Skinny Beats Sound Shop

This intimate shop is packed with an impressive array of sound equipment. I attended Billy's sound bath session, a harmonious blend of resonant gongs, singing bowls, and various percussion instruments that created both powerful and peaceful soundscapes. The multi-sensory healing journey was deeply restorative, showcasing Billy's remarkable talent as a sound artist.

Yesterday was the first time we visited this establishment, and it will be our LAST!!! Our child, who is Autistic, was so excited to go after googling music stores in Asheville. We have visited most that he has discovered, and this store was one he had been excited to go to. He LOVES sounds and wanted to hear the different instruments. The minute we walked in, the mannerisms of the man "working" was literally appalling. It was apparent that he did not like our child exploring the instruments and that we were very much not welcomed in the store. I have never experienced this kind of behavior from a retail establishment, especially one dealing with musical instruments, as all other stores have been so welcoming and encouraging to our child. We normally let our child pick out an instrument for purchase after he finds one he likes, but we decided against this after the treatment received, which really was a major disappoint to our child. We immediately left after being told by the employee that his boss has instructed that the instruments are for purchase and not for playing with. Never has a place made us feel so beneath their level of entitlement especially with being a family of a child with a disability. As a comparison, a particular music shop in Hendersonville joyfully welcomes our visits each time we go, and allows our child to play and experience the sounds of their beautiful pianos, many in which are in excess of $130,000 dollars. Amazing the contrast of humanity between these two establishments.

Attended the sound meditation on Saturday and truly enjoyed it. Lovely set up with comfy mats and pillows. The sounds were unusual and comforting. His voice was soothing. He talks only in portions so its not intrusive. They have a small yet well stocked variety of instruments you hear during the session. I left feeling calm and reset!

I absolutely love Skinny Beats Sound Shop! Billy (the owner) is super friendly and knowledgeable about sound healing and the instruments they carry. I purchased a set of crystal quartz singing bowls, an ocean drum, a rainstick, and a wooden shell chime from the shop. I've also attended an in-person sound bath here, which was an amazing experience. The sound baths are held weekly at 11am on Saturdays and Sundays. The shop was recently renovated so the room where customers can browse and play instruments is separate from the studio where classes and workshops are held. This allows for participants to have a more private and intimate experience. There are a variety of instruments and services offered here, and everything is reasonably-priced. Stumbling upon this shop was such a gift to me. I love the energy in the space, and I have been very satisfied with the instruments I've purchased so far.

Billy Zanski, the founder is the real deal! A true musician and sound healing expert. The selection of instruments from around the world is incredible. Check out the group sound healing experience in their new state of the art space. I always shop here when visiting Asheville.

Went for a sound bath today. Easy to find, close parking. This was my second sound bath and I found the experience at Skinny Beats to be very good! There was some guiding but not too much so plenty of time to absorb the sound. Environment was very clean and all the things you need for a relaxing grounding session. I will definitely be back!

When I tried to speak with the shop guy (proprietor?) about a kora (West African stringed instrument), he was immediately rude, impatient, arrogant, insulting. In addition, he responded the same way to my wife when she tried to ask him legitimate questions about the instrument. Both my wife and I have played kora for decades and I was genuinely interested in purchasing this instrument for her. The shop guy was only concerned that we may break strings on the instrument or tune it up to the pitch at which it was designed to be played. We were deeply insulted by the treatment we received and just left the shop, disgusted. To whomever has the kora there on consignment, my condolences--this guy drives away potential buyers.

Enjoyed a sound healing session and hand an absolutely beautiful experience. I’m looking forward to coming back again and would recommend attending a session if you have the opportunity!

When I tried to speak with the shop guy (proprietor?) about a kora (West African stringed instrument), he was immediately rude, impatient, arrogant, insulting. In addition, he responded the same way to my wife when she tried to ask him legitimate questions about the instrument. Both my wife and I have played kora for decades and I was genuinely interested in purchasing this instrument for her. The shop guy was only concerned that we may break strings on the instrument or tune it up to the pitch at which it was designed to be played. We were deeply insulted by the treatment we received and just left the shop, disgusted. To whomever has the kora there on consignment, my condolences--this guy drives away potential buyers.

Skinny Beats is a beautiful store filled with remarkable instruments from around the world. The proprietor,Billy, sells quality instruments and will work with you to find the best fit for you. Great store just to browse around in.

This is such a cool and unique shop with instruments from all over the world. The people who helped me were very friendly and knowledgeable, and I left with a drum I love for under $100. I also highly recommend checking out the sound meditation on Saturday or Sunday morning. It was my second time experiencing one and the variety and power of the sounds was very impressive and immersive. Based on my experience on a weekend in October I recommend reserving a spot in advance and getting there early, as it was a full house with regulars and visitors. The shop is closed before the session but you can go in and get set up before 11am.

amazing session. Billy's sound healing is relaxing and beautiful and something we all need regularly. Let's support our local businesses. Billy is a good man and definitely has gifts and talents to share with all of us. You will love this place!!.

So it was a cool store full of beautiful instruments, and the two employees I met where great, however, when I did the sound bath/healing I was very disappointed, when we met Billy that morning he was very dismissive, and felt oddly elitist about his drums. The sound healing itself had all the parts to make up a good sound bath, lots of big vibrant instruments that really project their volume through you and through the room. Though, to me it felt as if Billy wasn't really present, and that while all the pieces where there, the spirit wasn't. Almost like he was just doing this highly intimate and spiritual thing with half a heart in it. All the words he said sounded right, like he had mastered a formula or something, but the energy felt stale and disinterested, as if he would rather be somewhere else. Now this is just my personal experience and how I felt personally and how I felt I was treated. Maybe if I would have come at a different time, my experience would have been better.

