Where To Buy
     
About Us

We’ve been shipping music since before the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

At F. Payton & Son, music has been woven into our family story for generations. Founded in London in 1881, we were part of the music trade long before the Sydney skyline appeared, and since 1969, it’s Sydney we proudly call home.

Paytons, as we’re known throughout the industry, is a fifth-generation, family-owned wholesale distributor working with world-class brands, manufacturers, and retailers across Australasia. With deep market knowledge and a long-term approach, we build enduring alliances that are tailored to our region and designed for shared success.

     
For Retailers

Trusted by Australian Music Stores for Generations
We’re part of the fabric of the Australian music scene. Music stores choose us for our reliability, responsiveness, and the products we bring to market.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Products that sell: A curated range covering orchestral, guitar, folk, percussion, brass and wind, piano, tools and more.
  • Fast, dealer-friendly service: Low minimums, quick turnaround, and expert support from real people.
  • Education specialists: Decades of experience supporting music educators and schools.
  • Exclusive brands: We bring in the lines you can’t find everywhere along with quality products designed specifically for the Australian market.
  • Wholesale only: As an independent wholesaler, we supply retail music businesses exclusively and do not sell direct to the public.

We advocate for local retailers via our ‘Where to Buy’ dealer locator.

Become a Dealer
     
For International Brands

Your Gateway to the Australian Market
Brands don’t just enter a market. They enter a culture. We help you do both.

Expanding into a new region isn’t only about logistics, it’s about finding the right cultural fit. At Payton’s, we’ve spent five decades helping brands enter Australia the right way. We work with hundreds of retail partners ranging from iconic high street stores to boutique studios, and from artisanal builders to emerging online retailers.

What We Offer:

  • Australasian Reach: Distribution across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
  • Established Dealer Network: Serving a diverse network of hundreds of retail partners.
  • Marketing Support: Product launches, email campaigns, social content, in-store activations.
  • Inventory & Fulfilment: Sydney-based warehousing with integrated systems.
  • Brand Integrity: Strategic pricing guidance, curated positioning, and responsible market representation.
  • Data & Forecasting: Inventory planning and real-time reporting to anticipate demand and maintain reliable stock levels.
Partner with Us
     
Ready To Connect?

If you’re a music store looking for trusted supply or a brand ready to launch into Australasia, we’d love to hear from you.

While we don’t supply direct to the public, we are happy to answer any questions you might have about our products.
Alternatively, visit the ‘Where To Buy’ section to find a retail dealer local to you.

Contact Us
     
Our Story

From 19th-Century Ledgers to Today’s Digital Global Trade
F. Payton & Son began in 1881 as a music wholesaler in London, navigating rough seas, hand-drawn catalogues and ink-stained ledgers long before barcode scans and online ordering.

In 1969, the Payton family planted new roots in Sydney. Today, we operate a modern logistics and distribution hub in Artarmon,
Sydney that includes:

  • Full-service warehousing.
  • Accredited in-house luthiers, two dedicated workshops.
  • Product photography & media studio.
  • Multi-dock capability for fast, efficient order dispatch.
View the F. Payton & Co. hand drawn catalogue from 1890
Step back in time
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How to order?

We are a wholesale distributor to the music trade in Australia and the
Pacific Islands. We do not sell directly to the public but welcome you to
use this site for product information, and to find your local stockist.

For more information about our products and for advice specific to your needs, please contact your
local music shop, luthier or education specialist.

Find your local Paytons stockist below:

Where to buy

We’d love to hear from you

Whether you’re a retail store interested in some of the products we
distribute, a instrument maker/repairer after supplies, or a member of
public after some more information, please get in touch with us!

Get In Touch
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PAYTON

Paytons Catalogue c.1890

We’re excited to share a rare and fascinating glimpse into our musical past with this digitised copy of an original 1890 Paytons catalogue. Recently uncovered and carefully scanned, this beautifully preserved document showcases the range of musical instruments once sold by Paytons. From brass and woodwind to string and percussion, the catalogue reflects the tastes and craftsmanship of a bygone era, offering a unique window into the soundscape of 19th-century. We’re proud to make this piece of history accessible and hope it inspires musicians, collectors, and history lovers alike.