'Absolutely devastating' - ChronicleLive readers react to closure of Newcastle music shop JG Windows

ChronicleLive readers have been reacting to the news that Newcastle music shop JG Windows, one of the best known and long established retail businesses in the North East, has permanently closed.

The company dates back to 1908 and sold musical instruments, sheet music and vinyl records. After efforts to sell the business over the last year failed, the company has gone into liquidation with 17 employees made redundant.

ChronicleLive readers have been reacting to the sad news.

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Commenting on Facebook, Alison Stewart Smith said: "This is absolutely devastating. Where can we go to actually try musical instruments now? There’s no way I would buy, say, a new guitar online. I want to try at least 2 or 3 and pick the one that feels right to me, because instruments are really personal and subjective. Really gutted."

Robyn Roberts commented: "Desperately sad news! I was hoping they'd find a buyer. Spent many Saturday mornings there as a teenager scouring piano music and records. The arcade will look so empty now."

James Robson added: "My parents got my my first ‘proper’ guitar there in the mid 90s. Sad times for a great local shop."

John Davison commented his sadness of the store closing: "My favourite shop in the world. My dad got his Hofner 500 in 1950s like John Lennon's here. My first Les Paul Kay electric copy purchased here in 1986. Umpteen music books, second acoustic guitar, my son's bass, acoustic and electric, plecs, effects pedals, leads. Always professional advice, lovely staff especially Andy Metcalf. I am so sad to hear this news. Very sad indeed."

Whilst Steven Clark said: "My dad and grandad bought TVs, stereos at this store with the best customer service. Sad for all the staff. Thank you Windows."

Commenting on the ChronicleLive website, user 'hellenahandcart' said: "Some lovely memories here. I bought my son's first guitar here 20-odd years ago and still shop there regularly for my own guitars and accessories. It will be sadly missed. All the best to the lovely, knowledgeable staff who find themselves out of work just before Christmas."

'Kannylad1' added: "Was in there last year and had a lovely chat with the lads upstairs. Visiting that shop always lifted my spirits and put a smile on my face. My family have been buying from that store as far back as I can remember. It saddens me very much to hear it's going to close forever."

User 'Idnmag' commented: "Really sad to see a proud and loved Newcastle institution fall by the wayside. Good memories and so glad that I was even able to take my 5 year old son there to buy his first guitar."

'Raby' said: "What a shame. Bought my first single in there after listening to it on the shop headphone booth, was T-Rex Ride a White Swan. Also loved looking at the brilliant guitars they always had on show."

And 'Icimeinpeace' called it an "end of an era. So sad."