In a city once rich with bustling music stores, few remain standing—and only one still calls the Melbourne CBD home: Colemans Music. Nestled in the heart of the city at 105 Elizabeth Street, Colemans Music is more than just a store. It’s a living part of Melbourne’s music retail history, proudly continuing the tradition of serving musicians with passion, knowledge, and a genuine love for the craft.
A Legacy Begins: From Cranbourne to the City
Our story began in 1989, when my dad, Michael Coleman, opened Cranbourne Music in Melbourne’s southeast. It was built on honesty, great service, and a sense of community—values we still hold onto today.
In 2002, after some long chats about the future, Dad and I decided to expand into the Melbourne CBD. At the time, only Allan’s Music was still operating in the city, and we saw a real opportunity to offer something different—a more personal, service-driven store for musicians right in the heart of Melbourne. That year, we opened our city location, and I took the reins to run it.
Originally located at 204 La Trobe Street, we moved to 105 Elizabeth Street in 2017, giving us better visibility and allowing us to evolve as the city did.
Part of Melbourne’s Music Retail History
Melbourne has always been a music town. Decades ago, you could walk the CBD and find iconic stores like Brashs, Allan’s Music, and plenty of smaller independent retailers. These places weren’t just stores—they were part of the culture. Whether you were buying your first guitar or replacing a broken cable before a gig, there was always a sense of belonging.
Times have changed, and many of those legendary names are now gone. But we’re still here, and proud to carry that legacy forward. Colemans Music is now the last music store standing in the Melbourne CBD—a role we take seriously.
Focused on Guitars, Driven by Family
While we once carried a full range of instruments, our focus today is firmly on guitars. It’s what we love, it’s what we know, and it’s what our customers come to us for. Our curated range features some of the most respected brands in the world: Taylor Guitars, Fender, and Gibson, alongside some of Australia’s best—including Maton, Cole Clark, and Fenech Guitars.
We're still family-run, and that means when you walk through our doors, there’s a good chance you’ll find me or my brother Ryan on the floor, ready to help you find your next dream guitar—or just the strings, strap, or advice you need to keep playing.
Looking Ahead While Honouring the Past
Being the last music store in Melbourne’s CBD is something I’m proud of. It’s not just about staying open—it’s about staying connected to the city’s musical heartbeat. From our roots in Cranbourne to the rhythm of Elizabeth Street, Colemans Music is still here for the strummers, the stompbox collectors, the dreamers, and the lifers.
Drop in and say hi next time you're in town. We’re always up for a chat—and we love talking gear.
