As I walked into the Guitar Centre, a staff member with wild long black hair welcomed me most…read moreenthusiastically. I responded in a like manner, and before I knew it, we had skipped usual staff- customer repetoire and had begun goofing off. I remember asking as an afterthought, "oh, can I possibly find banjo strings here?". He responded with "pfft, no trouble. They're even up on the wall. Got tonnes of 'em. Now, what were we talking about..." They've got three rooms full, FULL of all sorts of guitars and related instruments. They've got a solid collection of classical, acoustic, electric, and vintage guitars. From there, we start shrinking down to your half size guitars, and then to your ukeleles. They've also got a couple of fine looking banjos. They sell amps, books, and all the other sort of paraphrenalia you'd need. Guitar repairs are also available. It's not the cheapest guitar shop, however, who really wants a dodgy instrument? You want to pay more for the new love of your life. If you're ever in the mood to fulfil Wayne's World type fantasies and mutter that legendary line "She will be mine, oh yes, she will be mine", you'd be best to do it here. The dudes who work in this place are extremely affable and helpful, (which earns them the 'dude' title), and I reckon they've got a guitar for almost every personality.

I walked in here looking to buy a new guitar and I was extremely impressed. The staff were…read moreknowledgeable and answered every question I had. I really liked their no-pressure attitude - I didn't even for a minute think they were trying to up-sell me. In fact I paid less than I expected to pay, for exactly what I wanted, and I got a free bag of picks as a bonus.

Needed a turning peg for my ukulele; they didn't have one in store so called up the warehouse. Next…read moreday, got the tuning peg for FREE from a broken ukulele. Saved me $70 for nothing in return. Really fantastic!!

I ordered some trumpet oil just before a cyclone hit SEQLD, so I wasn't expecting it to arrive any…read moretime soon - imagine my surprise when it arrived two days later! Walter had gone to special effort to make sure it was posted before the shop had to close. Excellent customer service! (And great product at competitive prices too!)

The other day, I was surprised to spot a brand-new guitar string on the floor of my house. My…read moreimmediate thoughts: one of my housemates is either going to garrotte me, or is planning on learning the guitar. I hoped dearly for the former. Alas, this has been followed by hours of two young men attempting to learn the opening chords of Led Zepplin songs, despite my "No Stairway" signs about the house. I decided to visit Simply For Strings, partly because my housemates wanted to see if the place sold guitar-related stuff, partly because it's a quick walk from our house, and partly because the building looks beautiful. From the outside it looks like, and may well be, an old church. Inside it seems as though the church theory is confirmed - there are original stain-glass windows and other small signs - but it's been re-outfitted so that it now contains newer floorboards and white paint, making the interior with its high walls resemble a "local" art gallery or concert room. (By local, I mean the interior mimics the Red Hill/Paddington style of converting old buildings into funky, retro businesses.) As you walk inside, you're greeted by pure beauty. Honestly, I didn't know where to look first. I noticed a piano occupying a sturdy position in the corner, then my eyes ran across the selection of cellos, violins, violas, and double basses. Even those who don't play such instruments must admit that their construction is beautiful - pieces of art in their own right. There's also a lot of bright colours amongst the wooden instruments, including a splash of beautiful, brashly coloured music stands - and one brass stand with a harp-shaped top that looks like it came straight out of the 1800s, or Phantom of The opera, or bygone, magical times. I was struck to see a stage area, too. The store uses the stage for lessons - at present, Violin Technical Work Boot Camp is on for those already familiar with the violin and eager to improve their skills. I also imagine the stage is used for performances, but the pleasant male staff member (and perhaps co-owner) was busy and I felt guilty asking, knowing I wasn't intending to make a purchase. I scanned the Strings website and can't see any upcoming performances, however. Even if you don't play a stringed instrument, I recommend coming here - it's a visual delight, at the very least. And hey, I didn't notice any guitar sheet music for Deep Purple's Smoke On The Water, so that's an extra bonus!

We were recommended Simply for Strings by a friend, and were very glad that we went…read more First of all, it is an amazing looking shop. Built inside a refurbished church building, with a spectacular view of Brisbane from the stage area. We went to buy a half size violin for my son. We were shown the cheaper end of the scale and the moderate range (we gave them our desired budget). We were thinking that we would buy the more expensive one, but the sales assistant recommend that we wait to make a more informed choice, as she would order in another more popular make that was priced between the three we were looking at. They currently did not have it in stock, but were expecting some in shortly. The staff all seem to have string skills, and this is of course most useful for seeing how the instruments sound when you are a novice. Plus, they have their own experience with the various makes of instruments. It took less than a week for the other violin came in, and we had the opportunity to make a more informed choice today. Glad we did, as her recommendation really was excellent. The store also has a great gift ware range for the passionate musician in your family, or amongst your friends. Highly recommended, and we will be back for all sorts of the extras that go along with violin playing.

