Destination Guitar Buying - Why your favorite shop could be a letdown in person

We all have a shop that we love to go visit. Sometimes we road trip hours away just to go in person. Or maybe you check their website everyday to see what just arrived. Baxter and Jonathan talk about the best In-store experience shops and those shops that might be built more for for an amazing online experience.
Skip the and get strait to your favorite shop!
Gruhn's 01:14
Chicago Music Exchange 03:29
Wildwood Guitars 05:07
Willcutt Guitars 07:53

[@registereddemocrat3507]

I can't believe you didn't mention Norm's Rare guitars. It's arguably the best guitar shop in the country, along with Casino Guitars.

[@CasinoGuitars]

registered democrat that made us smile, the little casino tag there. That is a great joint and we may do a separate video on their place as well. Again, thanks for the shout out:)

[@randy8115]

Dave’s Guitar Shop in La Crosse, WI. There are multiple stores, but the La Crosse store is a MUST see for Dave’s private collection.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Randy right on! Our guy. Whine the cameras was just there two weeks ago, had a great time! We can’t help loving a great shop. Thanks for sharing Randy!

[@petelewis6920]

These guys come over so well. If I every get over to the states again I'd love to visit the shop. Keep up the good work chaps.

[@garycrosby7658]

Your enthusiasm for guitars and willingness to celebrate your competition makes Casino Guitars a destination trip for me!! Thank you for all the great episodes so far😎👍

[@CasinoGuitars]

Gary Crosby thanks a bunch! We don’t really look at them as competition it rather others trying to keep the guitar alive and well for everyone out there. Sincere thanks for watching and taking the time to share your thoughts!

[@YesItsWitticus]

Mark’s Guitar Shop here in Spokane is the little shop on the corner that is amazing. Loved Gruhn’s and Carter’s there in Nashville. But the best destination was Elderly in Lansing MI, hands down.

[@swingset1969]

I bought at Gruhn's, because I was in town and just wanted to see it, but they were so accommodating and great to talk to and show me around that I ended up with a guitar. It definitely lived up to the hype, IMHO. As I was walking out Vince Gill was walking in with a case in his hand. Just added to the cool factor.

[@foxbyday4300]

I did drive to Andertons to get my Chapman and did see Danish Pete !

[@jeffmichael]

I love the channel! Years ago I worked at a music store. They had a David Gilmour Relic. The neck fit like a glove. Definitely my favorite ever. I set on a mission to sell other guitars to pay for it. I came up a bit short. That is my holy grail guitar! This episode made me think of that!

[@thomasrobinson9614]

Thanks for the video! I moved to the Boulder area eight years ago and never knew I was 25 miles from Wildwood guitars. I'm heading over there today.

[@liorauf]

Great video as always guys!!!

[@winstonzendejas]

Hey I’m impressed that your channel does not have many followers! Keep it going I’m absolutely sure your content is great so your channel will be huge! I’m following you guys from Cancun Mexico!

[@kellornmap4457]

I know this is a week old but I thought I would add Moore guitars in southern Indiana. Mostly because I like their demos on youtube and they seem pretty laid back and no pressure. Even though I'm only 20 minutes from Chicago music exchange if I was passing by there I would make the stop.

[@mikeplaysdrums23]

If you're ever in Seattle check out Emerald City Guitars. Their vintage selection is incredible.

[@keithadams812]

at this point bagdad is a more desirable place

[@DavidJohnson-gv7eo]

Great shop!

[@iwillnevergetone5]

@@keithadams812 haha someone is gonna read this after the Covid era and not understand this comment at all, haha

[@rumbletruck1]

Drove up from Vancouver for a limited edition Tele. Cool store!

[@mark106t9]

Great insight guys! You just saved me some miles! Awesome that I'm 10 miles from Casino Guitars!

[@sunlightpictures8367]

I'd love to visit Wildwood Guitars and Chicago Music Exchange someday. Here in L.A., Norm's Rare Guitar is not to be missed. They have an incredible selection of vintage and new guitars.

