Where Music Begins in West Wales
Cerddystwyth is Aberystwyth's dedicated music shop — stocking instruments, sheet music, and accessories for players of every level, with expert repairs and professional tuition on-site.
More Than a Shop — Part of Aberystwyth's Musical Life
Cerddystwyth was founded with a simple belief: every person who wants to play music deserves access to great instruments, honest advice, and proper support. That belief has guided us for over two decades.
We are a genuinely independent music shop, owned and run by local musicians who care deeply about the craft. Our team includes professional guitarists, a classically trained pianist, a working drummer, and two qualified music teachers — all on hand to give you real, practical guidance.
Aberystwyth sits at the heart of a vibrant music scene. From the students of Aberystwyth University to the folk and traditional players of the wider Ceredigion countryside, we serve a rich and diverse musical community. We stock instruments that reflect that diversity: classical and acoustic alongside electric and electronic, with something for every tradition.
Musicians Serving Musicians
Every member of our team is an active or experienced musician. When you ask for advice, you are speaking to someone who genuinely understands your needs.
Trusted for Over 20 Years
We have been serving musicians in Ceredigion and across West Wales since 2003. Generations of local players have taken their first steps in music with us.
Community at Our Core
We sponsor local events, work with Ceredigion schools, and support emerging musicians. Music is for everyone, and we do our part to make it accessible.
Everything the Working Musician Needs
Our shop floor carries a carefully selected range of instruments, amplifiers, effects, strings, and accessories. We buy smart so you can too — quality kit at honest prices, with personal advice as standard.
Guitars & Bass
From entry-level acoustics ideal for beginners to professional-grade electric guitars and basses, our guitar department is the largest in the region. We stock a rotating selection of new and pre-owned instruments across every price point, with something to suit the curious first-timer and the seasoned gigging musician alike.
Acoustic • Classical • Electric • Bass • Semi-Hollow • 12-String • Travel Guitars • Left-Handed Models
Keyboards & Digital Pianos
Digital pianos with weighted keys for the serious pianist, compact keyboards for learners, and professional synthesisers for producers and performers. We carry models with onboard speakers as well as stage pianos for gigging musicians.
Drums & Percussion
Acoustic drum kits from entry-level starter packs to gigging-quality setups, plus electronic kits for practice in smaller spaces. We also stock snare drums, hand percussion, practice pads, and a full range of drumsticks and cymbals.
Accessories & Consumables
Strings, plectrums, capos, tuners, straps, cables, stands, cases, amplifiers, effects pedals, recording interfaces — everything you need to play, practise, and perform. We keep stock levels high so you can always find what you need.
Ukulele, Violin & Orchestral
Ukuleles in all sizes for players of all ages, student and intermediate violins and violas, plus a selection of recorders and wind instruments. We can also order orchestral instruments to specification — please ask in store.
Sheet Music & Tuition Books
One of the largest selections of printed sheet music in West Wales. Classical, contemporary, folk, jazz, pop, film — plus tuition books, exam preparation materials, and method series for all instruments.
Explore Sheet MusicExpert Services for Every Musician
Selling great instruments is only part of what we do. Our in-house repairs workshop and professional lessons programme make Cerddystwyth a complete destination for musicians at every stage of their journey.
Instrument Repairs
Our experienced luthiers and technicians handle repairs across all instrument types. From a simple string change or basic setup through to complex structural work and electronics overhauls, we carry out repairs to a professional standard with a realistic turnaround.
Most standard repairs completed within 48 hours. Complex restorations discussed and quoted individually.
Learn About RepairsMusic Lessons
Our lesson programme covers guitar, piano, drums, bass, ukulele, and music theory. We offer one-to-one tuition and small group sessions for children and adults at all levels, from absolute beginners through to Grade 8 and beyond.
ABRSM and Trinity exam preparation available. Flexible morning, afternoon, and weekend scheduling.
View Lesson OptionsProfessional Repairs You Can Trust
Our workshop is run by experienced technicians who treat every instrument with the same respect, whether it is a beginner's starter guitar or a vintage instrument with sentimental value.
