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Feb 05 2020 
60 Seconds with… Mickleburgh
Mickleburgh Musical Instruments – a mammoth musical maze in the heart of Bristol! The local music shop has a wonderful range instruments, offers free advice and additional services from tuning to restoration and servicing. Get to know more about Mickleburgh below.
How would you describe your shop in three words?
Mammoth Musical Maze!
How did the business get started?
When my great, great Grandfather started building pianos in Bristol! We’ve evolved with over 130 years of experience (since starting in 1870) and now our musical maze covers 10,000 sq/ft filled with acoustic and digital pianos, electronic keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, stringed orchestral, brass and woodwind, drums and percussion, folk and educational it’s a musician’s dream of a never-ending musical experience.
What does your shop specialise in?
We do all things piano related but have a huge array of other instruments, accessories and sheet music!
What additional services do you offer?
Tuning Servicing Repairs Rentals
Hires Removals Rooms for Hire
What’s your favourite item for sale in the shop right now?
A lovely rebuilt Steinway Model K c1923
Name a favourite piece of music. (From any genre you like, absolutely no judgement!)
I always enjoy hearing Debussy’s ‘Clair De Lune‘ played on the the piano.
Do you get involved in your local community? If so, how?
Yes, we have taken part in Learn to Play Days, Summer Piano Festivals and have rooms for hire for local teachers and musicians.
Visit Mickleburgh Musical Instruments at:
Mickleburgh Ltd.1-9 Stokes CroftBristolBS1 3PL0117 9241151 -
Jan 06 2020 
60 Seconds with… Bridgewood & Neitzert
Bridgewood & Neitzert have been serving London, the UK and the world with their expert repair and restoration of string instruments for almost 40 years. Their busy shop in Stoke Newington is full of beautiful instruments and extraordinary skilled luthiers!
We spoke to founder Gary Bridgewood to find out more.
How would you describe your shop in three words?
Leading Violin Dealers
How did the business get started?
We opened our first workshop with two other colleagues, Robert Louis Baille who now runs a prestigious shop in Seville, Spain and Craig Ryder, a very fine bow-maker who settled in Paris. Both Robert and Craig left for Paris in a black taxi whilst Tom Neitzert and I stayed here and started our partnership in 1982.What does your shop specialise in?
Expert repairs and restoration, sales of violins, violas, cellos, double basses, bows, cases, strings and accessories, both modern and baroque set up. We have a large selection to suit every taste and budget! We’re also here for advice, expertise and consultation.
What additional services do you offer?
We have two floors of workshops at our Stoke Newington shop and have some of the finest luthiers in Europe. We pride ourselves on making any repair no matter how small or how extensive. We’ve repaired double basses back to health that have fallen off the back of an aeroplane or violins that have been driven over and look impossible to put back together. Sounds impossible but that’s what we do! We offer the same for bows and cases.
We also specialise in baroque and classical period instruments and are known worldwide for this, we have a large selection of baroque instruments for sale, and for conversion work – putting instruments back into period set-up. We offer specialist string sales and have the widest possible selection, these are sent all over the world.
We have a dedicated team handling our hire scheme where students can hire good sounding, easy to play instruments.
We are conservators for the National Trust, recently we visited Buckingham Palace to repair their Basse de violon. We manage the hire scheme for the Viola da Gamba society, for those looking to hire viols and a similar scheme for the lute society.
What’s your favourite item for sale in the shop right now?There are so many that I love! A wonderful baroque cello by Jacob Haynes made in London 1745, a fantastic violin by Johannes Cuypers, the Hague 1773 but my favourite is a violin by a rare maker called Marcell Pichler, Austria 1677 with a beautiful carved lions head.
Name a favourite piece of music. (From any genre you like, absolutely no judgement!)
Ginette Neveu Sibelius Violin Concerto in D minor recorded in 1945
Do you get involved in your local community? If so, how?
We have been involved since its inception with the Stoke Newington Early Music festival, such great players as Monica Hugget, Catherine Mackintosh and Emma Kirby have performed. We support music at Sutton House possibly London’s oldest house. We have also supported a local radio station and sponsor many musicians in their concert activities.
