Quality European Acoustic Stringed Instruments for the Classical, Jazz, Gypsy, Flamenco player

The Mumfords Music Grab-R

Here's a neat idea, especially for those of you performing outdoors here in the UK. We've all been there. Everything is set up and ready to go when a gust of wind takes hold of your music and off it goes into the next county. Local outfit Mumfords have come up with a great piece of kit that will make sure this no longer happens. So, leave those clothes pegs and bulldog clips at home, this stand is the solution. The Mumfords Music Grab-R holds your sheet music in place quickly and securely, allowing easy removal when you want to remove it and not before. Here at Sandarac we're very pleased to endorse this practical, cost-effective, product and to support a local, Suffolk-based, entrepreneur. Why not pop in to the Old Dairy and try it out for yourself?

Check the link for more details.

What If I Told You...

...Neo was alive and the latest thing from Schatten Pickups?

The innovative Neo jack systems from Schatten Design are a fantastic new, non-invasive way to quickly and easily add a pickup to your favourite Gypsy Jazz, or Resonator Guitar, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Violin, or Viola that utilise existing attachment points and in most cases completely avoids the need to drill holes.

Check the links for more details.

Genius Classical Guitar Strings from Galli Strings

The Genius range of classical and flamenco strings from Italian maker Galli Strings, are an excellent low to mid-price choice delivering a consistent, warm, bright tone with round and precise high notes and rich, deep lows. Designed by, and with professional players in mind, the Procoated/EWC technology strikes the right balance between excellent tonal quality and optimum string life. A thin film protects the string against natural oils, sweat, and atmospheric agents that does not affect the timbre or the 'feel' of the string. The Electronic Winding Controlled (EWC) Process ensures that the same pressure and tension is applied to the whole length of the string, resulting in consistent quality and balance in every string, in every set, every time.

In the words of Nazzareno Zacconni - "...I use Galli strings because they give me the right elasticity, playability and a sound rich in harmonics and sustain. Galli strings have a long life and are able to keep the pitch well after tuning. ...the best choice for studio and live performances".

Sandarac is also pleased to offer Gypsy Jazz, Jazz Archtop Flat and Phosphor Bronze acoustic guitar strings for your playing pleasure.

Galli Strings. Pure Genius. Why not give them a try?

Hitting the Right Note

We are

proud to announce that Sandarac has been listed as one of the finest and most trusted music shops in the UK in the new Music Industries Association (MIA) Trusted Music Store scheme. The scheme has been set up to help musicians ensure that they can deal with confidence with any listed store whether simply seeking advice or to buy that new instrument. The Music Industries Association (MIA) has launched the scheme to safeguard instrument sales and aims to create a more harmonious shopping experience all-round. The trademarked TMS logo is now displayed at the Old Dairy confirming our compliance with the scheme’s requirements of stocking a great range of instruments, and being able to provide expert advice, support and guidance for musicians at all levels.
MIA, says: “Great value, great service and peace of mind is what TMS aims to offer UK customers. It’s a guide to the best music shops out there as well as providing consumer protection, often lacking in today’s market. We want to highlight the benefits of shopping in store where customers can view and handle a wide range of instruments, receive individual guidance and information, ensuring they choose the right one for them.”

Invest in a Masterpiece

...and for those of a discerning mind we are proud to present the Connoisseur Collection; a selection of unique and beautiful hand-crafted guitars. Each is a one-off, a masterpiece, representing the work of three of the finest independent luthiers in the world. Tone, playability, appearance – these guitars make no compromises, every one is exquisite in all areas. Each guitar will have taken between four and six months to make, its personality evolving as the character of the wood guides the luthier, almost like the sculptor that reveals the beautiful statue hidden inside a block of stone. The Connoisseur Collection, blurring the lines between lutherie and art…

Selecting the Best from the Craftsmen of Europe

The Dupont range of guitars, basses, amplifiers and pickups have proven to be popular despite the current recession proving that quality will always count. The Auditorium flat tops and the B4E acoustic bass have both received excellent reviews in Guitarist and Bass Guitar magazine respectively.

The Be-Bop Jazz Archtop (pictured right) was reviewed in Guitar and Bass Magazine. Whilst that particular guitar is no longer with us we have a Be-Bop together its sister model, the Belleville, available to view at The Old Dairy or at the Guitar Shows listed in our Diary and Events.

The unique, collapsible, Volante bass again from the Dupont studios is continuing to create a stir. This fantastic double bass, built with the touring musician in mind: can be seen on tour with The Jools Holland Orchestra and Mario Carrillo respectively. The bass combines excellent playability and a great sound with the peace of mind provided by the instrument’s golf bag sized flight case. The 5-string and left handed versions have proven particularly popular.

The French made Volante bass now sits in the Old Dairy showroom alongside its more traditional double bass cousins and the rest of the Kremona bowed instrument range in the Sandarac portfolio. Handcrafted in the Orpheus Valley these traditionally made violins, violas, cellos and basses continue to represent excellent value for money for improvers and professionals alike.