Help: nice place to buy guitar uk

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 09:48 AM

I see BAM has already been mentioned a couple of times, once with a blicky. Just goes to show how good it is. There's also Bedroom Music for any electric musos out there.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 09:47 AM

If you're in the Bedford area, I'd recommend Bedroom Acoustic Music (yes, "Bedroom, not Bedford!) Mike, the owner, r=uns Bedford Folk Club, and is very sympathetic. If you buy somehting, he'll be even more sympathetic!

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Bassic
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 10:21 PM

Guest......see BanjoRay`s post of:-

******************************************************************
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 06:35 PM

CraigS said to try Music Ground in Doncaster - Don't, it's moved to Leeds!
Cheers
Ray

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But Electromusic is still going strong in Copley Road Doncaster.

However I do think that the M62, though it is one of the main EAST-WEST trunk routes in the UK is not likely to be extended to China in the forseable future!! Or are they planning to do the same "try before you buy" service as Hobgoblin? I dread to think what condition a Guitar would be in after my local Postie had tried to shove it through my letter box a few times!!

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Grab
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 08:42 PM

I'll second the Acoustic and Bass Centre in London. Another good one is Coda Music in Stevenage and Luton - I've only been to the Stevenage branch, but the guys there were great. Both are more slanted towards "serious" instruments IMO though - kind of the £500+ range. And slanted towards "playing" instruments that sound good, rather than the £5k Gibsons which have stunning inlays and looks but sound hopeless.

If you're after more of a low/medium-end instrument (sub-£500) then a festival is probably a good choice. Hobgoblin and others often travel, so there's a bit of variety of shops. None of them tend to take the expensive instruments though (for obvious reasons) so you won't find the really good stuff here, just the good workhorses like Simon & Patricks.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 01:32 PM

Bassic and Bloke in the Corner - Please advise .
I bought my Martin in Doncaster - I was in the shop for 5 Hours from 9.00am til 2 on a Saturday - no bother - they could see I was a serious punter as I 'd taken my old guitar to guage the sound of the room in which I was going to try ouy these new guitars .The place was then called Music Ground - never have I seen such a selction / an Aladdins cave of Instruments.
Is this perhaps the same place as you are referring to - I'm going back 10 years maybe there was a change of names.
It was over a 200 mile round trip /drive for me to get there, which ,(for our US readers) is a big deal to Brits !!

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST,Spot
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 04:39 PM

Hello all....I agree with Guest Hille...I went to The Acoustic Music co in Brighton for a cheapo buskin guitar and ended up spendin £2.2k on a bloody mandolin!!!! Loadsa stuff in there...more mandos than I ever seen afore!! (Hope I never grow up!!!)

                  Regards to all.....Spot

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 10:15 AM

Macri's around the corner of Denmark Street on Charring Cross Road in London. I still fee pleased with my purchase. I consider it my most prized guitar in my collection of 18.

A Hofner Hollow body Jazz Guitar. A custom Jazzica Special.

Stevegtrlver

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Jun 04 - 04:35 AM

Looks to me like what you need to do, is keep looking till you find the make of guitar you want, and then buy it in the US.
Giok

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Date: 20 Jun 04 - 04:20 AM

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Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 21 Oct 02 - 04:10 PM

Yeah-along the M62 is the place to go- I'm going to have a nosey around AIRE guitars just outside Bradford this week.As for the lust An-you're welcome!

Still trying to decide, but working hard at thinking. I love my Yam DW4SC but I'm still looking.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Bassic
Date: 21 Oct 02 - 07:56 AM

Electromusic Doncaster, I had six or seven different makes of Accoustic Basses to try in the one room and even a hard case to fit from stock, good advice and a rather beat up but beautiful second hand six string thrown into the deal. Well worth the trip to Yorkshire and spending a day along the M62 trying out this and the other recomendations you have had in the area.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST,noah
Date: 21 Oct 02 - 07:26 AM

if you dont mind travellin' come to Ampthill in Bedfordshire - we are a small market town which sports 2 of the best music shops in the uk.
Ampthill music shop and school + Bedroom Acoustic Music - look 'em up!

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Mr Happy
Date: 20 Oct 02 - 07:11 AM

an,

i've sent you a pm.

if you can come to the Red Lion session this afternoon, there'll be plenty of 'guitar purchase advisers' in attendance. 8-)

cheers

mr h

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: An Croenen
Date: 20 Oct 02 - 06:59 AM

I'm aware of your thread and reading with interest, Viking. Have fun yourself and I'll write down some prices of guitars in Rome. Or who knows even buy one. Somewhere on this planet there must be that special guitar waiting just for me.. - Or am I getting confused here, what with you mentioning envy and lust. Don't do that again, please! :} An

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 06:35 PM

You'll probably buy cheaper in Rome, haven't been there for years. Have fun-I'm also looking for another guitar- I think, just because..See "which guitar" thread. As for looking around music shops, everywhere I ever go, I have to look-sometimes with envy, sometimes with lust and others just to see.....

