This shop is fantastic for anything guitar related in Leeds. I first came across Northern guitars…read morevia a T-shirt my friend was wearing. I used to work in a bar on Call Lane, Dr Wu's, and my friend who owned it was wearing a Northern Guitars T-shirt. I went to find out more and discovered, only a few doors down, this awesome shop. Firstly, they sell almost anything related to electric guitars - new and used electric guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals and so on - and at much less of a price than their close neighbours Music Ground. I once went in looking for a Cry Baby wah wah pedal, with instruction from my Dad *specifically* not to get a Japanese one as they make a 'bow wow' sound not a 'wah wah' sound (honestly, it's true!) and to my delight they had the exact one he had advised me to purchase. It wasn't even a modern version, it was the exact pedal from the era that I needed. They even do repairs on your equipment - awesome. Not only was that fantastic, but they also have another entire shop upstairs. This one, Northern Acoustics, is specifically for acoustic guitars. Despite the shop effectively being small sized room the owner, Val, has filled it with some of the loveliest guitars you could shop for in Leeds. Amongst others, brands include Martin, Faith and Hofner. I would tell you more but the last time I popped in he and my Dad talked guitars for so long I almost fell asleep! Anyway. The point is - guitarists of Leeds. This is your home.

Northern Guitars is a retro-looking little shop with a refreshingly genuine feel. The bloke working…read morethere when I last popped in had the appearance of an authentic aging rocker and had an amiable, relaxed style of customer service with a cheeky helping of banter. Northern Guitars is not as enthusiastically stocked as Music Ground, and their guitar strap section must have been a tenth of the size, but this just adds weight to the feeling that the guys at Northern Guitars are all about the music, not the flashy accessories. They stock some really beautiful guitars, a good range of pedals and pretty much everything else you could need including a huge range of second-hand items.

I've signed up to Yelp just to leave this review. Really friendly knowlegable guys that go above…read moreand beyond to make sure you're happy with what you want and that you've bought the wrong thing. Did a brilliant guitar setup for me then found me the perfect pair of studio monitors (Genelec 8081A) for recording in a small space with my Helix LT effects pedal. Store has a really chilled vibe - would recommend a trip whatever you are after. I genuinely look forward to going back.

PMT House of Rock is unfortunately-named to such a ridiculous degree that you have to wonder if it…read morewas set up by male music geeks of such stereotypical geekery that they had such limited knowledge of the female of the species as to happily settle on the name PMT without any knowledge of their folly. Oh well - at least it stands for 'Professional Music Technology', which is somewhat more relevant to the products on sale than the alternative. The shop is huuuge! And its layout allows it to display the products to almost terrifying peacock-like effect, due to its open-plan layout and central staircase leading to a balcony spanning the entire width of the shop. And due its size it was difficult to take in and remember the entire range of products but it really is extensive. Guitars, drums, keyboards and pianos are the focus of the instrument range with a huge variety of electric guitars, bases and acoustics and a balcony housing many a keyboard and piano. They sell a vast amount of equipment besides: mics, amps, effects pedals, recording equipment, speakers and everything in between. Prices are good, and they attempt to match any cheaper prices you have found, showing their commitment to value for money. Because of the vastness of this shop and the fact that it is a chain it lacks the character and charm of a smaller music shop and so feels rather impersonal, but this allows further freedom to browse and try things out, as there always seem to be plenty of other people doing so! And my, what a lot to try!

This excellently named shop sits between St.Lukes Church and Vets For Pets, if not for the…read morearresting display of guitars in the window, I doubt most people would know it was there. As you would expect, it sells guitars. Guitars, picks, straps, amps, gig bags, cases, strings etc etc. If you have or want a guitar, then this is the place you need to come for all the accessories you need. It's a very quiet shop, and indeed, when I went in, the front door was locked, despite the the shop being open, so be prepared to knock. The guy inside was helpful and willing to chat and advise this complete guitar newbie. Awesome.

Can't recommend this shop enough. Excellent range from £200 to £2000 electric and acoustic. All…read moreaccessories too, mugs and t-shirts. Really friendly lady served me, best guitar shop in York.

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!

A good value guitar shop with knowledgeable and friendly staff. They stock a large range of guitars…read moreso there's something for everyone from beginners guitar and amp packages up to top of the line Rickenbacker's etc. Full range of accessories.

This is another one of those essentials in Leeds. I can say this mostly as I play guitar and need a…read moreregular supply of strings, but the guys that run this joint are just lovely. I once went down to pass on a poster for a live music event. They hadn't yet opened so I leant against the wall for a quick cigarette and the owner/manager/staff member came out to join me. We had an excellent little conversation about Leeds, music and Call Lane, before I handed the poster to him and got on my way. I guess that's it really. I could tell you about the range of sheet music, instrument strings, folk instruments, CDs and so on that they store, but essentially - if you're going to visit at all, it has to be for the celtic/folk nature of the shop - and if that's what you are looking for, at least you know it comes with lovely conversation and down to earth presence.

As a music student, the large amount of folk bands being created has come to my attention flared by…read morethe rise of pop-folk acts such as Fleet Foxes. More and more folk acts are performing around Leeds, and with musicians as colleagues, Hobgoblin Music has been mentioned positively to me many a time!! The shop is oddly located on trendy wine bar strip Call Lane tucked right away! However after a little search I found it and had a sneaky peek around to see what people rave about! Hobgoblin is a specialist shop which stocks Folk and Celtic instruments (including harps, whistles, fiddles, mandolins and banjos's), sheet music, Cd's and books. The shops range of Folk musical instruments is huge for such a tiny secret cave of musical treats! I had a natter to the boheminiam, long haired staff who were very friendly and helpful! There is an extremely laid back atmosphere in the shop stereotypical of Folk Music. I understand this will only apply to a minority of "Yelpers", however if you are in Leeds and have an interest in Folk music go in and have a look around. It really is a pretty and dainty display of Folk music history!