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About Hickies Music Store

A Legacy of Music Since 1864

Welcome to Hickies Music Store, one of the UK’s longest-standing independent music retailers. Established in 1864, we have been at the heart of the music scene for over 150 years, serving musicians, students, and professionals with a dedication that has stood the test of time. Our journey has been shaped by a deep love for music, a commitment to customer service, and a passion for bringing high-quality musical instruments to the community.

Whether you are picking up your first guitar, upgrading to a professional piano, or seeking expert advice on your next musical investment, Hickies Music Store has been the trusted choice for generations. With a strong community focus and a history of supporting musicians at every stage of their journey, we continue to serve customers from our locations in Reading and Tiverton, as well as through our online store, offering a comprehensive and convenient shopping experience.

Your One-Stop Shop for Musical Instruments and Accessories

At Hickies, we take pride in offering a wide selection of high-quality musical instruments and accessories, sourced from some of the most reputable brands in the industry. Whether you are a beginner exploring the world of music for the first time or an experienced musician looking to refine your sound, we have something to suit every level and style.

  • Guitars and Basses – A comprehensive range of acoustic, electric, bass, and classical guitars, along with an extensive collection of accessories such as amplifiers, pedals, straps, and strings.
  • Pianos and Keyboards – From digital pianos for modern convenience to traditional upright and grand pianos for classical enthusiasts, we offer a selection that caters to both practice and performance needs.
  • Drums and Percussion – Whether you prefer acoustic or electronic drum kits, our collection ensures drummers of all skill levels can find the perfect setup. We also provide a variety of cymbals, drumsticks, and percussion instruments.
  • Brass and Woodwind Instruments – A carefully curated selection of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, clarinets, flutes, and more, catering to both students and professional musicians.
  • Folk and Orchestral Instruments – A variety of stringed and folk instruments including ukuleles, violins, mandolins, and banjos, offering versatility across genres and playing styles.
  • Accessories and Sheet Music – A full range of essential accessories such as strings, cases, stands, tuners, metronomes, and sheet music for various instruments and skill levels.

If you are unsure about which instrument or accessory best suits your needs, our expert team is always available to offer professional guidance. Our staff members are passionate musicians themselves and take great pleasure in helping customers find the right equipment to match their musical aspirations.

More Than Just a Music Shop – Our Services

At Hickies, we believe that music should be accessible to everyone, and that’s why we offer a range of additional services designed to support musicians throughout their journey.

  • Instrument Rentals – We understand that purchasing a musical instrument can be a significant investment. To make things easier, we offer flexible rental options, allowing you to try out instruments before committing to a purchase. This is especially beneficial for students and beginners who may be exploring different musical paths.
  • Repairs and Maintenance – Keeping your instrument in top condition is essential for optimal performance. Our professional repair services ensure that everything from restringing guitars to restoring pianos is carried out with the highest level of expertise and care.
  • Music Lessons – Learning to play an instrument is a rewarding experience, and our tuition programs cater to students of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, our experienced instructors provide tailored lessons to help you achieve your musical goals.
  • Take It Away Scheme – As part of our commitment to making music more accessible, we proudly participate in the Take It Away scheme. This initiative provides interest-free loans to help spread the cost of purchasing a musical instrument, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of musical ambition.

Why Choose Hickies?

There are many reasons why musicians continue to choose Hickies Music Store as their go-to destination for instruments, accessories, and advice:

  • Over 150 Years of Experience – As a family-run business with a long-standing reputation, we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to everything we do.
  • Personalised Service – Unlike large chain stores, we offer a highly personal and customer-focused experience, ensuring that every musician receives tailored advice and support.
  • Comprehensive Selection – We stock a diverse range of high-quality instruments and accessories, catering to all styles, skill levels, and budgets.
  • Community-Oriented – Our passion for music extends beyond sales. We actively support local musicians, schools, and students, fostering a vibrant and thriving musical community.
  • Independent and Trusted – As an independent music store, we are committed to delivering honest recommendations and genuine customer care, ensuring that each purchase is made with confidence.

Visit Us In-Store or Shop Online

We welcome you to visit us in person at our physical store locations, where you can browse our selection, try out instruments, and speak to our friendly team. If visiting in-store isn’t an option, our online shop offers a seamless browsing and purchasing experience, delivering quality musical instruments straight to your door.

