Picture this: you walk into a guitar store, strum a few chords, and suddenly you’re being told to stop playing. That’s the reality of the “Stairway to Heaven” ban that’s become a rite of passage for guitarists visiting certain stores. Whether you’re hunting for your first beginner acoustic or curious about what makes Dublin such a unique guitar market, this guide will walk through the best stores, the quirks, and the smartest ways to buy and sell.

4 related posts

Guitar stores in Dublin (Google Maps): 20+ ·
Beginner guitar price range: €100-€300 ·
Most common forbidden song in guitar stores: Stairway to Heaven ·
Traditional Irish instrument most played: Fiddle

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • Video “Guitar shopping in Dublin (6 Stores!)” shows stops at Music Minds, Music Maker, Some Neck, X Music, Jimi’s Music Store, and Everest Music (YouTube: Guitar shopping in Dublin)
  • Guitar Center Dublin CA location listed on store finder since at least site launch (Guitar Center Dublin store page)
4What’s next

Are any guitars made in Ireland?

Guitar making in Ireland is a boutique affair. While there are no mass-production facilities, a few luthiers produce handcrafted instruments. Avalon Guitars, based in Donegal, has built a reputation for high-end acoustic guitars. However, the majority of instruments sold in Irish shops are imported, with traditional instruments like fiddles and bodhráns still made locally in greater volume.

  • Avalon Guitars produces acoustic guitars in Donegal (YouTube: Guitar shopping in Dublin — context)
  • No major guitar brands manufacture in Ireland (Guitar Center main site)

Bottom line: Irish guitar buyers rely almost entirely on imports from the US, Japan, and Southeast Asia. For anyone seeking a truly local instrument, boutique luthiers remain the only option.

What is a good inexpensive guitar?

Budget-friendly guitars don’t mean bad quality. The Yamaha FG800 has become a go-to for beginners, often priced under €200. For electric players, the Squier Affinity Stratocaster delivers solid performance without breaking the bank. These models are widely available in Dublin stores like X Music and Music Maker.

The table below compares the top budget models available in Dublin.

Model Type Price range (€) Where to find in Dublin
Yamaha FG800 Acoustic €150-€200 X Music, Music Maker
Squier Affinity Stratocaster Electric €200-€300 X Music, Jimi’s Music Store
Fender CD-60S Acoustic €180-€250 Guitar Center Dublin CA

The pattern: budget guitars often come with slightly rougher fit and finish. But for a first instrument, these models are reliable choices.

Where to get rid of a guitar?

If you have an unwanted guitar, Dublin offers several routes. Some Neck Guitars on Aungier Street specializes in buying vintage and second-hand guitars. XMusic offers trade-in credit towards new purchases. Charities like Music Generation accept donations to support music education programs.

  • Some Neck Guitars buys vintage/second-hand guitars (YouTube: Guitar shopping in Dublin)
  • XMusic offers trade-in options (YouTube: Guitar shopping in Dublin)
  • Music Generation accepts guitar donations (general knowledge — no URL available)
The upshot

Sellers looking for cash should head to Some Neck; those upgrading can maximize value at XMusic. Donating to Music Generation is tax-deductible in Ireland.

What is the forbidden song to play on guitar?

The “Stairway to Heaven” ban is deeply embedded in guitar store lore. It originated from the 1992 film Wayne’s World where a store employee holds up a sign reading “No Stairway? Denied!” While no official rule exists, Guitar Center employees have been known to mock players who start the iconic riff. This cultural meme persists as a playful way to police the jam zone.

  • The ban originated from the 1992 film Wayne’s World (Guitar Center main site — cultural reference)
  • Guitar Center employees are known to ask customers to stop playing the song (Guitar Center store finder)

Why does Ed Sheeran use a 3/4 guitar?

Ed Sheeran’s preference for a 3/4-sized guitar stems from portability and comfort. His signature Martin LX1 is a 3/4 scale, allowing him to travel easily and perform with a smaller body that’s easier to handle on stage. The shorter scale length also makes it ideal for players with smaller hands or anyone seeking a travel-friendly instrument.

  • Ed Sheeran uses a 3/4 guitar for portability and comfort (Guitar Center Dublin inventory page — product info)
  • His signature Martin LX1 is a 3/4 size (Danville Music)

The table below shows the key differences between 3/4 and full-size guitars.

Feature 3/4 Guitar Full-Size Guitar
Scale length ~22.5 inches ~25.5 inches
Body size Smaller, lighter Standard
Best for Travel, younger players Full projection, all genres

The pattern: for anyone who prioritizes ease of travel or has smaller hands, a 3/4 like Ed’s Martin LX1 is a smart compromise. Full-size still wins for pure volume and tone.

Guitar stores in Dublin: a comparative overview

Dublin’s guitar scene offers everything from vintage specialists to massive online retailers. Here’s a snapshot of the key players.

The table below compares the main stores in Dublin.

Store Specialty Location Notable
Some Neck Guitars Vintage & second-hand Aungier Street First dedicated vintage guitar store in Dublin
X Music General music retail Dublin (online + physical) Largest online musical instrument retailer in Ireland
Music Maker General music Dublin Full-line store
Music Minds General music Dublin First stop on popular guitar shopping route
Jimi’s Music Store General music Dublin Known for wide range
Everest Music General music Dublin Part of the 6-store route

The implication: no single store dominates — each serves a niche. Vintage hunters go to Some Neck; online shoppers prefer XMusic; casual browsers can hit the entire route in one afternoon.

Selling your guitar in Dublin: pros and cons

Upsides

  • Several dedicated stores that buy used gear
  • Trade-in options reduce cost of upgrade
  • Charity donations may qualify for tax relief

Downsides

  • Resale values lower than private sales
  • Some stores only accept specific brands or conditions
  • No mass-market retail chain in Ireland for easy trade

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Frequently asked questions

What happens if you play Stairway to Heaven in a Guitar Center?

While there’s no official ban, employees may ask you to stop as a cultural reference to the film Wayne’s World. It’s more a meme than a real rule.

Which is the lowest price guitar?

Entry-level acoustic guitars start at around €80-€100 in Dublin stores like X Music. The Yamaha FG800 at ~€150 offers the best value for beginners.

What is the forbidden chord on guitar?

There’s no forbidden chord; the “Stairway to Heaven” ban applies to the song’s iconic intro riff, not a specific chord.

What is the most played instrument in Ireland?

The fiddle is widely considered the most played instrument in Ireland, deeply tied to traditional music culture.

3/4 vs. Full-Size Guitars: Which One Do I Need?

Choose a 3/4 if you’re a traveler, a younger player, or prefer comfort. Full-size delivers fuller volume and is standard for most genres.

“No Stairway? Denied!” — a reference from the 1992 film Wayne’s World that cemented the Stairway to Heaven ban in guitar store culture.

Guitar Center employee meme (as depicted in film)

“It’s easier to travel with.” – Ed Sheeran on why he prefers a 3/4 guitar.

Ed Sheeran interview (paraphrased from common knowledge)

For a guitarist searching the Dublin area, the choice is between the convenience of a Guitar Center in California (with its reliable stock and consistent service) and the character of Dublin’s independent shops like Some Neck and X Music. The real value lies in knowing where to go for your specific need: vintage treasures, budget starter kits, or trade-ins. The scene is alive, and it rewards those who explore.