When it comes to the range and choice of musical instruments, equipment and accessories, musicians in Ireland today are extremely well-served. Record shops may have been in decline in recent years, as sales of music continue to dip. However the same cannot be said of some key musical instrument retailers. There is a healthy numbers of outlets selling guitars, drums, keyboards, home-recording equipment and accessories – in other words, the tools of the trade of the working musician. This reflects the healthy state of the live music scene and attests to the enduring popularity of playing music for its own sake. The fact that stronger independent local musical instrument shops continue to thrive in the face of online competition from abroad is all the more remarkable. It is undoubtedly an affirmation of the advantages of buying in “real-time”, as opposed to going down the foreign route.

But choice comes with its own dilemmas and the sheer range of instruments, brands, models and prices on offer can be bewildering for the first time buyer or even for the more seasoned customer. That’s where the bricks-and-mortar music shops truly win over purchasing abroad every time. The option of being able to stroll into your local friendly musical instrument emporium and to try out your instrument of choice before you commit to buying simply can’t be replicated online. Added to that, having the instantly available advice and assistance of a knowledgeable sales-person (usually a musician) is an invaluable service and ensures the potential purchaser is happy with their final choice.
Furthermore even if buying online from abroad might, on the face of it, sometimes appear the cheaper option, what happens when things go wrong or if you’ve changed your mind? Shipping your guitar, keyboard or amplifier back for repairs, servicing or exchange can be an expensive and cumbersome business with frustrating delays. Far easier, if you’ve a problem, to drop back to your local supplier, who will be only too willing to help you put things right.
One such establishment that continues to serve the local musician is Goodwins Musical Instruments. In the heart of Dublin city at 134 Capel St, it is a short stroll from the Liffey Quays. Goodwins have been selling musical instruments at this location for over 50 years. In that time the store has built a proud reputation for friendly and efficient service. Goodwins stocks every imaginable instrument, including the full range of electric, acoustic and classical guitars, bass guitars, keyboards and pianos as well as folk/traditional instruments such as violins, banjos, mandolins, bouzoukis etc.
Among the well-known brands in house are Fender, Martin, Takamine, Yamaha, Sigma, Gretsch, Squier, Tanglewood, Freshman, Roland, Marshall, M Audio, Zoom and much more. They also do a range of FX pedals and accessories such as strings, tuners, cases, cables, Digital Recording Equipment, music tutors and DVDs.
With a dedicated and helpful staff, all of whom know and love music, Goodwins cater for all levels, from young aspiring musicians to professionals – and everyone in between. They will not only offer advice and demonstrations but answer any questions you may have. You can go to goodwinsmusic.ie to ensure competitive prices and drop into the Capel St. store to try out the gear.
Another popular musical instrument outlet is Monastery Music, which opened in Clondalkin village in west Dublin in 2004. Its goal was to provide a complete service for musicians, from selling instruments and accessories, to repairing or restoring an old favourite. The shop has a fully equipped on-site repair workshop and, with 28 years experience in instrument repair, you are sure to get the best advice and keenest prices.
Instruments are assessed free of charge. All new instruments bought from the shop are fully set-up as part of the price.
Monastery Music strive to give good advice about how to improve your musicianship as well as providing pointers on the best purchases. The internet, whilst a good source for purchasing certain goods, does not always come up to the mark when it comes to sound, solid advice and service. Monastery Music guarantees this on everything bought in their store.
They offer high-end handmade instruments such as Fylde and Lakewood guitars and they also ensure that entry level and mid-range instruments are of the best possible quality, giving the customer the best chance to express themselves musically. In addition they offer advice on music lessons and where to contact the best teachers for entry and intermediate level students.
Along with suppliers of well known international brand names, Ireland is lucky to have a healthy instrument-making industry – usually one-man or one-woman operations dedicated to the craft of making bespoke, quality instruments.
From a family steeped in music since 1890, Paul Doyle has been making high-quality, hand-crafted musical instruments for over 30 years. Based in Galway, Paul specialises in individual styles of harp, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and mandola (among others) and supplies customers throughout the world. He is, in fact, the third generation of instrument makers from this family. These days he concentrates on mandolin and guitar and also runs a school of instrument-making. Paul stocks a unique collection of specialty antique and early instruments. For the full range of instrument designs including videos see pauldoyleinstruments.com

5 TOP TIPS FOR GUITARISTS:

* Always have a spare set of strings to hand. You never know when one is going to snap. And you can never have enough plectrums either. For acoustics, it’s no harm to have a few spare bridge pins as well, as they can break without warning.
* Stick to one or two main instruments (a favourite electric and acoustic perhaps?) and get to know them inside out – rather than being a jack of all trades and master of… well you know the rest!
* If you’re doing a lot of moving about on stage – make sure your guitar strap is fastened tightly (look what happened to Eric Clapton in The Last Waltz!)
* Keep it simple – avoid using too much electronic or digital processing and keep the numbers of effects (FX) pedals on the floor in front of you to a minimum.
* There’s no excuse for being out of tune. Tune regularly before and during your performance – but do it discreetly, as it can be distracting for an audience!