If it's classical music you are into and you're keen to expand your music collection (though I…read moreshould add there are a small amount of other genres here) this might be the place for you. It's prices suggest that for the more common classical numbers you are better off going elsewhere where they can be picked up more cheaply. However, there are the less famous CDs that you cannot buy elsewhere available for purchase here. If those are the ones you are seeking out then come straight here.

Being an expert cellist....ok, that's a lie. But nonetheless if I were I'd head down to Mc…read moreAllister's to amass my classical music collection. Turn's out the staff here are all musically trained in some form or another too, so in terms of appropriate staff you wont do much better. It's not the cheapest place to purchase all things classical, but I suppose the free supplement of informative staff makes up for this.

Carlo !! I know you…read morefrom many years now that we leave in Edinburgh, I always bought and upgraded my sound stuff in the home from you... But now that you have Upgrade your Self with the new premisses I believe you have made the commitment to go up to the sky... In fact, I've bought recently a new Audio Ge Speaker that is great and one amplifier from Dave Belles.... so enthusiastic about this choice ... and that thanks to your kind advice ... Even Linda is always so kind to drive me around all the new arrivals... So thank you very much, your help, I'll always be your client. Giuseppe Manzoli-Private Chef in Edinburgh

From the owner: Discover a world of high-end audio, from speakers and amplifiers to streamers, turntables, and…read morebeyond. We proudly offer some of the finest brands in the world, celebrated for their superior craftsmanship, innovative technology, and elegant design. Whether you're creating the perfect stereo system or a state-of-the-art home cinema, our solutions are tailored to deliver extraordinary performance and style.

The Broken Drum Studio is the dark horse of Edinburgh's music studios. If you are a musician or in…read morea band, this is the place to go. My favourite place! Not only is the drum-kit huge (and on an impressive rise) and more than ample for any ambitious percussionist, but the owner also offers drum tuition of a very high standard. (He also has extensive history of musicianship -- he helped me with my clarinet skills and corrected me with my rather lacking knowledge of music theory of which I am a grade 7, and was generally a very helpful guy about it too -- too often I encounter pretentious or arrogant musicians). The equipment is top notch too: plenty of amps with strong dynamic range; more than enough to accommodate the picky guitarist. Mics are good too -- plenty to patch up to instruments -- and for the vocalists too obviously. The owner will help make recordings too -- he seems to know a great deal about the industry and editing. I have dabbled in jazz and nu-metal -- two vastly different sounds and two different worlds of recording, but the software as well as the hardware being used at the studio is definitely my first choice. All of it is reasonably priced; and, having been in more one band, I can say he was really helpful with the times too -- my vocalist works a night shift and has pretty odd times to record, but, as I say, the owner was happy to accommodate. I am making this place sound like a dream; but I suppose it is -- any one who has been in a band has to deal with the crappy reality of getting the crew together and the general expense of it all -- already there is stress; and often that can hinder playing; but The Broken Drum Studio is certainly more chilled out than the other places I have been to. I think they do discounts as well -- sorry, I cannot remember that. But great all in all. Check it out.

Calling car boot enthusiasts, bargain hunters and vinyl collectors…read more Packed floor to ceiling with potential swag, Backtracks is a shambolic, secondhand shop that sells everything from old record and tape decks to video and DVD players, lights, speakers and playstation machines. Some of them are neatly arranged but the majority of stuff feels haphazardly stacked or piled on top of older, dustier stuff. As the title implies, there's also crates and crates of well played 45s, 33s, tapes and DVDs. Prices are rock bottom and whilst lots of it could be categorised as bad or forgotten pop, rock, blues or classical, there are some classics from Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, The Who and The Beatles if you're prepared to dig hard enough.

Backtracks Music is hopelessly hilarious. Never have I seen a place so full of junk. And that's not…read moreparticularly a bad thing. Places full of junk are places full of charm. But my oh my, if you decide to be the one to sort through it all to actually find what you like, good luck to you. I've never properly stepped inside. I tried, but the felt like the whole place was just too precariously arranged. Like the whole thing might come toppling down at a wrong turn. And I'm notorious for really (really) not being aware of my own surface area. Or anything around me, for that matter. I did have a great deal of fun leafing through their record collection, though. They're all pretty cheap records, but I didn't recognise a single name, and didn't feel like taking the risk buying something rubbish. All I have to say now is: venture in at your own risk.

The Rae Macintosh Musicroom is pretty new to the block of Shandwick Place and whenever I am in the…read morearea I pop in for a look around the guitar area. They sell classical, acoustic and electric guitars and all the accessories that come with a possible bundle on or their own. Besides guitars they also sell other musical items like Pianos & Keyboards and other folk instruments. Another section is purely devoted to Tuition and Song Books (normal retail prices). There is a big section for beginners only what is really good. The personell is lovely and very helpful. I recently went there to have a guitar tuned and strings changed. They gave me very helpful advise and I really appreciated their honesty in a certain matter. Would I go back to get some accessories and books when I need them - Yes, totally! By the way, they have a sale on at the moment, so if you would like to get a new instrument, now is a good time :-)

convenient located near haymarket. I got a gorgeous ukulele there and they gave me a good deal when…read moreadding a bag for it. They also went out of their way to advice me about mandolin classes. On Sundays they have free ukulele meetups, looks like fun, hope I can attend one soon!

Previously Wesley Owen, Living Oasis is...well, essentially, Wesley Owen…read more It's a Christian bookshop where you can find a range of religious books and magazines, DVD'S, CD's and cards. I'm not really into stuff like that but I have a religious family so sometimes I need a gift or a card and I usually come to places like this. As always, the staff are lovely, warm and welcoming and happy to help with any queries you have.

Good range and spread out across the premises. The music was pumped up too loud when I was in there…read morebut the staff let you browse without disturbing. Helpful and reasonable prices too. Not a bad book in sight. Highlight for me was the extensive selection by Stormie Omartian. How do people exist with such bizarre names?