Rhythm Traders

Fun place to go play around on different percussion instruments. Staff is friendly and helpful and encourages you to try out anything before you buy it.
Feb 16th, 2023

Treated my son very kindly and gave him a great deal. Definitely our go to for anything we'll need in the future. Thanks!
Jan 7th, 2023

Best drum shop in town. They always have either what I need, an equivalent if not better compromise, or something I didn't expect to walk out with. Great prices, friendly knowledgeable staff, and some of the coolest inventory to explore.
Dec 16th, 2022

Oct 7th, 2022

I have been supporting Rhythm traders for years buying drums, gig bags, sticks, building materials and sometimes im bulk to pass on at events for no personal profit. I love traditional music from around the world and sell professional instruments and accessories for people in Africa because i want to spread the music, provide affordable options for anyone to be able to afford to play regardless of income. I respect what they have done for the world music community in Portland and around the world thru online sales. That being said I was very disappointed on their lack of information regarding traditional drum classes dance classes or other activities that involve the instruments they're selling. They also had no interest in branching out into carrying instruments from other county's or cultures that they didn't already carry even though there is a lack of available options for Americans anywhere to buy them. I informed them but was rudely brushed off. I have studied traditional music for over 20 years Some of it extensively abroad, building relationships with instrument makers, teachers have gotten married started a family and strive to build connections for the next generation of musicians in Africa to help support them. I sell all kinds of things for them to help support them often at no profit and sometimes a loss and was disappointed that the music store known for world music was uninterested in expanding and helping to supply instruments unavailable to our area. Other music stores in the area are scared to sell world instruments because thats what rhythm traders does. Which hamstrings the community into never growing. Portland is known for being both open minded and open to other cultures but i felt the very opposite from them...very disappointing. This is the reason i started selling instruments for artists to begin with. A few companies have a monopoly on the market and are very closed minded.... So sad
Feb 7th, 2023