[@chrisflashmusic]

Normans Rare Guitars and Chicago Music Exchange worth a trip for sure! Anddd Casino Guitars of course! 😍

[@charlesbolton8471]

This was an excellent video. I’ve been to two out of the four you mentioned in the video. I haven’t been to Wildwood or Willcutt, but I have looked at both online, and I’ll probably visit Willcutt eventually because Lexington isn’t too far from home in Middle Tennessee (I live about an hour south of Nashville). I’ve been to Chicago for work on multiple occasions and have always stopped by CME. I can honestly say that CME is an extraordinary business. I’ve bought from them in person, online from their website, online from them on Reverb, and they even sell on Amazon (which I also purchased from them through Amazon). CME owns online retail for music gear no other store does it as well as they do and they are so far ahead that it isn’t even close. As you said the in store experience is equally amazing. I my opinion, even though CME is NOT my personal favorite shop, I think their selection (new-at all price points, recent used, and vintage) cannot be matched by any independent shop. The selection of new gear and the variety of shopping options is what I think wins them the volume of business that they achieve. Living near Nashville (and having lived in Memphis) I can say that I have been blessed to visit and purchase from some amazing shops. While I completely agree that Mr. Gruhn is probably the most knowledgeable person in the country regarding vintage stringed instruments in my experience his staff has been completely the opposite to what you described. The store itself (current location-I never visited any of the previous locations) is very nice and the selection is good. However, the Nashville store where I have spent the most money (and my all time favorite musical instrument shop) is by far Carter Vintage. The customer service is amazing. The vintage selection beats Gruhn’s and CME although both of those stores have an advantage in new instruments (due to Carter Vintage focusing on higher end new instruments), but Carter Vintage is on par with CME as far as recent used gear is concerned and both beat Gruhn’s in that aspect. Carter Vintage’s website is also very good as is their KZbin channel, but prior to COVID Shutdown most instruments and amps on the website could not be purchased directly from the website although you could call or message them and they would help you with whatever you needed. They also had a Reverb Shop from fairly early on, but only listed a very small part of their inventory. After Covid Shutdown they started listing the majority of their inventory and sold many items that had been in the store for months. Other Nashville shops worth mentioning: Rumble Seat Music (also on 8th Ave South-half way between Carter Vintage and Gruhn’s)-it’s a small shop but it has some really nice high end vintage gear and I would also recommend Artisan Guitars (which just relocated to Nashville from Franklin, TN) is another shop that focuses on high end gear, but their primary focus is new. Fender Custom Shop and Collings electrics, as well as a big focus on acoustics from Collings, Huss & Dalton, and Maton. East Side Music Supply is a great place for pedals (Carter Vintage also has a large pedal selection) even if their guitar and amps selection is small. Those are just three of the multitude of guitar shops in Nashville. By far the best shop in Memphis (at least while I lived there 2013-2016) is Martin Music. I would like to add one more thing regarding Gruhn’s Guitars you mentioned them not being not being very prominent in online sales. I’ve never purchased from them online so I can’t speak to their process or their online buying experience. However, I will say that they have had a website listing their inventory with photos almost as long as the Internet has existed, and they have sold on Gbase since its inception.

[@maxrufusschepelernkarrebk8980]

In Copenhagen, Denmark I live near a couple shops. My favorite is guitarhunterDK, they have mint 1961 strats and just awesome gear. There are also tons of other shops:)

[@danhopper8266]

I LOVE Empire Music in Pittsburgh. I’ve bought 3 guitars from them and they do a full professional setup on everything. Also they are a Fender preferred dealer so they get a ton of high end Fender custom shop stuff that is just gorgeous. Joe the owner is a fantastic guy and great to deal with

[@jaxonspry9191]

I definitely wasn’t disappointed with you guy’s shop

[@shaneroberts9466]

