Denmark Street: The Ultimate British Guitar Experience.

[Archie]

Last weekend I went to Denmark St. It's been over a decade since I've last been and thought it would make a fun excuse to do a 'vlog'.

Many of you have probably been to, or heard of it but for those who haven't, it's one street in the centre of London that is packed with guitar shops.

In its day, it had likely twice as many shops as it does now and I was surprised how many shops have left. Prices are forcing retailers of musical instruments out which is a shame, for such a historic British music phenomenon.

I hope this video provides a good view into the world of Denmark street and the journey to and from central London, which I'm sure some of you in the US might enjoy.

I warn you, there a thousands of guitars in this video. I was disappointed at the amount of Archtops but I suppose it's to be expected.

Thanks to Joe DeNisco for letting me use his music. (The video has been partially blocked for copyright. Not sure why but let me know if you can't watch it).

[Woody Sound]

I hope this video provides a good view into the world of Denmark street and the journey to and from central London, which I'm sure some of you in the US might enjoy.

Definitely was fun, thanks! Just before covid I was vacationing in London for a few days for the usual sightseeing, wish I had gone to DS. Toward the beginning of the vid I know you were highlighting an ES5, but I was drooling over the Rick 481 slant next to it. Always wanted one when I was a teen, but couldn't afford one. Ahead of its time. Now they're still a price reach for me as vintage pieces.

[David B]

Did you walk round to Mak's Guitars (formerly Ivor Mairant's) on Rathbone Place? Much better archtop hunting to be had there.
Archtops and Semi-Acoustic Guitars
– Mak's Guitars

[CliffR]

I walked past Denmark Street on my way to Mak's a couple of weeks ago. A pale shadow of it's pre-Covid self, with one store on the corner boarded up and another, formerly Rose Morris, now TK Max. That's where I bought my first expensive guitar back in '87, a Charvel Model 6.

(I do like this video of Yngwie shopping in Denmark Street -

)

[burchyk]

Did you walk round to Mak's Guitars (formerly Ivor Mairant's) on Rathbone Place? Much better archtop hunting to be had there.
Archtops and Semi-Acoustic Guitars
– Mak's Guitars

This

[Gitterbug]

Good golly, it's still there! I haven't visited London for ages (ca. 2010 bought a D'A NYL-2 from Mak who was then running the shop for Mairants.) Went frequently during my Investor Relations years (1987-2003). In the early 2010s the word was that the entire area will be torn down.

[David B]

Good golly, it's still there! I haven't visited London for ages (ca. 2010 bought a D'A NYS-2 from Mak who was then running the shop for Mairants.) Went frequently during my Investor Relations years (1987-2003). In the early 2010s the word was that the entire area will be torn down.

Here's a good breakdown of the redevelopment of the area to the immediate north of Denmark Street, which encompasses Tottenham Court Road station and the upper part of Charing Cross Road.

The day the music died? Welcome to Denmark Street and Tottenham Court Road’s new ‘digitally enabled streetscape’ | Architecture | The Guardian

[Archie]

Macari's has gone too, down Tottenham court road. They always had some good stuff, or the promise of.

Didn't get to Maks but would if I had seen it. I thought it was in the area but didn't look it up.

I also missed footage from one shop that had some really cool pieces in. Not sure what happened to it. Shame as it was likely the best shop there.

It's true that Denmark street seems to be clinging on and the vibe is not there anymore but it was busy and those who were there, were having fun. It's still alive, just!

[ragman1]

Except Andy's has gone now. That's where I picked up a very beaten up old Martin D28 one day, strummed it and BOOM, it reverberated round the room. Turned out it was £4,000 and used to belong to Pete Townshend. Those were the days.

[ragman1]

Also

The history of Denmark Street, London'''s music epicentre | Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

[339 in june]

If you want something guitar stores related very impressive, and if you ever go to Tokyo, Japan, don't miss Ochanomizu Street
As for archtops, go to the end of the street, opposite to the subway station, at Kurosawa G Club, 3rd floor :
世界最大規模ギター専門店 G'CLUB TOKYO -Arch Top Guitar Floor-
That's an experience !

[darkwaters]

Too rich for my blood. I’ve noticed that the numbers in the price don’t change, just the symbol, so a guitar that’s $4999 Can will be £4999, ie. $8382!?! Still, when I’m in London later this year, I’ll walk down Denmark St., as my wife and I both love Soho. Too bad, but the exchange rate is a non starter for me.

[docsteve]

And where do you get your exchange rates from, assuming you're talking US Dollars? Pound to Dollar is roughly 1 : 1.20. Also British prices include VAT. That makes it fairly equal.

4,999 GBP to USD - British Pounds to US Dollars Exchange Rate

[darkwaters]

And where do you get your exchange rates from, assuming you're talking US Dollars? Pound to Dollar is roughly 1 : 1.20. Also British prices include VAT. That makes it fairly equal.

4,999 GBP to USD - British Pounds to US Dollars Exchange Rate

I’m Canadian. Thanks for the lecture.

[bleakanddivine]

I've just realised I've owned this over half its life!

[ragman1]

I've just realised I've owned this over half its life!

Ah, ha!

[ragman1]

I’m Canadian.Thanks for the lecture.

Your profile says Vinland. That could be Wisconsin, Kansas, California or Washington, none of which are in Canada.

Unless you mean Newfoundland, of course, in which case you might be a Viking. At a stretch :-)

[darkwaters]

Your profile says Vinland. That could be Wisconsin, Kansas, California or Washington, none of which are in Canada.

Unless you mean Newfoundland, of course, in which case you might be a Viking. At a stretch :-)

I actually stated that it was Canadian dollars in my post.

[Archie]

Your profile says Vinland. That could be Wisconsin, Kansas, California or Washington, none of which are in Canada.

Unless you mean Newfoundland, of course, in which case you might be a Viking. At a stretch :-)

You made a fair effort. Kudos to you.

[ragman1]

You made a fair effort. Kudos to you.

I know, I am a trier, aren't I?

[ragman1]

I actually stated that it was Canadian dollars in my post.

Absolutely, it's that which made me glance up and see Vinland, which I didn't recognise. So I looked it up in Street View and it gave a number of US states. But that didn't seem quite right so I just googled Vinland and eventually got Newfoundland, hence the post.

so a guitar that’s $4999 Can will be £4999

Well, no.

[Christian Miller]

Denmark street has a bit of a markup

[orri]

I was in London for the first time 20 years ago, just strolling around and stumbled upon Denmark Street without having ever heard of it.
Quite a pleasant memory.

[Max405]

Thank you Archie!
Great video.
I never would would seen this in my life. And it’s great hearing your voice.
JD

[pingu]

I bought a '62 es335 with a paf in the neck position
Non orig hardware , refund in black for £400 from 'f hole'
In Denmark street when I was a kid

Yes I'm that old ....