Dave's Guitar Shop Tour

Jump ahead to your favorite brand/make:
00:00 -- Intro
08:51 -- Fender Telecaster (vintage)
17:01 -- Fender Stratocaster (vintage)
20:56 -- Gretsch (vintage)
26:01 -- Rickenbacker (vintage)
27:34 -- Martin (vintage)
31:39 -- Gibson Hollowbodies (vintage)
35:22 -- Gibson Les Pauls (vintage)
38:24 -- Gibson Explorer and Flying V (vintage)
39:22 -- Fender Amps (vintage)
42:06 -- Fender misc. rare guitars (vintage)
www.premierguitar.com PG's Shawn Hammond is on location in La Crosse, WI, where he visits Dave's Guitar Shop and gets up close and personal with owner Dave Rogers' personal collection of guitars that include vintage Telecasters, Gibson Les Paul goldtops and '59 bursts, and nearly a Stratocaster from every year.

[@kevincozens6837]

Nice to hear that he has a selection of left-handed guitars.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I’m a lefty to

[@teleguy5699]

Very nice. I just bought a LP jr. I would have bought from them if I knew about this shop. Full setup thrown in is rare for buying online these days.

[@haloskater24]

You know the thing I love about Dave? The stuff on his site aren’t overpriced like some other sites

[@amidthefight6915]

One of the best guitar shops around. Wisconsin, represent.

[@felixbrauro]

Just bought a guitar from Dave's guitar. I was so happy with it I emailed their customer service to say thank you. I got a reply from Dave himself about an hour later. Good dude.

[@mikefetterman6782]

I bought my Martin Sigma tobacco burst left handed acoustic at Dave's. I played half the lefties in the store one day, and bought the next. I was in town with a zoo exhibit, and the night before I went in to pick it up, my hand was chewed up on live TV at the sport show by a prairie dog. I picked up my guitar (still play it EVERYDAY) the next day, with stitches in 3 of my fretting hand, and when I walked in the clerk asked my why I looked so familier, at that moment the UPS guy walked up and shouted "Prairie dog dude". After some light hearted jibing at my expense, I left on a journey (that was quite painful the first couple weeks with the stitches) that has now been 28 years of joy. I have nothing that makes me happier than my Sigma. I loved the lefty selection ( I was in heaven) and really want to thank Dave's for helping me with my decision back in February of 1994.

[@KfirOchaion]

8:14 - Damn! My wife caught me buying another guitar!

[@japhetmock]

Kfir Ochaion LMFAO

[@ReneeNme]

Kfir Ochaion An old school trick that works nearly every time. If your wife or girlfriend is one who easily freaks out if you buy yourself a new toy, schedule your purchase so that you purchase her something neat either just prior to or immediately after your purchase and keep both purchases right around the same price range. It works, trust me. I've got years of experience at the game :P

[@PikkaBird]

+ReneeNme So double your expenses to justify one big purchase? Sounds like a great way to go very broke, ha ha.

[@frontlinebassist777]

+Kfir Ochaion I feel your pain I just asked my fiance to postpone the wedding for 3 months so I could buy a Gretsch! Needless to say it didn't go over very well..... I may end up getting it after all!!

[@Xcorgi]

+Kfir Ochaion Reminds me of an American Dad episode where Stan tells Steve "men don't do things they like. They get jobs and families to KEEP them from what they like". Bottom line? Most wives and girlfriends are pretty much always jealous of a man's guitar or guitar collection.

[@bjdenil]

I stopped by Dave's briefly today for the first time. It is an amazing shop. Can't wait to go back.

[@iahawk36]

Dave is the best! He's so humble in person and great to deal with. He plays his guitars too....they hang there for people to look at, but they get played too!

[@HBSuccess]

Some folks are missing the point of having a collection this extensive in the right hands. Dave loans the guitars to any artist who would like to record them. He loans them to get mnfcts for archival purposes. He has them photographed professionally. THAT IS SHARING them. He is the OPPOSITE of a selfish man hoarding a priceless collection.. Instead, he is a CURATOR who is preserving this very well documented collection for the next generation. The entire list is on his website for anyone who would like more info. He could be some Arab oil Barron who is amassing a giant collection and then locking it away overseas. There is a TON of that going on and we will never see nor hear those instruments again. So don't be down on him - he is absolutely doing the right thing for everyone.

[@GuitarSlinger2112]

Well said.

