It's Eurovision time again !

OK I know for some people this is the equivalent of admitting you like to torture kittens but I love the Eurovision. We all do here at Charlie Byrne's. We even have a Eurovision claim to fame ; a Double bass belonging to us was borrowed by a Finnish entrant (or was it Norwegian??) back in the early nineties, and said bass duly appeared on the hallowed stage of the Song Contest.

Much to my husband's disquiet, we gather in the appointed living room, make lists of the acts and grade them according to their musical and entertainment value (the two often don't actually crossover at all. The ones who can't sing often win the entertainment award!)

I see it in much the same light as jousts of old, or gladiatorial festivities. All those hopes and dreams wrapped up in national tribal pride! Strategic voting that reflects generations of politics and even warfare. The way Britain apologises for the Famine each year by giving us at least ten and sometimes 12 points. The way we respond by grudgingly awarding 8 (forgiven, not forgotten you understand.)

In recent years the advent of eastern block voting, literally, has ruined some of the fun but since Lordi's triumphant pyrotechnic dismantling of the Eurovision cliché there's been a bit of a return to quirky unique and less predictable patterns of wins and losses.

This year Jedward go forth in our name, a two-headed threat to european stability, our revenge for sending in the baliffs. Lipstick is...a catchy production number. It's not Dana warbling about all kinds of everything that's for sure. But they perform it with verve and energy and hopefully they'll give us the holy grail of finals...one with us in it!

If we win, then I'll know the 80s have made a complete comeback. Recession, unexpected sports victoris and Eurovsion coming to Dublin.
Thursday *pm RTE 2.

New TItles from Cork University Press

I've long been a supporter of Cork University Press and the proud owner of some fine publications from them. The newest brochure contains two publications that will be of great interest to mucisians, so I thought I'd share a heads up here about them.

The first is Fintan Vallely's Companion to Irish traditional Music 2nd edition; while not precisely new it is significantly expanded and has "much new information, including material never before printed and unavailable elsewhere." Vallely is a lecturer and coordinator in Traditional Music Studies at Dundalk Institute of Technology. The Companion gives an A-Z coverage of song, tunes, style, compositions, storytelling, technology and much more. It costs €59 from CUP which is a decent price considering the Bunting Collection alone costs almost as much. I would highly recommend it.

The second is Irish Blood, English Heart - Second Generation Irish Musicians in England by Sean Campbell. This is "the first full account of second-generation Irish music-making in England" and contains original interviews with Shane McGowan, Cait O'Riordan, Keven Rowland and Johnny Marr. Campbell is senior lacturer and research convenor in the Dept of English and Media at Anglia Ruskin UNiversity, UK. €39 from CUP.

Check out Cork University Press for more details (and browse the rest of their publications, if you've any interest in Ireland, folklore, music etc)

Saturday morning storytelling at Accents cafe

If any of our customers with kids are in town on a Saturday morning Accents cafe right next door to us (Dublin's very own late opening tea / coffee shop!) holds a storytelling session at 10.30am.
I can personally recommend the cake and coffee at Accents - god help my waistline. The huge sofas and beanbags downstairs are soooo comfy you won't want to leave..
So if you're planning on coming into us on a Saturday morning why not coincide with the storytelling next door and you can shop in peace for a while :)

Jargar Cello A "Superior" (hot off the presses!)

Delighted to say we have a limited stock of the long awaited Jargar Superior Cello A string! Call us 01-4781773 to find out more, or call in. The famous Jargar A - only better.

Journal of Music in Ireland recently launched the beta version of the new http://www.journalofmusic.com, incorporating the first phase of their online development. There are plenty of features yet to come, but there is already a wealth of new articles, reviews and multimedia to browse on the website, covering subjects as diverse as new developments in traditional Irish music and the composition of electronic music.

You can also follow them on Facebook (journal of music) or twitter

Support an excellent resource for musicians!

May Day Choral Event, CORK

Cork Choral Society May Day Sunrise Shandon Choral Event


SUNDAY 1ST MAY
6am, St. Anne’s, Shandon, Cork (Shandon bells)
Shandon Sunrise with Cathal Ó Baoill (Down)
& Jubilant Gospel Girls (Italy)
At 6.05am, sunrise, on Sunday 1st May, the dawn will be met with
a chorus of voices singing from the bell tower of the iconic Church
of St. Anne’s, Shandon to mark this ancient celebration of the first
day of summer.
Admission: Unticketed and free of charge*

New Bodhráns from Claddagh!

Lovely new bodhráns from Claddagh maker Michael Vignoles!
Inc fabulous handmade Irish made 12" bodhrans with beater, cover and DVD only €29.95!
Plus 14" and 16" standard player packs with bodhrán, beater, cover, and DVD and new tuneable bodhráns eg the "Notch"
Plus new reduced prices on the popular angler range (angled tuning keys for extra easy tuning) and the "Daisy."
Check out bodhrans


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Website Updates

Finally we are able to update the website again, and thanks to everyone who has pointed out pages that need updating over the last few weeks. Your help is much appreciated!

So far the main updates are on the cello pages, the special offer pages, and bodhráns pages although there are new offers on bodhráns coming this weekend too.

look out for more special offers and new stocks coming very soon including fab new violin outfits.

In the meantime if you spot any "bad" pages let us know :)

Facebook and Us

Yes finally the long awaited facebook page is up; and to celebrate the fact that we now have a facebook page and didn't break the web making it, we will be holding a competition.

Anyone who likes us on FB in the next month https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dublin-Ireland/Charles-Byrne-Musik-Instrumente/196096247093212 will be entered into our first ever fb comp and a winner chosen at random.
the prize will be a 30 euro gift voucher - overseas customers are included in the comp (we will pay postage on an item of your choice up to €15 postage if you win)

so LIKE us :) get your friends and family to like us. and you could just be lucky!

Brunswick Semi-Acoustic Guitar Special Offer!

This is an attractive guitar with built in pick up, by Brunswick; it boasts an impressive package of guitar, stand, plectrum. cover, leads and tuner! Originally on offer at €250 we have a limited stock available at €200! We also have several very nice Brunswick standard acoustic guitars available at €100, ideal for the beginner who wants something decent to play on. Call in to have a look!

Bring your battered old black case....

...back to life! A very limited amount in stock - colourful, strong violin case covers with recievers for rucksack style straps that will fit almost any standard uncovered black case. Transform that boring old black or cover that battered exterior! * (straps not included, straps can be bought in any luggage shop)

Karl Hofner Cello Oufits!!

Limited Special Offer! unprecedented value in cello outfits.... Karl Hofner of Germany student Cello outfits Available in sizes 16th to 3/4 1/16th, 1/8th and 1/4 th €420 3/4 and 1/2 €480 Fully set up, excellent value for students from a trusted maker. Call 01- 4781773 or email charlesbyrne@ireland.com to check availability of sizes; call into the shop to see these great instruments.

New Student Violin Outfits!

New and some of our best value ranges ever....


The Cadenza student violin outfit, including bow and case only €250 and the Amadeus Student violin outfit, including bow and case only €325. Both are good value, student violin outfits, finished by hand in our workrooms, with good tone and warmth.

