Business Details
43 Years
experience
Red Cow Music: UK's Largest Selection of Concertinas & Folk Instruments
Established in 1983 by Steve Morrison, Red Cow Music has built a distinguished reputation as the UK's leading specialist in concertinas, melodeons, dulcimers, and traditional folk music resources. Our family-run business, now based in Thornton-le-Dale, North Yorkshire, combines four decades of expertise with a passion for preserving musical heritage. We offer an unparalleled selection of instruments from entry-level to handcrafted masterpieces, complemented by the UK's largest collection of folk music books spanning English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh traditions.Our dedicated workshop provides expert repair services, while our appointment system ensures personalized instrument trials. With global delivery capabilities and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we maintain the same ethos that guided our York store: providing exceptional quality, competitive pricing, and specialist knowledge to musicians worldwide.
Services
Concertina Sales
Ukulele Sales
Dulcimer Sales
Folk Music Books
Instrument Repairs
Global Delivery
Appointment Trials
Part-Exchange Service
Music Resource Sales
Workshop Services
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer the UK's largest concertina selection from entry to professional levels
- Our dedicated repair workshop services all traditional folk instruments
- We provide free UK mainland delivery on all instrument purchases
- We operate by appointment for personalized instrument demonstration sessions
- We buy and part-exchange vintage and modern folk instruments
Services
Concertina Sales
We offer the UK's most comprehensive concertina selection, including English, Anglo, and Duet models. Our inventory ranges from beginner instruments to handcrafted professional-grade models. Each purchase includes expert guidance and free UK mainland delivery.
Folk Music Books
Our collection features over 300 titles covering traditional folk music from the British Isles and beyond. We stock songbooks, dance music collections, and instructional guides for both modern and historical instruments.
Instrument Repairs
Our on-site workshop provides specialist repair services for all traditional folk instruments. Our technicians have decades of experience maintaining concertinas, dulcimers, and melodeons to optimal playing condition.
Ukulele Sales
We stock a complete range of ukuleles including soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone models. Our selection features Ohana instruments alongside specialist models like banjoleles and 8-string variants.
Dulcimer Sales
Our dulcimer collection includes Appalachian mountain dulcimers and hammered dulcimers. Each instrument is carefully selected to meet our quality standards for tone and craftsmanship.
People
Steve Morrison
Founder
Steve established Red Cow Music in 1983 after working at York's Banks and Sons. A lifelong folk musician, he brings 40+ years' expertise in traditional instruments and music heritage.
Jude Morrison
Co-Owner
Jude has supported the business since its York store days, managing customer relations and operations. Her knowledge of folk music traditions enhances our personalized service approach.
Miles Morrison
Operations Manager
Miles transitioned the business to Thornton-le-Dale, maintaining our family tradition. He oversees inventory management and appointment services for instrument demonstrations.
Questions
Do you offer instrument demonstration appointments?
Yes, we operate by appointment for personalized instrument trials at our Thornton-le-Dale workshop. Please call 07812 064322 to schedule your session.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept PayPal, all major credit cards, cheque payments, and phone payments. Our secure payment system ensures safe transactions for online purchases.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
Yes, we deliver folk instruments worldwide. While UK mainland orders receive free delivery, international shipping costs are calculated based on destination and item weight.
Can I sell my concertina to you?
We buy and part-exchange concertinas and other folk instruments. Please contact us directly with details of your instrument for a valuation assessment.
Do you repair all folk instruments?
Our workshop specializes in concertinas, melodeons, dulcimers, and autoharps. For specific repair inquiries, please contact us with details of your instrument's requirements.
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Reviews (4)
Deborah P.
Dec 28, 2021
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I've been disappointed by the service compared to other specialist ukelele shops such as southern ukeleles and duke of ukes who are super helpful, friendly and professional. On the phone they were rude. When I asked them to put on strap buttons before sending out they made it a complicated process. They put the neck button centred rather than off-centre as other shops do which looks bad. When I asked about the strings on the uke to get a spare set they gave me the wrong information (told me they were Aquila rather than Worth Browns) When I queried this they were curt rather than apologetic
Kathryn Houghton
Jun 22, 2021
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Just taken delivery of a lovely Seagull Merlin. Set up ready and quickly delivered at good price. I now have lots of campfire songs to learn
Stuart Miller
May 30, 2021
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Brilliant service from Steve. I called to discuss where I should switch from Anglo concertina to melodeon. Steve spent 10 minutes talking me out of spending more money! I ended up actually buying another Anglo - a Rochelle - which is way better (and - bizarrely - cheaper!) than the rubbish I paid 750 for from Macneela. Fabulous service - thrilled to bits.
Aidan McGrath
Feb 20, 2021
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I’ve just received an Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer from Red Cow Music. It was great value for an all solid wood instrument. It sounds lovely and I look forward to learning it. Particularly good was the advice and support from Steve who unhurriedly guided me through the selection of Dulcimer.
