Swee Lee Music Co is one of the largest music instrument retailers in Singapore. The company has expanded its reach with a new outlet, Swee Lee Clarke Quay, which also carries on with its transformation into increasingly a lifestyle brand.
Swee Lee Clarke Quay is located along the Read Street section of Clarke Quay, just next door to the swanky Fairprice Finest supermarket outlet. It is just a couple of steps away from the Clarke Quay taxi stand along River Valley Road.
Swee Lee Clarke Quay: Hub for Music Lovers
Housed in a refurbished warehouse building, Swee Lee Clarke Quay gives off vintage retro vibes.
When you first step through the doors, you will be greeted by a relaxed seating area.
Just beyond the seating area is where the turntable section can be found. Vinyl records are available for browsing and there are turntables on displays.
What is great is that there are listening stations as well.
The vinyl section at Swee Lee Clarke Quay blends seemlessly into the cafe and a small merchandise section.
You can pick up a coffee or cup of tea and settle down at the seating area for a drink. In addition to the usual coffee and tea, the cafe also has some of its own specialities like Kaya Cloud, Gula Melaka Tonic and Lychee Granita. These are probably suited for the more adventurous ones who would like to have a drink.
There is a nice open area, with similarly hip and retro decor, for people to hang out.
Musical Instruments and Guitars at Swee Lee Clarke Quay
By now you may be wondering, “where are the guitars?”.
Well, if you head even further into the space at Swee Lee Clarke Quay, you will come to the musical instrument section.
A small area is devoted to music production equipment like keyboards.
Two aisles are devoted to guitars and basses.
You will find a range of both electric guitars and acoustic guitars at Swee Lee Clarke Quay.
This includes brands like Fender, PRS, Ibanez, Martin and Taylor.
Interestingly, there is a headphone system for people to try out the guitars without disturbing others around.
For even more guitars, tucked away behind the cafe service counter is a room that contains the higher end spectrum of guitars. It is like a special reserve area where you can sample the more expensive guitars. Known as the ‘Guitar Cellar’, it houses exclusive and rare instruments from around the world and can be entered in only by appointment.
Hang Out at Swee Lee Clarke Quay
Swee Lee Clarke Quay is not a very large space but it does give off very nice, hipster vibes. It is a spot where you don’t need to be a musician to go in and enjoy. Instead, you can get a beverage at the cafe and chill.
We like the natural light that streams in from the windows at the ceiling of the warehouse and think nicely balances catering to the interests of both musicians who know Swee Lee best as a musical instrument retailer, and the general public and music lovers.
Where: Blk 3B River Valley Rd, #01-06 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179021
Operating Hours:
Swee Lee Clarke Quay retail section operates from 12 pm to 9 pm everyday. The cafe & bar is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily.
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