Something Good Made in England !

Now that we’re so used to the high quality of some of the stringed instruments coming from China, it came as a surprise to find decent hand-made violins made in England for less than one might expect.

The Wessex Violin Co. aims to offer young musicians going to University or Conservatoire the opportunity to own a handmade modern interpretation of the English school of Violin making. The company is building on a tradition of English workshop craftsmanship, lost since the middle of the last century, and reinvigorated by the excellent tradition of the Newark school.

The instruments are made to the highest standards using Balkan maple and Bavarian spruce, and they are finished with a traditional chestnut-brown oil-based varnish that is intended to recreate the look of the great English makers Kennedy and Hill.

We have a pair in stock at the moment. They would be eligible for the Take it Away scheme if purchased for a young person under the age of 18.

Wrap Up a Piano !

This Christmas we are offering a limited number of Casio Privia PX-730 Digital Pianos at an incredible 32% off the list price ! Down from £729.99 to £499.99 (that's five hundred quid in retail-speak) it's also eligible for the Take-it Away scheme if purchased on behalf of someone under 18.

The PX-730 is a full size, 88 key piano, with scaled hammer action for a great feel, and something called "Linear Morphing AIF" which makes it sound terrific. In fact there's a lot of techno-speak to be had with this particular piano, but like most people, I'm not really interested. It just sounds really good, and plays really well.

It's finished in a stylish and compact matt black which will look great in practically any decor. Santa may have a problem negotiating the chimney with it, but don't worry, we deliver for free within 50 miles!

A Serious Bargain for a Serious Cellist

We've just received into stock an Eastman Young Master Cello. A handsome instrument in very fine tonewoods, looking just like an eighteenth century masterpiece, with a glorious sound to match. Strung with Larsen strings, it retails at £1990.

No, it's not cheap, but for one (only!) lucky buyer, that price will include an LG Chen Wood-veneered carbon-fibre bow, and a superb K2 Carbon-fibre case in the most incredible iridescent finish, making a combined total retail value of £3176 - so a total saving of £1186 !

And if it's bought for an under-18, it can go on the Take-it-Away scheme !

Is that a stampede I hear in the distance..............?

Free Money for Young Musicians

We've just had the wonderful news that the TAKE IT AWAY scheme - for the interest-free purchase of musical instruments - is to be re-introduced for the parents and guardians of musicians under 18 years old.

This is fantastic news for the parents of young players considering investing in a decent instrument. They will be able to buy more or less any instrument over £100 with a 10% deposit, and nine monthly instalments of the same amount. Saxophones, Flutes, Guitars, Drum Kits, Pianos - they're all eligible.

We have most of the details already, and the new scheme is set to go live tomorrow, October 21st (Trafalgar Day, for those who still care about such things)

The whole application process happens in the shop, using our online application facility, and normally takes only a few minutes.

It's a great victory for musical instrument buyers - come and take advantage !

Grab it before it's Taken Away !!

This is the last month of the Arts Council's Take it Away scheme in its present form. If you didn't know, the scheme is to help with the purchase of musical instruments up to £2000. Nine months interest free credit, a brilliant, easy scheme, open to more or less anyone solvent.

With the cuts to their budget, last November the Arts Council announced the scheme would change at the end of March. From April, it will be restricted to those in at least 16 hours employment per week, aged between 18 and 25. Specifically excluded will be parents buying instruments for their children to learn on. Some people say it's harsh. I think its b****y stupid, and will deprive a lot of would-be players of a decent instrument to learn on.

The Henley Report into Music Education, published last month, specifically recommended that Take it Away should be used to provide instruments for children learning to play. A great pity that they didn't notice that the Arts Council was saying precisely the opposite two months earlier.

Anyway, the point of this rant is to alert you to your last chance to buy a musical instrument with up to £2000 worth of interest free credit provided by the government. Even if you're only mildly interested, give John or Erin a ring on 0800 06 800 49.

Don't leave it too late!