Are you a guitarist looking to buy a new set of strings?
As a musician, having the right tools is all-important, so it’s useful to know the top music shops with the most up to date kit in your area. This is why we’ve listed the best places in Southampton and Hampshire to purchase a guitar.
Read on for our tips on top music stores, where you can browse new and used equipment in the area.
Best places in Southampton and Hampshire to purchase a guitar
There are so many benefits to using a local store when purchasing a guitar. Being able to actually go in and hold the instruments will enable you to make a much more informed decision. And with expert staff on hand to help, you’ll be offered guides to the models, recommendations and advice, if you want it. This is especially useful if you plan on learning guitar for the first time and are unsure what you want or need.
Guitar shops near me
Those living in the Southampton and wider Hampshire vicinity have a lot of options when it comes to buying or repairing a musical instrument locally. Many have been in the business for multiple decades. Some offer a larger store environment, with others providing a bespoke, handmade service.
Guitars for sale in Southampton
Here are four well-respected specialist stores to visit, all easily accessible in the city and catering to a range of budgets.
The Guitar Store Southampton
With thirty years of experience and some of the lowest prices in the UK, this is a great place to start. Buy all the big brand acoustic, electric and bass models (new and pre-owned), as well as accessories, with 0% finance available on purchases. The Guitar Store is a Fender Authorised Dealer.
The Music Shop Southampton
The Music Shop stocks a decent number of new and used models, but if they don’t have what you want, they can order it in for you. Prices range from as little as £32 for a half-sized classical guitar.
See the stock on offer at The Music Shop
Hobgoblin Music Southampton
The veteran music store has been in business since 1976. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything you’ll need musically, so perfect if you’re in the market for more than just strings. Hobgoblin stocks acoustic, classical, electric, resonator and bass guitars, with prices for adult acoustics starting at £59.99.
Guitar shops Hampshire
If you’re able to travel further afield or aren’t based in the city of Southampton, here are some other excellent stores to check out.
Gosden Guitars
Peter Gosden has been making bespoke instruments (as well as cabinets) for over 18 years now. Specialising in acoustic and electric lap steel pieces, he makes each himself by hand, ensuring each customer perceives a bespoke and personal finish. Prices start from £175 upwards for a strum dulcimer, with standard six-strings starting from £1950.
Kouga Guitars
Kouga’s combined shop and workshop is found at the Portland Buildings in Gosport. Here you can arrange a custom build, exactly to your specification. Choose everything from your colour, to your wood and the exact shape you prefer. Blanks aren’t used in the crafting process, so your build can be fully unique.
Guitar Centre
Based in the Portsmouth area, the Guitar Centre stocks a range of electric, bass and acoustics, including some pre-loved models. You can check out their social media pages before heading over to the shop, to see what they’ve currently got in stock.
Visit the Guitar Centre in Southsea
Parkhurst Guitars
After repairing and servicing guitars for a decade, Jake at Parkhurst Guitars decided to start building them too. He’s since exhibited at The London International Guitar Show and offers expert consultations from his Malmesbury based workshop.
Get a custom build from Parkhurst
ACS Guitars
Rock guitarist Andy makes guitars from his Basingstoke base. He can build to your own specification, with parts selected according to your individual requirements.
Hayward Guitars
Open Tuesday to Saturday, Haywards Guitars is conveniently located right beside Winchester Railway Station. The company is two decades old and builds (as well as carrying out repairs and services) from its on-site workshop. Their range is well suited to beginner and intermediate players.
Your tutor will be able to make personal recommendations and possibly source you a used model (if you don’t have a teacher yet, it’s well worth investing in some guitar lessons in Southampton.). It’s also a good idea to ask peers and check online groups in case anyone is selling a guitar that fits the spec you need.
Related Questions
Which site is best for buying guitars?
Guitar Guitar is the largest online retailer of these instruments in the UK. This means you get a host of choices at competitive prices. But it may suit you better to search for a smaller, more niche provider. And it can be worth shopping around sites for the best deal.
How do I pick the best guitar for me?
Your preference will be, to a degree, subjective. First, set your budget as this will dictate the options available for you. Then, visit a local store to physically pick up and feel the models. Lastly, do some research on any that particularly appeal, to check out their reviews and suitability.
How much does a good guitar usually cost?
This depends on the kind of guitar, but we recommend you budget somewhere between £100 and £500. Savings can be made by buying secondhand. Although be aware that refurbishing a broken model can work out more expensive than starting from scratch with a new one.