WW is one of my favorites also. Been there onsite and have good relationship with couple of the sales guys. Done business with most of the others also but online. Local to Dallas/Ft.Worth I do a weekend trek to every shop in the metro just for fun. Also the Dallas and Ft.Worth guitar shows are something everyone should experience. Otherwise I dont drive drive for guitar, but if traveling I do same and pre-locate all shops where I am visiting. Drives wife and daughter crazy!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Shane Roberts thrilled you have discovered the WW joy! And great point of the shows, those were great and we’re all looking forward to them re starting ! Thanks for sharing:)

[@zeeb0w]

the most comfortable shop i have ever been is in st pete, FL, Seven C Music. Taylor Guitars recommended i go there bc a guitar i had needed a setup. Joel and David Hosler (inventor of Taylor ES systems) own it and are super nice and welcome you with open arms. I’ve also been to Heartbreaker Guitars in Las Vegas, he’s got an amazing collection of boutique guitars and was how I played my first Lowden. His shop is through appointment only but it’s definitely a fun place to chill and chat with a super knowledgeable owner. Guitar Sanctuary in Texas is incredibly beautiful, but they seemed indifferent about want to help me, but to fair, their shop is a lot larger so it’s a different vibe.

[@penultimatename6677]

Online/on the phone with Benedetto Guitars. The CEO sometimes answers the phone. During a hurricane when they had to evacuate the building and town they took photos of the guitar being built. These guys love working with customers as much as they love Guitars. Wolfe Guitars in Jupiter Florida. They are also a class act.

[@tone1798]

Gosh, I remember a time (long ago) where I could go to multiple guitar shops and play different guitars. I’ve met some of my now best friend’s at these shops. They are now gone (the guitar shops) I’m hoping to see the shops pop back up even for my kids! The community is vital. And honestly speaking for all ART!

[@beitshalomutica7679]

House of Guitars, Rochester, NY. Required stop for touring bands in past decades coming through NY state. Stunning inventory. Also like McCabe's in Santa Monica, CA (already mentioned).

[@clintvaughtvaught1955]

My wife and I are heading to Nashville this weekend for our anniversary. We only live a few hours from there but I’ve basically only traveled there for work or to see friends. Going to Gruhns on Monday! Hoping to pick something up. Love your guys videos and I think I interacted with johnathan once at the Nashville guitar center once when my band was on your. Haha I’m also a former GC employee and key holding assistant managed. Worked there before the Bain take over and about 2 years after.

[@TheTylerNCC]

I found CME about 5 years ago by accident when walking through Chicago with friends on a bachelor party trip. I was fortunate to be with people who let me go in and check the place out, but I definitely need to get back there when I'm not feeling like I've got a bunch of people waiting for me. It was so big and full of fantastic stuff I didn't even know where to look. I was impressed that the in person experience was just as good as the online experience, having bought from them online before. And if I'm ever back East your shop is definitely on the short list!

[@CasinoGuitars]

TheTylerNCC what a great surprise that is! It’s pretty awesome to stumble into a masterpiece guitar shop:) I did that with Willcutt the first time I was there as well, just a happy accident. And we would love to see you over here once everyone’s back to traveling around again! Let us know when you’re coming and we’ll be thrilled to meet you!

[@jjerg]

I have fortunately been lucky enough to visit a few great guitar stores. These days my trips are usually to Dave's in Western Wisconsin and the multiple shops in the Chicago area. Cream City in Milwaukee gets a visit a few times a year too.

[@CasinoGuitars]

J Jerg yes, cream city, another great shop! I was hoping someone would mention that one. You’re in a great spot for some great shops! Thanks for sharing:)

[@markbelluardo127]

I would love to see a tour of musical pawn shops. I was told that there is at least one in every city. That is where I buy. So far I've bought a 94' Epiphone Howard Roberts, with the hang tags. It was never sold. Thanks for keeping the guitar world fun.

[@jayp6990]

Yer place was a destination guitar shop for me, & Jonathan was there too.

[@unlovedrecords]

I am traveling in early 2022 to the Gibson Garage in Nashville to buy my first Gibson Les Paul. Whoot! I live in Arizona but I was born in Tennessee. Road trip!