  • Reading Store – 153 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1HE
  • Tiverton Store – Lowman Way, Tiverton, EX16 6SR
  • Online Storewww.hickies.co.uk
  • Contact Us – If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are always happy to help.

Hickies Music Store is more than just a place to buy instruments – it is a hub for musicians, a trusted partner for learners, and a community dedicated to the love of music. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced player, we invite you to be part of our story and continue the tradition of making great music. Visit us today and let us help you find the perfect instrument to bring your musical vision to life.

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Our Finance Options

Broker Disclosure

Credit subject to status and affordability. Hickies Ltd FRN: 717292 trading as Hickies Music Store are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability, and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. The register can be accessed through http://www.fca.org.uk

Complaints

On the rare occasion that we do receive a complaint, we take it very seriously. If you are unhappy with the any aspect of the goods you purchased with us you may contact us in any way you prefer. Our contact details are as follows;
Phone: 0118 957 5771
Email: admin@hickies.co.uk
Address: 153 Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1HE

If your complaint relates to your finance agreement
If your complaint relates to the finance linked to your purchase you can still let us know about this, but we will forward it on to your credit provider Novuna. Novuna will acknowledge your complaint and investigate it thoroughly and issue their response within eight weeks.

What to do if you can’t reach an agreement
If you are not satisfied with Novuna’s response to your complaint relating to the finance agreement, you may be able to refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service. You must contact them within six months of the date of Novuna’s final response letter to you.

They can be contacted in the following ways:

Further details can be found on the Financial Ombudsman Service
website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Finance FAQ Text

How do I choose to PaybyFinance?

Just select the finance option on the checkout page.

Who is eligible to apply for online finance?

To apply for online finance, you must be over the age of 18, work at least 16 hours a week, or be retired with an income. You must also be a resident of the United Kingdom and have lived in the UK for the last 12 months or more.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer online finance to residents of Eire. Homemakers aren’t excluded from applying under their own names; however the employment details of your spouse / partner will be required in order to process your application.

When do my repayments start?

Your monthly repayments will begin one month after your purchase has been delivered. For Buy Now Pay Later agreements the monthly repayments will start 12, months after the agreement has been signed

Are there any arrangement fees or hidden extras for credit?

No. There are no arrangement fees or hidden extras.

Applying for online finance

Applying for online finance couldn’t be easier or more convenient. When you buy online from Hickies Ltd trading as Hickies Music Store you have the choice of applying for finance by adding your purchase to the shopping basket, selecting the finance option, and completing an online application form. Just follow the simple instructions, entering your personal details as required and we’ll do the rest.
The whole process only takes a few minutes and is simple and secure. Once your finance application is approved, you will then be advised of how to sign the finance agreement and you will also receive an email confirming these details.
Please read the agreement carefully checking that all the details are correct, then either electronically sign the agreement or print and sign the agreement in both boxes. Post the signed agreement to the address shown on the covering letter of the agreement.
Following receipt of your finance agreement and a few additional checks, your goods will be dispatched.

How quickly will my finance application be approved?

All finance decisions will be made within 60 seconds. Once you are approved, we will contact you (during working hours Monday to Friday) to arrange delivery. If you your application is referred Novuna’s Underwriting Team will review your application and may request some further information from you before making their decision.

Once my application is approved, what happens next?

Within minutes of your application being approved, you will be presented with the options to either e-sign or print and return your finance agreement.
If you choose to e-sign your agreement, a PDF of your agreement will be displayed on screen. You should read the agreement carefully before clicking all the relevant sections agreeing to its terms.
Once you have agreed to the terms of the finance agreement Hickies Ltd trading as Hickies Music Store will be notified and you need do nothing more.
If you choose to print and return your agreement you should print the agreement, read it carefully and then sign the document following the instructions on the covering letter. This signed document should then be posted to the address shown on the covering letter of the finance agreement.
Note that products will not be allocated to your order until your completed and signed agreement is returned and received by Novuna Personal Finance. Shipment of your goods will follow soon after your agreement has been returned and received.

Will you credit score me and if so, what does this mean?

