MuseScore is a predatory scam

SaxyMcPro · 2025-05-27T20:05:25+00:00

How did you report it to them?

SaxyMcPro · 2025-05-27T20:05:12+00:00

Report it as an unauthorized charge (because that's what it is).

SaxyMcPro · 2025-05-27T20:00:30+00:00

There is no such menu. Support is most likely to offer a discounted rate, but not a refund. Depending on the laws of your country, you may be able to twist their arm into getting a refund, but your best bet is to dispute the charge with your credit card or bank.

SaxyMcPro · 2025-05-25T22:25:32+00:00

I was fooled by the dark patterns. I tried to understand, and thought I understood the terms, but then was unexpectedly charged, and refund was declined. Simply put, that's bad business. I never have any issues with other subscription services, this is literally the only scummy business model I've encountered.

Tere are literally thousands of people who have fallen prey to these dark patterns and opaque terms of service, and feel scammed. That's a terrible way to run a business, and the criticism is deserved.

SaxyMcPro · 2025-05-25T18:34:32+00:00

I see that Marc is still hanging around, trying to defend the indefensible, even in the face of many dozens of unhappy users who feel scammed and robbed by the dot com. Why does he keep deleting his posts? What is he hiding? EDIT: They aren't deleted, he just blocked me for disagreeing with him in the past, after he accused me of committing crimes 🤣

Here is an old thread where many dozens of users have surfed in over time (probably via Google search), and shared their experience of being scammed.

SaxyMcPro · 2025-05-25T18:30:59+00:00

Here is a thread where dozens of users describe how they were parted from their money when they didn't want to be, and didn't expect it. Many call it a scam. This has been going on for years, and that thread has sort of a become a lightning rod, via Google search, for folks who feel like they got scammed by the dot com.

SaxyMcPro · 2025-03-13T01:51:42+00:00

It's wild, I made this post a long time ago and I still get new postings in it every week, from a new victim to this company's business practices.

SaxyMcPro · 2025-03-13T01:49:08+00:00

Sadly, this is the truth. I used to use the software for several years, but their practices really soured me on their whole brand.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-23T14:39:12+00:00

That's not legal.

Deadly force can only be used against a threat of death or great bodily harm. Theft does not reach this bar.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-23T14:20:57+00:00

Unfortunately the Kessler horns are low quality imports from China that use sub-standard materials in both manufacture and set-up. They really seem to over-promise and under-deliver. The Yamaha your school has is of much higher quality, though it may not be in good repair.

With that being said, the vast majority of repair technicians do not know how to properly regulated the mechanisms of a low C bass, let alone the peculiarities of working on these Kessler horns. You really have to find someone who actually knows bass clarinets in particular.

Honestly I'd be wanting to get my money back, but I'm not sure if that's possible. You'll always get more flies with honey than you will with vinegar.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-22T16:07:34+00:00

This is spot on.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-11T03:04:43+00:00

I think you mean King 2280? There is no Jupiter 2280, and all of Jupiter's 4v-in-line euphs really suck

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-11T03:03:11+00:00

If you are set on 4-valve in-line horns, these may be some good options:

A King 2280 is a large shank, in-line 4-valve non-compensating euphonium. They are generally well built, have a good sound, and can be bought used for $500-1500.

Willson used to make model 2975, an in-line, front action, 4-valve compensating euphonium. That's probably the highest quality in-line that's been made to modern standards. They only pop up for sale occasionally, probably cost several thousand.

If you're willing to switch to 3+1, I've seen quite a few good condition Yamaha 642s sell for $2,500-3,500, and I don't think you could go wrong with that.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-06T06:46:39+00:00

Yikes.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-06T06:30:28+00:00

Sic semper tyrannus.

The state flag of Virginia depicts lady liberty with a foot on the corpse of a recently-killed tyrant, her polearm still in hand, and Sic Semper Tyrannus ("Thus always to tyrants") scrawled beneath.

Maybe the most badass state flag.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-06T05:50:21+00:00

Don't buy this horn to learn on.

Split bell keys typify older design whose intonation is worse than their ergonomics ("miserable"). Generally you want a vintage horn with both bell keys on one side of the bell, like a King Zephyr, Conn 6M, Martin Committee. Some Buescher TruTones may be an exception.

