Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Authorized Dealers => Taylor Authorized Dealers => Topic started by: Giraku on July 31, 2012, 07:03:13 AM
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I remember seeing a similar thread on AGF a while ago. I think it is kinda cool to have a small database of your FLGS here at UTGF. 8)
I travel a lot. The first thing I always do, when I arrived at a town where I have never visited, is to look for a local guitar shop or two so that I can visit and play some on my free time. ;D
So what is your FLGS? Please provide the name of the store and the city. If you just like online shops, that's also ok.
Here is mine:
Empire Music (http://www.empiremusiconline.com), Pittsburgh, PA
Joe is a super nice guy. He knows almost everything about Taylor and Martin guitars.
Pianos N Stuff (http://www.nstuffmusic.com), Pittsburgh, PA
Jason is my go-to-guy at this store. He is great and in charge of the guitar department.
Cheers! :)
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Same Here
Empire Music in Mt Lebanon
Joe is the man.
I've bought ~10 Taylors there and have been treated fantastic.
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My FLGS is Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI. I was raised in Lansing and worked my career there. I started going to Elderly in 1974, after starting guitar in 1973. At that time, Elderly was in its original store, a hole-in-the-wall store in East Lansing, across from Michigan State (my alma mater, by the way). Now, Elderly is an internationally recognized store. It's amazing to me. Stan Werbin is a great guy and he has a wonderful staff of talented people and luthiers. I'm proud to be one its earliest customers and to have grown up with them.
http://www.elderly.com/
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Martin Music in Memphis TN. Eric Martin and his store are featured in the latest issue of W&S:
http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/
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The 12th Fret in Toronto, Canada.
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My most localest (is that a word?) local place is The Player's Bench in Crystal Lake, IL. I'll be honest with you, though, I rarely go. The shop I hang in most is Guitar Rodeo in Minneapolis. I'm in town about every six weeks or so, and try to stop by as often as the schedule allows. All they need there is a pot belly stove and a pickle barrel with a checkerboard on top...
Other favorite shops to stop are Dave's in LaCrosse, WI and Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI. (Can you tell I travel a bit for my job? :) )
The shop in the backyard I need to get to is Tobias Music. I hear so many great things about that store, but I've never made the trip...
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This is a great thread!!! ;D
There's a little guitar store here in Lees Summit, MO, called "Legacy Music." They've got a great staff. I hope to actually visit "Wildwood Music" in Ohio run by Don and Marty. (bought my Taylor from them...they're wonderful folks) ;D
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Uptown Music in Keizer, Oregon (Salem area) is everything a music store should be. Nice, knowledgeable people with a passion for music. My first Taylor came from them, along with several others. Wish I had more time to stop by these days.
Terry
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Been to a few in the National Capital Region (Washington, D.C.) but none really compare to the selection and customer care at Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center in Wheaton, MD.
http://www.chucklevins.com/
They have a really nice acoustic room for demos. Paul is "the man".
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Guitar Rodeo and The Podium here in MN. Both really great places.
-Dave
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Mine is Ken Stanton Music in the Atlanta Metro area.
Ken Stanton has 5 locations and is locally owned and operated. I mostly go the West Cobb store becasue it's close to my home, but I also go the Marietta store because it is bigger and they have a larger selection of instruments. Any one of the people working there are perfectly willing and capable to assist. They also have a match or beat price policy. I wish they would carry Guild guitars though...
http://www.kenstanton.net/landing/ (http://www.kenstanton.net/landing/)
Jim
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I'm new to the Seattle area -- my favorite shops here are Dusty Strings in Seattle (Fremont) and A Sharp Music in Renton. Both have a nice selection of Taylors (Dusty Strings has an impressive selection of Martin and Collings as well) and have been very friendly the few times I've dropped in.
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Thank you all for your input.
So far we got:
Ken Stanton Music, Atlanta, GA
The Player's Bench, Crystal Lake, IL
Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center, Wheaton, MD
Elderly Instruments, Lansing, MI
Guitar Rodeo, MN
The Podium, MN
Legacy Music, Lees Summit, MO
Uptown Music, Keizer, OR
Empire Music, Pittsburgh, PA
Pianos N Stuff, Pittsburgh, PA
Martin Music, Memphis, TN
Dusty Strings, Seattle, WA
Dave's, LaCrosse, WI
The 12th Fret, Toronto, Canada
I also would like to encourage members outside of US to add your FLGS to the list.
I want to cover the entire globe! ;D
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I'll add Harry's Guitar Shop in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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Another Harry's fan here.
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Alto Music in Wappingers Falls, NY (& Middletown, NY).
