Our first roundup of the independent, out-of-the-way music shops that dot the country got such a great response we had no choice but to continue the journey. What started out as a summer road trip guide could extend well into the winter with all the great places we missed the first time.
So over the next few weeks we’re going to take our time and hit the guitar stores where the people are still passionate about the products they sell, new bands are formed in the percussion aisle every day, and there’s always hope that you might find that 1959 Gibson ES-335 hanging in the back collecting dust.
Once again, we realize that our selection below only scratches the surface as far as great local music shops go. So please take the time and tell us about your personal favorite in our comment section below (be sure to include a cool anecdote, or two). We’ll get there… eventually.
FULLER’S VINTAGE GUITAR - Houston, TX
We might seem a little partial because of all the amazing Gibson guitars they have in stock at cut-rate prices, including a CJ-165 EC Maple Acoustic-Electric, L-00 Latin Folk Edition Acoustic, and one of the strictly limited edition signed and aged Billy Gibbons "Pearly Gates" 1959 Les Paul’s. But even the locals will point you to this appropriately Texas-sized downtown emporium for any of your guitar needs, even if you’re in the market for something by Fender, Taylor, Martin, Jackson, or, well, just about every other manufacturer you can imagine. The vintage tag only covers a small swath of the 2000 instruments available here at any given time, many of them custom or specialty items. But if you’ve checked out owner Crazy Mike’s Insane Specials, you know none of them stick around for all that long. 116 North Loop, Houston, TX; (713) 880-2188; www.fullersguitar.com
FIRST QUALITY MUSIC - Louisville, KY
It’s worth going a little out of the way for this independent Louisville retailer. These guys really care about their products and customers – how many other music stores run a blog enthusing about their latest discoveries, giving YouTube demos of their favorite banjos, and sharing news about local musicians? The enormous showroom’s not bad, either, offering just about every piece of equipment or accessory you could possibly need – and just in case you don’t know what you need (or how to play it), there’s an adjacent music academy. 7006 Trade Port Dr., Louisville, KY; (502) 995-5651; www.fqms.com
WILDWOOD GUITARS - Louisville, KY
A wood-shingled downtown depot that features such a finely edited selection of gear locals like to joke that you can walk in with a blindfold on and still leave with an incredible guitar. Staffed by real musicians and friendly repair techs, Wildwood is renowned for its custom pieces. Just a quick glance at the Gibson section turned up handful of Limited Edition Kiristofferson SJs, an Iron Mountain J-60 Vintage Sunburst and Historic 1959 Les Paul VOS. Owner Steve Mesple also keeps active with the local scene, booking the bands for the Louisville Downtown Street Faire. 804 Main St., Louisville, CO; (303) 665-7733; wildwoodguitars.com