Limited stock available; either would be an excellent intermediate outfit or better beginner's outfit.

Dycem Non Slip "black hole" for Cello

Back in stock! The fabulous Dycem non slip cello mat "black hole" - this is the new improved version, in new packaging with improved features. The most reliable non slip spike holder for cello and bass, and a favourite of professional musicians.

Were €11.95..............NEW IN @ €9.95

Available now !

NEW! Maple Tenor Banjo

Lovely new banjo - a maple, tenor banjo from B&M RRP €266 ONLY €250. Great tone, big sound, attractive plain wood finish.

Check it out




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Bones, Spoons - special offers!

Great value on wooden bones - now only €10
and real bones, hand made - now only €15 !

Ideal souvenirs for those interested in Irish music; small light and easy to play traditional instruments.

New range of Affordable, sturdy Shoulder rests!

New range of Affordable, sturdy Shoulder rests!


Everest Shoulder Rest Plain black 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4-1/10 €14.95
Everest Shoulder Rest Spring Collection (various colours) 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4-1/10 €20.95
FOM Shoulder Rest 4/4 - 3/4 Wooden Base rest with spare rubbers, cloth cover €20.00

An excellent affordable student range, a cost effective alternative to the established ranges of Wolk, Viva and Kun (all also available)

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Electic Violin Outfit - special offer

Electric Violin, Bow and Case - only €295 ! With Pirastro Chromcor strings, Volume and treble control, boxwood tailpiece and chinrest.



VERY limited stock, great sound but extremely affordable.

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Bodhrán Specials!

Paraic McNeela 14" Tunable Bodhrán only €100! A great make of bodhrán at a fantastic price.

Real Bone "bones" - were €19.95 now only €15

Nylon Brush beaters were €13.95 now only €10

Check out Updates for more recession beating savvings for musicians!



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Cheiftain Whistles!

Recession busting greatness :)

Chieftain Soprano D aluminum whistle was €120 now only €105

Chieftain Low D Whistle Aluminum whistle was €145 now €139

Chieftain Tunable Low D whistle Aluminum now only €199!

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World Bodhrán Championships

World Bodhrán Championships: Donal Lunny and Martin O'Connor

Miltown Marquee, Miltown Cork
Sat 5 Jun 2010, 19:30

Tickets on sale now from ticketmaster.ie


A great event for bodhrán lovers and players!



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Dublin BID: puppet festival

It's all about the puppets this weekend, we're particularly excited about the arrival of Bosco and Wanderly Wagon in Wolfe Tone Park. Time to start reliving some childhood memories!! Further information on times and other performances can be found at http://puppetfest.ie

New hard Cases at great prices!

Recession busting alert: we have new hard cases for classical guitar, tenor and g-banjo and mandolin at excellent prices.

mandolin cases were €47 now €40
Banjo cases 5 string €65 now €55
Banjo Case tenor €58 now €50
Guitar cases classical 58 now €50

Limited stock available - get them while you can!

Singing rewires damaged brains

Teaching stroke patients to sing "rewires" their brains, helping them recover their speech, say scientists.
By singing, patients use a different area of the brain from the area involved in speech.
If a person's "speech centre" is damaged by a stroke, they can learn to use their "singing centre" instead.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8526699.stm

Fascinating Story!

New Ukuleles!

New in :

Korala Soprano Ukulele, solid mahogany top natural wood, €99.95 and Korala Tenor Ukulele Electro Acoustic with solid Mahogany, and die cast tuners €169.959 - fresh in and both come with the excellent Aquila strings! Really excellent quality with a lovely tone, definitely ones to look at....

http://www.charlesbyrne.com

Glockenspiel

Glockenspiel - and I still love that word - are back in stock. In blue hard cases, with two beaters, and a lovely high bright sound, these are a great favourite! Still only €25.

Banjos!

Good news - we just got in two B&M 5 -string models at great prices, selling at €140 and €175 respectively. Limited stock so get them fast :) As G bajos go these are very nice for such an affordable price range!

Also new in this week - Brunswick Concert Ukes @ €65
and Viola Viva Shoulder rests, back in stock at €34.95

Happy New Year (belated)

Well an exciting start to the New Year - we had almost a week off because of the snow (how long ago does that seem? hard to believe it was only a couple of weeks ago I was looking out at three feet of snow and chanting "snow day!") and then since getting back in we have had a busy couple of weeks. Including one memorable day where the lights all went out and we sat in the dark and froze for 2 hours til it got fixed. Then it blew again and we sat for another two hours, in the dark, and it finally got properly fixed. Very exciting stuff.

So what have we in store for 2010? well hopefully lots of news on concerts and mucisal events. Starting with an excellent Classical Music concert!

Sunday 31st January - National Gallery of Ireland
Moya O'Grady Cello
David O'Doherty Violin
Catherine Lemoni Piano
Geraldine O'Doherty Harp
plus guests.

Customers who have bought the excellent Fugato CD by the same performers will not want to miss this. ADM €10 (conc €7)

Hope you are all having an excellent new year so far. With a bit of luck we'll see signs of Sping soon, considering February 1st is just a few days away - til then, have a great weekend and check out the concert above!

Ukuleles - from glitter to glorious handmade instruments!

Ukuleles - if there was a prize for "Suddenly the most popular instrument overnight" Ukuleles would win. A few years ago only a handful of people even played the Ukulele and they were mainly die-hard George Formby fans. Then suddenly there was the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and punk bands using Ukes (sometimes they used them as missiles but still...) and the humble Ukulele was back.

There's a lot to be said in favour of the Ukulele; it's small, portable, easy to play, adaptable to different tunings, and even the most expensive are actually relatively cheap in comparison to other instruments. And they are an instrument that both children and adults can take to with equal ease.

The ranges available start with the beginners - coloured ukes in covers €19.95;"fruit" design ukuleles in packs with CD, cover and pick €25.95; Glitter coloured Ukes in packs €25.95; pineapple shaped soprano (Uke only) 27.95

Then you have the more advanced ranges in soprano from €37.95 concert from €65 and tenor from €94.95; Electric -acoustic ranges start at €105 and the beautiful handmade Ukes from €220.

For a fun, accessible, versatile instrument you can't beat the Ukulele!

Does Spending Less Have to Mean Buying Rubbish?

I think of all the questions we've been asked, this year in particular, the most pertinant and frequent query is - Does spending less mean buying rubbish?
And the answer is, no it doesn't have to.
There are obviously differences between a violin outfit from the basic €155 range and one priced at say €500 or €600. The same is true of every instrument; the beginning ones aim to have a good, clear, pleasant tone and as you move up each level the instrument is made from better woods, and is better made, producing a better, warmer, richer, more nuanced tone. But the key to buying well is to get the most for your money, both right now and for the future.

A beginner rarely needs more than the beginning ranges in any instrument. Any well finished, properly set-up decently made instrument will get them started.
If money is tight right now, buy something that will get them started and will be easy for them to maintain and tune.
If you can stretch further, the advantage is that the better instrument means that they will use it for longer. They will stay on it for a year or more longer than the beginner ranges. If you go much higher, then accordingly that instrument will be able to take them further, for longer.