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And a third for Harry's Guitar Shop in Raleigh, NC as my favorite local shop ... my second favorite in the Raleigh area, is Fat Sound Guitars, officially in Cary, NC ... Harry's will have a better selection of acoustic instruments. Fat Sound specializes in electrics, amps and accessories. However, a few things to note: 1) They usually have some nice BTO Taylor's, high end Martin's, and others. 2) They try to emphasize "made in the USA". 3) The staff is knowledgable and helpful. 4) Competitive Prices 5) One of the best repair guys in the business for both acoustic and electric.
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Thanks again folks for all of your inputs!
Here is the summary so far:
Ken Stanton Music, Atlanta, GA
The Player's Bench, Crystal Lake, IL
Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center, Wheaton, MD
Elderly Instruments, Lansing, MI
Guitar Rodeo, MN
The Podium, MN
Legacy Music, Lees Summit, MO
Fat Sound Guitars, Cary, NC
Harry's Guitar Shop, Raleigh, NC
Alto Music, Wappingers Falls, NY
Uptown Music, Keizer, OR
Empire Music, Pittsburgh, PA
Pianos N Stuff, Pittsburgh, PA
Martin Music, Memphis, TN
Dusty Strings, Seattle, WA
Dave's, LaCrosse, WI
The 12th Fret, Toronto, Canada
Total 17 FLGSs.
But I know there are more.
My goal is to have at least one listed for each state.
And again, outside US members, don't be shy and post your FLGS here, please.
Thanks!
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Another vote for The Podium!
And, I've not been, but I've heard that Willie's American Guitars (http://www.williesguitars.com/) in St.Paul, MN is excellent, as well.
:)
-K
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Grapevine Guitar Works in Grapevine, TX right by DFW airport.
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LA Guitar Sales and McCabe's are my two favorites local shops.
McCabe's (www.mccabes.com) is a local institution located in Santa Monica California a mile or so from the beach. I've been shopping there for over three decades and have never had a bad visit. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and they always have a good selection of acoustic guitars on hand. In addition to sales they offer lessons, guitar rentals, and put on shows most weekends. (check their website for the schedule) McCabe's was the first Taylor dealer BTW. Their shop is not to be missed if you are in LA and if you tell em Andy sent you you'll get a free cup of coffee. ;)
LA Guitar Sales (www.laguitarsales.com) is more of a boutique operation located in the penthouse of the old Bing Crosby building at the west end of the Sunset Strip a block from the Beverly Hills border. (the view from their penthouse is spectacular btw) The showroom is always packed with hundreds of high end acoustics, in fact there is not another store in LA with as many high end Taylors and Martins on the wall. The owners/operators Ted and Helene are gracious and extremely knowledgeable hosts who are never pushy, any trip to LA should also include a visit to their store.
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here's are a few more that i've heard mentioned & if i were in their 'neck-of-the-woods',
or just passing through, i'd definitely make the effort to stop at any (& or) all of them
(listed in alphabetical order of city & state - some duplication, as city was added)
Gryphon Stringed Instruments (http://www.gryphonstrings.com/) Palo Alto, CA
Guitar Trader / Music Power (http://www.musicpower.com/) San Diego, CA
Rick's Guitar Shop (http://ricksguitarshop.com/) San Diego, CA
Guitar Showcase (http://www.guitarshowcase.com/) San Jose, CA
Wildwood Guitars (http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/) Louisville, CO
My Favorite Guitars (http://www.myfavoriteguitars.com/home.php) Naples, FL
Maple Street Guitars (http://www.maplestreetguitars.com/) Atlanta, GA
Scotty's Music (http://scottysmusickauai.com/) Kalaheo, HI
Tobias Music (http://tobiasmusic.com/) Downer's Grove, IL
Wilcutt Guitars (http://www.willcuttguitars.com/) Lexington, KY
Appalachian Bluegrass Shoppe (http://www.appalachianbluegrass.com/) Catonsville, MD
Guitar Rodeo (http://www.guitarrodeo.com/) Minneapolis, MN
The Podium (http://www.thepodium.com/) Minneapolis, MN
Fazio's Frets & Friends (http://www.faziosmusic.com/) St. Louis, MO
Magnolia Music Center (http://www.magnoliamusiccenter.com/) Gulfport & Ocean Springs, MS
Holloway's Music Center (http://www.hollowaysmusic.com/) Monroe, NC
Wildwood Music (http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/) Coshocton, OH
The Drinking Gourd (http://drinkinggourdmusic.com/) Dayton, OH
Cintioli Music (http://www.cintiolimusiconline.com/) Philadelphia, PA
Woody's Music (http://www.woodysmusic.com/) Rock Hill, SC
Gruhn Guitars (http://www.gruhn.com/) Nashville, TN
Melodee Music (http://www.melodeemusic.com/) Leesburg & Sterling, VA
hmm ... how 'bout a UTGF FLGS 'Tour' 8)
now, that'd be somethin :o
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Spotlight Music- Ft. Collins Co.