[@Gregorypeckory]

Yes I agree; it is a passion and a gift from Dave to the guitar/music world.

[@friesofwisdom4399]

I agree, but It's hard not to have to bite your lip while saying it, especially since he doesn't even know what they sound like plugged in... Can he even play them?

[@coreyhenriksen7880]

He's a very good player with a unique sound. He's in a band and also jams with lots of different bands / musicians. Plays mostly blues and late 60's and 70's rock.

[@AB-vn2jc]

What about in the left hands?

[@michaelchicolabarbera5071]

Dave's Guitar Shop is sublime! I live about two hours away. I make "the pilgrimage" to DGS about five times per year. Never can spend less than three hours there. Dave is a fabulous individual! His staff is wonderful! The entire demeanor of DGS is totally mellow, yet efficient. I would strongly recommend a trek to DGS if you are anywhere near the La Crosse, WI area and you love guitars. Thank you Dave and staff for your "landmark" sanctum!

[@imwjl]

The shop is worth visiting and the collection does get played. I was surprised (understatement) when Dave handed me one those 1930s Martins to play. Dave's sharing with me was interesting

[@KeithMoonbeat]

Dave's a nice and humble guy . God bless you , Dave

[@calsurflance5598]

If these guitars were in a private collection, no one would ever see them. They would be beyond the reach of of any hall of fame or museum. Even for a factory to maintain a vintage stash would be cost prohibitive. It’s great that a self proclaimed (Guitar Geek) has brought this collection together and made it available for viewing and reference. Thank you Dave for your commitment!

[@THE-zv7vj]

I bought a used PRS Sonzera 50 amp from here 2 years ago.. The price was was great and the amp came quickly no damage . I thought they had sent me the wrong one.. The amp was so nice i thought it was NEW.. Great store , Great selection , Great people

[@IPushHard]

This was really interesting. He has the integrity to hold onto his most rare stuff in order to share rather than sell them out to the highest bidder where they would likely be locked away and never seen. Without a doubt this is the most awesome collection I have ever seen. Thanks for posting.

[@davejohnson1297]

He's got them locked away where they can never be seriously used.

[@rarch1968]

Wow!! Thank you so much Shawn & PG for putting this together. Dave's personal collection is unbelievable. I consider myself privileged & extremely lucky to have recently purchased a 2013 R9 Les Paul which I think has an amazing top but the original 59 in the upstairs collection blows it away!

[@TheFrode69]

I imported my first guitar to Norway from Dave in 1996 - a Fender Telecaster B-bender. This was before at least I had any internet, so the communication was by fax! I've thought about this ever since that Dave must have had the biggest patience with me and I had the best deal ever, and he was very helpful. So great to see this! Thanks Dave!

[@ryan.1357]

You know, my first impression was similar to a lot of the commenters here: that this guy is hoarding guitars that should be played. But watching it again, I've come to realize that the way he's assembled this collection, he's not hoarding, per se. He's created a museum which is actually a pretty valuable contribution to the world of guitars in-and-of itself. Dave doesn't have any real duplicates; he's assembled a relatively complete history of guitars from the major manufacturers. That they're represented in this room, available to see, touch and play is pretty non-hoardish. If everything was in a case in a vault, maybe, but this room is a museum.

[@franciscotomasmendezmatura4796]

i agree with you, but i wonder if people are allowed to play the guitars in te museum....

[@vincewhirlwind574]

@Cory Britton Oh yeah Cory, well that's just YOUR opinion, isn't it?

[@vincewhirlwind574]

Just pointing out the irony of your stupid statement Cory. I've got a hell of a fulfilling life, with no need to insult people safely from a distance, online, like you do. As if you have any authority or credibility to tell anyone what to do.

[@vincewhirlwind574]

Did you ever notice, that nobody actually cares about a thing that you have to say Cory? Me, for example.

[@jdl2180]

@Cory Britton one thing all your money will never buy is someone else's ability to think whatever hell they want. I consider all of the guitars in the daves shop to be mine and he is just taking care of them for me!😂😃

[@garyguitar]

That green Strat reminds me of the 57 Sherwood green with gold hardware, that I got for Christmas in 57. Dad bought it from McCords Music in Dallas.

[@benchase1925]

do you still have it?

[@Jukle0]

Just stumbled on this video! Live 30 minutes away from La Crosse, and I always go here. Awesome place, and excellent staff!

