The oldest music shop in Manchester began when two brothers James and Henry Forsyth, relocated from London to help Charles Hallé establish his orchestra, and it has now become a Manchester institution.
Initially specialising in pianos, this shop soon diversified to include sheet music and other instruments, evolving with the city’s rich musical culture. Now in the hands of the fourth and fifth generation, it celebrates over 160 years of continuous family ownership – a rare achievement on the high street.
Forsyths – the oldest music shop in Manchester
Occupying a grand 15,000 sq ft building on Manchester’s longest street, Deansgate, Forsyths spans five stories, including three full showroom floors that overflow with musical treasures. Established in 1857 and still run by the founding family, Forsyths remains a treasured fixture on Deansgate for musicians of all levels.
The store houses the UK’s largest display of acoustic and digital pianos, with over 200 in stock from brands such as Steinway, Bechstein, Yamaha, and more.
The guitar department offers more than 300 acoustic, electric, and specialist guitars, each handpicked by knowledgeable staff. A renowned sheet music department stocks more than 30,000 titles, supplying amateur and professional musicians alike.
Forsyths also features extensive selections of orchestral strings, woodwind, brass, and percussion, alongside a vast range of accessories and gifts.
Run by experienced musicians, performers and teachers
Forsyths is more than just a shop – it is staffed by over 40 experienced musicians, performers, teachers, and technicians ready to help, advise, and restore. The store boasts its own repair and piano rebuilding workshop, providing tuning, restoration, part exchange, and even instrument hire for events and recordings.
Emphasising on community and supporting music through and through, Forsyths regularly hosts free concerts, welcoming both up-and-coming stars and established musicians for in-store performances. With practice rooms, lessons, and a commitment to musical education, the shop stands as a vital musical institution.
Forsyths’ story is woven tightly into Manchester’s musical fabric – a proud survivor of changing times, still opening its historic doors each day to everyone from first-time players to the city’s orchestral stars.