If you are buying for a child under 12, they will generally need a smaller size and will have to move through various sizes until they reach the full size or adult size. So unless they are particularly advanced one of the beggining ranges will be perfect, and put the extra money into the full size, when they reach that size.

Some instruments, like acoustic guitars, come with a load of great accessories that can be parcelled seperately or given from more than one family member - eg a richwood basic guitar costs 129.95 but it comes with padded cover, electronic tuner, tutor DVD, strap...so it really can make someone's christmas.

When "stuck" on an instrument - having outgrown the tone but unable to upgrade right now - consider putting a better set of strings on the instrument. This will help only if the instrument is at least basically decent to start with and if the pegs and other fittings are correct - the best strings in the world won't help really cheap brands like skylark or lark - but a well set-up basic student violin can get a boost from a good set of strings and it can carry you through until you can afford to upgrade.

More and more parents are incorporating accessories/upgrades into the student's Christmas present; if a player is enjoying the instrument as a hobby they are often happy to have a new bow, strings, case, etc as a Christmas present rather than a seperate expense during the year. We have more and more student players who have saved up at least part of the cost themselves which is lovely; and they appreciate the instrument or accessory so much more, not to mention the lesson learned from saving up for something.

At Christmas especially we have many parents looking to buy a small gift for the teacher or orchestra leader - there are many novelty gifts that are both pretty and useful (mugs, stationary, books etc and many are under €10. Teachers appreciate the thought without the parent spending a fortune. If buying for a friend or family member who likes music, but you're not sure what to buy for them again a music themed gift can be a lifesaver - it shows you thought about their hobby / interest but you can buy something like a mug or a tea towel or a phone charm without needing to know much about music!

Santa also shops at Charlie Byrne's - and when he is filling those stockings he likes to buy useful gifts rather than stuff that will be thrown out once the tinsel is down. There are lots of great ideas - like the handy mini reference books for chords or music theory - as well as pretty gifts like badges or treble clef pencils or phone charms - that they'll use and enjoy.

This is a year to think outside the box and use our imaginations - gifts don't have to cost the earth but a thoughtful, appropriate gift is worth the world to someone.

Brunswick Acoustic Guitars!

Excellent Value Acoustic Guitars - Natural, Sunburst and Black available. Were €120 - now only €110. Ideal for beginners, at a great price, these guitars have a pleasant sound and easy action, making learning a lot easier.

While Stocks Last!

Richwood Electric Acoustic Guitar Special!

Christmas Special!


Richwood Electric Acoustic Cutaway Guitar €250
WITH
Intune Electronic Clip Tuner, Padded Cover,DVD, Strap, Lead
AND
GLX Acoustic Guitar Amp!
(15W-6” Speaker-headhones-chor+delay)

All for only €250 ! ideal for the beginner to intermediate player looking for a little more for their money. Everything you need to get started, including an amp for home use.

Late Opening Thursday!

Christmas Opening Hours -
We're delighted to announce that for the first time ever, Charles Byrne Musik Ins will be open late on Thursday nights for Xmas. We'll be here until 7pm on Thursday 10th and 17th. On Saturday 12th and 19th we will be open until 6pm, and on Monday 21st we will be open from 9.s0 am to 5.30 pm.
(if looking for an instrument please remember that the last opportunity for viewing instruments is 30 mins before closing.)

We hope these amended opening hours will be of convenience to our customers- you asked, we listened :)


Usual Opening Hours Tuesday to Friday 9-5.30 Saturday 9.30 - 5
Christmas :
THURSDAY
December 10th & 17thOpen 9am to 7 pm
SATURDAY
December 12th & 19th Open 9.30am til 6pm
MONDAY
December 21st Open 9.30 to 5.30

Christmas Holiday
Closed 25th December Reopen January 5th

Glockenspiel! (I love that word)

Back in Stock, the dotey Glockenspiel in blue case only €25. An ideal gift for any child, with a lovely clear bell-like sound.

Christmas Cards!

Don't just buy any old Christmas card - buy a music Christmas Card! Lots of designs for every musician, unique and different.
Cards include ranges from €3.95 and €4.95 (handmade)

Steel String Guitar Packs Special for Xmas 09

Richwood steel string guitar, ideal for beginners - including padded cover, electronic tuner, DVD and strap - all for the excellent price of €129.95!

Limited stock at present, so get in early and get this great bargain!

Chopin Bags - Practical and Pretty!

Another Christmas Special for your delectation...Sturdy Lightweight shopping bags bearing the legend "The Chopin Bag" - practical and pretty and only €6.95

Only limited stock at the moment

These are the perfect size for shopping with strong handles - ideal as a gift for teachers, friends, musicians.

Christmas Specials - Novelties all in!

It's really looking like Christmas now; we have our christmas Musical gifts novelties in! And what's more we have fabulous prices on old favourites and some great new gifts.









Firstly we're delighted the be able to offer our fabulous Christmas Crackers at very special prices. Last year the original crackers, 8 per box with 8 whistles and songsheet, and conductor's set were €19.95 - this year we have them at the unbelievable price of €11.95!

The newly introduced Handbell sets of crackers - 8 crackers, each with a handbell plus hat, and a conductor's songsheet - were €29.95 . This year we have them at €21.95 - making a musical xmas dinner all the sweeter...



Other novelties in today include men's ties - in really excellent new designs including guitars, trumpets, brass, notes and treble clef and more - are now available from only €8.95 (down from €13.95)


Stocking-fillers are coming in fast and furious and we have great offers -

• NoteCracker books (small and very useful) covering Guitar Chords, Music Theory, Music Jokes & Quotes and Music Trivia each only €3.25


• Dye-cast collectable Parers - Violin, Harp, Grand Piano, Sax and Electric Guitar only €5.95


• Treble Clef shaped Drinking Straws in bright colours only €1


• Treble Clef shaped Pencils in vibrant metallic colours only €1.95


• Playing Cards in Music Designs (treble clef and sheet music) only €2.95
• Cufflinks (unboxed) in treble clef and piano keyboard only €8.95

And that's not all......watch this space!

Xmas Comes Early Special Offer: Cello Cases

Xmas Comes Early Special Offers

We'll be running lots of Xmas Comes Early Special Offers throughout November, helping to make the Christmas budget stretch a little further for all our musicians. And to start with we have a fabulous one.

Hiscox Cello cases, with wheels were 420 now €360! and without wheels were €399 now €340

While Stocks last!

We've moved servers....

You still find us at www.charlesbyrne.com but our host has changed so be sure to update your bookmarks.

We used to be hosted at geocities - now it's mysite4now.net

Support Gaelscoil Bharra & Tupelo

As heard on RTE Radio 1 this morning and also in the Dublin people - Gaelscoil Bharra in Cabra have been waiting for years for a new - or rather, proper - school to be built. As it is little children are attending lessons in prefabs and portacabins, a situation that should make any Minister of Education ashamed! Now in order to raise both funds and awareness of their plight, Gaelscoil Bharra have launched a great song - "Cá Bhfuil ár Scoil?" - and it is now available from itunes, or from Tower Records in Wicklow Street Dublin, or by texting music 4075m to 57501.