[@HAUSIDMT]

2 of my favorites in CA are Lightning Joe’s in Arroyo Grande and Norm’s Rare Guitar’s in Tarzana. Joe was nice enough to take time and chat after closing shop and selling me a Heritage H-150. Norm was kind and chatted while signing his book for me. Met Mark Agnesi before he left for Gibson and talked kids and Legoland.

[@MinivanMegafun100]

I live in Winnipeg (Canada) and Minneapolis is about an 8 hour drive away, and a popular road trip just for something to do on a long weekend. I've been to Willies American Guitars over in St Paul MN several times. It's like the ultimate old school mom & pop style guitar shop. They've got tons of awesome vintage stuff and it's just a cool place to visit. I've made the stop to CME on a road trip passing through Chicago. It was like the Taj Mahal of guitar shops. I've never been speechless when I walked into a store but that place made my jaw drop. If heaven were a guitar store it would be CME. Also, if you go there, bring money. Lots of money. I don't think there's anything under $2000 in that store.

[@CasinoGuitars]

MinivanMegafun100 great share and thank you for that! What a great sounding place. And we couldn’t agree more on the ol CME:) thanks again and have a super day up there!

[@MinivanMegafun100]

@@CasinoGuitars I would definitely plan a trip to visit you guys! Once pandemic is over of course...

[@CasinoGuitars]

MinivanMegafun100 let us know when you’re coming:) drinks on me!!!

[@MinivanMegafun100]

@@CasinoGuitars I'll take you up on that! :)

[@0burrus]

Y’all and carters vintage are my favorites!

[@wirthwhilemedia]

Acoustic Vibes music in Tempe Arizona is very worth visiting if in the Phoenix area too, fantastic quantity of high end acoustics..

[@BellTunnel]

I’ve bought Fender and Gibson custom shop guitars from Eddie’s, Willcutt, Manchester Music Mill, and Chicago Music Exchange. By far, my best experience was with Joel at CME. Nothing wrong with the others, they were just simply transactional. Joel seemed to appreciate my business and followed up a few weeks after to say thanks again.

[@ericcarpenter3263]

I bought my first sight unseen last week. It was a Collings 290 DC S. It was a no brainer. Yes it was used. Yes it was on Reverb. Would totally do it again.... if it was a Collings. Guitar House of Tulsa is pretty sweet. Used to be a little shop run by a guy named Cardinal Bob (huge St. Louis Cards fan). Went to a guy named Todd and now another guy, Drew owns it. Drew moved it from a crummy part of town to downtown Tulsa. It’s pretty sweet and has a great in store experience. Worth the time on the road to check out. Tom Bukovack wears their shirts, don’t know if he shops there, but it’s the kind of place a guy like Tom would shop. Great video and much love from Tulsa, ow come down and check it out. And no, I’m not paid to say that.

[@caseylee12]

2 weeks ago, I drove 200 miles round trip to buy a fender professional telecaster (my dream guitar) from a private seller. It's 4 months old! Really, it's brand new! And I got the 'elite' case. That's as far as I have ever gone to get a guitar I wanted, but it was a special guitar but for me....Luckily, I live only about 1/2 hour from a great guitar store, Willcutt Guitars, in Lexington, KY. Absolutely an amazing guitar shop, and the owner is one of the best people I've ever met.

[@jjones8817]

Billy O's Dynamite Music Griffith IN. Billy and staff are top notch!!!

[@Lovell93]

I drove 4 and 1/2 hours to Sweetwater to purchase my new PRS a month ago. Planning a trip to Casino, soon!😊

[@Dylan-ji5ug]

I had a great experience from the guys over at Moore guitars. I was interested in a PRS and was chatting with a guy online about it when he was actually on a tour at PRS. He asked questions directly to the PRS guys about my guitar and since I live in Maryland I got to give him a few good places to eat while he was out here. I think a personal connection to a person in a guitar store can go a long way and make you at least go to a certain shop first for your needs before you go looking elsewhere.

[@ronniefnd]

Bluebond guitars in Philadelphia Pennsylvania has a awesome selection of rare guitars. Small shop with a great crew and great selection of stuff you won't find too many places.