[@tommycoomes9692]

Truly amazing and lots of fun Thanks Dave and Shawn Nothing beat passion!

[@stevesalisbury8206]

Dave's the man! I've bought a number of guitars from Dave over the years. Great guy!

[@wilfru1]

that was great, thanx so much for showing the community, of guitar lovers, your collections, all the best from australia

[@banjostrings1]

Recently on a trip to my home town I stopped in at Dave's. Incredible guitar store! My Arkansas Friends loved my stuff.

[@SmashingFoozer]

Ordered my first Gibson SG from these guys! very pleased with the guitar, and the shop was great to me! Sent me a couple packs of ernie ball strings, and even a sweet graphic daves guitar shop t-shirt!

[@newfablesam]

been shopping here for 13 years. staff and service is amazing as well as selection.

[@fanoboss]

Shawn this is my favorite video that you've done.

[@sailorjohnboy]

Bought a 86 Strat from Dave a few years back. Still had the original headstock sticker from the original purchase from Matt Umanovs in NYC. Awesome shop.

[@twhouston1]

I've been doing business with Dave's since 89-1990. Fantastic customer service and a great guy!

[@txdenton]

Just purchased a used PRS guitar through Dave's sales manager, Tylor. I can't wait to get the guitar and give a review. So far, the customer service has been great.

[@MrReallyHard]

One of the best video's I have seen on you tube. Had a similar experience in New York City's Sam Ash store. I believe this store is a bit more stocked up. The upstairs is a amazing place!

[@ThomTremblay]

Dave is a a solid guy. It's great to see his continued success. He's also an excellent player regardless of what he says here. :)

[@kevin6385]

Incredible collection truly sublime. But they should be played

[@HyperBlueZYZ]

Guess ya better head on over then!

[@garyguitar]

Here's a pic of me and my 57 green Strat in about 1965.

[@HumbuckerGuy]

Got my Larrivee from Dave's and a few pedals. But I've never been in their shop so this is great! Thanks, PG!

[@EcBaPr]

what an awesome store, great video. thanks PG..

[@aaronpaterson1615]

That was nice to say he felt really bad for left-handed players who walk into a store to only find about one left-hand guitar available. In my town, Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Queensland, Australia our one and only musical instrument shop has told me that Gibson don't have an Australian distributor/supplier so I went on EBay before Christmas 2018 and bought a second hand 2004 Gibson SG which is on its way across the country to me, built in the Gibson Nashville plant

[@Tonetwisters]

Dave, your story is just like mine. My older brother started The Classics in 1960 in our house. I started in 1961, using his '60 Jazzmaster and PRO amp. Went crazy from there, but also did not have the natural talent necessary to make it big. Today, I have been playing for 57+ years ... My brother also had a music store, but in small Tallahassee, Florida and a pro recording studio. We had all the brands you have, plus Ovation, Martin, Guild and Gibson acoustics; back in the early '70s. Much agreed with the quality thing, and the availability of remake guitars and amps. Back in the early '70s, there was no such thing as "vintage." They were all just "used." Early '70s, guitar makers were making their guitars denser to try to increase sustain, which guitar players were really hot after. My very first guitar, was a 1954 Stratocaster that my dad paid a pawn shop, $75. He gave it to me for Christmas, 1963. I played one of those Country Clubs, acoustically, in Gainesville, Florida once. Was blown away at how sweet and mellow it was. That 6120 G Brand wants to come live at my house ...

[@davidcervin3408]

Lot of nice guitars hanging round.

[@kevinperreault8913]

I just meet dave for the first time 5min ago... is staff are just kind and passionate has him. If ur a guitar geek plz go visit this place

[@flip3213]

awesome interview thanks you guys so much

[@255george]

such a good clip . . . i will watch this again and again

[@255george]

and dave is the Man

[@TomGuerra1]

Great feature on Dave and his collection and inventory.

[@ironlungs33]

Enjoyable video, thanks for sharing this collection with us. Outstanding resource for anyone interested in vintage instruments.

[@BlakeHavardMusic]

This store is insane! Amazing!

[@robbewillekens6884]

The only place Where vintage guitars are safe from Joe Bonamassa

[@kennethhacker1341]

Ha ha ha ha soooo true ,Joe would try tho.!

[@lincolnosiris3665]

I think if Bonamassa would go in for the kill, he would go out with some prey.

[@tysonrinker5958]

What you mean joe cant buy guitars there?