Have fun

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: An Croenen
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 05:48 PM

Hi again - I haven't been on line for a while and read your messages with enthusiasm! I have since tried out a Big Baby Taylor, great, but it didn't whisper buy me. And it wasn't just because I hope to spend less than £360, because I'm sure that if I fall in love with a guitar I may spend more than that, because I want it; it also had to do with the sound. I am used to playing nylon strings (just because I am still playing the guitar I learnt to play on when 16) and its sound is more 'solid'- I'm not good at describing sounds- but it contrasts well with my rather light female voice, whereas the Taylor was more in the same 'female' sound range. (I hope I am putting this right and not making a fool of myself). So. I am travelling to Rome in two weeks and shall have a good look around there, too, not because I'm becoming obsessed, mind you) I am also in the area of Carlisle soon. Any shops worth checking out there?

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 04 Oct 02 - 01:52 PM

if you are in the mood, and have the time-wait until Guitar village have their "Boss gone mad" sale. Different conditions apply, but often fancy dress or a mask will get you a good bargain. They have a web site-don't know it just now.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Cllr
Date: 04 Oct 02 - 09:11 AM

   
Maybe a bit of a distance but you can do it over the net over give bedroon acoustic music a call, Mike Blair who runs the shop is the folk club organiser for Bedford folk club and he will be very helpful even he can't help you himself he will give you very good advice.Cllr
Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email:

[e-mail]

:

www.bedroomacousticmusic.co.uk

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: banjoman
Date: 04 Oct 02 - 06:10 AM

Try Guitar Village in FArnham Surrey - everything from really cheaos to Taylors & Martins. Really helpful and lots of good info and advice.
Take your time and set yourself an upper limit. Some negotiation is often possible. Good hunting.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Oct 02 - 03:32 PM

I certainly agree with you on that, been in there loads of times. You can (if you can afford it) go further down the road to Wizard guitars. Richard-a superb player has some incredible guitars-some of them at incredible prices! But Electromusic, has it all, and a really extensive range.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST,Bloke in the corner
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 04:33 PM

Just one place needed - Electromusic in Copley Road, Doncaster. Everything from £70 beginners to £many thousands. Sit and play as long as you like, acoustic or through an acoustic amp. Best of all, ask for Pod. He IS the best salesman of musical instruments ever, absolutely no pressure, immensely knowledgeable about guitars (an excellent guitarist) and, for all the money I've spent in there he has even suggested a cheaper, better guitar than the one I was considering.
Good hunting

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 02 Oct 02 - 01:58 PM

Sorry for the delay in replying. If you fancy a drive over to Cleck sometime I'll go to the music room or maybe Wakefield. What do you want in a guitar? Price, style etc-I'll nip into the music room and have a look, save driving

cheers

Eric

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: An Croenen
Date: 22 Sep 02 - 05:16 PM

Breezy, you did make me laugh with the dampproof joke. From reading old threads (somebody has to!) I reckon humidity isn't as bad as dryness for guitars. I will start to worry when the frogs in my garden (yes, frogs without a pond - it should make you wonder!) move indoors. Eric the Viking and Songs2play: I live in Chester, but I do have a car and I can drive, too! (Fancy that! It's even a lefthand drive - OooooH) so, if any of you fancies going with me to a shop vaguely within reach of Chester (i.e. we can get there and back in one day and have some time in the shop as well - honestly, I don't mind travelling), just put your hands up. Uh - or write me a personal message and we'll go from there. It should be fun, whatever! An

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 22 Sep 02 - 10:07 AM

I'm sure there'l be plenty of people who'll be willing to help. If you're in the Cleckheaton area,let me know.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: breezy
Date: 22 Sep 02 - 07:40 AM

If you go to Exeter then go on to Hittisleigh and visit the Brook guitar's workshop.Facinating, friendly and very good guitars.Probably one of the best in the world and English, -too much is made of Martins and Taylors although I do have them in my collectin!-Try their website.
Do not be in a hurry to buy, wait until you meet the guitar thats for you.It is there, somewhere.
Happy hunting.
If you're in the Manch area better get one with a damp-proof guarantee! sorry.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: An Croenen
Date: 22 Sep 02 - 07:14 AM

Thank you all SO much for all your advice!! I haven't been able to log on to Mudcat for a few days (page could not be displayed) and was so happy to read all these messages when I finally got back in. I'm itching to try these places, now. Anybody fancy comin'with me? I'm indeed not confident playing in a shop and a second opinion is always nice. An

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: HuwG
Date: 20 Sep 02 - 11:45 AM

If you are looking at the bottom end of the guitar market, you might try The Music Exchange on St. Petersgate in Stockport. They usually have a good selection of basic acoustics for as little as £70 or £80, and are pretty friendly and knowledgeable.

