Academy of Sound Returns.

Article by Steve Dean

Photo by Simon Bamford

Having vanished for a few years now, Hanley’s Academy of Sound is about to rise again, thanks to the efforts of determined new proprietor Rob Mulliner.

Rob, having just spent twelve years at Salop Music Centre, Shrewsbury, has taken over the premises from last owners Sound Control, who have recently gone into receivership and is restoring the shop to its former title. He is also confidently applying a multitude of good ideas to boost business.

He believes that Sound Control’s downfall was mainly due to their poor business practices and aims to turn the shop’s fortunes around by offering a service that is second to none. Stocking the best of equipment and establishing an efficient ordering service are certainly high on his list of priorities. He also plans to work alongside schools and set up an equipment hire service as well as an improved outlook in dealing with second-hand instruments and amplification, etc.

Opening on July 12^th with an official launch party a week later on the 19^th, Rob intends to make regular special offers on all top makes, including Marshall, Line 6 and Fender gear, plus the new Academy will be one of only a few shops in the country allowed to call itself a Gibson Superstore. He will also be stocking stage lighting and is introducing new woodwind and keyboards sections. Big value ‘starter packs’ for budding guitarists will also be available. In fact, Mr Mulliner seems to have thought of everything. Not bad at all.

With the onus on independence, Rob is determined to make a great success of things and with his vibrant enthusiasm, I’m sure he will do just that.

The Academy of Sound, 16-22 Hillchurch Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 2EX