We are transparent about costs from the outset. All repairs are quoted before work begins — no surprises on collection. If a repair is not economically worthwhile for your instrument, we will tell you honestly and help you find the right path forward.
Guitar Setups & Intonation
Action adjustments, truss rod settings, nut filing, intonation correction, and fret levelling. A properly set-up guitar plays in tune, feels comfortable, and stays in tune under playing conditions.
Electrical Faults & Electronics
Noisy pickups, faulty jacks, scratchy potentiometers, switch replacements, and full rewiring. We also fit replacement pickups and electronics upgrades to customer specification.
Structural Repairs
Cracked or separated bodies, broken headstocks, damaged bracing, and binding repairs. Each structural repair is assessed individually and discussed with the owner before work commences.
Drum & Percussion Servicing
Head replacements, hardware servicing, bass drum pedal adjustments, and snare mechanism repairs. We can also carry out cosmetic wrap repairs on drum shells.
Keyboard & Digital Piano Servicing
Key replacement, contact board cleaning, sustain pedal faults, and general servicing for digital pianos and keyboards. Some manufacturers' repairs carried out under warranty.
String Instruments (Violin, Cello, etc.)
Bridge replacements, sound post adjustments, peg fitting, bow rehairing, and general servicing for orchestral string instruments. Work carried out by experienced luthiers.
What to Expect When You Bring in a Repair
- Free initial assessment — no charge for looking
- Written quote provided before any work begins
- Parts and labour quoted separately where applicable
- Turnaround time estimated at drop-off
- Text or phone notification when ready for collection
- Collection by appointment or during normal opening hours
Common Repair Turnaround Times
- String change & basic setup: same day or next day
- Full professional setup: 2–3 working days
- Electronics work: 3–5 working days
- Structural repairs: quoted individually (typically 1–3 weeks)
- Bow rehairing: 1 week
"They saved my grandfather's guitar. A crack in the back that I thought was irreparable — they fixed it beautifully, matched the finish, and it sounds better than ever. Worth every penny."
D. Rowlands, AberystwythWarranty Repairs & Insurance Claims
- Authorised service centre for selected brands
- Detailed condition reports available for insurance purposes
- Photography of damage provided on request
- We liaise directly with insurers where required
Learn to Play — Lessons for All Ages & Levels
Whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time or preparing for Grade 8 examinations, our qualified tutors will tailor lessons to your goals, your pace, and your musical taste.
One-to-One Tuition
Fully personalised lessons focused on your goals. Our tutors adapt their approach to every individual student, making this the most effective way to progress quickly and confidently.
Small Group Lessons
Learn alongside other beginners in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Small group sizes (maximum four students) ensure individual attention while keeping the cost accessible. A popular choice for children and adult learners.
Exam Preparation
Structured tuition leading to formal graded examinations with ABRSM or Trinity College London. Our tutors have a strong track record of guiding students to results they are proud of, from Grade 1 through to Grade 8 and beyond.
Not sure which lesson type is right for you? Come in for a chat or ring us — we will help you find the best fit for your goals and budget.
Enquire About LessonsOne of West Wales's Finest Sheet Music Selections
We stock a wide and carefully curated range of sheet music, songbooks, tuition method books, and music theory resources — covering virtually every genre and instrument.
Finding the right printed music can be surprisingly difficult outside the major cities. We have made it a priority to carry a broad, well-organised selection so that players throughout Ceredigion and beyond have somewhere local to turn.
Our range includes classical repertoire for all instruments, contemporary and pop collections, traditional Welsh and Celtic music, jazz lead sheets, and the full current ABRSM and Trinity examination syllabuses. We carry popular tuition method series including Hal Leonard, ABRSM, and Rockschool.
Can't find what you're looking for? We offer a special order service for any printed music in print. Most orders arrive within 5–10 working days. Just ask at the counter or ring us with the details.
