Johnny Roadhouse

If you are looking to buy an instrument, then start your search here — they have everything from Sitars to Bodhrans. Also, an impressive book collection, second hand instruments and staff who are knowledgable & attentive to boot.
Having been a folk musician in my (slightly) earlier years, my heart burst at seeing The Ceilidh Collection books at the front of the fiddle (ahem, violin) shelf. I honestly thought I would never lay my eyes on these books again, thinking that they would just be available in Scotland — but there they were, ready to make me swill with sentiment of childhood lessons with crabby teachers.
As the other reviewers have mentioned — yes, this is a legendary music shop in Manchester, frequented by all the Manchester musicians that you will have heard of — and those that you haven’t, — have a word with one of the guys in there and they will regale you of tales of Johnny Roadhouse (whose family still own the shop).

An institution in the Manchester music scene. Serving the world, with pro equipment and expertise. No need to name names of which bands have been there for kit or instrument repairs.
I lived in Manchester for many years as a pro musician, and knew this dealership as a trusted family business. Since the passing of it’s founder, Johnny Roadhouse, the dealership has gone from strength to strength.

JOHNNY ROADHOUSE MUSIC STORE, MANCHESTER, UK
LIKE ANYONE who considers themselves a player, musicians, collectors etc… I am always enthusiastic about visiting music stores, guitars shops and such in new places … while «bopping» around Manchester UK for the first time, I followed the advice of a good friend (apparently Jonny is not lost at all) and visited as many shops as possible and of every category… until I had to return to «Johnny Roadhouse Music» on 123 Oxford Road, Manchester UK… where there’s good sale-​folks, eager musicians and all sorts and one especialiste’ d’esoterica of strung instruments; let’s call him «KEN» for the purposes of this review. Not a big box store by any means, JOHNNYS is the delight of a real enthusiast with vintage instruments of every type and a fine collection of guitars of every flavor… all spiced with the seasoned and crusty advice of our man «KEN» … who repairs many instruments and I found to be knowledgeable and pleasant that I had to return to purchase an instrument of my adoration and to establish a concrete relationship to this place… Hey that’s who I am.
I liked the many instruments and I liked the unobtrusive character of this hip quirky shop as a whole with everyone being helpful and «kool’ as you go… making this a fun experience for the new guy in town: ME.
I bought myself a fine Tangle Wood Parlor guitar that I will be featuring on both YOUTUBE and FANDALISM… and what I intend to make my permanent soft bag-​traveling companion in the future as I take it to the streets.
If you’re cruising Jolly Old England … head out to Manchester and find Oxford Road so you can check out Johnny Roadhouse Music and say hi to Ken… tell «Papa Angelo» sent you and I promise you’ll enjoy the experience… Happy Tunes!

This musical store is an absolute treasure for Manchester. Sells a restricted variety of musical instruments, mostly of the guitar type due to the small size of this store. However, it is absolutely brilliant for small items and accessories for most musical instruments. The staff are pretty good to approach and are very helpful due to being very knowledgeable. Prices can vary dependent on whats being bought of course but is definitely worth a look for anyone from those bogstandard beginners to Led Zeppelin-​esque pros.

Being a musician myself well I try too. I came here with a mate of mine who was getting his guitar fixed. I found a shop that was full of unique little instruments and extremely friendly and helpful staff. My girlfriend Claire I. as usual was asking questions and looked like she now wants a yukele. They answered all her questions with snobbish remarks and treated us like people not walking bank cards like some music shops do. They also provide lessons anything from Bass to guitar and even Saxophone like the late Sir Roadhouse. Its a fantastic little independent store and for all your musical needs I insist you visit here instead of a chain. Top Rate!

Good shop I’ve always bought all my instruments from here. If you don’t want to get ripped off then buy from here if not then go to damsons.

Bought, amongst other things, a portable record player here to create instant disco in the days before iPhone speaker docks. I love the shop, u feel at home, an they know stuff.

I wish I’d learnt to play an instrument. I did audition to play the trumpet at school once, but I failed and as there weren’t enough instruments for everyone, I wasn’t allowed to learn one.
If I had have been able to make a sound whilst blowing down the mouthpiece, and had I not have given up my instrument through my stroppy teenage years, I may now have the need to shop at Johnny Roadhouse.
Luckily I have many instrument playing friends who assure me how great JR is. My ex-​housemate was BBC’s young folk musician of the year. She bought all of her music paraphernalia from Johnny. On going with her to buy some new strings I witnessed the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and the wide range of new and second hand instruments and all things musical.
This shop is almost enough to persuade me to take up an instrument!