[@robertgarrison2327]

I’m planning a vacation for next summer that includes stopping in CG. Pacific Northwest to NC. Should be fun.

[@jameshughes9706]

Destination Guitar Buying is still alive and well- I just took 2 friends on a road trip to a shop in ATL to make purchases. It was a fantastic trip

[@RJsCave]

Mandolin Bros. on staten island. I am born and raised there and walking into that store was like walking into nirvana and occasionally you'd see someone famous there or be ushered out to make way for one of a handful of very special customers like john entwistle. best experiences in a music store for me. If Stan jay were still alive i'd swim there if I had to. too bad it's gone, it was a magical place for me.

[@IrishBog]

Love this video. I fly over to New York from Sweden to guitar shop. Chicago too. Was going to California to see all the LA stores but damn covid got in the way

[@G0ATD0G]

We had a trip planned this year from Houston TX to NC so I could go to your shop as a destination vacation which we canceled in May due to COVID. Hopefully we will reschedule in the future. I would have been walking in the shop on my birthday...

[@rdmkeytohwy]

Moore Guitars in Evansville, IN is a great place to go. Not too far from Louisville, KY. They have some gear demos on KZbin so I had seen some of the guys on there and some pretty cool guitars. They have a special relationship with Paul Reed Smith and have had him there for clinics and such. They have a nice shop, lots of cool amps and cool guitars, glass cases full of pedals and other accessories. The guitars were not all high end but they have a great selection of really good brands. They had Fender, Gibson, PRS, Reverend, and Epiphone. Something for everyone in all price ranges. They had a great selection of Taylor and PRS acoustics and several nice ones in the $500-$800 range. The key for me was that the staff was nice, knowledgeable, and not pushy. The other plus is that all of the guitars were set up well and you could get a good idea of the sound and playability of all of the guitars. Quality inventory set up well sold me on this place. Two hours from my house and well worth the drive.

[@jonjones655]

Best road trip reason ever!

[@jaybe813]

Destination stores are the way to go in my opinion, at least for the brands I love. Half of my guitar collection has come from Willcutt, and I live in Nashville! I go where the inventory is for what I like, so I can play the good stuff I am into. Moore Music and CME are also killer shops that I love as well. I’ve had many letdowns here at Carter’s and Gruhn, because unless you are famous, you don’t get great service. You get ignored. Just my experience in both shops, which is why neither will ever get my business.

[@jaredb852]

Chuck Levins dc. House of guitars in irondiquoit N.Y. is a must.

[@haymez]

Steve at Wildwood is great, he is so friendly Guitar Sanctuary near Dallas is amazing Mass Street Music in Lawrence, Kansas

[@jackmaniacmusic]

I have 2 cool stores in Texas, both smaller shops, neither have a big online thing but their in person stores are great. Archies guitars in Richardson TX And Killer Vintage Guitars in Dallas TX

[@CasinoGuitars]

NeuralNovice X_X awesome share and thank you! We would love to check them out once this whole world gets a wee bit back to normal:)

[@davedger]

Still haven’t been there, but Tone Shop Guitars in Dallas. I’ve bought a Reverend and a vintage Fender Twin from them and they have had the absolute best customer service. The pics of the show room look amazing.

[@TheTylerNCC]

I'm in Dallas and can confirm 100%. Its been way too long since we've had a good independent shop here, and the guys and girls at ToneShop really know how to do it right. I've gone in there to buy guitars or just to hang out and they love to see their customers either way. Definitely worth a stop if you're ever near here!

[@davedger]

TheTylerNCC I’ve dealt with Tommy and Rhys and they are both killer dudes

[@CasinoGuitars]

David Poe awesome! We haven’t heard of them but are thrilled to discover a new joint to check out! We’ll be checking them out and sharing their goodness! Thanks for sharing.

[@daddysasquatch4970]

An afternoon in a good guitar shop can be it's own reward. And if you come away with something you love it can be one of those days you never forget.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Agreed and great point!

