World-famous as a leading music centre, London is a mecca for many musical genres. Rock, punk, classical, jazz, blues, and pop are types of music played in the UK Capital. Whether you are a budding musician or a professional, London has plenty of music stores. If you are looking for a guitar shop in London, Denmark Street is a great place to start.
Denmark Street is on the edge of London’s West End and has a rich musical history, starting in the late 1900s when sheet music publishers moved in to take advantage of low rents. Guitar shops and recording studios began trading. Legendary musicians Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones recorded at what became known as Tin Pan Alley, London’s answer to the original New York music hub.
Best Guitar Shops in London
With numerous guitarists and guitar bands originating in London, there are a lot of stores and expertise in the city. Here is our guide to six of the best guitar shops in London.
1. Sixty Six Sounds – Denmark Street
Launched in 2017, Sixty Six Sounds was an idea built by two friends in a Covent Garden cafe. They wanted a unique guitar store. It had to look and feel different and enhance the customer’s experience. They also wanted to establish an e-commerce business. The visualisation took two years before becoming a reality.
When Gibson guitars launched a made-to-measure scheme, Sixty Six Sounds took immediate advantage by offering a unique instrument designed to your specifications.
The guitar shop sells electric and acoustic guitars, including customised ones. Available at the time of writing is a Gibson Les Paul Randy Rhoads for £13,999.00. The guitar is a replica of the much-loved instrument of one of the greatest and most influential guitarists.
Sixty Six Sounds sell a range of Epiphone guitars, a subsidiary company of Gibson that manufactures more affordable instruments. Being sold at the moment is an Epiphone Coronet Ebony at £399.00, first introduced in 1959 and quickly becoming a favourite. This updated version retains many original features.
Sixty Six Sounds make you feel welcome when you walk through the door. They are passionate about guitars and willingly pass on information. They guide you through your purchase without rushing.
Address: 28 Denmark Street, London, WC2H 8NJ
Telephone: 020 7813 9992
2. Rose Morris – An Iconic London Music Store
Initially established in 1919 by three Rose brothers, with sister Clara joining later, and in 1920 Alfred V. Morris. Rose Morris has a long and rich musical history. After a slow and steady start, the shop’s popularity increased as demand for portable gramophones grew. The accordion boom, banjos, and drum outfits followed.
Today, Rose Morris is a familiar sight on the famous Denmark Street with a highly-regarded reputation for outstanding customer service.
They aim for customers of all experiences to feel relaxed and not intimidated and enjoy a genuine in-store try before they buy.
The store stocks guitars by the leading manufacturer, Taylor. They offer an extensive acoustic and left-handed range, including a left-handed Taylor BT2e ¾ for £459.00.
The electric guitar collection includes Japanese brands Tokai and Aria, both renowned for their high quality. A Tokai starts at £499.00 for an AST52 in black, and a bestseller Tokai UALS62 for £599.00.
Also available is a selection of digital pianos and accessories.
Shopping at Rose Morris is a truly wonderful experience with staff that know their field and are on hand to help.
Address: 8 Denmark Street, London, WC2H 8LS
Telephone: 020 7836 0991
3. Wunjo Guitars – Friendly and Welcoming
Wunjo Guitars claim they are known for their super-duper friendliness, and looking at their reviews, they are right. Wunjo Guitars consistently go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. They treat customers with respect and kindness, no matter how small or big the purchase is. The team at Wunjo Guitars offer excellent advice and help where needed.
An extensive range of guitars is for sale, including electric, acoustic, and resophonic. They also offer a good selection of bass guitars, where you can choose an electric, acoustic or upright. The electric bass range is from £139.00 to £3,149.00.
If you want to try an alternative string instrument, Wunjo Guitars sell folk versions, a term used to group all other stringed instruments that make beautiful harmonies. Banjos are available for £179.00, and a vintage mandolin for £495.00.
You can also buy amps and accessories.
For a welcoming guitar shop with a relaxed vibe and an excellent range of bass guitars in London, Wunjo Guitar should be a definite on your must-visit list.
