Learning to play an instrument can be a great way to find another outlet for expression. An important step in the process is finding the one that best suits your skill level and preferences.
So whether you’re looking to buy your first instrument or want to upgrade your current one, we listed down the best music stores in Dublin that are perfect for all of your needs!
How much do musical instruments and accessories cost?
Factors that affect the price of musical instruments and accessories include, the type, brand, and quality.
Under the quality factor, different brands can vary in the material they use as well as the craftsmanship poured into it.
In the table below, we listed down price estimates of different instruments and accessories.
Top Music Stores in Dublin
We assessed the music stores based on the following criteria:
1. Gandharva Loka
| Range | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Instruments | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| • Accessories and additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Purchasing process | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Delivery | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Customer experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Overall satisfaction | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Gandharva Loka’s selection alone makes it a unique music store definitely worth visiting. This establishment runs deep, drawing inspiration from renowned musician Sri Chimnoy.
During his peace concerts, Sri Chimnoy played a great variety of different musical instruments around the world. This is reflected by Ghandarva Loka’s standout selection.
What we like about them is that their team has great knowledge in playing distinct types of instruments. This makes it very convenient visiting their services in-store, especially for beginners,
We highly recommend checking out their website for more info especially if you’re looking for specific advice. They can help you select the right brand and type of instrument for you.
Now, while this may not be the best place for those looking for a wide range in modern musical instruments, we really like the amount of choices they have for each category.
For example, their sound therapy section features instruments from chimes to gongs and even crystal instruments. On the other hand, their strings section carries different options for guitars, ukuleles as well as mandolin and folk strings.
If you play more traditional or world musical instruments, they are definitely your best bet in finding the corresponding accessories.
What we also greatly appreciate is that they offer World Music Academy for those seeking to learn more through workshops and classes. It makes availing their services even more worthwhile.
For prospective musicians looking for more traditional and world instruments, we highly recommend checking out Gandharva Loka’s excellent services.
Pros
- Excellent selection of accessories
- Carry a wide variety of traditional and world instruments
- Very helpful and knowledgeable staff
- Offer World Music Academy for learning
Cons
- Less modern options
- Specialized types of goods cost additional in shipping
Customer Reviews
Quality Music Instruments, Very Knowledgeable
Amazing place to start your passion for music and keep going by getting quality music instrument.. Best place in Dublin with staff like simon who has lot of knowledge about music …They even helped us make a replacement successfully.😁. I bought this acoustic guitar for my friend birthday – Shyni Santhi
Amazing Selection of World Music Instruments
Incredible choice of world music instruments. They have brought together the most interesting, eclectic pieces from the far flung corners of the globe that create music to stir your soul. Absolutely fantastic staff, very knowledgeable and helpful. They encourage you to enquire and try out the instruments. They run workshops, a music school and concerts. Beautiful peaceful vibe. Even if you never play an instrument, just go in and be enchanted ! – Patricia Gorey
2. Waltons Music
| Range | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Instruments | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Accessories and additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Purchasing process | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Delivery | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Customer experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Overall satisfaction | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| • Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
With a wide selection of brands and constantly updated equipment to choose from, Waltons is an excellent music store to visit if you’re looking for a variety of options.
They’ve definitely come a long way since the 1920s, now carrying multiple brands like Casio, Dunlop, Gibson and many more. What we really like about them is that they make sure to constantly update the stock that they’re carrying.
For example, they have the ZOOM ZHA-4 4 Channel Headphone Amp, used for splitting headphone output into four separate headphone jacks. So if you’re looking for the newest and latest equipment and options, you may want to pay them a visit.
We find this shop to be very impressive in terms of options per category. Aside from their guitar range, Waltons’ brass and wind instruments section carries choices for clarinets, harmonicas and even trumpets.
Their delivery services are also quite flexible if no recipient is present to receive packages. However, keep in mind that any damages or shortages made in transit have to be communicated within 24 hours.
Waltons also has a school called the Waltons New School of Music which is located in Dublin City Centre. The instructors are very friendly and knowledgeable in teaching and they come very highly recommended according to numerous testimonials.