[@tysonrinker5958]

I get it because the real good shit this guy has he ain't selling ok

[@CARDINAL701]

Bonamassa is hiding upstairs......

[@DRFerguson]

I used to live right by Dave's Guitar Shop when I lived in WI. I miss going there!

[@jasoncurry207]

I bought a schecter from this place, fantastic customer service good pricing and cool environment. Great store I just wish it was a little closer to my home here in the Chicago suburbs.

[@MrGuitarHack]

Wonderful shop, bought my R0 there. Great selection, willing to talk and find the right guitar for you.

[@tonytinsel303]

Wow !! that really stopped me in my tracks !! Great video, got me thinking i would go to the states just to visit this place.

[@GuitarExpress]

Imagine the place where they keep all the cases

[@cpguitars1]

I had the chance to go to Daves' 3 years ago and it was hard to tear myself away.

[@gavinglover-composer993]

I do hope over time this guitars are cycled back out into the wild. Fun to look at the stuff though.

[@nicennice]

Two things to say: Wow what an incredible collection of guitars and What a shame they are not being played anymore. Great video though.

[@grant.m.ball0603]

I'd say he probably plays his old guitars

[@TheStrawberryPatch]

I have known and bought from Dave for a long time. First class store. It is bigger than this video makes it look!

[@RubbelisPro]

I've only ever been to their Madison location but it's a trip every time, such a knowledgeable staff. They don't bullshit you either. Sometimes you walk into a Guitar Center and it's like walking into a hardware store when you already know what you're looking for, these guys don't do that. I gotta make it out to their La Crosse spot sometime.

[@peteloomis5349]

Great place to check out the old guitars and drink lots and lots and lots of beer !

[@Scipted]

Absolutely love the green strat

[@Chimairakid21]

Love this shop! Been there many times

[@jmflyer55]

Nice....What a collection. I'd love to have one of those 63 blonde Bassman amps!

[@kelsawyers3597]

Awesome I'd just love to walk in and look around. A kid in a candy shop

[@edparales6681]

Awesome i cant think of the words to say.......Dave you're the MAN........

[@bsdraven246]

This is impressive to say the least. I would hate to see his insurance on this place lol. He's cool about it though. No glass cases, no do not touch signs really. As long as someone is careful they could experience playing some guitars that they would never otherwise see. He's not selfish at all which is awesome.

[@Masterfighterx]

After a guy posted something on a forum I've been wonder if guitar shops put something on the stands and mounts for Nitro finished guitars? Most of them look like standard rubber pad stands. If not, the rubber will react with the finish and make a nasty spot.

[@johnparker3555]

Zyx

[@tigertigerpantherfox3714]

Awesome stuff!

[@beasty1489]

dave's! the happiest place on earth

[@OniDasAlagoas]

This is not hoarding, this is a museum. Dave is collecting history and preserving it.

[@ebeing2955]

No, its hoarding plain and simple. they are tools, nothing more nothing less.

[@teleguy5699]

@@ebeing2955 So are aircraft, but walk a pilot or aircraft mechanic like myself through an air museum, and you'll see the emotion these "tools" bring out in a person.

[@Dirtydrock001]

Dave thank you so much for thinking of us leftys bud

[@stephengray5808]

i like how you put all profits back into your buiss. for the first 5 years.that is smart if you are able to do that.that was the key to your success in the beginning ,nice place dave maybe ill be able to come and buy from u one day

[@johnt.campbell316]

Seeing these guitars pretty well *proves* to me that the *quality* of guitars has gotten _better_ over the years; NOT worse. There's just more companies these days making cheap guitars. These may be "hand-made" or "vintage", but they are clearly NOT up to the quality of almost _anything_ you can get today even from the same company (definitely not the same owners. NONE of these companies are owned by their original founders). The action on those Fenders looks like they're slide guitars! Maybe they were. I know that people who played guitar 70 years ago barely went past the 7 fret for anything. lol...

[@stationofdreams1241]

This shop is like guitar heaven.

[@askjdog]

Cool independent guitar shop.. Love it.. Cheers!!

[@constructivecritique4049]

Wow. A high-end guitar shop, or an exotic/vintage car dealership would be my dream business. No basses being shown? Really? I wonder how much his collection 7 inventory are worth? Amazing. I just can't believe that this video doesn't have 2, 3, or even 4 million views. Those custom color Fenders are beautiful. I have one guitar that I'd consider truly vintage. A 'burst 1961 Fender J-Bass stack-knob. In 1987, I traded a de-fretted Fender 34" scale Squire Bullet Bass, a $75 check, and a 1/2 oz. of weed for that '61 Jazz Bass. Man, the crazy things I used to do as a young man.

