful stores apart.

Want to see what a better POS can do for your store?

Download the free Music Shop POS System Buyers Guide to find out which features to look for and how to choose a system that fits your shop.