Berlin boasts some of the world’s best music makers, including the renowned Berlin Philharmoniker, so there’s no excuse not to experiment with sound while you’re in town. For guitars, Berlin Guitars, a few steps from Nollendorfplatz, has one of the biggest guitar ranges, including electric guitar and bass, acoustic, children’s guitars and guitars for left handers. It offers in-store lessons (classical, flamenco, rock, jazz, finger-picking and more), but will also help you find a teacher closer to home. Expert staff are on hand to tune your chosen guitar and there’s a repair workshop on site. Guitar Shop also has a large range, including some vintage guitars and unusual models, such as sitars, bouzoukis and mandolins.

Saxophone Shop has saxophones, clarinets, flutes and trumpets for sale and rent (€25 to €40 per month for a minimum three months). Der Blechbläser specialises in trumpets and has a full range of accessories, from oils to carry bags. Die Holzbläser also concentrates on brass instruments and has a hire service from €25 per month.

For pianos try Rene George Klavierwerkstatt in Prenzlauer Berg, which has a tuning service available, or Piano Galerie which stocks ‘silent’ pianos – Yamaha pianos with headphones – as well as grand and upright pianos.

For second-hand instruments, head to An & Verkauf Musikinstrumente in Prenzlauer Berg. If you’d rather work on your vocal chords, Karaoke-Verleih has professional karaoke machines for hire, starting at €49 for 24 hours, plus disco lighting (starting from €5 for 24 hours).