Loved loved loved my experience here! Not only did I receive great customer service, but the shop has a ton of quality instruments! Billy is an awesome person and instructor, check this place out guys! One of the best sound sessions I've had!

As a Sound Healer, Shamanist/Ceremonialist, I refer to Skinny Beats as Sound Healer Nirvana - a heaven of drums and other wonderful instruments from around the world. Billy and Derek are super kind, helpful and good guides to great vibes! This is a one of a kind place in a one of a kind town. Don't miss it. Wuji Wayfarer

I absolutely loved my experience here. The minute you walk in you can feel the positive and uplifting energy and then you see Billy with his big warm smile. I was visiting Asheville from Long Island and the visitor center told me to come here to experience drumming, as it's big in Asheville. I first started with a sound meditation class, which was beyond amazing. I had feelings come to surface I never even knew existed. Very emotional and powerful. I then returned to experience my first drumming class, where we learned the basics and had a little drum circle with some locals. This is a must for any local or anyone visiting Asheville. Simply amazing. An experience like no other. We will be back on our annual Asheville visit, which is usually for the Downtown Leaf Festival.

I love this shop. I was in town for a retreat, and someone else bought a drum here. Everyone loved the drum, but I was afraid to deal with bringing one home on an airplane. Ya know, since airlines are really skillful at destroying instruments and all. I still wanted one when I got home (it was drum envy, I can be honest here). I wrote to the shop and Billy got back to me. Super cool guy, got me the drum I wanted, shipped it to me and it was so easy. I can't wait to get back to Asheville and spend some quality time in this shop. He does sound healing too! How cool is that? If you're into percussion, or going at this from the spiritual side of things, you gotta check this shop out.

Skinny beats is awesome! My husband and I have been to several of the drumming sessions and attended a Sunday session that was by far one of the most beautiful experiences that I have ever done. The crystal bowls sent vibrations right through our body into our souls. Walked out feeling like I had just finished a massage. The Drumming session that I just attended inspired me to take the plunge and buy a djembe drum. It is beautiful. Billy helped me make the right selection from his collection and that experience alone was worth it. He really guided me to the how and why that this drum was for me. He is an awesome teacher...got the video to use at home. Billy knows how to make the connection to you and the drumming journey you are getting ready to take. Go see him....you will not regret it!

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! Please read before you buy from this store... I really, really like to support local businesses and try to do so whenever possible. I bought a drum from Skinny Beats a few months ago. Without going into details, the drum is now broken. I feel it is a defect in the drum. I called the store to explain and to see if I could get it fixed or replaced. The gentleman that answered the phone was unwilling to help me. I was told that I basically bought a cheaper drum and that because they are a small business they can't warranty their products. I wasn't necessarily looking for the drum to be replaced for free or fixed at no charge, I was merely hoping to get some help from the store where I purchased the drum. Instead, I was told to call the manufacturer of the drum. I wish there were more drum stores in Asheville because I would definitely recommend going somewhere else for your drumming needs. Originally, I thought they were a great store with a wonderful selection and helpful staff. But, an important part of a successful business is the service you provide your customers- and that includes service after the customer leaves the store with your product.

Ok I didn't actually buy anything from this store, but I did want to mention that the owner or the salesman (assuming he is the owner) was pretty helpful in answering any questions and telling us about this products. He gave us a demonstration on sound healing and chakras , pretty interesting place to check out!

Great drumming class! He took the time to ensure you could follow the beat by "feeling" the rhythm. Great time!!

The shops owner Billy opened his shop after hours for my family and I to participate in a Sound Healing session - blew our minds - Billy is a true talent - a must see when visiting Asheville!

THIS PLACE IS HORRIBLE!!!! I have been to their store a few times. Each time I get talked down to and if I touch something they get kinda mad. This is a drum store, you have to hit things to try them out. Even after being asked if I am a percussionist, they still treat you like a six year old. I picked up a berimbau knowing exactly what it was and got the "Oh! That is a berimbau!" No crap! Really! I wanted to play an UDU drum made of clay. I slipped my wedding band into my pocket while the lady was making eye contact with me. She said I can play it as long as I took my rings off. Is she just so stoned that she makes everyone feel awkward? Maybe she should be if she isn't. I thought hippies were supposed to be kind. These people aren't. They price things double and triple what you can get them for online. Buy LOCAL? I think not. They like to meditate using drums and gongs, that is all fine and good. I have no problems with that. I have had years of playing and having that moment in the middle of a twenty minute space rock jam, where my eyes close, I feel calm and my limbs float freely. That makes me a more calm, less aggressive person. I think they should be a little more nice and understanding that drums, gongs, singing bowls, and bells NEED TO BE HIT! Why have a drum shop where no one can play anything. So to end this, if you feel like being watched over like a hawk, being talked down to, and like to meditate through percussion while being talked down to AND being watched like a mouse in a field......................go there.............feel the universal vibrations............don't touch anything.................feel the vibrations...............imagine the way that Djembe sounds...............but don't touch that...........let your spirit animal touch it......................

This is an awesome store - great products, great drumming classes and especially helpful service. The owner has been a wonderful drumming teacher to a group of my students & colleagues for several years. He is a skilled musician and instructor with much patience and always gets our group working & playing together in an amazing way! What a fun place. Very reasonable prices for quality instruments. I have bought a couple of drums from the store as well as other products and have always had excellent customer service afterwards. 5 stars to Skinny Beats. This shop is a gem in downtown Asheville.