Well it is 10 years later from writing my original review and I am pleased to say little has…read morechanged - apart from the ridiculous amount of money I've spent in here now - probably nearing £15-20K compared to the £2K on my original review. Needless to say, any business which can retain a customer for so long in face of competition like Anderton's and their global media presence says a lot. On that media note, PMT also have a YouTube channel which is fun and engaging offering reviews as well as tours of stores and celebrity interviews etc. Manchester is still a great store and during covid I continued to use their click and collect service to show my support. I love it here.

I hold my hands up, my non-calloused, soft hands... I'm not a musician, yelpers. I've tried the…read moreguitar, bass, keyboard, flute, violin, and I can't practise. Musically, I have the attention span of a gnat. I know the fact that I tend to hang round with them is well documented, and I constantly protest that I'm not a groupie; they just happen to be in my social circle. But as a result of this I do happen to find myself escorted into musical instrument shops, and Professional Music Technology, being right down the road, is one that crops up quite regularly. PMT to musical purchase is what a chain restaurant is to eating. Real foodies love the creative, unique process that goes into cooking at a local independent restaurant, and die-hard musicians love beat-up second hand gear full of character, which is something you won't find here. Nor will you find... the food thing at the... you understand what I'm saying, yes. It does the job, and it's excellent for the mid-level or hobby player as they always have the necessary strings, leads and accessories in stock. In terms of Manchester, if you're after something one of a kind and looking to spend an absolute fortune, Johnny Roadhouse or Sounds Great would be your best bet. And while for new players it makes a great browse, this is the professional musician's Superdrug or Boots; it's the local supermarket metro, that quick stop-off to grab some essentials. And we all need those!

It was so amazing employees really helpful and kind overall best experience of my life.read more

Hit it, Strum it, Blow it, Play it!…read more Johnny Roadhouse's motto speaks volumes about the company's passion and enthusiasm for music. Run by a team of dedicated staff who are as familiar with Ry Cooder as they are Jimi Hendrix, it's the music shop of choice for established and emerging local musicians. Johnny Marr is a regular and I once waited an hour for The Buzzcocks whilst they wandered round trying out new guitars! Going strong for over five decades, JR stocks everything from new, vintage and second-hand guitars to drum kits, synths, bass, percussion, woodwind, saxophones, brass and amps to PA and recording equipment. Folk and world music lovers should note they also have a dedicated section to acoustic instruments from harps and dulcimers to harmonicas. Handily, they also rent out equipment to local promoters and touring bands that have been unfortunate enough to have their gear lost or stolen. Early Buzzcocks in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unxlh2ucxCg

Whilst Johnny Roadhouse and Sounds Great look and feel like homely, independent music stores run by…read moreaspiring musicians, Dawsons looks and feels like a professional music chain run by aspiring sales assistants. One of nine branches across the UK, this one looks more like an art gallery or contemporary museum with bright lights and slick, floor to ceiling glass windows. Inside is almost as austere with strategically placed pianos, synthesisers and drum kits in one areas and neat rows of guitars, bass, keyboards, clarinets, saxophones and percussion elsewhere. Local deejays should note they also sell decks, mixers, amps, cartridges and needles at Dawsons but sadly, no Technics decks! All of which lead me to suspect that this store is more for amateurs and beginners than seasoned and professional musicians. The awesome White Stripes in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t1_ETuWIbE

The massive array of weird and wonderful instruments on show makes the Dawsons on Portland st a…read morebeautiful store just to be in. But be warned- anybody hanging about with no more than a leather jacket and a hangover as proof of their rockstar credentials will inevitably found out by the impressively knowledgable staff who are always on hand to help out with any musical issues you may have- yes even guitar and singing lessons! Obvoiusly the prices are pretty much dictated by your choice of instrument but Dawsons does always try to give you their best possible rate and I have found them to be pretty open to a spot of haggling so it's always worth forgetting your British roots for a minute and having a go.

Hobgoblin is located upstairs in the Johnny Roadhouse shop. It is its own shop! Hobgoblin…read morespecialise in traditonal, folk and acoustic musical instruments such as acoustic guitars, harps, tin whistles, bodrhan drums and mandolins, you will find everything you need here for the perfect folk arrangement! The staff are friendly and very helpful too which is refreshing these days!

I find Forsyths music shop totally magical. It makes me feel like it's the 70s or something…read more Spread out over three expansive floors, this place is faded and full of character but well set out and full of helpful staff. Downstairs, there are shelves and shelves of sheet music for every kind of instrument you can imagine. It really is huge this place. If they don't have what you want, then one of the kind staff members will be able to see if they can get in what you need. On the first floor is where the grand pianos live. Again, there are absolutely loads of them, ranging from uprights to baby grand and full on grand pianos. When I went in there was a piano tuner over in the far corner doing his thing. It just added to the magic of the place for me. For any guitarists, upstairs on the second floor is the place to go. There are masses of acoustic guitars here, as well as a great range of electrics as well. Honestly, there is more of a selection than in Johnny Roadhouse and it competes with Music Ground as well. Like every floor of Forsyths, there are dedicated staff members on each floor ready to assist you. I really do like Forsyths. Its size is incredible and stock unrivalled in Manchester.

Know your Klangfarbenmelodie (twentieth century technique in which the notes of a melody are…read moredistributed among different instruments, giving a pointillistic texture) from your sarabande (stately Spanish Baroque dance type in triple meter, a standard movement of the Baroque suite). No neither do I but people who go into forsyth probably do. This big old music store is a giant of all things that make melodies. According to a musical friend you can track down whatever sheet music you may need...... ever in here; for a simpleton like me I just look around taking it all in, they've got lots of pretty pianos and shiny trumpets. So as far I'm concerned it's good.

Very interesting I found this left handed bass guitar with a one piece back at a local pawn shop…read morefor dirt cheap (under $500 USD). It appears to be a 20/40 Beatles bass. From what I have been told in the states this was made for MusicGround some time ago, and only a few were made. I have since cleaned the ol gal up and taught myself to play left handed, as I'm a righty geetar picker. But if anyone has some more info please let me know.

'The Supreme court of Rock 'n' Roll'…read more With a strapline like that, you'd expect Music Ground to have a wonderful selection of guitars and boy, it doesn't dissapoint. As soon as you walk into the Oxford Road store you see rows of new and secondhand Fender Telecasters and Coronados, Gibson Les Pauls, Hofner Razorbacks, Rickenbackers and Epiphones all lined up waiting for you. They also have vintage amplifiers, effects pedals, 4 and 8 track records and much more. Really though, it's all about the geeeetars and the fact they stock the same instruments John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley and other musicians have played. My personal favourite has to be Burns 1964 Hank Marvin Signature Series. As well as looking smoking, this is the guitar that Hank used to write hits like 'Apache.' Which leads me to the biggest problem with Music Ground, the staff aren't over enthusiastic about people picking up and road-testing the instruments. A lot of the guitars are also priced at the high end of the market meaning they'll be out of a lot of aspiring and amateur musicians' league. (: Hank and the boys in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n3DqWmKkO0

Dickon and the guys sorted me out with a digital piano, PA and all accessories when I was in town…read moreto attend/ perform at a mate's wedding in August 2019. Big Fish have a huge range of top quality gear. They listened to my needs and catered to them precisely. Dickon did me a great deal with the gear and was very accommodating with pick up and return times. He was very responsive with all communication. I'm sure these guys have much bigger customers to worry about than a hack like me, but throughout the whole process Dickon made me feel like a valued and welcome client. I can't thank Dickon enough for his professional and friendly service. I highly recommend Big Fish Rentals, wish them well, and hope to do business with them in the future.