Address: 5 Denmark Street, London, WC2H 8LP
Telephone: 0207 379 0737
4. The Bass Gallery – Bass Merchant
If you want a shop with an excellent collection of bass guitars in London, a visit to The Bass Gallery is a must. They stock an extensive range of quality instruments. The store opened in 1992 in the vibrant Camden Town area and has established itself as the place to go for anything bass.
They stock an eclectic mix of new, used, and vintage instruments, amplifiers, and various accessories. Their aftersales and repair service is excellent, and the staff are helpful and happy for you to take your time in a relaxed atmosphere.
- A Wal MK2 5 string, made in 1993, is in their vintage collection, available for £9,500.00.
- A preowned Ibanez GSR100EX is available at £139.00.
- A new Revelation RPB 65 is up for sale at £239.00.
The Bass Gallery has an efficient repair workshop with a quick turnaround. Its large client base of professional players is testimony to the quality and expertise of its work.
The Bass Gallery is a place to go if you are a bass guitar lover.
Address: 142 Royal College Street, Camden, London, NW1 0TA
Telephone: 0207 267 5458
5. London Guitar Studio – Acoustic Guitar Shop in London
The beginning of the London Guitar Studio dates back to 1970 when they were initially known as The Spanish Shop. The owner was the guitarist at the neighbouring Spanish restaurant known as ‘Costa del Sol.’ The Spanish Shop began to import guitars from Spain. Later, the London Guitar Studio began attracting customers such as Eric Clapton.
The store has moved to its current location in Duke Street and is now on two floors. The first floor is solely for classical and acoustic guitars, music, and recordings. Downstairs you will find all instruments and clothing Flamenco related.
The London Guitar Studio offer a good choice of acoustic guitars, starting from £125.00 and increasing to the higher-end price of £10,500.
In the Flamenco Shop, find a selection of Flamenco Guitars, including the Alhambra 2F, priced at £395.00.
You will also find a choice of castanets, such as a set ideal for beginners, with a price of £14.95.
The staff are incredibly accommodating, and even if you are a beginner, you do not need to feel embarrassed to try out the musical instruments. The vibe of the London Guitar Studio is warm, friendly, and welcoming.
Address: 62 Duke Street, London, W1K 6JT
Telephone: 0207 493 1157
6. Hobgoblin Music Shop – Musical Instruments From All Over the World
Hobgoblin Music brings you an array of fascinating and rare instruments from around the world. They aim to encourage beginners to begin their musical journey. So, if it is your first time looking for a guitar, do not feel judged or shy. Reviewers say Hobgoblins is a warm and friendly place with passionate staff who know how to guide beginners.
Hobgoblin love to inspire people to learn about traditional and folk music played in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Hobgoblin started in 1977 with a market stall and now has several shops across England and one in Edinburgh.
Available to buy is an extensive range of acoustic, classical, resonators, electric, and bass guitars. They also sell preowned and currently have a Gibson EC-10, 1997-98 in blue, with a hard case for £900.00.
Hobgoblin is a unique music shop in London that, in addition to guitars, sells several varieties of folk instruments, such as mandolas, banjos, and harps. There have squeezeboxes, percussion, and woodwind instruments.
A visit to this intriguing shop is like entering Aladdin’s Cave. It is different from your usual music store, as you take a trip to Europe, Asia, and Africa and experience the magical world of musical instruments.
Address: 24 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1JA
Telephone: 020 7323 9040
How To Choose a Guitar
- What type of music would you like to play? Having the right instrument is essential. Different guitars are suited to varying types of music. Break it down into classical, acoustic, or electric guitar.
- Choose the right shop. You want a shop that is happy for you to try different instruments without making you feel uncomfortable. Informative staff are vital in advising and answering questions.
- Budget. Guitars can vary considerably in price. Classical guitars are cheaper and ideal for beginners. However, higher-end guitars can quickly run into figures exceeding £10,000.
