Guitar Shopping (recommendations)

[fwump]

Both myself and the missus are getting the urge to spend some cash on a new guitar or two (or three ...ahem) - but being new to the 'Ford I was wondering if anyone could recommend a decent shop or two in the area? (For both electric and acoustic - it's important to have a well-rounded arsenal after all ). Preferably somewhere with down-to-earth staff who don't react as though you're being a major inconvenience when you walk in the door! (Do I expect too much?...)

 

[MissMoose]

theres a good music shop in stone called Barber Lutherie, reasonable prices and the staff are awesome =) they put up with my room mate turning up and playing the basses for hours at a time and not buying anything. they are off the high street on old road opposite christchurch

 

[Wookie]

Two shops spring to mind in Stafford: Guitar and Son opposite the cinema, and one on the Wolverhampton Road I forget the name of (sorry). If you're coming from town, it's not *quite* as far down as the Star and Garter.
hth,

 

[Jheych]

Both myself and the missus are getting the urge to spend some cash on a new guitar or two (or three ...ahem) - but being new to the 'Ford I was wondering if anyone could recommend a decent shop or two in the area? (For both electric and acoustic - it's important to have a well-rounded arsenal after all ). Preferably somewhere with down-to-earth staff who don't react as though you're being a major inconvenience when you walk in the door! (Do I expect too much?...)

 

[Jheych]

bugger that was pants!..sorry rewind and get it right this time!

Hmm
bluumin eck .. "decent guitar shop in Stafford".. thats a hard one .. Depends really on two counts
1) If you want a cheap(ish) and cheerful copy type shop ..The new on wolvo road is ok for that sort of thing .. bit pricey on accessories tho .. which can generally be bought cheaper of t'ebay to be honest ..but a friend of mine did pick up a fairly ok ish SG copy there a while back .. e does have the "good " guitars at normal prices but havent bought any off him to be able to say

2) Eric ( Guitar and Son ) which I suppose is the oldest established music shop in town .. a very nice chap , knows alot about drums and is frequently helping to support live music in the area etc.. Has got a new assistant whom I saw "tinkering" with a guitar the other day which suggests he knows what he is on about .. but can't speak from experience ..

So not much of an answer I know .. Myself have genrally gone to music exchange in Brum which is a nice shop or there's another one in stoke which isnt bad but the name escapes me .They both might even be closed by now ! .

or if you want to buy before you try .. might i suggest aire guitars ( on t'internet).. i bought my ovation from this guy .. is very knowlegeable on the phone , chipper sort of bloke helps with all enquiries .. If you buy from him he will suggest you can return it if you dont like it .. and he is true to his word .. based in Bradford so a bit of a walk ! ..has got the "stagg,westfield " copies which I wouldnt recommend tho

So sadly in answer to the question you are abit limited from my experience at anyrate in what you can get guitarwise at a reasonable cost in the old "ford" ( although am sure someone will disagree and know better places or people ) .

My advice would be to have a good look round .. work out what you want to buy , try and get a demo or practice play of it somewhere and see if you can find a similar if not exact same one on t'net . I know this isnt helping sell guitars locally but to be honest i havent found one of those old type " sit and play for hours drinking cofee twanging away the afternoon " sort of shops round ere ..doubt if you will find a good PRS or similar price range in these ere parts I'm afraid



so another campaign... good music shop and a live venue for people to play in is called for .. maybe ?

Hope someone can help

 

[fwump]

Thanks guys - I'll check out what there is. Although looks as though I might have to risk ordering online to get exactly what I want (and just cross my fingers that I get a 'good un'.) Had bad experiences (first and second hand) with Musical Exchanges in Brum (way way in the past) - although I believe it has now been taken over by Sound Control (?) which may be for the best...

More music shops and more live venues! There can never be enough!

(Altho' I went to the Sugar Mill for the first time t'other weekend, and was pleasantly surprised!)

 

[Grapevine Studios]

"Has got a new assistant whom I saw "tinkering" with a guitar the other day which suggests he knows what he is on about .. "

Hello, i'm probably the guy you saw tinkering with a guitar! I dont work there as such, Just help him with quick repairs etc. anyone got a guitar they want setting up or fixing give me a shout, I also work at Grapevine Studios as an Engineer/producer and do live sound/Pa hire/guitar/drum tech stuff aswell.
http://www.myspace.com/russpalmer

I just sold a gibson SG cheap, ive got a lite ash strat in natural for sale with a hard case for £350 (pictures on my myspace)

 

[Doctor]

Eric seems to have a range of price points these days and I maybe getting myself an electro accustic from him (anyone any opinions on Tanglewood TW55s)

It always used to be worth taking a walk down Hope Street in Hanley. there were several guitar shops along there but it's years since I've been. It's a shame that there arn't more 2nd hand guitars available locally in shops. I hate buying over the net for something you need to pick up and play to see if it suits you.

 

[Wookie]

If you want to order online, have a look at http://www.thomann.de/
They had a seven-string with Floyd Rose trem for about £150... my mate got one. They need a bit of attention, but they seem to be worth the asking price...

 

[fwump]

7? Are you mad? Takes all my concentration to play 6.

I need a 335 at the moment - although I'll probably settle for an Epiphone and pocket the difference. Having played a couple of friends. There's a gap in my collection for a nice semi. And they look so nice hanging on the wall.

Oh and Doctor - haven't tried that Tanglewood. But I have a fully acoustic Tanglewood 12-string that's got a lovely sound.

 

[Scuttlingb]

There's a gap in my collection for a nice semi.

Really????

By the way how's Floyd settling into Stafford life?

 

[fwump]

Haha, if only Jon had managed to keep quiet - that would've freaked me out no end! Hehe.

 

[Sofa]

Thomann is the cheapest place - bar none! Great deals...