It seems most people have got here before me to sing the praises of Johnny Roadhouse, the shop and the man himself. It’s exactly what you would want in a music shop; extensive stock, friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable staff, a wall for advertising for bands and musicians. The perfect place, really.
The prices are usually reasonable, the only qualm to me being the price of microphones. As a vocalist they’re the only thing that really interest me, along with PAs and pre-​amps, and this isn’t an issue solely with JR.
All niche music shops sell ridiculously over-​the-​top microphones with unbelievable price tags, and it’s an utter joke. Microphones are very simple pieces of equipment, and though you can undoubtedly get variations in quality, they are not of the extent to warrant prices into the £150-£250 area. I bought mine from Maplin, for £30, and it’s absolutely fine. I am sure a more expensive one would be better, but if I’m going to pay almost ten times the price, I’d want one ten times better. The biggest effect on your singing voice is your voice, a microphone has a very small part to play overall.

Johnny Roadhouse is a bit of a Mancunian legend. Half of Manchester’s musical luminaries have shopped there (and still shop there).
You can’t miss the place when you’re travelling down Oxford Road, what with it being decorated with a load of instruments over the front door (and a great big painting of a half naked bloke which belongs to a tattoo parlour nearby or something).
It’s got a very good reputation and that’s probably because it has a wide and impressive range of instruments inside with a staff that genuinely know what they’re talking about at the counter.
One of the best things about it is that it’s a proper grotty little shop, which makes you feel like you’re buying something for you, rather than the horrible, staid feeling of most other shops that are cluttered up with hamfisted brats hammering baby grands in the piano showroom or what have you.
Johnny Roadhouse is unashamed in it’s lack of showiness and upstairs, there’s a great showing of weird and wonderful folk instruments like accordions and dulcimers and the like.
This is not simply a place for Johnny Marr wannabes, this shop has everything that your average music fan needs — unless you’re after something to clean the mice from your pipe organ.

Welded to front of the shop are a number of instruments hanging daintily above the people passing in the street, I’ve wandered past many a time wondering what would happen if someone has a trombone drop on their head and become stuck. The musical roadhouse deals with lots of things that make noise, they even have spongebob squarepants guitars. Now I don’t do playing music but this would be my first port of call if I did. They have lots of friendly staff who will happily chat about instruments with you for five hours and there’s tons of regional flavour with lessons, groups and the such. If you’re into your string plucking, trumpet blowing or drum bashing give it a go.

Hit it, Strum it, Blow it, Play it!
Johnny Roadhouse’s motto speaks volumes about the company’s passion and enthusiasm for music. Run by a team of dedicated staff who are as familiar with Ry Cooder as they are Jimi Hendrix, it’s the music shop of choice for established and emerging local musicians. Johnny Marr is a regular and I once waited an hour for The Buzzcocks whilst they wandered round trying out new guitars!
Going strong for over five decades, JR stocks everything from new, vintage and second-​hand guitars to drum kits, synths, bass, percussion, woodwind, saxophones, brass and amps to PA and recording equipment. Folk and world music lovers should note they also have a dedicated section to acoustic instruments from harps and dulcimers to harmonicas. Handily, they also rent out equipment to local promoters and touring bands that have been unfortunate enough to have their gear lost or stolen.
Early Buzzcocks in action:

What a GREAT music shop. It’s a long story, but basically the head of my acoustic guitar got snapped off at a party. I’m in the middle of sorting it all out with the insurance company, and I needed to get a quote for the repair from a guitar shop.
I called up Johnny Roadhouse, and spoke to an absolutely lovely lady called Jane. She was really sweet and helpful.
I popped into the shop a couple of hours later with my guitar and she knew who I was instantly. It was so great to meet guitar shop employees who were so down to earth! Often you can find they’re a bit clique-​y or aloof, but the guys at the Roadhouse were happy to talk about my stupid snapped guitar neck issues.
The guitar is going to their repairs man who takes all the guitars away at the weekend for a quote. If you want to feel looked after and like you’re in the company of friends, then Johnny Roadhouse is definitely the place to go.
There’s an impressive range of guitars, mixers, PA equipment, drum kits and brass instruments. As I said at the start of this review: GREAT music shop.

This place is a Manchester legendary and while it has a great reputation I think it’s beginning to rely heavily on it as staff were a little complacent and while they stock a range of instruments, string and percussion where a little disappointing in scope. The shop’s musky, dated and not all that inviting — certainly didn’t want to take my time in choosing something out. With another instrument shop recently opened across the way, and several further down Oxford Road, Deansgate and leading into Piccadilly.

Johnny Roadhouse is a musical instrument store selling new and used instruments. Ideal for someone who is just starting out and doesnt have a great deal of money to spend. Second hand items are in good condition and the staff are very helpful. Upstairs is hobgoblin music which sells acoustic guitars, prices range for beginners to acoustic buffs. Worth a look in.