Not only is this school giving a great education to the children attending, it is also one of a number of gaelscoil keeping our national heritage and language alive. It deserves support and it deserves the basics - a safe building for instance - just like every other school. PLEASE support them by downloading the song, it's not expensive but it will make a difference.

(charlie byrne's music shop is not associated with the school or the song, in any way. We just think it's a great cause! If you do too, pass on this message and ask people to download)

Eigenharp - the Sci Fi Bassoon

Is this the future of musical instruments?

The Eigenharp is the brainchild of John Lambert, a musician and software entrepreneur, whose Devon-based team has been working on the project for eight years.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8294355.stm

This is amazing, listen to the sound!!

Come look in our window! (Douglas Hyde Galley Exhib.)

The lovely piece by Kate Maher for the Douglas Hyde Gallery exhibition The Preponderance of the Small is now officially installed in our window.

You can find us Here ; or download a map to all exhibits Here


The good camera will come out to play tomorrow and hopefully we'll get some better shots of it - the iphone camera doesn't do it justice but we're excited and can't wait to show it off :)

Preponderance of The Small Exhibition (Douglas Hyde Gallery)

Sneak Preview!


This month we're excited to be part of the Preponderance of The Small Exhibition (Douglas Hyde Gallery)
The exhibition is described as :
Preponderance of The Small, an off-site project which forms part of The Douglas Hyde Gallery's ongoing Gallery 3 initiative, features works by twenty-one younger artists working in Ireland.Each artist is exhibiting at one of twenty-one locations in and around Trinity College, creating a trail of artworks.

This is intended to give the viewer the opportunity to look anew at more familiar locations, while also highlighting spaces that are often overlooked.The title, which derives from a hexagram in the Chinese I-Ching, or Book of Changes, points to the great power and value of small things. In a rapidly changing culture, at a time when many of yesterday's monumental gestures have proved to be empty, grandiose artistic statements seem superfluous. This exhibition is intended to question how we attribute value in today's culture, and to suggest that it is in small things that we may find our way forward.

Our piece, an unititled mixed media installation by Kate Maher, is in the larger of our two windows; please feel free to come and look, and pick up a map to the other exhibits.



The exhibition has an online presence in the form of a blog which will be updated during the course of the exhibition; it can be visited at: preponderanceofthesmall.blogspot.com


Maps to the exhibits can be downloaded at http://www.douglashydegallery.com/pdf/downloadable-map.pdf

Best Value in Classical Covers!

We've managed to get some absolutely great bargains for classical guitar, both basic and padded covers at great prices.

For 1/2 3/4 and 4/4 we have covers starting at €10 - unpadded but strong. Ideal for students. We also have some 1/4 and 1/2 from Winter of Germany at €12.95.

for 4/4 we have padded covers (black) at €15.50 and fabulous black and red heavily padded covers at only €19.95. There's also a limited number of red and wine coloured velvet lined padded covers available now at only €25.

Whether you're studying guitar or just looking for a great xmas present for someone, pop in and have a look. WE do recommend that you bring the guitar to make sure of the fit but they will usually fit most standard spanish guitars.

Special! Teddy Bear recorders.....

The cutest item to come in in months!!

Only €9.95 we predict these will be the most popular stockingfiller ever! A real instrument, soprano (standard) recorder in a lovely teddybear case. Every budding musician will want one!

Xmas comes early this year....

Well not really, but preparing for Xmas comes early this year, in the current recession!

Don't get me wrong, we're traditionalists. Before Christmas, comes Hallow Een or Samhain. Decorations shouldn't go up before December and the famous crib goes in the window the second week of December. Some things are set in stone!

But every year I harbour a fantasy of completing my shopping in October, and avoiding last minute rushing and especially last minute panic purchases - where you spend twice as much for something you are only half sure about. With the R word hanging over us, that alone is a good reason to start looking for affordable gifts that people will love, early rather than later. It's terribly hard to contemplate, with the Back To School rush barely over, but the sooner you get started the more money you'll save and the more you'll spread the cost.

This year, we are hoping to get in our novelties and other favourites early; in the meantime we have some bargains to snap up.
Most of our stationary range (musical designs) is at half price right now! and there are still special offers available on guitar covers (were €39 now €30) Hercules guitar stands start at €24.95 and Cort mini stands (incredibly lightweight and useful) 15.95. Music Stands, sturdy, in various colours start at €19.95 with great music carrier bags from €7.95. Mugs from 7.95 (bone china from €9.95)
plus for children! Glockenspiel (blue case, metal keys, lovely tone) €22.95

More and more will be appearing here over the next few weeks so keep an eye out and snap 'em up early !

Back to School!

September...autumn leaves, junior cert results and the inevitable grind of back to school...and back to music lessons and orchestra too.

Things being tight this year for many people, we find our €155 range "Bon Novice" most popular. We also have them in several sizes (1/4 1/2 and 3/4) secondhand at €120 a lot of the time (we automatically offer them in the size needed if we have them but do feel free to ask!)

People also ask us "what's the difference between these and say, something selling at 80 or 90 euro?" The main difference is of course quality - they are better violins. Then they are finished in our own workrooms, by hand, with pegs strings bridge and sound post all fitted perfectly. This ensures that the student violin produces the best sound it is capable of producing and that it is easy to tune and maintain. Ours are instruments to learn on, rather than toys or kits. And of course you get our after sales service - we can adjust anything, correct any problems or indeed tune it up for you :)

The Pallini at €195 is also prooving very popular especially for s=those who have done grade one and want just a little more from their violin for grade 2/3

Cellos start at €595, although they are almost sold out; and of course the Pallini cello outfit at €795 is as popular as ever.

Manuscripts, resin, music stands, music cases, shoulder rests, bows, and some tutor books
(eg Eta Cohen, Susuki etc) are all important for the student player. We have excellent prices on all these items eg lovely music cases from 7.95 and new violin stands from 15.95 euro

Classical Guitars start at 48 euro for a 1/2 size and 70 euro for the full size; with hand made spanish guitars from under 200 euro.

Quality and value for money count more than ever now - get the best, for less :)

Anyone for a House Party?

Last night we went to see the Irish house Party at the Lansdowne Hotel ; we've had many tourists mention it and recommend it so we decided to check it out for ourselves - and a fabulous night was had by all!
The house party is hosted by real musicians and it's the answer to the plastic-paddy, tiddlyeye nonsense that so many venues seem to think is what tourists want. However as we at Charlie Byrne's get asked every day for "real" and "authentic" traditional music I think there's very much a need for a proper Irish music night. The Irish House Party is the perfect answer, lots of fun but with real music.

There are several different options; you can go for dinner and the show from 7pm (a very nice dinner and we got to know some of our fellow guests over it, so if you want the full experience definitely opt for this!) or you can simply go for the show itself from 8.30pm. If you're a guest of the hotel you get a discount and they also cater for large groups.

