Here in Cambridge, there are a multitude of shops on offer, and we have shortlisted just five which we believe are guaranteed to satisfy your musical needs. Whether you are looking for a traditional piano, or the more modern digital piano, we have scouted out the shops that specialise in these, at a range of prices to suit every customer. We heartily encourage all students to go out and explore these shops, not only for the quality products on offer, but for the wealth of expertise that can be provided by the staff in-store who are much experienced in the world of music and are happy to offer advice and information regarding pianos and other instruments.
Here are five shops we have selected to suit your every need, and make the purchasing process an enjoyable experience for you...
Suffolk Pianos, based over on the Essex/Suffolk border near Sudbury, CO10 7EH, is a specialist piano shop with over 25 years experience at selling quality pianos (often a prices well below similar shops in Cambridge and London). The shop, is located in a beautiful building about an hours drive away from Cambridge, and with lots of parking and a great little bistro pub for your lunch its well worth making the effort. Alongside the new Steinhoven range, including the fantastic range of very affordable new Steinhoven grand pianos, the shop boasts one of the largest collections of used pianos in East Anglia, focusing mainly on the more affordable piano with two ranges - pianos under £1000 (making it the perfect shop to start if you are looking to purchase your first piano), and a range £1000 upwards - if you want to upgrade your piano to a better instrument or want a really good sounding piano by a top class manufacturer, which has been regulated, tuned and toned to bring out the best in that particular piano.
Suffolk Pianos will also buy or p/ex your piano. They can tune and service your piano as well, so whether you are looking for a new piano, buying your first piano or looking to repair your current piano do check out Suffolk Pianos website www.suffolkpianos.com or drop them a call on 01787 310901.
Cambridge Pianoforte was first established in 1975, originally specialising in tuning and repairs. The business has since grown, and now offers a vast range of new and used, acoustic and digital pianos. Within the categories: “Grand Pianos”, “Upright Pianos”, and “Digital Pianos”, piano lovers can browse through various pre-owned and restored pianos, in addition to brand new instruments before making their choice. Cambridge Pianoforte also offers a range of piano stools. The business offers a scheme for new pianists which allows them to hire pianos for twelve months, at the end of which the customer can either carry on hiring the piano, buy the piano, buy a different piano in-store at a reduced price, or return the piano to Cambridge Pianoforte obligation-free. The back-up service, storage, and removal services provided by the company in addition to home delivery and tuning services ensure a secure and top-quality purchasing process to customers and guarantee satisfaction. Find them at the following address: 10-12 Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2PA.
Millers Music first opened in 1856 and is believed to be the second oldest music shop in Britain. Historically, this company has been at the fore-front of the latest technology, offering the first portable gramophones to customers for use in the trenches during WW1. Furthermore, they were one of the few retailers of the electric organ, and also sold radios, TVs, and record players. The company joined with Ken Stevens in 1980s, combining the Millers’ specialisation in keyboards with Ken Stevens’ vast assortment of other instruments. This store offers all things musical, from pianos to brass, to woodwind, to various other accessories. For those in search of pianos and related instruments, on offer are “Traditional Acoustic Pianos”, “Digital Pianos”, “Hybrid Pianos”, “Keyboards”, “Digital Organs and Harpsichords”, “Synths”, and “Piano Stools”. They offer a monthly rental system for various instruments, from as little as £20 a month, including the rental of acoustic and digital pianos. This allows customers to choose their favoured instrument, hassle-free, at a cheap price. Find them at: 12 Sussex St, Cambridge, CB1 1PW.
Rochford Pianos has been a thriving business since 1984, when it was first opened by Dominic Rochford, a member of the Institute of Musical Instrument Technology. Dominic has great passion for the restoration of pianos and offers this service to customers from his workshop on-site. He has gained much experience in this through attending various seminars and courses led by experts in restoration. He frequently visits Germany to refine and improve his skills further, and has acquired top-quality specialist equipment to aid his work also. Situated in a picturesque country business park in Woolpit, just a short drive from the A14, this shop is conveniently located for customers. Rochford Pianos are renowned for their reasonable prices and quality instruments, and have restored pianos across the world, from Europe to America. They offer a series of pianos and accessories, with the option to hire out pianos as well. Find this store at: The Brickworks, Old Stowmarket Road, Woolpit, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP30 9QS.
Cambridge Piano Tuner - Nigel Donovan
Nigel Donovan, member of the Institute of Musical Instrument Technology, first began serving the musical needs of Cambridge in 1980. Having completed a three year course in piano tuning at Newark Technical College, Donovan has a high level of expertise in his field and even won first prize in a national piano tuning competition organised by the Pianoforte Tuners Association (PTA). He is now an active member of the PTA, and recently served as Vice President of the association. Donovan offers to tune, regulate and repair any type of piano, and has provided this service to various schools, private homes, colleges and public halls in the Cambridge area. From grand pianos, to upright and square pianos, to harpsichords, clavichords, and spinets, Donovan has a wealth of experience in tuning stringed keyboard instruments. While most repairs are carried out where the piano is situated, Donovan also offers workshops that encompass minor repairs, key work, reconditioning, and restringing. Donovan prides himself on the top quality pianos he sells, and the personal and caring experience customers gain through his service. You can find him at the following address: 11 Coltsfoot Close, Cambridge, CB1 9YH.