Visit Bridgewood & Neitzert at:
146 Stoke Newington Church StreetStoke NewingtonLondon
N16 0JU+44 (0)207 2499398Tell us what you think @Takeitawaymusic
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Nov 21 2019 
60 Seconds with… Clement Pianos
Clement Pianos in Nottingham is a third generation family business run and owned by Mick and Andy Wilson. They’re both piano technicians, trained up by some of the world’s finest, and have spent many years carefully selecting what they consider to be the ultimate instruments. We caught up with Andy Wilson to find out more.
How would you describe your shop in three words?
Leading piano specialists.
How did the business get started?
The business was set up in 1919 to carry out repairs, servicing and reconditioning of pianos. Immediately after the first world war there was limited manufacturing and so the second hand market had grown considerably.
What does your shop specialise in?
Sales of new and quality second hand acoustic pianos and new digital pianos.
What additional services do you offer?
We offer tuning, repairs, valuations, stools and one hundred years on we still carry out reconditioning!
We also have several practice rooms that are suitable for individual practice or for teachers who wish to establish themselves in Nottingham.
What’s your favourite item for sale in the shop right now?
The Kawai Aures hybrid piano
Name a favourite piece of music. (From any genre you like, absolutely no judgement!)
Spiral by Red Bazar
Do you get involved in your local community? If so, how?
We have always been involved in promoting music and especially the piano. We ran the Nottingham International Jazz Piano Competition which had finalists from 14 countries. We have put pianos in to shopping centres and venues around the city. We have sponsored various local music organisations such as Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra, Nottingham Philharmonic and Nottingham Youth orchestra. We are involved with various events promoted by the City Council that encourage people to take up playing an instrument.
* Recently, Clement Pianos have also kindly donated an iPad to our First Full Access pilot in Nottingham allowing disabled primary school children to access and experience Whole Class Ensemble Tuition. You can find out more about this here: Inclusive Music-Making – Nottingham Pilot
Visit Clement Pianos at:
Clement Pianos
Clement House
221 Lenton Boulevard
Nottingham
NG7 2BYTell us what you think @Takeitawaymusic
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Oct 14 2019 
60 Seconds with… Hobgoblin, Birmingham
Established by husband and wife Pete and Mannie McClelland, the Hobgoblin ethos is to give beginners a chance to take up a folk instrument, provide the best for those who already play and encourage more people to discover and enjoy traditional music from all over the UK! We spoke to Hobgoblin Birmingham Manager, Mark McCabe to find out about the Brum branch.
How would you describe your shop in three words?
Acoustic Instrument Specialists
How did the business get started?
Hobgoblin Music started in 1976 in a barn in Crawley by husband and wife Pete and Mannie McClelland who still own the company now. Both folk musicians themselves, they struggled to find instruments to buy for themselves back then so decided to open a shop!What does your shop specialise in?
Acoustic instruments from all over the world.What additional services do you offer?
Sales, repairs, lessons and a fun experience! We also have lessons in more unusual instruments here like Banjo, Mandolin, Autoharp, Cittern and others.
What’s your favourite item for sale in the shop right now?
A 1940’s Gibson Mandolin (see image —>)
Name a favourite piece of music. (From any genre you like, absolutely no judgement!)
The Cow That Ate The Blanket!! (Traditional Irish Jig)Do you get involved in your local community? If so, how?
We’re all gigging musicians so we’re involved in all sorts of genre’s of music between us! We sponsor local music community events so keep an eye on our pages for what’s coming up.Visit Hobgoblin Birmingham at:
8 Priory Queensway,Birmingham,West Midlands,B4 6BS0121 212 9010Tell us what you think @Takeitawaymusic
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Sep 11 2019 
60 Seconds with…Gough and Davy, Hull
Gough & Davy is a Hull based music retailer owned and managed by Hull’s own Alan Kilvington who first joined as a sales assistant in 1995. Al ‘Kilvo’ is an Americana piano player whose playing style reminds many of Jerry Lee Lewis himself. We caught up with him for a quick chat…
How would you describe your shop in three words?
Friendly Quality Service
How long have you been in business?