[@leftyshep]

Southpaw guitars in Houston! Best shop for lefties!!!

[@stevenholden8479]

I have never traveled to get a guitar. That maybe a money issue though. I have compromised more that splurged. I would love to have the opportunity to do that someday. I would love also to have more options here in Memphis. I will try to support more local shops.

[@megachillin2282]

Rainbow guitars is pretty sweet!

[@homegrownson]

B- Side Vintage Guitars, Gainesville, Florida. Smaller Local Shop run by one of Tom Pettys old friends that carries some of the Most Outstanding Acoustics and 335's I have ever seen

[@davehallock3656]

Went to Gruhn's in 08 when they were still on Broadway. Awesome. Got to go upstairs where I saw more 59 Les Paul's in one place. Travis tried to hand me an old Martin. I looked at the price tag and said nope that thing is worth more than my entire life. It was $140,000. I told him to play it for me. He handed my pal a $69,000 D'aquisto guitar the one on all those instruction books. What a huge thrill it was. I was fine when I went to the Gibson showroom but Gruhn's whoa.

[@Rogijimbex]

Yes - Dave's in LaCrosse is incredible. I've driven from Madison to LaCrosse numerous times. Dave Rogers' guitar and amp collection upstairs has millions of dollars worth of classic gear up there...that he won't sell! It is a free guitar museum essentially. However - the downstairs is compelling as well. A candy shop of instruments. I've bought new and traded many times there and have always been given a fair transaction. The trades provide the best return out there as near as I can tell. I'd always look up my traded instrument after they posted it online - the average price asked is commonly 20% above what I received for it. I corroborated that many times - very fair and reasonable in my opinion. Anyway Dave's in LaCrosse is a palace! Make sure it's that location - it's the original store. Great online presence as well.

[@72spawndn]

If you're in Nashville, I would stop by Corner Music as well.

[@wammons007]

Whatttttt? Wild wood in Louisville??? That’s just down the street from me. I guess I need to check them out. Thanks for the info

[@lcvol73]

If you’re ever in Sevierville TN, stop by Music Outlet! Highly recommended!

[@camillemoussa1195]

Coda Music in Stevenage, UK. They have an amazing selection of Acoustic and Electric guitars. Very small place, 2 locations near each other, one acoustic and one electric. They have the most amazing selection of Fender Custom shop guitars, probably the largest, way ahead of Peach and Andertons, and the service is amazing. Marc is the one I have been dealing with, and he is just great. They're not as known as the others simply because they are not on KZbin all the time. I have bought over 20 guitars and continue to buy from them. definitely worth looking at. They have at any time over 80 custom shop Fenders in store out of which at least 20 are masterbuilt. Any guitar that is not in store will not be on the website, which is nice. That way you don't browse through a hundred guitars and the majority would say available to order. I would say maybe the best selection of Fender custom shop guitars in the UK. If you are ever in London take a train 25 minutes North to Stevenage and check out that place. Well worth it.

[@evalonious]

My bud & I are planning a trip to Casino. Not sure when. We'd be driving in from Asheville & we're bringing our patio chairs 💺 and a case of beer. 🍻 😂❤️

[@jeffreya-bomb7313]

Chuck Levins is down the street from me and absolutely fantastic!

[@RahulSingh-wv4hc]

Righteous Guitars in Roswell (Atlanta), GA. Family-owned, amazing collection of PRS, Gibson, Fender and other botique brands but most importantly the people there are a pleasure to deal with. They will help out with your guitar/amp purchase no matter your experience with instruments. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Rahul Singh great share and ye, we’ve been there, awesome joint!

