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In the south-east probably the biggest shocks were the loss of Chandlers and Kingfisher Music, both of which were of huge importance when Andertons was still a small back-street shop.
I spent a fair old whack in those shops over the years, bought loads of guitars, amps and countless strings/extras. Coda is still in Stevenage but it's just too much hassle going over there most of the time.
i usually just go a bit further and go to Coda anyway.
Coda's the one I'm most likely to travel to now, although I've been to Guitar Village, Andertons, GuitarGuitar Epsom, Charlie Chandler's. I have some friends who live really close to Peach's old premises but I never went there. When they were still around I went to Chandlers, Coda Luton, Machinehead… all reasonably accessible by train (I don't drive).
My main place for actually buying stuff was probably Peter Cook's, I used to study those small-print full-page adverts they had, looking for bargains, then head up to Hanwell.
soundcloud.com/thecolourbox-1
youtube.com/@TheColourboxMusic
Wavelength sells mid range to cheaper end stuff, has been there for years though and has a sort of "cult status". Has the odd decent used higher end Fender, Gibson etc.
Wizard Music sells Second Hand gear from Fender, Gibson and some cheaper stuff like Vintage and Revelation. Has some Supro amps, but rest of range is cheaper stuff. From what I've heard, they don't have the greatest customer service skills or endear themselves to potential buyers.
Musicland.
In order of shitness.
Peach isnt far, and theres a little place in Leigh on Sea which I forget the name of. But in Southend which isnt much further theres another Pmt.
So locally you're sorted for Fenders and Gibsons.
Pmt don't often seem to keep more than 1 of each in stock, so its limited that way.
I've more often than not just made the trip to Andertons which is about an hour 40 if theres light traffic, including finding parking and a pit stop.
Then again I usually want what shops wouldnt keep in, because its not popular. Esp's etc. Even Andertons can be pretty thin on em, but at least their warehouse is close.
I've driven to Gak before now to pick a guitar up. About a 2hr drive there.
One other thing to note, is distance selling regs.
Its much less of a risk to buy online, get it within 24 hours and have a guaranteed refund if you dont like it.
Andertons return policy is great, even in store, though I've had to point out the fact it states 'refund' for 'unwanted' items (subject to criteria) to a member of staff who refused to give an exchange (thats all I wanted) on a 1 day old Boss pedal because 'people treat them like a pedal rental store'.
They did refund it based on their policy, then I bought the other one.
Did piss me off a little though.. I mean why offer it then complain when people make use of it.. not to mention they have my 'account' which shows I havent bought and returned previous stuff, and can also see my home delivery address on there.. as if I'd bother driving a 3 hour round trip, pay £5 for the QE2 bridge, just to abuse a return policy, which I could have done for much cheaper using distance selling regs by buying on their website..
But I digress. They are still my favourite and most helpful place. I've had one crappy experience and several really good ones, the latest Ibanez fiasco for example. A straight swap in and out.
https://www.trevadamusic.co.uk/
Volume One in Shanklin has a very interesting mix of used guitars .
Music de Capo in Newport has a limited selection of new cheapie guitars .
Fat Willy's guitar shop in Cowes has a pretty good selection , Roland the owner makes sure all the guitars are well set up and tuned and gets some really interesting stuff .
If you want to scratch the Fender / Gibson itch , a trip to Southampton is required.
We have had a few guitar/shops come and go but for shops serving such a small town choice is always going to be limited and with the internet stores offering everything you can think of at bargain prices it’s hard to compete. I just got a great deal at Andertons online and using the internet you can track down real rarities , slime green charvel, yellow Jackson’s , pink Ibanez , slash signature Les paul’s , joe perry signatures etc .
i think a second hand dealer is the way to go now selling decent second hand guitars amps fx etc.
www.treeoflifeguitars.co.uk
Dainty