A Thoroughly Modern Music Shop

The Music Bits team has many decades of music shop experience between them. During that time, the industry has changed to the point of being almost unrecognisable.

At first glance, we appear to be a traditional musical instrument shop. Guitars, ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, accordions, harmonicas, violins, violas, clarinets, flutes, trumpets, and a myriad of other musical instruments are on display in our windows and inside our High Street store. There is always someone behind the counter with the knowledge to assist any customer who walks through the door. Out the back, there is a workshop where instruments are being set up and repaired. All the things you would expect.

Why a High Street Music Shop Thrives in 2026

In 2026, retail across the UK has changed beyond all recognition. Many high streets are quiet. Shop units stand empty. Footfall is lower than ever. Big-name stores are closing down for good on a regular basis. So why is it that a seemingly traditional musical instrument shop not only survives — but is thriving?

The old saying that you should never judge a book by its cover has never been more true than when it comes to Music Bits Company.

When the team arrives on a Monday morning, before a single customer walks through the door, there is already a long list of orders to fulfil. Whilst we were closed from late Saturday afternoon right through to first thing Monday morning, customers have been placing orders online — through our website and other sales channels. Before we even open our doors, we already have more orders to fulfil than any high street music store would have seen in the so-called "good old days" of high street shopping. An d this happens on a daily basis.

More Than Just a Box Shifter

Some might ask: why not just sell online then? And the answer is this — online-only retailers are not really musical instrument retailers at all. They are box shifters. A warehouse with a website, where no musical knowledge is required from the staff. That is not what we do.

At Music Bits, we combine the best of the old with the best of the new. You can have it all — everything that is great about a traditional musical instrument store, combined with all the benefits and convenience of shopping online. This is something the big online retailers simply cannot compete with. No matter how hard they try, or how many so-called "experts" they employ, size can be a disadvantage in both directions.

Large, faceless retailers cannot do genuine customer service. They cannot set up a guitar. They cannot answer your questions in a meaningful way. At Music Bits, there are no chatbots, no automated responses, no overseas call centres — just good old-fashioned customer service, from real people, based right here in the UK, speaking plain English. What a concept.

Real People Make a Real Difference

At ten o'clock on a Monday morning, we open our doors to High Street shoppers. There may not be as many as there would have been 20 years ago, but there are still a great many of them. Musicians know there is no comparison to shopping in a real musical instrument store — being able to try an instrument before committing, to talk to knowledgeable staff about the right setup for you, the right accessories, and so much more.

As it turns out, real people make a real difference.

What is most remarkable to us is that our shop in Alford has become so popular that it now accounts for around 50% of our total sales. That is quite extraordinary in the current retail climate, and it is a testament to the genuine need for a shop like ours in this area.

Thoroughly modern? Absolutely. But never at the expense of what matters most.

Shop With Us — Your Way

Whether you prefer to browse from the comfort of your home or visit us in person, we make it easy to shop with Music Bits Company. Order online at www.musicbits.co.uk, visit us in store, or take advantage of our click and collect service — order online and pick up at your convenience.

Music Bits Company
17 High Street, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9DS
Tel: 01507 838 448