[@Jason-wo5rr]

i went to colorado to visit my brother last year and went to wildwood for the first time. i went when they had moved to the new building which doesn't look like much from the outside. when i went in it was a nice open space with a few guitars on the wall but like you i had a list so they brought me an ipad to choose my favs guitars from my list and before i could blink i was being escorted into a room and magically all the guitars i had on my list were there like star trek or something. Steve even let me use his personal amp (reveb deluxe named blinky) along with picks, snarks, and pedals. they put me in the room and left me alone even though i wasn't buying anything that day ( i bought the les paul a month later from them) but treated me like i was the most important customer that day. at the end i left with 3 free shirts and a bunch of other free stuff and it was awesome. i highly recommend anyone go but plan ahead and have your dream list ready. its the perfect low pressures sales environment

[@s2seltaeb]

Every single person there is very nice. I can’t wait to see the new shop!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Bruceolee that just made my day! I am thrilled that you shared this as we hope that this becomes the standard in service for anyone doing this business in the future:) Steve is a dear friend, mentor, and inspiration to me (Baxter) and I have been lucky enough to learn from what I consider the best out there! Can’t tell you enough, thank you for sharing those thoughts and your experience:)!!!

[@Lovell93]

Also, Rudy’s in NYC is awesome!

[@mrpaiute9013]

It's not just one place that I'll go, it's hitting the pawn shops in Las Vegas for instance, as there's always one decent guitar on the shelf in one place. Some places offer layaway payment options that you can secure a guitar for 10% down

[@jeffhartman5166]

I flew to Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam to visit “Guitar Street” and buy a hand built guitar at Duy Ngoc Guitars.

[@gtedeschi8850]

Definitely Casino Guitars!! Would be cool to jam with Jon! I'm not too sure about Baxter.

[@davegallagher7428]

I really don’t want to go to work tomorrow, which is in my living room, I want to go on a destination trip. I was hoping you guys would mention Sweetwater. Buying from them online is about as good as it gets I think. I know you’ve talked about them before as far as being a great place to work but what is it like as a destination stop? I moved to where I live now about three years ago and thank God there’s a great music store called Northeast Music, I live in PA, before that I had the choice of going to the Guitar Center that was 10 minutes away or the one that was 30 minutes away. I hope some day to visit all of these stores including you guys. Tremendous Video!!!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Dave Gallagher thank you! We were going to mention the in store of sweet water but we’re saving that for another video. It really is a cool and new thing! Great mention on northeast music as well! Sincere thanks for watching Dave and we hope to see you around here again soon!

[@DrFearCo]

The only mega store I’ve actually been to is cosmo music just north of Toronto. I ordered a Novo 8 months ago with the intent of road tripping to Nashville but had to cancel that trip because of covid and just had it shipped to me unfortunately.

[@rumbletruck1]

In the U.S. - Gruhn’s, CME, Norm’s , Rudy’s in SOHO. 👍🏻🤘🏻

[@donnyhall2535]

Hey guys, I just made my first online, no hands on ever, guitar purchase. I used Sweetwater. What is your thoughts of them and buying online without ever had any experience with the guitar purchased. I bought the Jarrod James Nicholes *Old Glory* Epiphone Les Paul custom.

[@jamescroy9464]

Comparitively speaking, not much for guitar shops in Iowa, but if you're in Des Moines check out Professional Music (actually in the suburb Clive)

[@Papa_O.A.M]

Ive bought many guitars, custom shop, from WildWood and have never been inside, spanning from now and back two years ago. You still cant go in the store, only purchasing online. Ive called and asked to go in and was told no, even coming to Colorado from South Florida. So, I had to purchase over the phone and have it shipped back home to South Florida.

[@PapajamaJoe]

Planning a trip to Casino soon!

[@ohplezz]

Tokyo never disappoints. Never

[@jackphillips341]

Maple Street Guitars in Atlanta, GA

[@mjcaster13]

If you’re a vintage Strat fan, not sure anything is more impressive than Strato-Crazy in Tokyo. Hopped in there when traveling for business last year. They stock more pre-CBS strats than total guitar at Guitar Center. Check out on gbase, crazy.

[@dylandoge1627]

I went to axe palace and that place was super small compared to it seemed from pictures on sevenstring.org I’ve seen for 10-15 years.

[@jdstan9650]

You want iconic? I've been to Norm's Rare Guitars once...& Mike Campbell was IN the store. I win...game over...😁

[@Asterix0205]

Drove 19 hours Minnesota to Houston, Texas to visit 🎸“South Paw Guitars” 🎸 it’s very challenging to find quality left handed guitars that you can play. Worth the trip!

