Our Story
Independent Guitar Specialists Since 1992
Since 1992, Merchant City Music has grown from a small Glasgow guitar shop into one of the UK's leading independent guitar specialists. Today, through Guitar.co.uk, we supply musicians across the UK and beyond while remaining proudly independent, musician-run and focused on honest advice, great gear and proper customer service.
Trusted by Musicians
Merchant City Music has been part of Glasgow's music scene since November 1992. We started with a unique split-level setup: Apollo Recording Studio in the basement and a ground-floor shop selling strings and second-hand guitars.
It quickly became a hub for the Glasgow music scene, with artists including Mogwai, Franz Ferdinand and Arab Strap among the many musicians connected to the shop and studio over the years.
As our reputation for quality gear and honest advice grew, so did the business, laying the foundation for the specialist guitar shop we are today.
Our Glasgow Store
Despite our reach online, we remain a dedicated independent guitar shop at our core. Located on London Road in Glasgow, our physical store is a destination for players of all levels.
We offer a welcoming, relaxed environment where you can try out great gear without high-pressure sales tactics. Whether you are buying your first acoustic or searching for a boutique valve amp, we are here to offer honest advice and help you find the right gear.
Checked, Set Up & Ready to Play
Our reputation comes down to attention to detail. We do not simply take instruments out of a cardboard box and ship them straight out.
Every guitar we sell is carefully inspected, accurately tuned, cleaned and professionally set up before dispatch.
If an instrument needs adjustment, we do it. If it does not meet our standards, it goes back to the supplier. Our aim is simple: your new guitar should arrive playing at its best.
Mail Order Experts & Digital Pioneers
We have always looked forward. In the late 1990s, we launched one of the first UK websites dedicated to selling guitar strings online. By 2001, our shop and online business had grown significantly, helping us reach musicians far beyond Glasgow.
Today, Guitar.co.uk allows us to supply players across the UK and beyond, while our experienced dispatch team carefully packs guitars in protective double-walled outer cartons for safe delivery.
Meet the Team
Our team is made up of musicians, guitar enthusiasts and experienced staff who genuinely understand the gear we sell. Call us or visit the shop and you will be speaking to someone who can offer practical, informed advice.
Richard Cameron
Director
Richard has been part of Merchant City Music since his teens and now leads the business as Managing Director.
Richard "Paul" Bremner
Sales & Social Media
Known as Paul to avoid confusion with Richard, he is an experienced guitarist with a strong knowledge of guitars, amps and pedals.
Matt Spicer
Sales
Matt brings a wide range of in-store experience and regularly plays and busks around the UK.
Matty Johnson
Sales
Matty plays drums, bass and guitar, giving him a broad understanding of the products we sell across several departments.
Peter Hulley
Web Manager
Peter looks after much of our online product content and photography, with a particular passion for acoustic guitars.
Darren McLelland
Technician & Dispatch Manager
Darren is an active musician and skilled guitar technician, helping ensure instruments are checked, set up and safely dispatched.
Cameron Fuller
Technician & Luthier
Originally from Inverness, Cameron is a drummer by trade and an accomplished guitar technician and luthier, having completed a degree at The Glasgow School of Luthiery.
Need Help Choosing Your Next Guitar?
Whether you are visiting our Glasgow store or shopping online, our team is here to offer honest advice and help you find the right gear.
Contact Us