I'm a roadhound. Ever since my touring days with the Mighty Bogus Has-beens I've made every excuse I can to get back out on the road. Guitar building is offering more and more opportunities to do just that.
My plan is to get my guitars into stores up and down the coast from Seattle to San Diego. That way everytime one sells...ROADTRIP! At least until gas reaches $5/gal.
I've already established a link between LA and the Bay Area. And I've found some great stores inbetween. Some are just little hideaways but each of them have a great respect for music and the people who play it. I've made special arrangements for them to offer my guitars at the same price as I sell them right out of my shop.
Here they are from nearest my shop to the furthest.
WallyWorld Music
1526 E.Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, Ca. 91362
805-496-8322
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Wally is the sweetest guy you'll every meet. First time visitors may need to call him for directions. He's up the hill through the brickyard on the south side of T.O.Blvd. WallyWorld focusses on teaching music, not just songs. What you learn from him applies to all instruments and often to life itself.
The Almighty Guitar Planet
Main Street, Ventura, Ca.
It's always a pleasure to stop in to see Gannon. He always has a minute to talk with everyone who walks in the door. Find guitars, amps, pedals, straps, accessories and some groovy incense in the front room with private practice rooms in the back. Lessons for all levels as well as onsite repairs. A refreshing break from the big box stores.
Jensen's Music
De La Vina Ave,
Santa Barbara, Ca.
Jensen's has two locations in Santa Barbara, right across the street from each other. On the East side you find a glorious selection of fine acoustic instruments old and new. And to the west you find the electric side. Mountains of amps and guitars to choose from and they offer all sorts of lessons and fantasy camps for players young and old.
Lightnin Joe's Guitar Heaven
Grand Ave.
Arroyo Grande, Ca.
Joe and his great family have three floors packed full of guitars and various other stringed things. Upstairs is a guitar museum, practice rooms and a small performance stage. Joe does repairs downstairs where you'll find the resonators and most of the acoustic guitars. With the bulk of the electrics at street level.
Central Coast Music
365 Morro Bay Blvd.
Morro Bay, Ca. 93442
805 772-4930
Email:
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Another great store that you wish you could find in the big cities. Everything the professional player needs. Check out their website : www.Centralcoastmusic.com
Matt's Music (Formerly Devine Appointment Guitars)
617 Twelfth Street
Paso Robles, Ca. 93446
805-237-0054
Matt and Heidi are about the kindest folks I know. Always making me feel right at home whenever I stop in. Their place is warm and welcoming. Both are deeply involved with the local musical scene and are the heart and soul behind the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Matt's specialty is finding the ideal guitar for every player. Taking into consideration everything from the length of your fingers to the types of music you intend to play. They carry a full range of guitars in a full range of prices.
More Music
121 Maple Street
Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060
831-458-2438
www.MoreMusic.com
History abounds within the walls of More Music. Some of the most legendary players from the bay area music scene make regular stops there. Some leave behind instruments for repair or sale. I won't drop names but you'll here some when you stop in More.
Tall Toad Music
43 Petaluma Blvd. North
Petaluma, Ca. 94952
www.TallToadMusic.com
Talk about history! The place reeks of it. Located in downtown Petaluma in a hundred and fifty year old brick building where '49ers used to buy their Levi's. Find any kind of guitar you're looking for hanging down above the sheet music. The list of important musicians walking through those doors is a mile long.