Can't beat these guys! small businesses are dwindling…read morebecause of the giants out there putting these guys out of business! Back Alley stand out because the staff are chilled out enough to let you wander with out jumping on your backs for a sale, but they also REALLY know their stuff and are honest! Great shop and I always make time to pop in when I visit Chester.

I like this place because it packs so much in to such a comparatively small store space (650 sq…read moreft), and because the staff are savvy enough to let you browse to your heart's content without putting any undue sales pressure on. Last time I was in there, I was given genuinely helpful advice - the sales guy actually steering me towards a cheaper product (of the 2-3 choices available) - because he felt it was actually the better item for my needs. I appreciate that sort of assistance, and if I was in the area and looking for music gear, this is the shop I'd be buying from. In fact, I'll be in there again before Christmas for some guitar accessories.

As a rule of thumb, I'm not usually a fan of Dawsons Music. I think their shops look and feel more…read morelike department stores that happen to sell musical instruments rather than furniture and fashion. This particular branch however, seems to be run by staff that genuinely appreciate music and actively encourage customers to pick up and play the instruments. I've never witnessed it myself but apparently, most of the staff are musicians themselves and if asked nicely will happily perform guitar, bass and drum solos to show you the capabilities of individual models. They can also offer one to one tuition if you fancy signing up for lessons. As you'd expect, there's a good line of guitars, bass, drums, synths, woodwind, percussion and pianos as well as PA systems, recording equipment, turntables and mixers. Further proof that this Dawsons is one worth checking out is the fact they hold regular open days where you can find out more about particular equipment and brands. There was one awhile back about new and vintage Gibson guitars and there's one coming up on 10 April called 'An Introduction to PA Systems.'

Dawsons is one of at least three music stores on the same street, and if I'm honest it's not my…read morefavourite. They do have a large selection of musical instruments, ranging from guitars to pianos. It's a bit strange because you are encouraged to give the instruments a whirl, and the staff will play for you if you ask them. The quality of the instruments is great, but in this place, you pay for quality. My problem with Dawsons is that it can be slightly intimidating if you're not exactly a music scene king/queen as all the staff are wannabe rockstars. It also seems that they try and sell you the most expensive item, rather than what you're actually looking for.

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.

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.

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 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.

Rimmer's is the sort of music store that offers customers a wealth of selection in many…read moreinstruments, ranging from traditional ones like guitar and pianos to more unusual ones like harmonicas and mandolins. The overall atmosphere in the shop isn't as comfortable or as personal as smaller, independent music shops, like nearby Quicksilver Music for example, but they make up for this by having such a large range of instruments for sale there. Their prices are pretty competitive there and the staff are quite friendly and approachable whilst being happy to offer you some advice if you're not sure what you're looking for. They're also happy to let you try before you buy, just don't go playing the intro to Stairway to Heaven anytime soon as it's a bit of a faux pas in music shops. It might not have the charming appeal of smaller places like Quicksilver or Wesley Music but if it's a good selection of products that you're looking for, then Rimmer's should be your first port of call. They also offer guitar tuition if you're daunted by the prospect of learning an instrument on your own.

Rimmer's has loads of choice, and great prices to boot. Whatever you need music wise, they have…read moreit. If they don't have they will either tell you where to find it, or find it for you.