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Guitar Guitar Explained: Features, Types and Tips

Guitar Guitar is one of the UK's largest specialist guitar retailers, with multiple stores and a wide online range covering new and secondhand instruments across all budgets.

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Guitar Guitar Explained: Features, Types and Tips

What Guitar Guitar Is

Guitar Guitar is one of the UK's largest dedicated guitar retailers, with physical stores in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Epsom and Newcastle, alongside a substantial online operation. The chain focuses exclusively on stringed instruments and their associated equipment — guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and recording gear. Unlike general music shops that stock a broad range of instruments, the retailer concentrates on guitars and the surrounding ecosystem, which shapes both the breadth of their range and the depth of staff knowledge.

The chain is aimed at guitarists across all levels — from complete beginners looking for a first electric guitar to professional players sourcing boutique amplifiers or rare secondhand instruments. The range spans entry-level packages through to professional and collector-grade pieces.

What the Chain Stocks

The product range covers electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, strings, straps, cases, pickups and a wide variety of accessories. New stock includes instruments from most of the major brands in the market — Fender, Gibson, PRS, Martin, Taylor, Gretsch, Epiphone, Squier, Yamaha and many others sit alongside boutique and specialist makers.

The secondhand and used section is one of the features that distinguishes the chain from purely new-stock retailers. Used instruments are inspected, photographed and priced individually, and are available both in store and through the website. For players looking to buy a used guitar from a reputable source — rather than from a private seller with no return option — this is a significant practical advantage. Vintage and rarer instruments also appear in the used listings from time to time.

Physical Stores

The stores are purpose-built guitar retail environments — instruments are displayed on walls and stands, with designated areas for acoustic guitars, electric guitars and bass, separated from the amplifier and effects sections. The layout allows customers to browse instruments in context, pick up anything on display and try it through the in-store amplification. Staff are available for advice, and most locations have separate rooms or booths for trying amplifiers at volume without disturbing the browsing floor.

The Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow stores are among the larger locations and typically carry the broadest range of stock. The Epsom store serves the London south and Surrey market. The Newcastle store covers the north-east. Stock between stores varies — items can be ordered from another location if not held locally, and the website reflects the full combined range.

Online Shopping

The Guitar Guitar website carries the full range of new and used stock, with detailed photography and specification information for each instrument. Guitar-specific filtering — by body shape, wood species, number of frets, pickup configuration and price — makes it practical to narrow down a search meaningfully. Reviews from purchasers appear alongside products. Free delivery is available on orders above a threshold, and the returns policy is competitive with other UK online music retailers.

Used instruments are photographed individually and described with condition notes, which reduces the uncertainty of buying secondhand online. The inspection standard is generally regarded as thorough, which makes the used section a reliable source for players who cannot visit a store in person.

Who It Suits

The Guitar Guitar range and positioning suits guitarists at almost every level, but is particularly strong for players who have moved past the entry stage and want to make more considered purchases. The breadth of stock — across price points, brands and body styles — combined with knowledgeable staff and the ability to try instruments properly before buying makes it well suited to the kind of deliberate purchase that matters at mid and higher price levels. For a player buying their first serious instrument and wanting to try several options back to back, a visit to one of the stores is one of the most practical steps available in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Guitar Guitar stores located?

The chain has physical stores in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Epsom and Newcastle. Each store carries a selection of new and used instruments, though stock varies between locations. The website combines the full range from all stores and allows ordering from whichever location holds the item.

Does Guitar Guitar sell secondhand instruments?

Yes. The used and secondhand section is a notable feature of the range, both in store and online. Used instruments are inspected, photographed individually and described with condition notes before listing. This makes it a more reliable source for secondhand guitars than a private sale, with the added benefit of a formal return process.

Is the retailer suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The range includes complete beginner packages — guitar, amplifier and accessories bundled together — alongside individual entry-level instruments from Squier, Epiphone and Yamaha. Staff can advise on appropriate starting points, and the ability to try instruments in store is valuable for a first purchase where feel and playability are difficult to judge from specifications alone.

Is finance available for guitar purchases?

Finance options are available for qualifying purchases above a minimum value — both in store and online. Terms vary, and eligibility depends on a standard credit check. Check the current terms on the website or ask in store, as the available options and minimum amounts change periodically.

Can I try an instrument in store before buying?

Yes. Instruments displayed in store are available to try, including through the in-store amplification system. Many locations have dedicated trial areas or rooms for testing amplifiers at volume. This is one of the principal advantages of buying in person rather than online — particularly when choosing between instruments in a similar price range.

What is the return policy on online orders?

New instruments purchased online can be returned within the standard distance selling regulations period — 14 days — provided the instrument is in its original condition and packaging. Used instruments have specific return conditions detailed on the website. In-store purchases are subject to the store's standard policy. Check the current terms before purchase.

About James Harrison

James learned guitar in a cold Leeds practice room and taught himself to fix his own gear when he couldn't afford to replace it. That DIY instinct became a lifelong obsession with how instruments are built and why some just feel right. He writes buying guides and gear features for players who want the honest version, not the sales pitch.

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