I personally joined the shop in 1995 as a sales assistant, and have always performed in bands.
Gough & Davy was established as a Piano retailer in 1860 and soon became a market leader in providing the latest musical instruments and music at the time. The business flourished all through the Victorian era and on into the 20th. century. During the next hundred years the name Gough & Davy became synonymous with music lovers, not only in Hull but the whole country. In 2007 The company was relocated in new premises ‘Under the City Hall’ and is now owned and managed by myself.
What does your shop specialise in?
Pianos (acoustic and digital) guitars (acoustic and electric) and most things in between!
What additional services do you offer?
We repair pianos, guitars, brass and woodwind instruments. We also offer piano and guitar tuition.
What’s your favourite item for sale in the shop right now?
The Casio PX S1000 digital piano is a game changer at the price. It is outrageously portable with a wonderful playing action and comprehensive range of sounds! Dedicated stereo line outs allow the ‘Two Pianos’ to send to our theatre PA and the results are stunning.
Name a favourite piece of music (From any genre you like, absolutely no judgement!)
There’s far too many, but Jerry Lee Lewis’ version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” hits the spot.
Do you get involved in your local community? If so, how?
All staff perform and are involved with many bands, choirs and orchestras. Assembly/workshops have been performed in schools across the region.
Our owner Alan Kilvington’s band ‘Two Pianos‘ perform classic 50s rock n roll hits in theatres across the country on dueling pianos!
Visit Gough and Day at:
Gough & Davy owner Alan Kilvington in performance with his band ‘Two Pianos’
Tell us what you think @takeitawaymusic
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Aug 14 2019 
60 Seconds with… Oasis Music, Hampshire
Established in 1989, Oasis Music is without a doubt one of the most reputable guitar shops in the South of England. From acoustic to electric, new to used, bass to banjo – Oasis Music will have you covered. We chatted to owner, Howard Gillespie, to find out more…
How would you describe your shop in three words?
Proper. Guitar. Shop.
How did the business get started?
I started it in 1989, buying an existing general music shop that was 10 years old, together with two business partners.
What does your shop specialise in?
We specialise in guitars. Many of which are vintage and collectable though not exclusively we do cater for beginners too. All of the staff are experienced and performing musicians. Andy Stone is also a sound engineer and Al Duncan was the manager at Chandler Guitar Kew for many years. I have 30 years’ experience as a repairer.
What additional services do you offer?
As well as sales we offer a full repair shop for guitars and amplifiers. We also offer a “you want it we’ll find it” service for the rarer items. We’ll even pack and ship your eBay sales for you!
What’s your favourite item for sale in the shop right now?
A Fender Custom Shop Shadows Tribute Stratocaster.
Name a favourite piece of music (From any genre you like, absolutely no judgement!)
- Howard Son Becomes Father The Hellecasters
- Andy Close To The Edge by Yes
- Al Maybe I’m Amazed Paul McCartney
Do you get involved in your local community? If so, how?
We support local events + jams and display posters for local promoters. Over the years we have promoted gigs by:
- The Hellecasters
- Albert Lee
- Gordon Giltrap
- Gordon Haskell
- We also have one or two famous clients
- Hank B Marvin and Bruce Welch The Shadows
- Graham Gouldman
- Tim Renwick
- Al Stewart
- Andy Latimer (Camel)
Visit Oasis Music at:
www.oasismusic.co.uk
facebook.com/oasismusicalinstrumentsOasis Musical Instruments
3 West Street,
Ringwood,
Hampshire,
BH24 1DY
Alistair Duncan | Vintage Guitar Expert
Howard Gillespie | Owner of Oasis Music
Would you like your shop to be featured in a 60 second interview?
Email marketing@takeitaway.org.uk
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Jul 11 2019 
60 Seconds with… Howarth of London
Howarth of London are internationally known wind instrument specialists. The Howarth name can be traced back to wind instrument making in the 1870s! We spoke to Ben Couldwell, General Manager, who told us a bit more about Howarth’s rich history and what’s on now.
How would you describe your shop in three words?
Welcoming. Knowledgeable. Choice.
