I am very sad to admit that I don’t play any musical instruments. I started playing the drums when I was a student, but soon realized that I had no patience for practicing whatsoever. But that didn’t prevent me from enjoying music shops. I don’t know what it is, but even when I travel somewhere, I look for a music shop and love to spend time there.

Klangfarbe is the biggest music store in Vienna. The word “Klangfarbe” means “timbre” i.e. tone color. It has two floors and different areas dedicated to guitars, drums, and so on. Of course, like in every good music store, you can try out everything. There are even a couple of small studios, where you can connect a guitar to an amp and test it out without thinking about disturbing other people. The employees there are very knowledgeable, friendly, and always there to offer advice.

Another perk of the store is the location. It is right in the interesting building complex Gasometer, which you should definitely check out when visiting Vienna. There are four cylinders that served as gas tanks until 1975. In 2001 they were renovated and are now a “shell” for a small shopping mall, apartments, offices and even student homes. In 2013 they “added the music” in the form of two event venues, a music academy and this wonderful music store.