The dinner was lovely, everyone was very pleased with themselves and we got to chat to some New Zealanders. Then the show - there are around 11 musicians connected to the Irish House Party , all of whom are top notch. We were blessed last night with uillean pipes, fiddle, tin whistle and bouzouki/guitar (and I can tell you, it takes a lot to impress me but they managed it from the first reel!)
There's plenty of speil, plenty of audience participation, lots of fun and the presentation is very professional without ever seeming either jaded or perfunctory.
If I won the lotto tomorrow I'd hire them to play at my own damn house party :)

They have CDs on sale, I got one for myself and one for the father-in-law who would have loved it. We're planning on going back during the summer and taking the parents; it's over around 10.30 and that makes it ideal for all age gr0ups. The older more sedate visitor can get to bed on time and the younger ones can get out into the Dublin nightlife without missing anything.

All in all - massive thumbs up! We've linked them from the index page of Charlies Website so bookmark them and next time you need to impress the visitors...take them to a house party.

Xi'An Sí to play Irish Gigs

A recent excellent "find" (well, last year :)) has been the Chinese group Xi'an Sí (pronounced Shi-an Shee) who specialise in playing Irish music (traditional, folk, O'Carrolan etc) on ancient Chinese instruments. Their CD The Xi'An Sessions is superb and one of the most popular independent CDs we've ever stockedread about them, how they came to irish music and their instruments here http://www.geocities.com/charlesbyrnemusic/xiansthe.htm
Now....we have it on good authority...they're planning to come to Ireland this summer and will be playing a few dates!! One of the group is permanently based here and she's promised to keep us updated about the plans, and we'll announce dates as soon as they are confirmed.This will be a unique opportunity to see a wonderful group live, and I for one will be up front and centre, I'm not missing this :) Fingers crossed they avoid July 4th-19th (holidays)
Let you know as soon as it happens :)

Whistle for it!!

We said if we got it, you'd get it and that's what we're doing....any savings we get we pass on to you, dear customer...

Today's Good News
Tony Dixon D Whistle Polymer one piece was €17.00 now €15.00
Tony Dixon D Whistle Polymer two piece was €27.00 now €23.00

Tony Dixon Traditional Brass (adjustable mouthpiece) was €25 now €20
Tony Dixon D Whistle(adjustable mouthpiece) was €25 now €23

YAY!

New CD - Fugato from Absolute Music

Something to uplift and refresh on a rainy day!

fugato..
New CD from Moya O'Grady(cello), David O'Doherty(violin), Geraldine O'Doherty(harp) and Catherina Lemoni (piano)
inc Wieniawski, Ravel,Chopin, Fauré,Victory,Debussy, Chopin, Piazolla and Villa-labos
only €19.95

A wonderful collection of classics opening with the sublime Wieniawski Scherzo Tarantello Op. 16

To order call 01-4781773, email charlesbyrne@ireland.com or call to the shop

The Emergency Budget Blues Lyrics

Here are ours...

Feel free to add your own !!

Beat the Budget Blues...

Still singing the budget blues ?

I woke up this morning
my wallet was light
someone done stole my
paycheck last night
I got the budget, I got the budget,
emergency budget bluesssss........

So you're going to have a lot of evenings in this summer and we're all swopping the Algarve for the Costa Del Back Garden...remember the 80s? (if you're too young, ask someone my age!) Didn't we have fun? remember summer evenings sitting out, some guy playing guitar and some girl singing? Remember when we used to make our own amusement and it didn't cost an absolute arm and a leg?

So we're all going to have a lot of spare time and no X-box games to play (cos we cant afford them and even Bord Gais electricity rates will be too high so every electrical appliance will be on timers including the TV) What can you do?

Learn something - no not something boring, get an instrument and learn something cool. So what if you're pushing 50? ring up your mates and revive that band you were in - let out your inner Christy Moore or Eric Clapton! The coolest new thing to play is a Ukulele - and it's easy, and the old favourites are guitars,banjos and mandolins.

Pick a piece - think of some piece you adore, you'd love to be able to play - and go for it! So what if it takes months, god knows you've got the time now! Hours of amusement and you can drive your neighbours mad playing the same three bars over and over. Then they'll come round to complain, you'll finally get to meet them and Voila! you're half way to a neighbourhood watch committee.
Throw a Party - I remember years ago every party ended in a singsong, people brought books of song lyrics with them and any spare instrument lying around. Then we got all SATC and chic and no one would dream of picking up a guitar and leading a rousing chorus of Willie MacBride anymore. Well why not indulge in some retro fun, and get everyone to do a party piece. Being cool is over rated...learn the words to American Pie and dig out that tin whistle!

See? there are lots of ways to enjoy ourselves without spending a shedload....invest in your mental health and sing witb me ....
"always look on the bright siiiiiide of life, do do, do do do do do dah!"

The Luck of the Irish!

Well, you'll be very lucky if you come into us next week for a Bodhrán ! We're shut for Monday and Tuesday - happy paddy's day to us! - but from Wednesday to Saturday inclusive there's still 10% off ALL bodhráns. Call in and have a look!

We have Vignoles, Paraic McNeela, First Island, Dublin Bodhráns...
and a very special offer on a tunable 18" Malachy Kearns - was €295, now €250....plus an addiitional 10% off this week!

Have a good one!

St Patrick's Festival Bargains!!

To celebrate St Patrick's Day and the Festival taking place in Dublin over the next week - and to bring a little happiness to the gloom and doom - we've got a fabulous Patrick's Festival offer!





10 % discount off ALL bodhráns - including tunable! - from today March 11th to Saturday March 22nd inc.*





Why not enjoy Ireland's most unique and traditional instrument, the heartbeat of Irish music, a handmade bodhrán: prices start from only €30 (now €27!!) inc Beater and Cover!!


We have First Island, Malachy Kearns, Pariac McNeela, Paul McAuley, and Michael Vignoles.

And......10% off all accessories - covers, beaters, books!








*please note, Charles Byrne is closed on Sunday 15th, Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th

You'll love us!

You'll love us and our new deals....


The R word is becoming almost chic now :) it's good fun trying to find bargains and a way to brighten up even the gloomiest day (and god knows there are a lot of gloomy days recently.)


Sadly we've been forced to put up the price of many strings, as manufacturers worldwide get hit by recession; but we did manage to lower the price of Pirastro Cello Strings! Plus we have new strings that offer great sound at really competitive prices : check our Rotosound Strings for mandolin and Uke and our new TGI strings for Guitar (extralight & light acoustic and Classical) only €3.95!


We also have D'addario Classical pro arte at €9.75, steel string at €6.95 and Boston Irish Tenor Banjo at €4.95





it all adds up!

It's February and that means...

...New Specials, New products, New music!!!

We have some really special new products designed to beat the credit crunch and keep the wolves of recession at bay :)

First up is great news for Traditional musicians with the new Tony Dixon one-piece low D whistle in polymer for only.....€45! Or the New Tony Dixon A whistle €50.
We have a great deal for guitarists....Extra light and Light guage steel strings for €3.95 a set and classical guitar strings €3.95 per set
We have ENO clip on tuners suitable for all stringed instruments (both clip on and mic) only €19.95!

Check back for new Book sale - coming soon and a very special one off Deering handmade Banjo offer!

