Long & McQuade: Canada's Leading Music Instrument Retailer
The History and Growth of Long & McQuade
Long & McQuade began operations in 1956 when Jack Long and Wes McQuade opened their first store in Toronto, Ontario. What started as a small retail operation focused on band instruments has transformed into Canada's largest chain of musical instrument retailers, with over 80 locations spanning from British Columbia to Newfoundland. The company remains family-owned and operated, maintaining the personal touch that distinguished it from corporate competitors since the beginning.
The expansion timeline tells a remarkable story of consistent growth. By 1975, the company had established 5 locations across Ontario. The 1980s saw aggressive expansion into Western Canada, with stores opening in Calgary and Vancouver. The 1990s brought 15 additional locations, and the 2000s added another 30 stores. Today, Long & McQuade employs over 1,200 staff members, many of whom are working musicians themselves. This insider knowledge creates a shopping environment where customers receive advice from people who actually use the equipment they sell.
Annual revenue estimates place Long & McQuade at approximately $250 million CAD, making it a significant player in North American music retail. The company stocks over 50,000 different products at any given time, ranging from beginner ukuleles priced at $50 to professional mixing consoles exceeding $100,000. This inventory depth allows both amateur musicians and professional touring acts to find what they need. Our FAQ page provides answers to common questions about product availability and store policies, while the about page details the company's commitment to music education.
| Decade | New Locations Opened | Total Stores | Geographic Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 1 | 1 | Toronto, ON |
| 1960s | 2 | 3 | Greater Toronto Area |
| 1970s | 2 | 5 | Southern Ontario |
| 1980s | 8 | 13 | Alberta, BC added |
| 1990s | 15 | 28 | Manitoba, Saskatchewan added |
| 2000s | 30 | 58 | Atlantic Canada added |
| 2010s | 24 | 82 | Northern territories, rural expansion |
Product Categories and Inventory Depth
Long & McQuade organizes its massive inventory into distinct departments that mirror how musicians think about their craft. The guitar department alone carries over 15,000 SKUs, including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, and accessories. Major brands like Fender, Gibson, Taylor, Martin, PRS, and Ibanez maintain strong partnerships with the retailer, often providing exclusive Canadian distribution through Long & McQuade channels.
The drum and percussion section features acoustic drum kits from manufacturers including Pearl, Yamaha, DW, Tama, and Ludwig, alongside electronic drum sets from Roland and Alesis. Cymbal selection includes professional lines from Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, and Paiste. The keyboard department stocks digital pianos, stage pianos, synthesizers, MIDI controllers, and traditional acoustic pianos. Roland, Yamaha, Korg, Nord, and Kawai represent the primary keyboard brands.
Pro audio and recording equipment constitutes a growing segment of Long & McQuade's business, reflecting the shift toward home recording since 2010. Audio interfaces from Universal Audio, Focusrite, and PreSonus sit alongside studio monitors from Genelec, Neumann, and KRK. Microphone selection spans from $50 dynamic mics suitable for live performance to $3,000 large-diaphragm condensers for studio vocal recording. The company also maintains a robust selection of DJ equipment, lighting systems, and PA systems for live sound reinforcement.
| Category | Entry Level | Intermediate | Professional | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Guitars | $200-400 | $500-1,200 | $1,500-3,000 | $3,500-8,000 |
| Electric Guitars | $250-500 | $600-1,500 | $1,800-3,500 | $4,000-10,000 |
| Drum Kits | $400-800 | $1,000-2,500 | $3,000-6,000 | $7,000-15,000 |
| Digital Pianos | $500-900 | $1,200-2,500 | $3,000-5,000 | $6,000-12,000 |
| Audio Interfaces | $100-200 | $300-600 | $800-1,500 | $2,000-5,000 |
| Studio Monitors (pair) | $200-400 | $500-1,000 | $1,200-2,500 | $3,000-8,000 |
Rental Programs and Financing Options
Long & McQuade operates one of North America's most extensive musical instrument rental programs, particularly valuable for students and parents unsure about long-term commitment. The rental inventory includes over 10,000 instruments across all Long & McQuade locations, with band instruments representing the largest category. Trumpets, trombones, clarinets, saxophones, and flutes are available for monthly rental fees ranging from $25 to $60, depending on instrument type and quality level.
The rental-to-own structure allows customers to apply rental payments toward eventual purchase. Typically, 12 months of rental payments equals the full purchase price of a student-level instrument. This arrangement particularly benefits parents of school-aged children participating in band programs, as recommended by music education resources from the National Association for Music Education. If a student loses interest after six months, parents can simply return the instrument without the sunk cost of full purchase.
Financing options through partnerships with third-party lenders make larger purchases accessible. The most common arrangement offers 12 months of interest-free financing on purchases exceeding $500. Extended payment plans up to 48 months are available for purchases over $2,000, though these carry interest rates between 8.99% and 19.99% depending on credit approval. According to Statistics Canada data, approximately 35% of musical instrument purchases in Canada involve some form of financing, reflecting the significant investment quality instruments represent.
| Instrument | Student Model | Intermediate Model | Maintenance Fee | Rental-to-Own Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trumpet | $32 | $45 | $5 | 12 months |
| Trombone | $35 | $48 | $5 | 12 months |
| Clarinet | $28 | $42 | $5 | 12 months |
| Alto Saxophone | $45 | $65 | $7 | 12 months |
| Flute | $25 | $38 | $5 | 12 months |
| Violin (3/4 size) | $30 | $50 | $5 | 12 months |
Educational Support and Community Engagement
Long & McQuade distinguishes itself from online-only retailers through substantial investment in music education and community building. The company sponsors over 200 music festivals, competitions, and educational events annually across Canada. Financial contributions to school music programs exceeded $500,000 in 2022, according to industry reports. Many stores feature dedicated lesson spaces where local music teachers provide instruction in guitar, piano, drums, voice, and other instruments.
The in-store clinic program brings professional musicians and product specialists to Long & McQuade locations for free educational sessions. These clinics cover topics from basic instrument maintenance to advanced recording techniques. In 2023, Long & McQuade hosted approximately 400 clinics nationwide, reaching an estimated 12,000 attendees. Manufacturers often partner with these events, sending artist endorsers to demonstrate new products and share performance techniques.
The company's commitment to education extends to online resources as well. The Long & McQuade blog publishes buying guides, maintenance tips, and gear reviews written by staff members. YouTube content includes product demonstrations and tutorial videos that have accumulated over 5 million views since the channel's inception in 2009. This educational approach aligns with research from the National Endowment for the Arts showing that informed consumers make better purchasing decisions and experience higher satisfaction with musical instruments. Trade-in programs allow musicians to upgrade equipment as skills progress, creating a sustainable ecosystem documented on our about page.
| Program Type | Annual Events | Participants | Investment (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Store Clinics | 400 | 12,000 | $180,000 |
| School Sponsorships | 85 | 25,000 students | $320,000 |
| Festival Support | 120 | 50,000 attendees | $240,000 |
| Scholarship Programs | 15 | 15 recipients | $75,000 |
| Teacher Discount Program | Ongoing | 3,200 educators | $450,000 (foregone revenue) |