Musical instruments from top specialist stores

MUSIC IS THE KEY TO HAPPINESS

Music is undoubtedly good for the soul - and for staying young, according to a survey that found people who play an instrument excel in memory and hearing tests compared to those who do not. A fine quality instrument, that looks as good as it sounds, only enhances the pleasure. The companies featured here have vast experience and knowledgeable staff who are able to advise on the best instrument for a particular style of music. Valuable musical instruments often need specialist insurance, especially if they are likely to be taken out of the home. For home practice sessions, you might want to consider creating a personal conservatoire by adding a beautiful garden room.

BLUTHNER ALIQUOT BOUDOIR GRAND

J & M PIANOS

£13,000

You will love the unrivalled quality and tonality of this superbly restored grand piano! Re-gilded, it is a work of art just to look at, but wait until you play it! The distinctive tone from the Aliquot Stringing is loved by singers.

LES PAUL CUSTOM GUITAR

GIBSON

POA

Based on the acclaimed solid body Les Paul model from the mid-1950s, this has been given some modern touches. The body is solid mahogany but with strategically routed holes, resulting in a lighter instrument with improved resonance.

Uber Feature

Featured Company - Chappell of Bond Street

Having traded in Bond Street for close on 200 years, world-renowned music store Chappells retains this address in its title, even though it has now moved to nearby Wardour Street, as well as offering an online service.

Chappells incorporates the Yamaha London store and this meticulously hand-crafted triple horn is typical of that company's fine instruments. With a detachable bell, it produces the rich sound of the double horn, but also offers the control of a descant horn; all for approximately £8,000.

Also from Yamaha, there are beautiful polished black or walnut grand pianos producing an exquisite sound that would grace any drawing room. Models start at less than £8,000 to more than £33,000.

Among other impressive stock spread over three floors is the stunning Vigier Excalibur Ultra GSH electric guitar, crafted from maple with a rosewood fingerboard.