Things to do before a mis-kick of the bucket - Buy a guitar from Denmark St.

Denmark Street. Tin Pan Alley.

Situated in London, not far from Leicester Square, is a little street. A street that is simply known for one thing.

Musical instrument shops.

I have been to Denmark St twice and it is a magical place. First time I went into every shop and had a proper nosey around. Second time was a quicker visit visiting my favourite shops from last time.

The street has everything you can imagine, from 1930s Gibsons to brand new Squiers, you just have to know what shop to go in. Acoustics, electrics, bass, pedals and amps are everywhere on this street, as well as dedicated shops to brass instruments and keyboards and pianos. I really felt like a kid in a candy shop both times I went there.

Since I found out about the street about 5/6 years ago, I've always said that I wanted to visit and purchase a guitar from there. To purchase an instrument from the place that has the history that Tin Pan Alley has would be a great story and definitely add an extra dimension to my instrument.

I'll just give some quick name drops as to why this street has this history. Apparently Jimi Hendrix recorded at Regent Sound Studios, just like the Rolling Stones. The Sex Pistols lived at number 6. Elton John wrote "Your Song" whilst at the street. Names like Jimmy Page are not unfamiliar with these streets, and George Harrison bought a guitar or two here. I'm sure many other famous musicians have bought, recorded, or had instruments set up at this street. As well as many thousands of other people.

I'd love to become a part of that history, so before I become brown bread I'd love to walk to the street, strum a few chords and walk away with a guitar.

I'm thinking that an acoustic would be the best choice. I play a lot of my stuff by myself and my EJ200 probably needs a buddy so she can have a rest!

My favourite shops are Wunjo's and Regent Sounds. Regent Sounds have a great range of Gretsch and Fender guitars and bass guitars, and they have that history. The shop is nice and simple and features everything from Affinity Strats to one of Jeff Beck's signature Strats! Wunjo's is also great. Both times I have walked into Wunjo's I've been told to let someone know if I wanted to plug something in. At this point I've only just walked in! The story has everything; with a good range of lower end models to the all-out balls-out mega pieces normally under lock and key. It's one of the only places I've also seen a bunch of Airlines, which is nice. The acoustic room is nice, with a few different brands (some I wasn't familiar with) and it would be the first place I head to with money when I buy my acoustic from Denmark Street!

Anyway, some bastards think it's better to get rid of this famous, chaotic, popular, fun, eccentric, historical street. So go sign some petitions and tell the powers that be, that they're idiots!

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/head-of-democratic-services-don-t-bin-tin-pan-alley
http://louderthanwar.com/stop-the-demolition-of-tin-pan-alleydenmark-st-and-the-12-bar-now-join-the-campaign/

Thank you ladies and gentlemen.
SJ.