All in all, Waltons makes such a great place to visit if you’re looking for a variety of options in instruments and equipment that are constantly updated.
Pros
- Waltons New School of Music
- Constantly updating and adding newest equipment and instruments
- Flexible delivery reception
- Very wide range of instruments and accessories
Cons
- PO box delivery not available
- 24 hour constraint for reporting shortages and damages
Customer Reviews
Lovely Staff, Excellent Price Range
Go in here and ask for Darragh, he’s a legend. Amazing place, genuinely lovely and helpful staff. I couldn’t recommend it more. Prices to suit all budgets too. Well worth a trip. – Eily Coghlan
Wide and Impressive Selection
This shop is amazing: it seems to sell everything a musician would ever need, regardless of their specialty. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The choice is very wide, but being able to try a large variety of instruments makes spending time there worthwhile and very enjoyable! Thank you for the great experience! – Philippe Schoenhenz
3. XMusic
| Range | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Instruments | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Accessories and additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Purchasing process | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Delivery | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Customer experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Overall satisfaction | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| • Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Located at the Red Cow Retail Centre, XMusic is surely the place to go to if you’re looking for a wide selection housed in a high quality in-store experience.
They carry an updated selection of various instruments from a wide array of brands, from drums to keyboards to even PA products.
We highly recommend checking out their products in-store as this can offer customers additional perks that they wouldn’t be able to get online. They’re housed in a very large space with multiple floors offering free wi-fi and coffee as well.
If you’re looking to purchase instruments in person, we really like the attention to detail in experience that XMusic offers. Aside from this, what makes them an excellent choice is that they have knowledgeable staff, dubbed Xperts, who can help you out.
Their selection as mentioned before is very impressive but we would like to highlight a range of certain categories that not many other stores have as wide of a scope as them.
If you’re looking for studio accessories and equipment as well as cables and PA systems, we were very impressed with the range that they offer.
In terms of their shipping policies, we do like that they have free shipping for orders totalling €199 and above. However, take note that this does not apply to all products, like digital pianos for example as they do charge additional costs in certain instances.
Whatever the case, if you’re looking for a music store that has all the ingredients for an excellent in-store buying experience, we highly propose checking out XMusic.
Pros
- Great ambiance and very convenient in-store features
- Accommodate buy now pay later payment option with Humm
- Excellent selection of product categories for studio, microphones and cables
- Expert knowledge and advice available
Cons
- Specific conditions for applications for Humm payment
- Free shipping of items over €199 does not apply to all products
Customer Reviews
Amazing Customer Experience
Can’t rate this place highly enough! I had an amazing customer experience. The staff are so friendly and helpful. I bought an electric drum set & Liam took the time to answer every question I had in detail & gave me lots of time to explain everything. Great selection of music equipment here also. Highly recommend coming to this store! -Rebecca McCann
Helpful and Patient Staff, Fast Delivery
I recently bought a Roland piano from this store and found the staff extremely helpful and patient, Steve in particular was very patient with my many questions and queries regarding the purchase. There was also very fast delivery to Kerry. Overall I am delighted with the piano and I would recommend XMusic to anyone seeking a new piano 🙂 – Amy O’Sullivan
4. Some Neck Guitars
| Range | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Instruments | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| • Accessories and additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Purchasing process | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Delivery | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Overall satisfaction | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
If you’re looking for a top-to-bottom store on all things guitars, Some Neck Guitars is superb when it comes to both their selection of products and services.
From vintage to more modern models, customers will really appreciate the dedication they have to becoming a convenient one-stop-shop for all guitar players’ needs.
We also really like that they have over ten years of experience in helping both hobbyists and pro players. No matter what level of player you are, you can be assured that they can provide you indispensable assistance and advice.
They carry quite the assortment of different guitar categories, from bass to electric to acoustic. We were very impressed by the range of styles and makes because they are official dealers of brands like Kithara, Benson and Tonerider.