January Specials......Last Three Days

The last days of January are upon us and Spring starts on Sunday - so grab the last bargains from January. 25% off all acoustic guitars, reductions on Gianinni and Manual Serrano Spanish Guitars; selected covers reduced. Half Price books and more half price stationary and novelties. Go on, treat yourself :)
Or just check out Charles Byrne and see what else we have for the discerning Musician!

One Week Left! January Specials

There's one week left and a few specials still available!

Offers end January 31st!

We have a (very limited) amount of Steel String Guitars - inc Countryman or Brunswick €86.95 (were €115) and Tanglewood guitar inc cover and accessories €141.75 (were €189) These must go!

We have one only Craviola by Giannini inc pickup (steel string) €1046.95 (was €1395)

We have one only Conga Djembe (white and black) 24" high, 12/13" head, was €180 HALF PRICE €90
Malachy Kearns 18" tuneable Bodhrán including cover and beater €250 (was €295, one only left)


Also still on special offer - Half Price on Stationary inc Notebooks etc, Selected Books Half Price and selected Music Carriers (plastic folders with strap, music design) Half Price


Pssst
We do have a very special offer on Deering Handmade Tenor Banjos, inc case, Shortneck.....coming soon !

Kinsman Heavy Mandolin Cover

Again, this is a limited offer, we have a very few in stock. The original Kinsman very heavy duty, leatherette finish, heavily padded Mandolin Gig Bag, suitable for most standard size and shapes; used to retail at €70 - now only €50. We can't replace these so grab them now! (pictured aboce with standard size mandolin)

January Sale - Limited Stock Special Offers! Only til Jan31st

Okay you lovely lot, we have a few- very few- very special offers just until January 31st...so if you are a guitarist today is your lucky day.

We have Hiscox Standard Classical and Acoustic Guitar Cases - amazingly strong cases, highly regarded - were €135, now €114.75
Hiscox Professional Classical Cases were €165 and the Acoustic Models were €175 now BOTH €140.25!

AND Admira Elena model.... handmade, in Spain, Advanced level Classical Guitar, Cutaway shape (not with electrics) was €1200 now available at €1050 including hard case.

We have very few in stock so pop in quickly!

Finding Charlie's Music Shop....

Now it's even easier to find us using Google Maps! We've updated our Location Page
to show Charlie's on a searchable, zoomable google map. Aren't Google maps the best thing ever? :) Love them. I have absolutely no sense of direction so a good map/sat nav system is a must for me, and I use google maps all the time to figure out where on earth I am, need to be, should have been before I got lost!

And of course if this still isn't enough just ring us and we'll talk you through it :) Of course you can always order over the phone and save yourself the trip! we take Visa, Mastercard, Laser etc


View Larger Map

January Special Offer: Bodhrán

We have a lovely, handmade 18" bodhrán from Malachy Kearns - Tunable - including beater and cover was €295 now €250, very limited stock! A really good session bodhrán with great tone and volume.

Happy New Year, Music Lovers

Well Charlie Byrne's opened again this morning - the building was freezing and we were forced to get breakfast in the Kylemore while it heated up :) Really, it was too cold at half eight to sit here and defrost the teapot. But we opened bright and early anyway...and now it's time to see what we can offer for the New Year!

We have a very limited amount of steel string guitars at 25% discount, from around €86.50 upwards including one or two Tanglewood Packs that were €189 but now €141.95! We also have until the end of January 25% discount on handmade Moon guitars and Giannini Craviola.

We have discounts on selected books, from Half price on some tutors and collections; and we have a limited amount of tuners and covers on discount too!
And still some great offers on a range of CDS and DVDs

And tomorrow we'll see what else we can find :) so til then Happy New Year, Happy Back to School and Happy Back to Work. And if you've made any good resolutions let us know :)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From Charlie Byrne's

We're closing up at three pm and we'll be shut until January 6th; so to all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and peaceful New Year. It was nice getting to say it in person to so many people today - although shocking that so many of you left your Christmas shopping to the last moment!! Hope you all have a very good holiday; and may 2009 bring all good things.

See you all Next Year!

Two Days of Shopping....

Has the panic set in yet? Well, if not it should be - you have today and tomorrow and then it's too late :)
Okay, so you forgot to get presents for the next door neighbour and your second cousin is about to call with her children and you haven't even as much as a Belgian chocolate in the house to wrap up.
But there are tips to surviving and here they are - remember it's only one day and the words "I left your present in work, sure I'll drop it into you in the new year" were invented for this very reason. Also any gift given should be given because you want to give it, not because you feel you have to. And you're not psychic so if someone catches you unawares you can be forgiven for not knowing in advance they were about to surprise you!

And if you still need a gift, there are still some great bargains to be had in Stationary, mugs, cufflinks and phone charms not to mention chopping boards, aprons and other novelties with fabulous music designs.

If you're stuck for ideas, get them a gift voucher - and remember our vouchers don't expire :)

If you know what they want - what strings they use, or what resin; whether they'd like a Xi'an Sí CD or a ukulele ; or perhaps a Tin Whistle, Low Whistle or Flute, bodhran, bones or spoons just pop in - we're here today from 9-5.30 and Christmas Eve from 10 - 3pm (sharp)

SO don't panic... there's a cool musical gift waiting for them right here!

Banjos Banjos everywhere....and some mandolins!

We were delighted to get new Banjos in today - we've been running very low! But as of this morning we have Tenor and G-banjo from €140 - really nice beginners banjos with a pleasant sound. Then we have very nice ones in both G and Tenor at €157; expecially good value ones including hard case start at €195!
For the more advanced player, or someone wants to start with an intermediate level instrument - tenor banjo's are available at €220, €395, €440 (inc cover) and €695 while G banjos include ones at €220. €395 (Hofner g banjo in hard case) €440 and €695.
For the very special present :) - we have handmade Deering tenor banjos at €1595 including hard case...a lovely model with rich tone and volume.

We also got in fresh Mandolin stocks so....we have Mandolins from €115 and including a special offer, the countryman scroll style mandolin at €185. Hofner hand made mandolin including hard case is €595 and the Giannini including hard case €895. Lots of choice for beginner, and advanced!

Vouchers - Christmas made easy

Those of you listening to Pat Kenny over the last few days will surely have heard the segment on Vouchers - or rather on how some shops won't honour vouchers. You may have heard my email on Thursday or the mention we got yesterday - we absolutely disagree with putting any kind of expiry date or renewal fee on vouchers and we said so :)
When you buy a voucher from us, we see that as being as good as money; and until money gets an expiry date, our vouchers remain valid...

There are several ways to buy a voucher, the best way is to pop into the shop; we'll give you a nice music themed card with the amount plus a receipt as back up in case you or the recipient lose their vouchers (easily done, as I know to my cost!)
You can also buy through Paypal, on our website but be sure to check whether Paypal charge your account/country a fee for processing. (If you buy in the shop obviously there is no fee and we do not benefit from any fee that Paypal charges the buyer.)

A voucher can be used against any purchase in the retail section. If you have a balance left over you can hold on to it until you want to use it...no matter how long that takes :)

Santa shops at Charlie Byrne's...