I have also shopped at Johnny Roadhouse, which is Manchester's branch of Hobgoblin, and agree with previous posters' comments on them.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: BanjoRay
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 06:35 PM

CraigS said to try Music Ground in Doncaster - Don't, it's moved to Leeds!

Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Mr Red
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 05:26 PM

Buying a guitar
I would say at a Festival, as there are usually several stalls you do get plenty of time to try them. Chippenham has more than enough and usually Oakwood are there and they make them. Bedworth is coming -up and you will get two or three music stalls and at least one majoring in stringed thingies.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST,Hille
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 05:22 PM

A brilliant place to buy a guitar (and combine it with a weekend at the seaside is the Acoustic Music Company in Brighton.

www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk

Locally known as the "Candy Store" to guitarists *G* check it out!

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Kernow John
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 04:22 PM

My wife wanted to buy a concertina. She contacted Hobgoblin's at Crawley. They put a £1300 Wheatstone in the post for her to try out. She was able to play it on a gig and give it a good try out with the rest of the band.
No problems at all and great service.
I've also been to Manson's at Exeter. A superb guitar shop, good range and a good room to try them out.
My son went to them to buy a solid elctric guitar. He was able to play it as long as he liked.They also made sure that he had the same model amp and effects box to try it with that he would be using at home.
Manson's is more than a 200 mile round trip for us but worth every mile!
JH

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 03:58 PM

The music room in Cleckheaton Near Bradford-West Yorks, stocks a reasonable range of guitars-I live kust around the corner-there is never a problem going in and picking them up to try. Cheaper still, is trad music in Wakefield-the parent company to some of the London shops, the music room and music ground! They are really good as well-except for the very expensive, though they will let you play them if you ask. Try going into Holland-there are some great music shops there, Amsterdam has a really great shop-NEVER seen so many in one huge room, and the Euro price is often eqivallent to the £.00 price! So with a hard case you can fly back from there well equipped. + Easy jet will fly you there cheap from liverpool! Save your money, and get one at the Eurogathering in Holland next year!

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: C-flat
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 12:32 PM

Raggytash mentions Pete Back in Reeth. I met Pete several years ago when he was running a hardware shop in Sheffield. We got talking and somehow the subject of guitars came up. At this Pete gets all animated and begins to tell me how he used to make guitars, digging out an old album of photographs, he shows me this wonderful collection of instruments and some of the famous names who played them.
It seems he gave up after his first wife died and went into the hardware business. I persuaded Pete to make me a PRS type custom guitar and, while he was back in guitar making mode, he made himself a stunning Jazz Archtop.Both guitars were beauties and he decided to get back into full time production and sold the hardware shop.
He a typical, straight talking, Yorkshireman who builds fantastic quality instruments to your own specification, and as I haven't come across him for a number of years now, I'm delighted to hear he's still going strong.
Thanks for jogging my memory Raggytash!
C-flat.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: songs2play
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 10:12 AM

An, I've got to agree with Greg about Hobgoblin in Manchester. The staff there, especially Ken in the acoustic section, were more than helpful. I would also suggest Frailers in Runcorn for all types of acoustic guitar, ranging from budget up to 1930's Gibson's and Nationals in the £1K price range. Both shops let you play all on display (as long as you ask) - no pressure for a sale.

Where abouts in the north west are you ? I don't suppose you're anywhere near Wigan ?

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: greg stephens
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 09:59 AM

It is certainly a good idea for US vistors to bring a guitar with them on a UK visit, to unload and help defray the cost of the trip. I imagine Mudcat might be a good place to line yourself a buyer before you set off. Similarly a UK musician heading for the states might well consider going guitarless, and picking one up immediately on arrival, and bringing it back afterwards.There may be some small questions of customs duty being payable, but as the officials are probably very busy there is no point in burdening them with extra work.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Willie-O
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 09:45 AM

Wow, how can anyone afford a guitar over there if you're not rich? I'm trying to figure out the price conversion. As far as I can tell 1 pound=1.50 US=2.25 Cdn. Looking at the moderate-price range Martins at Thrift music, "moderate" is a strange term. For example, a Martin D-1 is about the same price in pounds (1029) as it is in dollars here. Much less differential on the standard models, D18's or D28's are only slightly more expensive over there--I would pay 2500-3000 Cdn for a new one here.

I don't know about the comparisons of service industry though. People have made the same comments about the difference in quality of service between US and Canadian stores, but I have found the same extreme range of quality in both countries. It's not a national trait.

