Category: Hickies Music Store Posts

Free Local Delivery for Heavy Items (Including Acoustic Pianos)

We offer FREE local delivery on acoustic pianos and other items marked as ‘Heavy Item’—no hidden fees or extra charges!

To qualify, your delivery address must have a postcode that begins with one of the following prefixes:
RG, OX, EX, or SN.

This will be automatically applied at checkout once you’ve entered your delivery address. If your postcode starts with one of the eligible prefixes, the delivery charge for heavy items will be removed. Otherwise, a standard £60 delivery fee will apply for heavy items.

Currently we can only make deliveries to addresses within the United Kingdom. If you purchase an item from us and you live outside of the United Kingdom we will need to process a refund for you as we will not be able to send your goods.

Delivery Costs

The cost for delivery is calculated when you visit your basket and checkout in our store. The price is based on both the “Shipping Class” of the item you are about to purchase and your delivery address. Our shipping classes and costs for delivery based on your location are as follows:

Envelopes & Large Letters Delivered Via Royal Mail

This shipping class comprises most of our music books and very small items sold at Hickies. A large letter is no more than 750g in Weight, 35cm in Length, 25cm in Width and 2.5cm Thickness. We place these items into a sturdy envelope such that the item will not bend. The cost for delivery of a large letter is £2.50.

Small Parcels Delivered Via Royal Mail

A small parcel is no more than 2kg in Weight, 45cm in Length, 35cm in Width and 16cm Thickness. We place these items into sturdy packing boxes. The cost for delivery of a small parcel is £4.95.

Large Parcels Delivered Via DPD

Anything larger than a small parcel will be couriered via DPD. We place these items into thick boxes padded with polystyrene and bubble wrap. The cost for delivery of a large parcel is £4.95.

Heavy Items Delivered Via In-House Local Delivery Or 3rd Party Courier

Heavy items have special requirements for delivery and the price will vary depending on your location. If you have added an item to the basket that is “Shipping as: Heavy Item” and you have filled in your address as prompted within our checkout, it will be determined if you are within our local range. Customers with eligible postcodes (starting with RG, OX, EX, or SN) who purchase a heavy item benefit from a delivery that is free of charge. Customers outside this range will be charged £60 for the delivery of a heavy item.

Returns

Our 14 Day Refund Policy

If you purchase a product from our online store then you have 14 days from the day of purchase to get a full refund. The item must be returned in the same condition that it was sold to you for refund eligibility. If the item was sold as new it must be returned unopened and in all of its original packaging as new. If the item was sold as used, it must return in the same condition as it was sold to you. We are happy to process refunds so please contact us.

Our 12 Months Warranty

All new items purchased from us come with a 12 month warranty against manufacturer defects. Manufacturers themselves often offer extended warranties, please make sure you check your manual when you purchase an item because you may need to register online to gain their extended warranty. Used items purchased from us come with a 3 month parts and labour warranty.

Damaged Parcel In Transit

If you think your items have been damaged in transit please let us know right away. Please carefully inspect your parcel when it arrives to you and do not accept it unless you are completely satisfied it has arrived in good condition. If you want to accept the parcel then you must note any marks or damage BEFORE you accept it from the courier.

My Item Is Damaged

We thoroughly check our items before we send them to you, however if you notice wear or damage that you think we have missed please contact us right away so that we can assess the damage. If we have sent you an item that is worn or damaged beyond what was advertised we will consider this item faulty and it will be eligible to be returned as such. You have 2 days after the day of purchase to notify us of this damage, after 2 days you will no longer qualify for our refund policy, however you will still have 12 months warranty against manufacturer defects.

Return A Faulty Item

If your item is faulty or has a manufacturer defect within 12 months of purchase, please contact us so that we can help you with your issue. We will need to establish the fault with you and test it, you will also need to present your receipt for this item. Once we have found the fault we will give you a refund or replacement when applicable.

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 Store – www.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.