We've been asked all week for stocking fillers and Kris Kindle gifts under €5 and €10: so we thought we'd share some of the combinations we've managed to put together for Santa :) with lots of novelties now at half price we're not stuck for choice....e.g.

2 Notebooks at €1.25 each (2.50 total) teamed with pencils at 95c and erasers at €1 (total €4.45)

or 1 Notebook €1.25 and 1 x Large metallic treble clef pencil €2.95 total €4.20

or Writing paper €2.60 with Quaver Pen €2.95 total € 5 for the set!

or Writing paper €2.60 and Envelope €2.60 for €5 for the set...

Or Notebook €1.25, Writing Paper €2.60 and Post-it notes for €5

or Notebook €1.25, Post-it Notes €1.25 and pencil .95 only €345

With Pencils, Erasers, Notebooks, Post-its, Envelopes and Writing paper to choose from, it's easy to make a nice combination for the music fan in your family or friends!

Then you have a set of 2 coasters, €2.50 or phone charms €4.95 or Music Fact Packs €2.25, playing cards €3.95 or teatowels €5 or pencil cases €5

If you want to go the little bit higher, bones china mugs are €9.95 and coffee mugs are €7.95; Aprons are €9.95; Large Pencil cases from €6 and much more!

If you want a hand just ask and we'll help you choose :)

Make no Bones about it.....

Real Bones are best! We have sets of Real Bones in stock again, handmade and a traditional instrument like no other....plus of course wooden bones for those who prefer them :) Still, these are a real harkening back to a bygone era, and something intrinsically "folk".

Aluminum Low Whistle by Tony Dixon

New! Tony Dixon has added to his already fabulous range with the Low D Aluminum ... only €120 ! with polymer adjustable mouthpiece, this is a lovely mellow affordable Low D.
Fresh in and already popular :)

Plus we have the Low D polymer two piece back in stock, still at the great price of €90

Violins, Old and New

Just sitting here listening to a client playing on one of our intermediate student instruments...there are some fabulous modern handmade ones between €595 and €1500 - including some Stamitz (Czech) and Hofner (German) A cut above the average student violin and suitable for the player who really doesn't want to spend over €1500 but wants a noticeably improved tone and timbre. Even those at the cheaper end, the six and seven hundred euro ranges, are handmade, and well made, with more tonal resonance and depth than the beginner ranges.
Of course for the advanced student there's also plenty of options; including older restored instruments from around €2,225 ; and a range of different "voices" - dark tones, sweet and light, rich and mellow. Maybe the present you buy for yourself this Christmas :)

Christmas is coming...and we have sweet music!

It's just under two weeks to Christmas now! and we're celebrating the final countdown with lots of special offers...
We have fabulous Chromatic tuners from TGI - slimline, white, very modern and chic, with a pickup unit to attach to your instruments bridge or machine head - they were €14.95 now €12.00! A brilliant gift, or stocking filler for any stringed instrument player.
We also have Boston Guitar / Chromatic Tuners from €15
We have loads of books on special offer - half price! inclding Gypsy Violin, Ragtime tutors, and FAQ's for guitar players. We have the Hofnung Cartoons in books only €6.50 - that's Half Price!

There are other great savings, from guitar covers to flutes - rosewood flute was €150 now €100 and ebony were €300 now €200

And of course, it's time to get your stockingfillers - pencils from 95c and notebooks at half price (now €1.25, lots of great designs "drop me a note" "a quick note" etc) and writing paper and envelopes all €2.25, with parers and erasers and mugs and coasters and absolutely loads of gifts for under €10 (most under €5!)
Pens shaped like quavers! €2.95 loevly metallic pencils shaped like treble clefs €2.95 or treble clef pens €1.95
Phone Charms are one of the most popular gifts this year only €4.95 in absolutely great designs and if you want to really wake them up, give a small instrument! mini maracas only €6 for a pair! or Egg Shakers from €3.95, tambourines from €9.95; bells from €9.95 and large bell sticks less than €16!
There's so much you can give this year without breaking the bank - so why not give them the gift of music :)

A bodhrán is not just for Christmas....

A great gift for christmas, is the auld Bodhrán. It ticks so many boxes; it's an actual instrument, it is a unique part of Irish traditional music, it's beautiful, it can be decorative or functional and if you give one to the right person, it can drive everyone in their house insane on Christmas day (we obviously don't encourage that kind of thing, you understand, but if you should happen to...)

Sean O'Riada reputedly said the best way to play a Bodhrán was with a knife; but he obviously had never indulged in the glorious creations of Michael Vignoles, Paul McAuley, Paraic McNeela, and others.

Nor is it an expensive item! For something that gives hours of amusement and opens up a world of music and playing to people they are extremely affordable. A handmade 12" with bag and beater consts €30, 16" with bag and beater €45 - the same in 18" with bag and beater costs €50.

More professional level bodhráns start at €60 for an 18" (again with cover and beater) and there are lovely 14". 16" and 18" from €85 - €90.

A new aspect of the Bodhrán in the last 30 years has been the Tunable Bodhrán - in the last ten years they have gone from large, overweight rather awkward beings to deep-toned, beautifully finished, resonant and easy to use creations. Usually available from €130 apx, they come in a wide variety of depth, size and tone.

DVDs and books abound, everything you need to get started; and the true beauty of the bodhrán is that it gives as much pleasure to the solitary musician as to the extrovert performer. As a stress buster, it can hardly be bettered - just let the rhythm take over......

Happy Christmas, mandolin lovers!

SOLD OUT!!

We have a great bargain in today!

Countryman Mandolin scroll design ONLY €90

Very Limited Stock

PLUS banjos from €140 (tenor and G banjos) now in stock

Christmas Specials Steel Guitars - Part Two

So now you know what we have in special offers on Classical Guitars what about Steel String Guitars?

Well for a start....we have 25% off ALL steel string guitars. Yes. 25%. no, it's not a joke. 25% off ALL steel string guitars.

For example...Moon Handmade steel string guitars were €1825 25% discount €1368; or €2150 25% discount €1613 and they come with Hiscox Hard Cases!

OR Craviolas from Brazil were €1395 10% discount €1047; €620 10% discount €465 including padded covers

or for the beginner....Countryman and Brunswick guitars were €115 now €86.25 !!

You could pick up a Tanglewood pack including cover, excellent Tanglewood guitar and accessories was €129 now €96.75 or €189 now €141.75

At these prices they're going fast, so if you want a real bargain in a steel string guitar pop into the shop!

stockingfillers at Charlie Byrne's Music Shop

Santa Shops At Charlie Byrne's!

Even Santa shops with us - he loves our stocking fillers ! Where else can you get a unique, funny or practical gift for under €10?? Just check out the range -

New! Phone charms in amazing colours and designs, inc "banjo" "accordian" "fiddle" "guitars" "music stand" and more - only €4.95

Musical Snap and Music Trivia Quiz sets all reduced to €5.95

Fridge magnets (large) from Violin to Saxaphone - only €6.95

Musicians Joke Book €8.95

Music Facts in Handy Packs (guitar chords/trivia/theory and jokes) €2.25

Music Carrier Bags in great colours and designs from €7.95

Badges from €4.95

Playing cards €3.95

Mouse mats from €7.00

Mozart Design Thank you notes €5.95

Packets of Greeting Cards 5 for €8.95

Notebooks inc "Sick Note" "Drop me a note" "compose a note" only €1.25 (half price!)