As a passionate supporter of independent retailers and an avid guitarist I am always on the lookout…read morefor small-scale music stores like Music 440 and the Guitar Shop in Paddington. You seem to get that little bit better service and specific product knowledge compared with the big chains like Allans, plus the understanding born from being served by a 'real' musician who understands the pressures of poverty... The chains might be able to get the bulk price on their instruments but they seem to peddle a few cynical cash grabs, like selling guitar picks in packets and not letting you buy just one (what's that all about?). Music 440 definitely has that "rocker's best friend" vibe, happily setting up a stool to let you have a sample 'shred' on one of their 'axes' without giving you dirty looks that translate to "buy something or get out...". Like a lot of instrument sellers their bread and butter seems to be the cheaper starter options, such as guitar brands Tanglewood and the lower-rung Cort and Ibanez models, but they also stock some more prestigious labels like Aussie industry-leader Maton, Cole Clark and the really attractive German Duesenberg models, which you can't find at most guitar sellers.

The guitars in this place are to die for. i was drooling the whole time i was in there and they…read morehad to get a mop. i am totally in love with the acoustic i bought. they were super helpful and did left-handed stringing for me on the spot. the new owners are lovely guys.

A friend of mine has her son enrolled in lessons at Guitar Gym and he absolutely loves it. Every…read moreSaturday morning he can't wait for his lesson. The teachers seem to mix pleasure and learning well, and incorporate theory while also allowing their students to learn their music of choice. There are both group and individual lessons and an end of year concert that showcases the students' talent. On the one or two occasions I've been past the studios they appear well equipped with stands and television screens and access to internet to highlight a certain band or gain musical tab. And I've also been told the teachers hold about a thousand degrees between them, including a few PhDs! Just a few! What!! If my friend's son is anything to go by, not only is he becoming really good but he's also really keen which must have something to do with the teachers.

You will find every bit of hardware you could possible need for djing, music production and more at…read moreStore Dj. You can try out the equipment and have a play on their displays if you need to. The staff are laidback but willing to help with anything and really know their stuff. Being a specialty store the prices are high but they are better in comparison to other music stores around Brisbane and if you want to try haggling with the staff for a discount they will usually oblige.

I walked in, quick conversation and the staff member quickly ascertained my needs. He even ran up…read moreand down the stairs to fetch samples. I really enjoyed my time here (First time here) and will return.

The staff at Showcase Jewellers are very nice. They helped me find a present for my mother last…read moremothers day. A beautiful pendant with matching bracelet. She adored it. I couldn't have made my mind up if it wasn't for the friendly and helpful service I received here at Showcase Jewellers. They sell some of my favourite jewellery brands including Pandora and Thomas Sabo. If you are like me and a fan of both these labels, you must check this Showcase Jewellers in Mt Ommaney as not all Showcase Jewellers sell/ stock the same jewellery.

I like Artie's! They…read morehave a good range of instruments, friendly staff, and they're always willing to do you a deal. You can get your guitars, both electric and acoustic, basses, ukuleles, mandolins, banjos, drums, keyboards, violins... it's all here. If they don't have it they can get it for you. The staff are refreshingly honest, if they're not too knowledgable about something they'll tell you, but there's usually someone on hand who knows what you need to know. Be careful if you come here just to browse, you may walk out with a new instrument.

Artie's is the music shop I recommend to people looking to buy music gear. Located in Aspley…read moreHypermarket, Artie's has changed shop location a couple of times in its lifetime and currently resides near toys r us. The staff at Artie's know what they're talking about and are more than happy to share their expertise with you. You can go in, have a play and find out what you need to know. Their prices are competitive, and they will price match if you need it. They don't have something you want? They'll order it in for you. Bought something ages ago that needs a tune up? They also offer servicing. I get my acoustic guitar services and restrung for under $100. So they have your main instruments as well as brass and orchestral (though a smaller deletion), and recording gear. Shirts, merch and print music as well. Artie's has recently opened another store in Chermside. It has less gear but the staff are the same and I'm sure they would order in for you.