How did the business get started?
Howarth began as an oboe manufacturer in central London in 1948, the shop moving around the corner to our current address in 1968 and the factory moving out into Sussex. One of the founders, Tom Howarth gave his name to the company, but he was bought out early on by a group of entrepreneurial young men, including Nigel Clark who retired as our managing director last year.
Howarth are most famous for our oboes and we are the last major woodwind manufacturer with a UK based factory.
What does your shop specialise in?
Howarth are most famous for our oboes and we are the last major woodwind manufacturer with a UK based factory. We also keep most of the other major oboe manufacturer’s instruments in stock. The shop is also home to one of the largest ranges of bassoons, clarinets and saxophones in Europe. All of our staff are knowledgeable players with degrees from a range of institutions and a variety of back grounds and experience.
We offer masterclasses and workshops with visiting artists in store from time to time and of course have an extensive range of sheet music and accessories, including specialist reed making equipment,
What additional services do you offer?
- We have on site workshops offering anything from minor adjustments to full overhauls and bespoke keywork.
- Our instrument rental scheme offers many beginners their first affordable access to woodwind instruments, particularly with double reeds.
- Our own range of junior instruments is aimed at starting younger children on their journeys earlier than conventional instruments allow.
- We also offer masterclasses and workshops with visiting artists in store from time to time and of course have an extensive range of sheet music and accessories, including specialist reed making equipment,
What’s your favourite item for sale in the shop right now?
It changes every week, but at the moment it’s probably the antique finish Puchner sat in our display cabinet, it plays exquisitely but also looks amazing as well. I’ll be very jealous of whoever decides to buy it!
Name a favourite piece of music (From any genre you like, absolutely no judgement!)
I can’t remember the last time I got to pick what I want to listen to rather than just listening to the radio, or everyone else’s choice but probably something from the 80’s. It’s running joke working in an oboe shop that my least favourite piece is definitely Gabriel’s oboe!
Do you get involved in your local community? If so, how?
Marylebone has a very close-knit village feel and colleagues recently participated in the Marylebone festival offering instrument taster sessions in a marquee on a Sunday afternoon. We often sponsor events and encourage music at the local schools. Being in central London we are very near to the conservatoires and regularly sponsor events with them as well. With Howarth having such an international clientele our sense of community quite wide, having friends all over the globe!
Visit Howarths at:
www.howarthlondon.com
Howarth of London
31 Chiltern Street
London
W1U 7PNOr follow on:
Photography by Olivia Wild -
Feb 22 2018 
Offering interest-free loans online improved sales
As many of our retailers are considering integrating online sales into their websites, here we share some insights from David Bamford, Managing Director of Symphony Music & Technology Centre
Former musician, David Bamford and Michelle Mosley-Bamford, opened Symphony Music in Ashton-in Makerfield 11 years ago. It is now a thriving business based in Wigan. They have offered Take it away interest-free finance for years and recently integrated the loan software into their website.
The shop prides itself on it’s face to face customer advice and service but recognised that customers also need to buy online.
When you enter their shop you find three floors of instruments, including over 400 guitars. David believes that the experience of being in-store, holding and trying out an instrument to find the right one is really important. “It’s a far better way of making sure you’re getting something appropriate”.
Introduction of eCommerce software
They have recently invested in integrating the Omni Capital Retailer software with their website. He has found that it’s made a significant difference to their sales. He says, “We use Omni for all our finance, even for non-eligible customers; I like their system and their rates are good”. They now sell both new and second-hand musical instruments in store and online.
Symphony Music won a Take it away Retailer of the Year Award shortly after they had opened. The award meant national exposure for the business, and according to David “it put us on the map”.
Symphony Music has continued to win awards, in 2016 they won ‘Best Small Music Retailer’.
Customers are remembered and valued, returning customers represent the majority of sales. David advises customers to “treat the purchase as if they’re making an investment. It’s about investing in the pursuit of music.”
“Take it away was very influential, it helped get us on the map, especially in the first few years. We started around the same time; we’ve almost grown up together and certainly in the last year or two it’s become a big part of the business"
For more information about Symphony Music, please visit their website.
