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!

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.

One of Congleton's hidden gems. Perfect for all your musical needs.read more

From the owner: General purpose Music Shop selling CD, DVD, Guitars, Music Books, Accessories - Strings, Reeds,…read moreDrum Sticks etc.

This is the best music shop in Nottingham. A family business I have relied on for 40 years. Great…read moreservice, advice, prices and stock, especially second-hand. Excellent for repairs.

I was in Nottingham overnight during a tour stop. the Floyd Rose bridge on my guitar was acting up,…read moreas you may know they are tricky beasts. I brought it to Music Inn, a scant half mile from the hotel, where Dan sorted it for me promptly and cheerfully, and at a very decent price. the proprietress even charged my phone in her office while I waited!

I used this store when trying to buy a piano for my Mum. We couldn't go and see it as she is not…read moreable. The help I was given by a person from Mail Order was immense. They helped me every step of the way - never got tired of answering my questions - even did a CD for me of 2 different pianos! They were exceptional. We got the piano. Delivery was very efficient as well.

From the owner: Dawsons Music store in Warrington has been a centre serving the needs of local musicians for…read moredecades. It has an onsite music school, teaching guitar, bass, piano and drums, and the site itself is a Rockschool Examination centre! A range of over 150 guitars and basses provides options for every player at every level. And Dawsons are one of the country's leading Gibson and Epiphone dealers. Lovers of guitar amps can choose from Blackstar amps among a wide range of other brands. And, if all you need is a set of strings, you will find an accessory wall loaded with a massive range of D'Addario strings, along with other major lines. However, it isn't all 'rock 'n' roll'. As a stockist of Kawai, Dawsons have Yamaha Clavinovas, acoustic pianos and a range of synthesisers too. A very well stocked music technology department caters to the needs of producers, engineers and electronic musicians, whilst onsite repairers are on hand to fix brass, woodwind and guitars.

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.

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.

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.

Essentially, if you're looking for a quality acoustic guitar in Leeds, you go to Northern…read moreAcoustics. Newly housed in the glorious Corn Exchange, this beautiful little shop boasts a veritable bounty of lovely guitars, with an owner who not only has a wealth of knowledge, but an incredibly relaxed and warm attitude about him. In this shop you can feel at ease browsing, chatting, testing and more without feeling the pressure of a salesman. Back in the old location I ended up testing out over four guitars before picking one, and not once did I feel hassled to get on with it. In fact, it was so relaxed I could have happily left it for a few days to mull over without feeling like he'd pressure me to purchase! I have often found in other shops the priority of making a sale, and any old sale at that, takes over and so usually I end up leaving a little irritated. Not the case here. Whether you're looking to start out, move on or branch out with a new guitar you must consider this place first. With some fantastic brands, a wonderful knowledgeable chap at the helm and even Primos downstairs for a coffee (should you need to mull over your decision!) it's an asset to the Leeds music scene.

From the owner: Quality Acoustics Guitars from Martin, Sigma, Faith and Freshman as well as K&K Pure mini Pick-up's…read more, Uke's ,Strings ,straps and a whole lot more .