Credit scoring is the process used by financial services companies to evaluate the credit risk of new applicants. This technique will be applied to your application for online finance. Credit scoring works by awarding points for each answer given on the application form such as age, income and occupation, together with information obtained from credit reference agencies.
This information allows consistent decisions to be provided, ensuring all applicants are treated fairly. Credit scoring does not discriminate on the grounds of sex, race, religion or disability.

If you decline my application, what is the reason?

In addition to credit scoring, Novuna also takes into account confirmation of your identity, validation of certain application details, existing commitments and information held at the credit reference agencies. Though Novuna is unable to provide you with a main reason for declining your application, it is usually based on one, or a combination of the following:

  • Your credit score (please note that every finance company will score you differently)
  • Adverse credit reference agency information
  • You are considered to be overcommitted
  • You are aged under 18
  • Your existing account performance with other lenders

What type of information do credit reference agencies hold about me?

Some of the information is public information, for example electoral roll, County Court Judgments and bankruptcies. Other lenders may also file information about accounts you hold with them for instance this could include your payment history and outstanding balance on these accounts. Any requests for credit, where a credit reference search has been undertaken, will also be filed, although the result of the request is not recorded.

How do I obtain a copy of this information?

Send a request to the relevant credit reference agency, together with details of all addresses at which you have lived over the last 6 years:

  • Experian Limited, Customer Support Centre, PO Box 9000, Nottingham, NG80 7WF
  • Equifax Ltd., Customer Service Centre, PO Box 10036, Leicester, LE3 4FS
  • TransUnion International UK Limited, Consumer Services, PO Box 491, Leeds, LS3 1WZ

The above listed agencies will provide details of information relating to these addresses. If you believe that the information is incorrect, you can ask the agency to correct it.

If my application is not successful, can I re-apply?

Yes. We acknowledge that circumstances change and just because a previous application has been refused, it does not mean that a further request will automatically be turned down. We do suggest however, that you leave at least 6 months between applications.

Can I request delivery to an address other than my home?

In order to safeguard against fraudulent applications, we regret that we’re able only to deliver goods to the home address of the applicant.

What is APR and Rate of Interest?

The ‘rate of interest’ is the cost you will pay each year to borrow the money, expressed as a percentage rate. It does not reflect fees or any other charges. The ‘APR’ is a broader measure of the cost of borrowing than the interest rate. The APR reflects the interest rate, and other charges that you pay to get the loan. The FCA description of any APR is “APR stands for the Annual Percentage Rate of charge. You can use it to compare different credit and loan offers. The APR takes into account not just the interest on the loan but also other charges you have to pay, for example, any arrangement fee. All lenders have to tell you what their APR is before you sign an agreement. It will vary from lender to lender.

In-store Web FAQs

Qualifying for Credit

You must:

  • Minimum age of 18 years old
  • UK resident of more than 12 months
  • Own personal bank account from which a Direct Debit can be taken
  • Permanent employment, working minimum 16hrs per week
  • Self employed
  • Retired person
  • On disability allowance
  • Registered carer
  • Unemployed & ‘house person’ (with consent of co-habiting working partner)

Frequently Asked Questions

When do my repayments start?

Payments will begin one month after the goods have been delivered.

Can I change my payment date?

Customers can change their payment date once they have received their welcome documents.

Can I make additional payments?

Yes, customers can make additional payments at any time free of charge.

Can I change my Direct Debit details?

Yes, please call our Customer Service team on 0344 375 5500 to discuss this in further detail.

How do I view my balance?

The quickest and easiest way for customers to view their balance is by managing their account online. Customers can create an account or access a pre-existing account at https://my.novunapersonalfinance.co.uk/oss2/customer/

Who is eligible to apply for online finance?

To apply for finance, you must be over the age of 18, work at least 16 hours a week, or be retired with an income. You must also be a resident of the United Kingdom and have lived in the UK for the last 12 months or more.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer finance to residents of Eire. Homemakers aren’t excluded from applying under their own names; however, the employment details of your spouse / partner will be required in order to process your application.

Are there any arrangement fees or hidden extras for credit?

No. There are no arrangement fees or hidden extras.