But hey you UK based Catters, if you must have a D1, let me know. I'll be making the trip sometime. (Or maybe I'll bring my O18 and sell it to extend my stay). Not real soon unfortunately.

W-O

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 08:49 AM

Not a plucker myself but on taking son #1 to Sound Control on Regent Road in Salford some years back I was quite impressed ay both the range of boxes and the helpful staff. He bought a Yamaha APX4A btw - still plays it.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 08:39 AM

Try talking to Pete Back in Reeth, North Yorkshire. He builds guitars in the basement of his house on Silver Street (I think) Superb hand built acoustic and electric instruments at very reasonable prices. He is a true craftsman and will probably be able to advise you on what you require. He once set up my Kinkade on a Sunday morning, it was like having a new instrument after he finished with it. I will take it back to him when I decide it needs to be tweaked again without hestitation. Again the cost was very reasonable, and he seems a good bloke to boot. PS No I didn't get paid for this

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: greg stephens
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 09:07 PM

Don't think you'll find it's changed much.Snaky Jake's still going strong.Saw him play a good gig a few months ago.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 09:05 PM

Goodness Greg,

I grew up in Crewe, and 'Custom Amplification' is certainly a blast from the past for me! Used to be called Snakey Jake's - amazed that it's still going!

I remember trying to sell him a flanger pedal in the mid eighties, he was interested but had to dig out a wad of notes from his back pocket and work out how much he needed for the pub that night before making me an offer

Ed

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 08:55 PM

I'm not sure where Murray has shopped, but I've always been able to play whatever I wanted for as long as I wanted and got good advice back

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: greg stephens
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 08:55 PM

Hobgoblin in Manchester is pretty friendly, I'veshopped there a couple of times recently.Custom Amplification, Edlestone Rd Crewe is run by a guitarist and will be relaxed.not a huge stock there.
I guess if you want a $30,000 Martin you will have to go to America, you dont see many of them round here.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: CraigS
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 08:48 PM

It would seem you are not confident in playing in public - like in shops. If you are a novice, take someone with you who is knowledgable (even if it is your teacher, and you have to pay him to do it) is the best advice. Often the best bargains are second-hand, but you do not have good safeguards if you do not know a good instrument from a bad one buying second hand, so if you are not helped in your choice it is safer to buy new. Two shops that are easy to recommend are Spectre guitars in Bingley and The Guitar Player in Rochdale, where knowledgable staff will let you play the boxes and help make your mind up. Music Ground in Doncaster is worth a look. Send me a PM and I'll help further.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 07:06 PM

Yes

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 06:54 PM

To add to my post above, what really pisses me off about British stores is that they think it some really big deal for them to have, for example, a Taylor costing maybe £1200 hanging on their wall, and that you need to be carefully supervised while trying it out.

I still recall the exhilarating experience of walking into Eddie's Music in San Raphael, seeing a vintage Martin D42 with a $30,000 price tag on it, and tentatively asking the salesman if I could try it. He just looked up at me and said "Sure, take it on down" and carried on doing whatever he was doing. No hassle, no attitude. Do you see that happening in Britain?

Murray

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 06:49 PM

Well, from all my contacts with those three at festivals I've found them very helpful, and happy to have you play the instruments and ready to talk about them, and pretty knowledgeable about folk music. And I found the Hobgoblin shops in London and Crawley just the same. (I haven't been to the other shops, but I've no reason to think they'd be any different.)

Mind, you might walk out having bought a bouzouki or a mandolin, when you came in thinking guitar - but you'll be happy with what you buy I'll bet.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST,Les B(UK)
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 06:47 PM

Try this http://www.soundsgreatmusic.com
Les

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: GUEST,Les B(uk)
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 06:42 PM

Hi, the best place I have found for acoustic guitars in the N/W is Sounds Great, Heald Green, Nr Manchester Airport. They have a good selection of guitars and a no hassle atttitude, a v good selection of Taylors and are competitive on price.
I bought my Taylor 314 & Big Baby Taylor there. They don't just sell Taylors but a range of guitars. Cheers Les

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: C-flat
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 06:32 PM

"in my experience the average British music store is light-years behind their American counterparts in terms of service, friendliness, and politeness. "
I wouldn't disagree with you at all Murray, but I would extend that to all service industries in the U.K.

Subject: RE: Help: nice place to buy guitar uk
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 06:27 PM

You'll be lucky, An.

I have never actually visited any of the stores Kevin links to above, and maybe they are very customer-friendly, but in my experience the average British music store is light-years behind their American counterparts in terms of service, friendliness, and politeness.

I don't think I would ever buy a guitar in a British music store again. And their straight dollar to pound conversion pisses me off as well.

Murray