Regularly rmmga feature enquiries from all kinds of people wanting to learn more about buying steel string guitars in the UK. While I don't claim any particular expertise I've put together some ideas and some links which might help, whether your based here in the UK or looking forward to visiting for a while.
The UK boasts a number of excellent guitar stores which carry an increasingly wide range of USA guitars as well as championing local luthiers — although we could do with more of this in all honesty. These days it is possible to find examples of many of the US makes which we here so much about on rmmga or in Acoustic Guitar. But don't forget hand made instruments; Britain is now home to some of the most talented steel string guitar makers in the world!
London
Rather conveniently most of the best guitar shops in London are clustered near the Charing Cross Road. It's very easy to spend a rather pleasant afternoon falling out of one store and into another.
Hank's now proclaims itself to be the largest acoustic store in the UK. This certainly is a large store with an extensive range of manufactureres and models. A recent visit saw Hank's with a big collection of Martins and Taylors, Santa Cruz and Lowdens. Here you will also find smaller UK manufactureres such as Andy Manson and Brook Guitars.
The House of Guitars, Brune Street nr. Liverpool Street Station
A new store this which incorporates the Acoustic Wharehouse. A big, modern and hairy showroom with a big range of Martin, Taylor and other quality acoustics. Well worth a visit. Nice staff.
Andy's Guitars, Denmark Street
My favourite place in London. This ramshackle building is a London institution; electrics downstairs and acoustics up one of the most dodgy staircases you could ever find. Andy's concentrates on second hand and vintage instruments, although you will find new guitars as well. Ancient Martins, Gibsons, Nationals often sit side by side next to offerings from UK luthiers. The staff here a brilliant and friendly and more than happy for you to play their instruments.
Two of the best guitars I've ever played were at Andy's. One was a Gibson J45 about 20 years ago (why didn't I buy it!). The other was Collings OM (spruce and Mahogany) instrument that I played earlier this year. Mind blowing, ming you it cost about £3K!
Rose Morris
A multi-floor store also in Denmark Street. RM sells everything from PAs to keyboards and guitars. This is the best place in London for Taylor guitars.
Ivor Mairant's, off Oxford Street
Famous and long established London guitar dealer. You can sometimes find amazing guitars in here. A couple of years ago I almost broke the bank to acquire a Froggy Bottom spruce/mahogany instrument, which was the best ragtime guitar I've ever heard. A good range of quality guitars. A recent visit saw the store with instruments from Breedlove, Brook and Froiggy Bottom.
Birmingham
City Music, Livery Street
Finally, I can’t leave this without giving a mention to City Music who have sold me both of my current guitars and look after them, and me, rather well —certainly well beyond the call of duty.
These days City Music specialise in PA’s but guitars of the first
love of Graham and his gang. Currently they’re selling new Santa
Cruz guitars but often deal in Taylor, Larrivee as well as carrying UK
Fylde’s and occasionally smaller luthiers,