Trusted Names, Honestly Priced
We work directly with the UK's leading distributors to ensure we carry the brands our customers know and trust, at fair prices. Below is a selection of the manufacturers we regularly stock.
Don't see what you're after? We order from a wide range of suppliers. Ask in store or give us a ring and we'll do our best to source it for you.
Supporting Music Across Ceredigion
We believe that music education should be within reach of every young person in West Wales, regardless of background or circumstance. That commitment shapes everything we do.
We work closely with primary and secondary schools across Ceredigion, supplying instruments on preferential terms, offering in-school tuition support, and maintaining a small instrument loan scheme for families who cannot afford to purchase immediately.
Our shop has been involved in Aberystwyth's music scene for over two decades — sponsoring local events, supporting emerging bands, and contributing to the wider cultural life of the town and county. When you buy from us, you are supporting a business that gives back to the community that gave it purpose.
Schools & Education
We supply instruments, accessories, and sheet music to schools across Ceredigion on preferential terms. We understand the budget pressures schools face and aim to make quality music education as affordable as possible. Contact us to discuss a school account or to arrange a visit.
Instrument Loan Scheme
We maintain a small but carefully curated selection of instruments available for loan to young people whose families are unable to purchase. Loans are arranged through school music co-ordinators and Ceredigion Music Service. Ask us for more details.
In-Store Events
Throughout the year we host workshops, product demonstrations, and informal in-store sessions. Previous events have included guitar masterclasses, drum clinics, and student showcase evenings. Follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter to be kept informed.
Supporting Local Artists
We are proud to stock recordings, merchandise, and materials from local and regional artists. If you are a Ceredigion-based musician and would like to discuss stocking your work in our shop, we would be very happy to hear from you.
Trusted by Musicians Across West Wales
"I have been shopping here since I was a teenager. The staff actually know what they're talking about — they play these instruments themselves. I bought my first guitar here twenty years ago and I still come back whenever I need anything. There is nowhere else I'd go."
"My son started guitar lessons here six months ago and the change has been remarkable. His tutor is patient, encouraging, and clearly loves what she does. He now practises without being asked, which I thought was impossible. The shop itself is brilliant too — everything you could need under one roof."
"The repair service is exceptional. I brought in a vintage acoustic that had been sitting in a loft for thirty years with a cracked back. They assessed it properly, gave me an honest quote, and returned it in superb condition. The quality of the work and the care they took was evident."
"As a music teacher myself, I rely on a good local music shop. The sheet music selection here is genuinely impressive for a town this size. I can always find what I need for my students, and if they don't have it they'll order it without fuss. A real asset to Aberystwyth."
"Came in on the off-chance they might have a specific set of strings I needed for a gig that evening. They had them in stock, restrung the guitar on the spot, and the setup they did in the process was the best that guitar has ever played. Above and beyond."
"We have been buying instruments for our school through Cerddystwyth for several years now. The prices are fair, the quality is consistent, and they genuinely understand the constraints schools work under. It feels like a proper partnership rather than just a supplier relationship."
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Our Shop in Aberystwyth
We are located in the heart of Aberystwyth town centre. Whether you are popping in to browse, collecting a repair, or starting your first lesson, you are always welcome.
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
SY23 [Postcode]
Opening Hours
Bank holiday hours may vary. Lesson appointments are available outside standard opening hours by arrangement with individual tutors.
Embed a Google Map or OpenStreetMap here to show our location in Aberystwyth town centre.
[Street Address]
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion SY23
Getting Here
By car: Aberystwyth town centre has several car parks within a short walk. The nearest is [Car Park Name], approximately five minutes on foot.
By train: Aberystwyth railway station is served by Transport for Wales on the Cambrian Line. The shop is approximately [X] minutes' walk from the station.
By bus: Multiple bus routes serve the town centre. Aberystwyth Bus Station is a short walk from our door.
News, Events & Offers from Cerddystwyth
Sign up to our newsletter for the latest instrument arrivals, repair tips, lesson availability, and invitations to in-store events. We respect your privacy and will never share your details.