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Spain

Music shopping in Spain

  1. A

    Daniel Gil de Avalle

    This longstanding music store specialises in exquisite handmade guitars. Step inside and you may well see the guitarrero (guitar maker) at work. Sheet music also available, with an obvious emphasis on flamenco.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Etnomusic

    From flamenco to samba and whatever jiggles in between, this is your best bet for music from around the globe.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Manuel L Bellido

    Get a hand-made guitar for those flamenco classes from Manuel L Bellido or just see the guitarrero (guitar maker) at work.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Castelló

    These two stores are part of a large family business that has been going since 1935 and that is said to account for a fifth of the retail record business in Catalonia.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Green UFOs

    A great independent music shop, with electronic, breakbeat, pop and rock CDs by artists worldwide. The shop has its own recording label too, and it sponsors the South Pop music festival.

    reviewed

  6. F

    José Ramírez

    José Ramírez is one of Spain’s best guitar makers and his guitars have been strummed by a host of flamenco greats and international musicians (even the Beatles). Using Honduran cedar, Cameroonian ebony and Indian or Madagascan rosewood, among other materials, and based on traditions dating back over generations, this is craftsmanship of the highest order. Out the back there’s a little museum with guitars dating back to 1830.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Radio City Discos

    In these days of music megastores and internet downloads, it’s nice to find small, specialist music shops still going strong. True to Malasaña’s roots, Radio City Disco’s small collection of CDs and vinyl spans the 1970s, roots, funk, rock and indie, with a small section devoted to Brazil’s Tropicalismo. If they don’t have it, they promise to track it down for you.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Casa Beethoven

    This isn’t any old sheet-music shop. In business since 1880, Casa Beethoven’s customers have included Montserrat Caballé, Josep Carreras and Plácido Domingo. It keeps up with the times, however, and you’re as likely to find music by Metallica as by Mozart. On Saturdays small concerts are sometimes held.

    reviewed