Applying for finance

Applying for finance couldn’t be easier or more convenient. When you buy from us you have the choice of using finance and our staff will talk you through what is needed to process an application.
The whole process only takes a few minutes and is simple and secure. Once your finance application is approved, you will then be advised of how to sign the finance agreement and you will also receive an email confirming these details.
Please read the agreement carefully checking that all the details are correct, then electronically sign the agreement or print.
Following receipt of your finance agreement and a few additional checks, your purchase can proceed.

How quickly will my finance application be approved?

All finance decisions will be made within seconds. Once you are approved, we will contact you (during working hours) to finalise your purchase. If you your application is referred Novuna’s Underwriting Team will review your application and may request some further information from you before making their decision.

Once my application is approved, what happens next?

Within minutes of your application being approved, you will be presented with the option to e-sign your agreement.
If you choose to e-sign your agreement, a PDF of your agreement will be displayed on screen. You should read the agreement carefully before clicking all the relevant sections agreeing to its terms. A copy of your credit agreement will be emailed to you once the e-signature has been completed.
Once you have agreed to the terms of the finance agreement the retailer will be notified and you need do nothing more.
Note that products will not be allocated to your order until your completed and signed agreement is returned and received by Novuna Personal Finance. Shipment of your goods will follow soon after your agreement has been returned and received.

Will you credit score me and if so, what does this mean?

Credit scoring is the process used by financial services companies to evaluate the credit risk of new applicants. This technique will be applied to your application for online finance. Credit scoring works by awarding points for each answer given on the application form such as age, income and occupation, together with information obtained from credit reference agencies.
This information allows consistent decisions to be provided, ensuring all applicants are treated fairly. Credit scoring does not discriminate on the grounds of sex, race, religion or disability.

If you decline my application, what is the reason?

In addition to credit scoring, Novuna also takes into account confirmation of your identity, validation of certain application details, existing commitments and information held at the credit reference agencies. Though Novuna is unable to provide you with a main reason for declining your application, it is usually based on one, or a combination of the following:

  • Your credit score (please note that every finance company will score you differently)
  • Adverse credit reference agency information
  • You are considered to be overcommitted
  • You are aged under 18
  • Your existing account performance with other lenders

What type of information do credit reference agencies hold about me?

Some of the information is public information, for example electoral roll, County Court Judgments and bankruptcies. Other lenders may also file information about accounts you hold with them for instance this could include your payment history and outstanding balance on these accounts. Any requests for credit, where a credit reference search has been undertaken, will also be filed, although the result of the request is not recorded.

How do I obtain a copy of this information?

Send a request to the relevant credit reference agency, together with details of all addresses at which you have lived over the last 6 years:

Experian Limited, Customer Support Centre, PO Box 9000, Nottingham, NG80 7WF
Equifax Ltd., Customer Service Centre, PO Box 10036, Leicester, LE3 4FS
TransUnion International UK Limited, Consumer Services, PO Box 491, Leeds, LS3 1WZ

The above listed agencies will provide details of information relating to these addresses. If you believe that the information is incorrect, you can ask the agency to correct it.

If my application is not successful, can I re-apply?

Yes. We acknowledge that circumstances change and just because a previous application has been refused, it does not mean that a further request will automatically be turned down. We do suggest however, that you leave at least 6 months between applications.

What is APR and Rate of Interest?

The ‘rate of interest’ is the cost you will pay each year to borrow the money, expressed as a percentage rate. It does not reflect fees or any other charges. The ‘APR’ is a broader measure of the cost of borrowing than the interest rate. The APR reflects the interest rate, and other charges that you pay to get the loan. The FCA description of any APR is “APR stands for the Annual Percentage Rate of charge. You can use it to compare different credit and loan offers. The APR takes into account not just the interest on the loan but also other charges you have to pay, for example, any arrangement fee. All lenders have to tell you what their APR is before you sign an agreement. It will vary from lender to lender

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Price Match Policy

We’re always happy to try to match a genuine quote from any UK‑based musical instrument retailer. We work hard to keep our prices competitive while delivering the expert service Hickies is known for.

If you’ve found the same product cheaper elsewhere—online or in store—get in touch and we’ll aim to match (or beat) the price. Call our team or complete the form below, and we’ll come back to you quickly with our best offer.

Price matches are subject to stock availability and verification that the item is identical and new from an authorised UK retailer.


Price Match Request

Your Details



Product you want us to match



Competitor offer




Your Question / Notes