PROJECT MUSIC – STRIKING A CHORD IN EXETER’S MUSIC SCENE

Project Music sells guitars, yes, but it also promotes a community deeply rooted in musical passion. Soon to be celebrating its 25th year, this iconic store has become a landmark for aspiring musicians and artists worldwide.

Setting the stage

Located at 16 Bartholomew Sreet, Project Music has been a cornerstone of the local music community since Managing Director Lee St Pier purchased its current 3-story freehold location in 2006.

But Project Music can trace its history back to the 1970s. Owner Lee, recalls spending his summer holidays as a seven and eight-year-old in his father’s well-known West London music shop.

Its great location is a few convenient steps from the high street and adjacent to a large, easy-to-access car park.

Photo credit: Project Music
Photo credit: Project Music
Photo credit: Project Music
Photo credit: Project Music

PM offers a comprehensive musical emporium. Conan, who has been with Project Music for 14 years, shares, “We provide high-quality guitars and guitar equipment at competitive prices with first-class service, both in-store and online.”

The shop features an impressive lineup of brands, including Taylor, PRS, Collings, Brook, National, Gibson, Epiphone, Tanglewood and Fender, making it a key partner for guitar enthusiasts in the Southwest.

Tuned in to the community

Project Music plays a vital role in supporting Exeter’s fantastic music scene. Conan explains, “We’re always ready to help local venues and musicians with whatever they need.”

If it’s last-minute leads or pre-gig guitar strings you need, the store is a crucial support system for the community, especially for musicians who might need gear before a show.

Conan recalls a young music enthusiast who recently bought his first guitar. ‘It’s really all about the journey,’’ he says. “Seeing people buy their first guitar here, then go on to form a band in College, and next thing you know, they are on stage at the Cavern. There’s nothing quite like it.”

The store also boasts a dedicated workshop – The Tone Lab – which handles a range of guitar, bass, and mandolin setups and repairs.

The Tone Lab started in 2018 as a repair workshop that set up and repaired guitars, basses, and folk instruments for the general public. The team sets up and services every guitar for Project Music before dispatch and for their in-store customers.

Why visit Project Music?

Visitors and Tourists to Exeter can expect more than just a retail experience.

Recognised as premium and preferred key partners in the South West for superior guitar builders such as Atkin, Lowden, Collings, Mcilroy, Furch, Mayones, Fender Custom Shop, Suhr, and many others.

The team have even been recognised by Fender for their high level of customer service and has received numerous awards for customer support and staff training.

It’s not just a guitar shop. The team at PM are a great example of why you should support independent stores. Their passion, knowledge, and love for music and instruments truly shine. Customers have reported feeling that love of musical instruments and customer satisfaction play a greater part in their business than profit.

As Project Music gears up to mark its 25th anniversary, they invite everyone to join the celebrations. “Whether you’re buying your first guitar or adding to your collection, we’re here to make your musical journey memorable,” says Conan.

You can stay up to date on their social media about some of the things that are coming up and be sure to check out their YouTube channel, where the team tests gear, talks about gear and music and has fun with guitars!

PROJECT MUSIC

Between Bread on North Street is a five-minute stroll away. Banging breakfast buns, stacked and fresh-filled sourdough sandwiches, locally roasted coffee, and sweet treats baked in-house. Amazing.

Truffle Hounds is also very near us on Fore Street. We can’t quite believe baked goods can look and taste like that!

Be sure to visit The Lilac Bakery in St Thomas for more baked goods that will blow your mind! They were recently included in the Telegraph’s Top British Bakery list!

‘’We love a baked good here at PM!’’

Places of interest:

There are a few notable attractions, landmarks, and points of interest near Project Music. Conan shares ‘’The Quay every time and, of course, the Cathedral. We may be guitar nerds, but we appreciate the history that Exeter has to offer.’’

Q: What music do you play in your establishment/if you can’t, what would you play?

A: It’s usually the sound of people jamming on guitars! The ambience of who is in at the time. But we are all AC/DC fans, so that would be the playlist choice.

Q: Describe your business in three words.

A: Passionate, knowledgeable guitar-nerds!

Q: If your business was a song, what would it be?

A: The Brothers Landreth – Let it Lie (Album)

This is an album that we all love to listen to!

16 Bartholomew Street East Exeter EX4 3BG

PM is centrally located, a few steps from the high street and adjacent to a large, easy-to-access car park.

The shop is an 8-minute walk from Exeter Central and a 15-minute walk from Exeter Coach Station.

Contact: Website: https://www.projectmusic.net/ Contact number: 01392 425 125

Photo credit: Project Music
Photo credit: Project Music
Photo credit: Project Music
Photo credit: Project Music

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– Chelsea Branch

Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track 'Rudy's in Love' (and the frontman, Preston). After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene—a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul's Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.

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