BMP-Avista Music in Oklahoma City: New and Used Instruments with Trade-In Options
BMP-Avista Music is a retail music store specializing in guitars, basses, keyboards, and drums, with both new inventory and a rotating stock of used and vintage instruments. Located on the south side of Oklahoma City, it serves hobbyists, students, and working musicians who need reliable equipment without the markup of chain retailers.
What BMP-Avista Music actually is
BMP-Avista operates as an independent music shop focused on electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitars, keyboards, and percussion equipment. The store carries mid-range to professional-grade instruments and accessories, positioning itself between big-box electronics chains and high-end boutique builders. The used section rotates regularly, making repeat visits worthwhile for those hunting specific models or price points.
Inventory, pricing, and what to expect
New guitars typically range from $200 to $1,200 depending on brand and build quality. Used instruments run $150 to $900 depending on condition and age. The keyboard selection spans entry-level 61-key units ($300–$500) to weighted 88-key models ($1,500–$3,000). Drum kits start around $400 for student sets and climb to $2,500 for intermediate pro equipment.
The store accepts trade-ins on used instruments, which directly affects the secondhand stock. Trade-in value depends on condition, demand, and current market rates, so bringing your instrument in person rather than calling ahead is standard practice. Accessories (strings, cables, stands, pedals) are priced within 10–15% of online retailers, competitive enough that local musicians often choose convenience over mail ordering.
How it compares to other Oklahoma City music retailers
Guitar Center, the nearest chain option, operates in far larger volume with deeper new inventory and lower advertised prices on popular models. However, Guitar Center's used section turns over faster and carries fewer vintage pieces; BMP-Avista's stock leans toward older, gigging-worn instruments with character that budget players and collectors value. For specialty repairs and custom orders, BMP-Avista handles in-house work more flexibly than Guitar Center's service desk.
Elderly Instruments (a regional chain with one Oklahoma City location) skews higher-end, with minimums around $500 for guitars and stronger vintage stock. Choose Elderly if you're serious about a $2,000+ investment; choose BMP-Avista if you want to browse $400–$800 used gear without pressure.
Who this place serves and who it does not
BMP-Avista suits intermediate guitarists restocking used basses or keyboards, students building first setups under $1,000, and gigging drummers hunting solid mid-tier kits. The trade-in program appeals to players upgrading within a few years. It does not serve absolute beginners looking for the absolute cheapest student pack (Walmart and online retailers win there) or collectors hunting rare vintage Les Pauls and Fenders (Elderly's network does that better).
What a first visit involves
Walk in with realistic expectations of browsing time. If you're shopping used, understand that the stock changes weekly; if you're looking for a specific model, calling ahead saves a trip. The staff will let you play anything on the floor, a non-negotiable step for guitars and keyboards. Budget 30 minutes to an hour for an instrument purchase, including play-testing and setup discussion. If you're trading something in, bring the instrument in playing condition and expect a 10–15 minute evaluation.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The store operates Tuesday through Saturday; exact hours require confirmation with the location, as retail schedules can shift seasonally. Street parking is available on the south side; there is no dedicated lot, so plan for on-street spots nearby. The shop is not easily accessible by public transit; driving is practical for most visits.
BMP-Avista fills a real gap between chain volume and boutique exclusivity, making it the natural stop for Oklahoma City musicians who want to handle gear before buying and prefer local expertise over warehouse anonymity.
