O.M.D. The Icicle Works…read moreTeardrop Explodes Echo & The Bunnymen Frankie Goes To Hollywood The La's The Coral The Zutons & Candie Payne The list of artists that have bought instruments from Curly Music probably stretches the length of the shop. The reason they've chosen to shop there is simple, it's one of the longest running independent music shops 'run by musicians for musicians'. That means there's a top notch selection of guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, synthesisers, drum machines and percussion from leading brands. Beginners can pick up special guitar packages (including unbranded Telecasters and Marshall amps for a bargain £159) whilst there's a great secondhand section including Rickenbackers, Fender Stratocasters and Gibson Les Pauls for seasoned musos. Helpfully, Curly also sell spares and mend instruments on site. The thing that's most endearing however, is the staff's obvious love of all things musical. If you don't play an instrument yet, they'll make you leave wanting to!

Curly Music stock a huge range of musical instruments and is one of three musical shops on the same…read morestreet. It is argubly the best of the three. I am no music expert but I don't have to be, as anybody (whether or not you're a novice) will realise that staff here are passionate enough in the field to provide sound advice on all your musical needs. You can feel and sample instruments to your heart's content given permission, which is more than welcome. Curly Music are the most affordable out of the three music stores. It is undoubtedly a well-established independent shop, that ranks high with many music lovers.

The best music shop in the North West. Sells musical instruments, accessories and music books. They…read morehave a large stock of pianos, keyboards, guitars (electric and acoustic) amps, drums, flutes, saxophones, etc. They also provide music lessons on weekday evenings for the guitar, drums and keyboard. Great friendly knowledgeable staff and excellent service - always happy to help.

i used to have keyboard lessons here every saturday morning. cannot fault this place one bit! all…read morethe staff know their stuff and are always happy to help. i would most defo recommend this place if your ever thinking of taking up a musical hobby!

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.

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