Customers will also really enjoy that they have a great range of supportive equipment and accessories, making shopping there even more convenient. They carry things like amps, effects pedals, and even straps with various designs.
Keep in mind however, that some of their options do tend to get pricey so it would be best to check their online stock in advance.
To compensate for this, we really like that Some Neck Guitars accepts deposits for reservations as well as trade-ins and sales to purchase guitars. It’s really great that they have these more flexible features.
Lastly, they’re very experienced when it comes to repairs and restorations whether it be for set up or modification.
Truly, Some Neck Guitars is a top choice if you’re looking for a store that has got you covered on everything guitarists need.
Pros
- Offer repair and restoration services
- Extensive range of different guitars to choose from
- Also has a great selection of accessories, strings and pickups
- Accept trade ins for guitars
Cons
- Selection has some very pricey options
- Repair services can become fully booked
Customer Reviews
Best Guitar Shop in Ireland
Best guitar shop in Ireland if not the World. Great vibe, great staff and some great and rare guitars. Bought my Epiphone J200 Elite “Made in Japan” off the guys and now my love runs deep with this guitar. Well worth the visit if you in from out of town. – Michael Ferry
Couldn’t Have Been More Helpful
I always keep an eye on what’s in stock in and call in now and again to look. Last week I saw an acoustic that caught my eye online during evening. Gave them a call the next morning they gave me some more info on the item. Swung into the shop on lunch break, they couldn’t have been more helpful while I tried and bought the guitar. It’s a treat to have a have such a great shop nearby proving supporting local is worth it! Thanks – Colin Murphy
5. Musicmaker
| Range | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Instruments | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| • Accessories and additional services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Purchasing process | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
| Delivery | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Customer experience | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Overall satisfaction | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| • Customer service | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Founded in 1981, Musicmaker has a longstanding history of providing all types of musicians with a quality selection of instruments, services and equipment.
Their store space is very impressive spanning over three floors with dedicated spaces for each type of instrument. These include the Guitar Foyer and the Drumgeon Drum Department where a lot of notable drummers have visited before.
It’s definitely worth the visit alone for its history and label as a mainstay in the Irish Rock Music Industry.
Moreover, we like that they have unique offerings especially for beginners and drummers. They have a dedicated section specifically for starter packs and beginner guitars.
Aside from this, we were also very impressed by their array of other instruments and equipment. This includes drum acoustic kits and parts as well as their keys and synths categories.
We find their delivery terms and process to be very efficient and affordable with orders over €10 having free shipping. However, if you are thinking about returning a product, we highly advise consulting them first because these need to meet certain conditions.
In the end, Musicmaker makes a great option if you’re looking for a store with a lot of background, options and know-how when it comes to different types of instruments.
Pros
- Uniquely offer starter packs perfect for beginners
- Have restring, repairs and services for guitars
- Solid selection of other instruments
- Delivery is affordable and efficient
Cons
- No refund for items on sale
- Returns policy for products can be quite strict
Customer Reviews
Professional, Knowledgeable, Helpful Staff
We were in Dublin for a weekend away two weeks ago and we wandered into this gorgeous shop!. I had been looking for a new guitar for a while now as I become more experienced as a player and I came across a Devine Sigma GME for €329 (which is a steal for the quality!) . The staff were amazing – they were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. We asked them could it be shipped down to Cork and they were so accommodating. Ordered on Saturday morning , came Tuesday first thing. 100% will be using this place again. 10/10 – Michael Murphy
Amazing Customer Service
Ordered a small order online. My payment type was acting a bit weird and didn’t go through but MM got in touch instantly and offered to call me straight away to sort it. They let me know the pack of picks I ordered wasn’t in stock but they’d refund me. They still went ahead and threw 12 MM picks of the same size in an envelope in the package. That’s the kinda customer service local gets you! Well done MM! – Jordan McGovern
FAQs about Music Stores and Musical Instruments
Learning a new instrument can be challenging and so finding the right music store for you is an important thing to consider. We hope our list helps out and we also recommend reading our article on the top bars in Galway.