Andertons

[neckradius]

Question for UK members- how big is Andertons? I don't mean physically, I mean in terms of marketplace. I gather the UK doesn't have an equivalent of Guitar Center, i.e., a national chain with stores all over the country? Canada has Long & McQuade which I gather is a chain with multiple locations throughout Canada. From their youtube presence, I get the sense that Andertons is pretty big, but I don't know if that means big in Guilford, big in the greater London metro area or big nationwide. Put it this way- how far would someone drive from to shop at Andertons? Just curious. I like the videos.

 

[dobrojoe]

Andertons have only a single shop and a warehouse in Guilford. I have always had a good service from them, including returns. Their YouTube videos must bring in a lot of mail order business. They claim to have multi-millions pounds worth of stock, and I believe it.

 

[the_lyall]

I've visited them - they only have one store and physically it isn't that big (though it does have a good range on display!). I drove to the shop and bought an amp from them, but I've also bought several bits from them online (most recently the effects pedal that arrived yesterday!) and I've sent them several questions and always received prompt and helpful replies.

Compared to an American chain they are TINY. But I long for the day that they (or GAK) have stores all over the UK

Took me a couple of hours to drive there

 

[neckradius]

What's the overall lay of the land in the UK regarding the retail music business? Are GAK and Dawson's also single stores? Is there a typical go to place to get an off the rack MIM tele?

 

[tecelaster]

Guitar Guitar are a chain and have 6 stores across the UK and 1 in Belgium. Their internet sales are pretty big, I'd guess. I've only been in the Glasgow store - they have a fair range of Teles and have some CS models too. Bought a T and a Gretsch there.

 

[Blue]

Last time I was there they said

 

[VintageSG]

Dawsons is a small chain, GAK is a single store ( I think ). We have PMT! ( Professional Music Technology ) who are in 15 locations in England and Wales. A competitor for Andertons is Gear4Music in York. We're well served.

 

[rogb]

I've bought from most of them online, and they have all been good. GAK probably the best for after-sales care. Anderton's close behind. Dawson's, PM, Peach, Gear4Music, HotRox and GuitarGuitar have all been OK to deal with.
The worst is eBay sellers - grrrr!

 

[rogb]

Guitar Guitar are a chain and have 6 stores across the UK and 1 in Belgium. Their internet sales are pretty big, I'd guess. I've only been in the Glasgow store - they have a fair range of Teles and have some CS models too. Bought a T and a Gretsch there.

If you're ever down here on an AwayDay, check out the GuitarGuitar Camden store, loads of very high-end gear to ogle and try. Met some interesting customers in there too, and chatted for way too long!

 

[radiocaster]

I've bought from most of them online, and they have all been good. GAK probably the best for after-sales care. Anderton's close behind. Dawson's, PM, Peach, Gear4Music, HotRox and GuitarGuitar have all been OK to deal with.
The worst is eBay sellers - grrrr!

I've never bought anything from any of those except Hot Rox, but that one is more like a pedal dealer with a few extra items.

The thing about Anderton's is that they don't seem to have that many exclusive items, mostly gear you can get at numerous other dealers.

I see the online selection at Dawson's, GAK, DV247, Gear4Music, etc. to be much better with more brands, or at least more items that interest me.

 

[Jay_Bee_GB]

I lived in the Guildford area during my twenties. Andertons was then a small guitar shop (we distinguish between shop and store) in a side street. They had two significant competitors in the region but it is a relatively well-heeled part of England so all enjoyed good trade. Andertons grew but they were little known outside of that region. Then the online trading phenomenon arrived. Andertons were quick to see the opportunities and soon established a strong online presence. They left their two local competitors behind - one failed totally and the other has a relatively low-key online presence. Whilst still having a single sales premises, by now much larger, Andertons became a major British name in guitar and amp sales and they continue to grow in sales and reputation. They deserve their success and in my experience they are good people to buy from.

As others have said, there are very few chains of guitar stores in the UK. Apart from those already mentioned there is Hobgoblin Music which has outlets across the country and specialises in folk music instruments including guitars, mostly inexpensive.

Off the rack MIM Fenders are sold everywhere, in fact Fenders are everywhere. It is only their Custom Shop guitars that might need a longer journey from home. It's also not difficult to find Gibson, Gretsch and PRS guitars within easy driving. Stores like Coda, Peach and World Guitars carry up-market 'boutique' gear.

Few chains but lots of choice.

