Comments on: A Perfectly Good Guitar

Question: A Perfectly Good Guitar

catfishjohn19 — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 23:36:36 -0800

What's the best guitar store in the South?

Hi, I'm looking for recommendations for the greatest [not just good] guitar stores in the South. I'll be driving from Denver to South Carolina and I want to stop and play some fine instruments and perhaps pick one up. I'm looking for a a square-necked resonator (dobro style), if that helps.

I have some time to kill so I don't mind driving out of my way. Bonus points if you know a great shop in Nashville.

Thanks.

By: wsg

wsg — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:29:23 -0800

One of the best and most famous guitar stores in the nation, if not in the world, happens to be in Nashville -- Gruhn's Guitars.

By: BitterOldPunk

BitterOldPunk — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 01:15:06 -0800

Fretted Instruments, in Homewood, Alabama, is without question the best guitar store in the South. Herb is a genius, and knows more about Martin guitars than many have forgotten. It's out of your way, by hundreds of miles, but call them and let them know you are coming and Herb will take care of you. They also carry concertinas, dobros, banjos, mandolins, ukeleles, etc. This guy KNOWS HIS STUFF, and is friendly to boot. And the chances are good that if you get there around closing time, they'll ask you to sit in and pick a few.

By: valkane

valkane — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 07:27:41 -0800

Not really that "southern" but the Guitar Emporium is a fantastic shop in Louisville, KY.

By: shanevsevil

shanevsevil — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 07:27:45 -0800

If you want to see something interesting drop by Southpaw Guitars in Houston, Tx. The world's only real guitar store for only left handed guitars. They're good people.

By: SuperSquirrel

SuperSquirrel — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 07:33:32 -0800

Heart of Texas Music in Austin.

By: dsword

dsword — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 10:12:38 -0800

In Nashville, Cotten Music was my favorite spot growing up. I love that place.

You can find any number of larger shops either on or near the strip downtown, including Gruhn's, as mentioned before, and Gibson.

By: wsg

wsg — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 11:40:29 -0800

Strings and Things in Memphis is a complete mall dedicated to all things musical, including guitars.

By: RustyBrooks

RustyBrooks — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 11:51:02 -0800

I love Southpaw 'cause I am one. When I moved from houston I was greatly saddened to find that not ever major city has such a store, and I end up going back there time and time again to buy guitars.

By: catfishjohn19

catfishjohn19 — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 13:08:37 -0800

Wow, thanks for all the great suggestions, I really appreciate it. Hopefully this will help break up the drive and provide me with a new git-box.

By: mrmojoflying

mrmojoflying — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 14:02:24 -0800

Guitar Emporium (as linked to above) in Louisville has an international reputation -- but one warning, they tend toward the higher end of vintage, so nothing is cheap. If you have a specific request, give them a call first.

By: mrbill

mrbill — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 19:45:52 -0800

Heart of Texas in Austin is a decent store, but their prices are high, customer service is virtually non-existent (and rude), and a lot of their business comes from the "i want to buy my guitar where SRV bought his!" factor.

I ended up buying my SRV Signature Strat from Guitar Resurrection in Austin. I've never been happier with a purchase (or customer service) from a guitar/music store before, and when it comes time to buy another Les Paul, I will probably deal with them again even though I now live in Houston.