We live, increasingly, in a digital world where our lives revolve around our phones, tablets, and computers. We use them to take and share photographs; download and listen to music and films; do our shopping; stay in touch with each other; and read news, books and magazines. Is anything real anymore?

We think it should be, and at Forsyths you can still do things for real instead of being stuck in a digital prison. Here are some of the ways in which we can serve you better:

Real people, with real experience and advice The internet has made everyone a critic. You can read and research all sorts of purchases, but how do you know you are getting good advice? Our shop on Deansgate, in the centre of Manchester, is staffed by specialists who are here to share their knowledge and experience, to listen to yours, and to ensure that you buy the right thing. Whether you are looking for the best sheet music edition of a particular work; seeking to carefully build a collection of recordings to widen your musical passions; or looking for a piano, guitar or other musical instrument which really inspires your creativity, these are all personal things. Leave the internet behind and enjoy friendly, personal service from people who are genuinely interested in your musical needs. Furthermore, at Forsyths, you can actually handle and try from an extensive range before you buy and, with many products, take them home with you straight away!

A nice experience Of course, this means a nice experience in-store, as related above. It also means nice lasting experiences. It is so much nicer to play and study from original, beautifully published sheet music than from downloaded print-outs or photocopies. Similarly there is something far more permanent about building a recorded music collection with CDs instead of intangible files. With a physical CD collection you become a custodian of a library which reflects you and your musical interests, there are interesting booklet notes to read, and you are far more likely to associate a disc with a memory of how you came to love a particular piece of music, composer or performer. Likewise, our pianos, guitars, woodwind, string, and brass instruments are all carefully chosen by staff members who play them so that we can be confident they will give lasting, long-term pleasure. We're not here just to sell you a product - we want you to continue enjoying the things you purchase from us as we know that long-term satisfaction is what will bring you back to us in future.

Long-term support and relationships As alluded to above, we are here to help you in the long-term. We've been here since 1857 and we are committed to our future. One of the greatest things, for us, is hearing about how much you are enjoying musical instruments, music or recordings you purchased from us years ago, and we love it when customers stop by to say hello. Our very small turn-over of staff means we can get to know you better, and this helps us to give the best possible help and advice on an on-going basis. Of course, occasionally there may be things on your instrument you are worried about or that you need guidance with, and we are here for you then too.