Are you a Hampshire based musician looking for somewhere to fix, hire or buy, an instrument?
With a thriving music community and knowledgeable experts, Southampton is a great place to source your kit for you and your band. We’ve put together a list of the best places in Southampton to buy and repair music instruments.
If you’re seeking brand new or second-hand instruments, here are the most respected retailers in the city.
The best places in Southampton to buy and repair music instruments
Whether you play woodwind in an orchestra, produce electronic beats, are just starting out on the guitar, or need help with an upright piano, these stores and workshops will have all your musical needs covered.
Hobgoblin Music Southampton
Found in East Street in the heart of the city’s independent shopping district, this Hobgoblin Music shop has been selling and repairing instruments for half a decade. The team will also buy your old instruments, ensuring a range of affordable second-hand items is available to purchase, in addition to new ones. And if you simply need a loan for a gig, you can take advantage of their short term rental scheme. It’s part of a small UK chain of nine stores and provides interest-free credit to18 – 25-year-olds as part of the Arts Council’s Take it Away scheme.
Find out more about Hobgoblin Music
The Music Shop
As The Music Shop in the suburb of Bitterne has parking, it’s a good choice for those picking up or dropping off a large, bulky instrument. There’s a wide range of electric kit, so it’s also ideal for bands needing technical gear for live sound. Repairs are offered for guitars, basses and amps and you can book guitar, bass and drum tuition onsite. If you’re unsure exactly what it is that you need, pop in and chat to the super friendly musician proprietors Wally & Martine.
See the range at The Music Shop
Becketts Music Ltd
A veteran of the Southampton music scene, Becketts on Commercial Road has been in business since 1946. The shop caters to a slightly more traditional market. Browse brass, woodwind, keys, strings, percussion, stands and books. It’s also a handy spot for muso gifts – ideal for Christmas shopping. Becketts offers items to hire, servicing, repairs, assisted purchases, repurchases as well as unusual instruments such as flageolets and didgeridoos. The store is also part of the Take It Away Scheme.
Triangle Pianos
Located in Bitterne Park, Triangle Pianos is one for the pianists. This store sells and tunes traditional keys, stocking a range of new and used models. It was established twenty years ago, by director Paul Kibble, an experienced piano tuner. Gifts, accessories and sheet music are also available. And a hassle-free delivery of your new piano can be arranged by the staff. This store is a favourite with many piano teachers and schools.
Take a look at Triangle Pianos
Parkhurst Guitars
If you’ve always dreamed of your own handcrafted custom-built guitar, this is the place for you. It’s certainly not the bargain option for a new guitar. But Jake, the founder offers bespoke consultations, as well as comprehensive repair services at his artisan workshop close to the Guildhall. Services start at £40 with a fret dress and set-up at £80.
Options and prices at Parkhurst Guitars
Broken Wind Woodwind Instrument Repair and Restoration
While many stores offer string repair, woodwind can be trickier to access. Here at the comically named Broken Wind in Hedge End, high-end adjustments, servicing and alterations are offered. Owner Nigel Salmon is a Professional Member of the National Association of Musical Instrument Repairers. Nigel and his wife Sarah, an oboist, often work on insurance-related repairs for orchestral students and professionals. From time to time, items for sale may be advertised on their website too.
Services available at Broken Wind Woodwind Instrument Repair and Restoration
The Royal Guitar Repair Company
This company is a relative newcomer to the scene, having arrived in 2014. It has since garnered excellent reviews and comes with a funky, slightly retro vibe. At its helm is Lord Matthew Reynolds – yes, he’s actually a peer. Reynolds is a local musician and luthier (repairer of stringed instruments) who had toured internationally with high profile bands as a guitar tech since 2014. He specialises in servicing, repairs and modifications for electric, acoustic and bass guitars from his workshop base at Cavendish Grove.
Contact The Royal Guitar Repair Company
The Guitar Store
Dubbed the home of tone, The Guitar Store stocks brands including Fender, Gibson, Marshall, Gretsch and Boss. The team has 30 years of experience, offers interest-free credit, delivery, click and collect and some great value prices. In addition to new models, you can buy pre-owned guitars. In-house lessons are available, along with repairs, setups and restrings. It’s conveniently located across from the railway station and often runs sales for even more bargains.
Buying a new instrument can be a huge decision, especially if you’re in the market for a pricey model. But as a workman is only as good as his tools, having the right instrument to compliment you and your style will make all the difference to your sound. If you can’t get to the shops right now, be sure to browse the stores’ websites, which are full of helpful info on their services and offers.
Related Questions
- What is the cheapest musical instrument?
Purchasing second hand is the best way to get a bargain. You may be able to pick up a harmonica or bongo drum for a few pounds in a charity shop. If you need something to accompany yourself, guitars can range from very cheap to wildly expensive. Keep a lookout on Gumtree or Facebook for preloved models.
- Which are the easiest musical instruments to learn?
In terms of woodwind, the recorder is often used for beginners. For strings, the ukulele is an easy entry-level instrument. This wanting to learn keys can start with a small electric keyboard. Percussionists can choose from a range of straightforward instruments like the triangle, or cymbals.