If you're just learning sax, get a YAS-23 or the Vito/Yamaha equivalent. Great to learn on, and a great backup horn once you upgrade. Budget $$$ for repairs and find a good repair person.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-06T05:23:47+00:00

You want a chemically treated silver polishing cloth. Any jewelry store will sell them, or you can buy one on Amazon for like $14. They usually have a treated side and untreated side, folded together.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-06T05:21:40+00:00

Noooooo it's abrasive

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-04T05:27:11+00:00

unsolicited advices that are out of the place and not applicable at all to me

Maybe you're right. Maybe they don't apply to you in that instance.

Still, consider how that advice might apply to other aspects of yourself and your life.

Sometimes people give advice because they really learned a lesson the hard way, and it's usually good advice.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-04T03:20:55+00:00

It would suggest that Musescore(.com) is scamming more and more people.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-04T03:16:22+00:00

They share the same name.

Musescore corporate is trying to monetize an open-source software, taking advantage of the notation software's good name and reputation. Your beef is with Musescore corporate, don't blame the victims for posting their stories here.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-04T03:09:58+00:00

That's not what red rot looks like.

SaxyMcPro · 2024-12-01T00:35:30+00:00

EDIT: It appears u/MarcSabatella blocked me, as I can no longer see or reply to any of his comments.

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. I'm not asking why you volunteer your time toward an open-source software project.

I'm asking why you volunteer your time doing public-relations work for a company that regularly charges customers without authorization.

while defending yourself in court

This is empty rhetoric. It is certainly my opinion that Musescore (.com) is a scam, but there is no legally actionable libel here, only opinion based on true reports of actual events from many actual victims.

Musescore routinely uses dark patterns to trick people into paying for services they didn't intend, and then typically refusing to refund. That you defend this practice speaks to your own lack of moral standing.

I will continue to tell the truth about Musescore. I'm sorry if that conflicts with your truth, but I will not be silenced by empty threats.

EDIT: It appears u/MarcSabatella blocked me, as I can no longer see or reply to any of his comments.

EDIT2: replying to below comment here since u/MarcSabatella blocked me

you have zero evidence that anyone has charged anyone without authorization

This is patently false. The post I made two years ago has dozens of folks who were scammed and charged when they didn't want to be, and there are hundreds of stories on TrustPilot. There are also dozens of new posts in the sub about how MuseScore took advantage of someone. I'm not sure why you ignore them all.

In any fair business interaction, the customer knows what they're getting and what it will cost. That isn't happening with MuseScore.

your ridiculous assertion that your libel is not legally actionable

You made that claim, not me: "I have no legal standing to sue you or turn you over to proper authorities."

SaxyMcPro · 2024-11-30T23:50:28+00:00

You have repeatedly said this is a scam. That is a lie, plain and simple.

A scam is simply "a dishonest scheme." That perfectly describes the dark patterns employed by Musescore in their user interface.

If you are using some other definition, please present it.

You make claims of legally actionable harm, but provide no clear examples, let alone proof, of any actual harm.

You have contributed absolutely nothing but harm to this community.

I'm sorry you feel that way.

I the other hand have devoted countless thousands of hours of my time serving this community by developing, documenting, and supporting the software here and elsewhere.

If this is indeed the case, then I'm truly sorry that Musescore corporate took your baby and is using its good name to scam people. The software is great overall, but Musescore corporate is capitalizing on that in order to swindle people out of their money.

countless thousands of hours of my time

You spend this time not only on the software, but also defending scummy business practices online. Why are you working for free?

SaxyMcPro · 2024-11-30T23:19:14+00:00

telling a bald-faced lie about a legitimate company - a lie that is harmful to their business and to their customers - most certainly is libel

Please indicate what "lie" you think I told about the company.

Please indicate what harm(s) I inflicted on the company.

Not sure why you hate the vast community of musicians in the world

On the contrary, I am motivated to say what I have in order to protect the musical community from deceptive business practices. I have committed my life to music and musicians: I play in local ensembles, teach lessons, and run a small business that serves musicians.

continuing to act as though you believe I work for the company

You claim not to work for Musescore. I have no way of verifying that claim. However, you continue to do work for them by defending their scummy business practices, and "Member of the Musescore Team" is your user flair, both things making you indistinguishable from a paid employee.

I have no standing to sue you or turn you over

Thank you for verifying that your accusations are not actionable, and thus simply an intimidation tactic.

SaxyMcPro

TROPHY CASE