[@inmyruins]

Not gonna lie--while applying to law schools I scope out the local shops. Willcutt is my homebase too!

[@81OrangeCrush]

CME is hands down my favorite. I live 35 miles from them (a blessing and curse). So I use them almost exclusively for all of my gear needs. I have also been to Elderly Instruments in Michigan and they have a great shop as well.

[@YesItsWitticus]

Elderly is incredible.

[@csnide6702]

I live in MI and have heard NOTHING but good stuff about that shop.... I'll get there when I can.

[@JoeKyser]

I'm starting to develop sort of a shop here myself. I don't have an open retail location but it sure is a possibility one day. I liked this video. The virus thing changed my whole life. Opening a brick and mortar is it really a feasible option. Im losing businesses and what business I still have. The guitar part of it is pretty good still though. I feel like an instrument is one of those must have things it's like an essential if you're a musician you get it if you're not a musician you don't get it so it might not be an essential item for everyone but for a good section or portion of our population I feel like it is

[@12south31]

I opened a guitar shop March 3rd this year. Two weeks before the shutdown. I never closed tho and business has been great!

[@JoeKyser]

@@12south31 wow that is awesome to hear! Motivating for sure.

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

Sort of the same... We drove from Key West to Chattanooga to go to Songbirds and tried to pay CASH just to hold/play a burst for the experience and was politely turned down. Drove back home and a month later they closed. Coincidence?

[@MarcStanton1]

As a matter of fact, In ‘08 I bought an EJ Strat on eBay. Instead of having them ship the Guitar from Maui I traveled there and stayed a week, met the guitar shop owner and #2 guy who sold me the guitar. I wouldn’t mind doing a driving trip around the United States to visit Casino guitars, and some other great shops. Even Sweetwater. (Are guitars available from their webpages available to play on site? Does anybody know?) But that trip would take some currently unrealized available budget. Over the past 10 to 30 years going to a local West Coast guitar center was like a destination trip. They had everything and everybody was in there and it was just noisy but I miss those shops where you can sit down and play guitar after guitar. It’s in those situations when you pick up one that really gets your attention other people call it maybe ‘the one’ and you know you need to buy it. When you asked the question, are you OK with buying it from a website? I said no and you guys said yes and then I thought about it and then actually, of the last three or more guitars I have bought have been sight unseen. But I would rather play most everything available before deciding instead of buying from a website.

[@bcbc2426]

You guys didn't mention my favorite destination guitar shop. Norman's Rare Guitars, i live in NY and i fly there to get guitars. I think it is also an iconic guitar store.

[@CasinoGuitars]

BC BC we hear you and we were saving that one for a special video. Thanks for sharing and stay tuned:)

[@rjlong89]

Heres a question to get into... whos the big 3? Guitar makers of today. You got Gibson and Fender but who is #3? Prs? Gretsch, Ibanez, Jackson, etc.

[@d.harrimusic2919]

Willie's in St. Paul, Minnesota.

[@bobkelley6574]

Southpaw Guitars, Houston Texas, is the place for this lefty.

[@bryanherward4679]

was let down by the inventory of left handed amps though...

[@davidkastin4240]

@@bryanherward4679 😂

[@mikelawrence4849]

Righteous Guitars, Roswell, Ga., best PRS shop I've seen. Maple Street Atlanta, Ga.

[@TVsGringoStarr]

I'll second that.

[@-jeffk3339]

Daves Guitar in LaCrosse WI.

[@bennyharderguitar]

Willie’s American Guitars in St Paul, MN!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Ben Harder awesome share! Thanks a bunch Ben.

[@DavidJohnson-gv7eo]

Yup, great shop!

[@JeffSealePhD]

At this point, I'd probably drive from St Louis to NC just to buy a Players Series tele from you guys.

[@yourmomlovespenis]

Despite it's massive foot print (or maybe because of it) Sweetwater music is a must