[@mikebishop8489]

Dave, Great shop! You need a couple of "StringRays" to have on hand.

[@saraelizabethloerlein1139]

Beautiful store!

[@svendeboer8469]

That Rosewood tele on 12:29 dammmmmmn! Been looking for one since I could walk!

[@TheSgt93]

All of the 50's Strats.... Epic!

[@melchiando]

I have a Fender Marauder i've never played also. I'll have to plug her in one of these days

[@jamarwright]

great vid! I wish y'all hadn't skipped over the 335s!

[@SeeMick1]

Although that collection is insane, that video had a somewhat Spinal Tapp-esque vibe to it. I would have liked to hear a couple of those guitars.

[@fongy200]

The Green Strat man, wow! And it had a skunk stripe down the back of the neck, nothing unusual there but the Truss rod access is at the base of the neck, pretty rare to see the skunk stripe on a Strat so old the Rosewood insert is usually only seen on necks with upper Truss rod access. I love being a geek.

[@mborski8721]

Always a joy to visit Dave's. Unfortunately for me it's a short 2 1/2 hour drive from home

[@keenan1972]

great vid some truly awesome some lovely guitars ;)

[@cbly]

I'm glad to see he's way more organized than House of Guitars. They just have their vintage stuff on stands sitting on top of the display cases. You can't even see them because they're up so high.

[@SteamvilleQuintet]

Nice collection and um may have to motor north and see them live one day and uh and lefty heaven and uh...

[@marvinm.messier1120]

I love doing business with Dave's - I'm up in Canada and I've bought 4 guitars off them over the years- always priced the best and they give a damn.

[@jameslyons1661]

Great video.

[@tonytotten2133]

Nice one good on yeh what a collector and a collection yes some of the comments are just rediculess why are they all hanging on a wall they should be getting played. Yes they probably have for lots of years and they are in semi retirement if you broke or damaged these guitars they could never be replaced. You heard him he even loans them back to the manufacturers to either remake copies and head stocks. The man has pain stakingly been collecting for over 30years at his expense good on him its his museum and he ain't even charging you or us admit ion to view good on him and thank you for the video cheers 👍👍👍👍🍺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Earnhardt12345]

I bought my custom shop Gibson Budokan LP from Dave's.. Great shop..

[@matthewlee2826]

I have a friend who has serial #12 of the broadcaster. It has only been out of the case a coulple times and came from the factory with a broken string. The guitar has never been played. Those guitars are very very rare.

[@smeltnight2002]

Saying he is greedy is like calling your local bank greedy. He keeps guitars safe and clean for the rest of us to enjoy. They would eventually be destroyed if people played them, and it's important to keep at least 1 of a model for historical purposes. He's doing what any museum does.

[@gordyschwarz8483]

sold dave a double neck sg in st paul yrs ago great guy !!

I would love to see limited run oddities more instead of the well known and much displayed Gibson 59 Les Pauls or Fender 50s Stratocasters. For example, those leather-bound Gretschs and Fender Marauders and Jagstangs were incredibly interesting. I think collectors should also refocus on today's boutique and oddball manufacturers if they want to have big profits in 20 years..

[@PunchFaceChampions]

One of the few perks of living in La Crosse is being able to visit this shop regularly.. The shop employees can be rather off putting/elitist at first but once they know you've either got the money to throw down on product or you've got the knowledge and playing ability beyond a casual guitarist they'll really open up with you and help your shopping experience... it's basically like a car dealership

[@thecko98]

I am a left myself and I need to visit this place ASAP.

[@ddelopkwapn5985]

I love going to that place.

[@rockhard2654]

THIS IS SICK

[@vincewhirlwind574]

I've always to visit Wisconsin for the fishing, but this would be a side trip for sure

[@lueysixty-six7300]

35:19 See the two in the background on the wall with 6 inline tuners?? They are almost exact Fender headstocks...from an era *before* Strats, right?! I can't know for sure, because he did not point them out, but others nearby he was focused on were 1940's. I just had no idea that Gibson had that design before Fender !!

[@cruzer041]

Loving it!

[@DAVEBLISS2007]

Wow .... too many guitars to even count. Wonderful !