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I drove down Botchergate the other day only to see that the old J P Dias music shop has now been completely  demolished, Quite sad really as in the past 30 years at Rainbow music the one shop that still gets a mention is J P Dias.I Remember Buying My First Guitar..Back in the day in 1973 I decided at the age of 12 that I would like to learn to play the guitar. In those days the main shop in Carlisle at the time was J.P Dias who sold a variety of instruments including HH amplifiers,  H …

Fresh from Guild’s vintage-inspired Newark St. Collection, could this retro hot-rod be the leader of the pack?Despite space-age model names such as Starfire and Jetstar, Guild’s Newark St. Collection has long been a destination for those with vintage inclinations and a down-to-earth budget. From hard-rockin’ solidbodies to hollowbody archtops, all the main food groups are accounted for within the range. Our review model combines the classic singlecut Starfire outline with a centre-block, a trio …

ORANGE 1968 LONDON ENGLANDIn 1968, CEO Cliff Cooper, an electronics student and keen musician, borrowed £50 to start a musical instrument shop and recording studio in London’s West End. Against the backdrop of one of the city’s most vibrant districts, the shop was decorated with psychedelic script and painted a bright shade of orange which gave the company its name.Even in those early days the shop was awash with stars. Famous musicians such as John Lennon, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Eric Clap …

There is little doubt that at only £499 the Casio Privia PX760 represents excellent value for money. Originally retailing at £799 the new price now makes this fully weighted 88 key digital piano very affordable.The key features of this instrument are:Slim line cabinet design with roll down lid in a satin black durable finish.Realistic 88 fully weighted keyboard action with ivory feel keys.Excellent concert grand piano sound plus other realisic piano and orchestral sounds.Built in metronome as we …

London based double Grammy award-winning Jacob Collier is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, arranger, composer and producer described by Quincy Jones as "an absolute genius”, he continues “I have never in my life seen such a talent like this. One of my favourite young artists on the planet - absolutely mind-blowing". Jacob is hailed as one of the most extraordinary and innovative musicians of his generation. His enthusiastic and unique style combined with an infectious and overwhelmingly …