Writing Paper inc cream and white - €2.60 (half price)

Post-it booklets inc "Gone Chopin,Bach Soon" and treble clef designs only €1.50 (half price)

Chopin Lizst shopping lists €2.25 (half Price)

Erasers and pencils €1

Pencil Cases - all 10% discount

Rulers €1.95

Bronze Die Cast Pencil Parers in Violin, Piano, etc € 5.95

Mugs (bone china, varied designs) €9.95

Mugs - varied designs €6.95 and €8.95

Benticels (Pencils in Treble Clef Shape) €2.95

Quaver pens €2.95

Pens in treble clef shape €1.95

Bendy Pens €1.95

Christmas Carols all half price!

Coasters (set of two) €2.50 (half price)

Aprons were €15.95 now €10

Tea Towels were €6.95 now €5.00

Padded Oven Gloves "food glorious food" were €15.95 now €10

PLUS amazing special offers including Photoframes were €18.95 now €15.95;

Cotton Bags "conductor" €12.95 now €10.95 and Music design Ties from €13.95 and much more!

SO follow Santa's lead and pop in - get a present or stocking filler that is fun, and useful, and pretty and VERY good value....

Christmas Guitars Special Offers part one

More and more customers are availing of our special offers on guitars, and beating the recession with great deals. Guitars are a great favourite as Christmas presents; they're a gift that gives hours of enjoyment without involving being stuck in front of a computer, it involves learning a new skill, they're cool and good ones are increasingly affordable.

Classical Guitars (nylon stringed) are easy on the fingers, and on the ears; you can either learn classical music or play like an acousic (steel stringed) guitar - chords, ballads, strumming, etc The difference will be in the sound; nylon strings give a much softer, folkier sound.



Children's 1/4 size guitars -ideal for introducing kids to playing, strumming, etc €27.95



You can pick up a (decent) 1/2 size beginner from €50, full size beginners from €68 ; we have Manuel Serrano Electro Acoustics at €167 (were €208) and €238 (were €280) and handmade solid top €280 now €252; Brazilian Gianinni are €230 now €195; €260 now €225 ;€350 now €299.

And of course we have our usual great value on Admira and NEW classical guitars 1/4 to 4/4 from Karl Hofner of Germany €85 to €90.

PLUS SPECIAL OFFERS ON selected ranges of covers including Tanglewood gig bags and Ritter, and on tuners, books etc

Fionn Seisiún Books and Double CD

New in today! We are delighted to stock the Comhaltas range by Brian Prior

Fionn Seisiún Books and Double Cds!

Pro: Fweeen Sesh -oon
A series of books and CDs, designed for both learners and appreciators of Irish traditional music, based on the Wednesday night session from Comhaltas headquarters in Monkstown.

Music Bags!

We have a fabulous range of music bags in stock, from lightweight kids' bags, only €7.95! lots of great colours and designs and something for everyone from Baby Violinist to Teenage prodigy - fun, practical and affordable. This is a great present for a child who likes music, a really fun and practical stockingfiller and one that won't lose it's value once the tinsel is down!

RIng in Christmas and the New Year!!

Ding Dong Merrily on High...sorry couldn't resist :)

We're having a great time now, because the Christmas Crackers have arrived - the red ones we've had before...they each contain a whistle, tuned to a different note, that you can use to play great tunes! There are hats, song sheets, numbered badges, a conductors badge, easy instructions - the most tone deaf guest can join in.

But now we also have Handbell Crackers! Huge, Luxury size crackers each containing a handbell, with songsheets, and instructions. Follow the Leader to create tunes from Christmas Carols to famous songs... with hat, and joke as well.

These are just the best fun you can have around a dinner table!

Also new in are bone china mugs, phone charms (only €4.95! the ideal Stocking Filler) and fridge magnets.....check them out!

Our Novelties have Arrived!

Yes :) It's that time of year, ladies and gentlemen, a lovely box of novelty music gifts has arrived and this year we have new mugs, tea-for-one, new badges, fridge magnets...everything you can possibly want for stocking fillers and gifts!
Prices will range from 95c so there's something for every pocket - and with half price offers on stationary you're bound to find a bargain!

We'll put up comprehensive stock lists onsite over the next few days, and we'll show off some of the best right here...

Plus, we've updated our Special offers, Low Whistle, Flute, Bouzouki, Mandola, Mandolin and Uke pages, and we'll be updating the entire website over the next week, to keep you up to date with christmas speicals and best prices!
New specials will become available as we scour the world for bargains so keep an eye the site and the blog ...

Christmas Specials - Starting early!

Well we don't have to tell you there's a recession on; you'd have to be living on a different planet these last months not to know that. Unlike many though, we're optimistic - the economy will swing back upwards again in a while. Til then, we're all for sniffing out bargains, and getting the best value you can for your money - and Christmas is an ideal time to trim the fat, cut the waste and look for gifts that are both practical and fun.

Many people are looking to buy instruments as presents; particularly if you have a talent in the family, someone enthusiastic about their music, why not get that upgrade as part of their Christmas gift, rather than as a separate expense during the year? Bows, strings, accessories like violin cases... all make excellent gifts, that won't lose their value once the xmas frenzy is over.

We have an incredible early sale on Acoustic Steel string guitars at the moment, but stock is limited! we have 25% off ALL acoustic steel string guitars starting at €86.50 for a Hohner Countryman. There's also bargains to be had in selected Classical guitars and in gigbags.

If you just want the fun gifts, there are bargains to be had in novelties! Lots of stationary - writing paper, envelopes, post- its are an unbelievable HALF PRICE! As well as selected books, including Tangos for fiddle players, and modern collections from Tom Waites, Dido, and others. Music carriers in lovely colours and designs start at €7.95 and we have pencils, erasers etc from 95c.

One lovely gift this year is the Children';s Glockenspiel, a great instrument in a blue case for only €23.95 and another is the children's 1/4 size guitar at €27.95!


there's more! XI'An Sí have produced their CD the Xi'An Sessions for €14.95 making it an ideal xmas gift and we have 2 cds for €20 and 3 cds for €30 special offers on selected cds!

So check it out!

Spring Fever!

We have some great deals on Acoustic Guitars this Spring - especially our high end guitars. Moon handmade acoustic and the lvoely Craviola's from Gianinni in Brazil are all available at 10% discount, for a limited time only! The moon come including Hiscox Hard Case - easily the best guitar cases for protection.

Djembes are still available at a limited selection at 20% discount, to clear; get one of these bargains now!

And we have a great range of instruments as usual, prooving expecially interesting this Spring are our ukuleles (from basic ones to handmade ones) and we have lots of lovely lovely books and covers. We have new tutors, for a range of instruments and a lot of new books.

We're expecially delighted with our range of Stamitz handmade Violins from Prague - truly lovely.

Other fresh ranges include bodhráns from Michael Vignoles and Paul McAuley, as well as Paraic McNeela.
So check out the website, or come on in and have a look!