 

[dobrojoe]

When I worked in Central London, Denmark Place was the place to go. It was once the home of music publishing (Tin Pan Alley) but the guitar shops moved from Charring Cross Road into Denmark Street. Almost every building is now a guitar or musical instrument store. There is very little that you won't find there from vintage to modern. Although all the shops have separate identities, I think that a lot of them are owned by the same people and use a common store room. If you want a particular model that is not in stock in any shop, the sales assistant will 'nip next door' and come back with it. I've spent a lot of money in Denmark Street in my 40 years in London. It is more expensive than the mail order dealers, but you get to try the actual guitar you are buying in an amp that you are likely to have and that is worth a bit more. I have had bad experiences of buying guitars (and synths) online. Rob and Chappers tell you how good everything is but I've had to send stuff back a couple of times. I am a two hour train ride from London now. Apart from Denmark Street, I don't miss it.

 

[neckradius]

I lived in the Guildford area during my twenties. Andertons was then a small guitar shop (we distinguish between shop and store) in a side street. They had two significant competitors in the region but it is a relatively well-heeled part of England so all enjoyed good trade. Andertons grew but they were little known outside of that region. Then the online trading phenomenon arrived. Andertons were quick to see the opportunities and soon established a strong online presence. They left their two local competitors behind - one failed totally and the other has a relatively low-key online presence. Whilst still having a single sales premises, by now much larger, Andertons became a major British name in guitar and amp sales and they continue to grow in sales and reputation. They deserve their success and in my experience they are good people to buy from.

As others have said, there are very few chains of guitar stores in the UK. Apart from those already mentioned there is Hobgoblin Music which has outlets across the country and specialises in folk music instruments including guitars, mostly inexpensive.

Off the rack MIM Fenders are sold everywhere, in fact Fenders are everywhere. It is only their Custom Shop guitars that might need a longer journey from home. It's also not difficult to find Gibson, Gretsch and PRS guitars within easy driving. Stores like Coda, Peach and World Guitars carry up-market 'boutique' gear.

Few chains but lots of choice.

Interesting. For the most part in the U.S., its hard to find new off the rack production model fenders in the smaller stores. Apparently, they require the dealers to buy more than most of the small shops could sustain.

 

[Guitarteach]

Guitar Guitar has a handful of stores and good stocks of the better gear. Boogies, Suhr, CS guitars, etc.

PMT is the closest experience in UK to Guitar Center IME though.

I've never been to Andertons or bought from them. A single store that is a long way away from me but they do punch above their weight online.

GAK in Brighton is nice when I'm there but quite a small store.

I've bought lots in Denmark Street and the old Chandlers store in Kew in the past. But the old Denmark Street is dying now with the redevelopment of the area. I worked there many years ago.

There are still a few small independent music shops around in the provinces where I pick up the majority of my day to day stuff. I don't buy guitars online.

There is also a nice street full of guitar stores in Paris, (quick trip on the Eurostar train from London), near Montemarte that is nice to browse. Might spot more Vigier guitars there too

 

[elKZacha]

Andertons are pretty few and far between in the UK, but it's forgivable as their service and passion is phenomenal for a business

 

[Plumber]

Denmark Street is pretty much dead now

Andertons are good and getting better, GUITARGUITAR is similar without the youtube presense

GAK I just don't like the store or the people. PMT are fine

Given the choice Coda Music gets my money every time - small store but top of the range stock, lovely people, and building a relationship with them has made my returns a none issue

As mentioned above Paris has a lot of stores in the same area but other than it being a fun hour window shopping I don't strain to go there anymore, I find the shop keepers to be extremely rude. That's as someone who loves the French and their beautiful country

 

[the_lyall]

I ordered some pickups from Hot Rox and I've bought things from Coda Music recently too, all delivered quickly with good service.

My amp came from GAK and I've recently been talking to Andertons support about an out of stock order and they're always fast and helpful. GAK is also quick to reply to any questions too, but I've never been there in person.

All the major players seem to be putting in the effort in terms of service it seems, at least online even if they don't have great people skills in person. I used to love Sound Control in Glasgow (they were a national chain) but I don't think they're around anymore.

 

[beagle]

I used to love Sound Control in Glasgow (they were a national chain) but I don't think they're around anymore.

They went into administration in 2008. The local one here was bought out (by the management I think) but it didn't last very long after that.

 

[Tonemonkey]

Last time I was there they said

Where?!

Who?!

What?!

What did they say?! [emoji33]

 

[Tonemonkey]

Big +1 for Coda who have/ had 2 stores Stevenage area. Also have had good service from Vintage and Rare in/by Denmark St, now in Bath.