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.

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

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.

As far as I can tell there aren't very many musical instrument shops in Bolton, so to stumble on…read moreBooth's on the edge of town was a welcome surprise. This is a really small and cosy shop, split into two sections. In the front is where you'll find the guitars, other instruments and accessories like strings and leads. The back section is bursting with sheet music ranging from an Oasis chordbook to the music you'll need to take your grade 2 violin exam. For such a small shop, there are several friendly staff about that can help you with whatever specific request you might have. Booth's feels like a really welcoming shop and whilst it doesn't have the biggest selection of instruments, it's a great addition to Bolton's shopping options. Something with a little soul at last!

An excellent music shop in the middle of Bolton…read more Don't be deceived by its size -- it's got a lot more on offer than you might think from a first glance! The frontage is quite small but the store is spread over a couple of floors, and whilst the range of stock on display isn't bad, if you want something that's not in stock they'll move heaven and earth to try and get it for you. The customer service is great: they people there know their stuff and always seem very keen to help you, whether it's sheet music you want, a recording or an instrument. I suppose the only slight issue is the parking -- being in the middle of town it's a bit of a hassle to get there by car. But it's worth it!

Great guitar tutor & if you are looking for quality instruments then this is the place. The owner…read moreis so knowledgeable & helpful & I doubt you would find anywhere better. My 8 year old daughter takes lessons here every week & has really progressed & built her confidence.

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.

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!

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.