Well, never mind. Spotlight is no longer a Taylor dealer >:(
They have nightly jams at 6:00pm, BluesGrass, jazz, Blues, Acoustic night, and open jams.
so anytime you go something is a happening.
The staff is great and eager to help, buying there is always a pleasure.
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Forgot about Fazio's. Great store and really knowledgeable and friendly staff. Bryan is a great asset to their team. I try to stop by at least a couple times a year to see what's on the walls...
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As a resident of Las Vegas, I'm sad to say that there isn't a decent acoustic shop in this town. Maybe it's the lack of humidity? One has to drive to LA or San Diego to see the good stuff....
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When I lived in St Louis it was Fazio's Frets and Friends and Music Folk. I haven't found a favorite here on the Space Coast yet.
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I'll second Chuck Levin's and Melodee Music (in latest issue of W&S).
I got my 516 from Chuck's and Bill in the acoustic room is fantastic in my book. They guys at Melodee are top notch as well, Chris is usually the one I talk with there.
Wanted to add The Music Villa in Bozeman,MT and Mountain Music in Hamilton, MT. Music Villa has a fantastic selection of Taylor's, Martin's, and of course Gibson's (since the acoustic plant is right down the road) and last time I was there I got to see "the ROOM". All I can say is WOW!!!!!!
Mountain Music is a small store that is trying to get some Taylor guitars. A young couple owns it and it's where I picked up my Terz guitar last month.
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It's about another summary time!
I combined Michael's list together (thanks, Michael!) and marked the shops that got recommendations from multiple members with asterisk:
Gryphon Stringed Instruments, Palo Alto, CA
Guitar Trader / Music Power, San Diego, CA
Rick's Guitar Shop, San Diego, CA
Guitar Showcase, San Jose, CA
McCabe's Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA
LA Guitar Sales, West Hollywood, CA
Spotlight Music, Ft. Collins, CO
Wildwood Guitars, Louisville, CO
My Favorite Guitars, Naples, FL
Maple Street Guitars, Atlanta, GA
Ken Stanton Music, Atlanta, GA
Scotty's Music, Kalaheo, HI
The Player's Bench, Crystal Lake, IL
Tobias Music, Downer's Grove, IL
Wilcutt Guitars, Lexington, KY
Appalachian Bluegrass Shoppe, Catonsville, MD
Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center, Wheaton, MD*
Elderly Instruments, Lansing, MI
Guitar Rodeo, Minneapolis, MN
The Podium, Minneapolis, MN*
Willie's American Guitars, St.Paul, MN
Music Villa, Bozeman, MT
Legacy Music, Lees Summit, MO
Fazio's Frets & Friends, St. Louis, MO*
Music Folk, St. Louis, MO
Magnolia Music Center, Gulfport & Ocean Springs, MS
Fat Sound Guitars, Cary, NC
Holloway's Music Center, Monroe, NC
Harry's Guitar Shop, Raleigh, NC*
Alto Music, Wappingers Falls, NY
Wildwood Music, Coshocton, OH
The Drinking Gourd, Dayton, OH
Uptown Music, Keizer, OR
Cintioli Music, Philadelphia, PA
Empire Music, Pittsburgh, PA
Pianos N Stuff, Pittsburgh, PA
Woody's Music, Rock Hill, SC
Martin Music, Memphis, TN
Gruhn Guitars, Nashville, TN
Grapevine Guitar Works, Grapevine, TX
Melodee Music, Leesburg & Sterling, VA*
Dusty Strings, Seattle, WA
Dave's, LaCrosse, WI
The 12th Fret, Toronto, Canada
Total 44 FLGSs.
Thank you folks. Hope we get more!
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Edinburgh, Scotland!
GuitarGuitar (http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/) I bought my last guitar here (Taylor 414ce) - very knowledgeable staff who tend to leave you on your own to play as many guitars as you want. Also do next day delivery for out of stock items (if in any of their other shops). Sound booth, good selection of acoustics particularly Taylor, Martin and Freshman. Great guitar tech who did a wonderful setup on my Taylor.
Scayles (http://www.scayles.co.uk/index) Great independent music shop with a wonderful selection of folk instruments - leaning more to acoustic/traditional instruments than electric.
Reddog Music (http://www.reddogmusic.co.uk/) Music shop in Edinburgh's historic Grassmarket. Huge selection of acoustic, electric, bass, drums, keyboards, amps and everything and anything else you need. Staff a bit "Hey Dude" if you know what I mean, but helpful enough.
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Martin Music in Memphis TN. Eric Martin and his store are featured in the latest issue of W&S:
http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/
i remember doing a double take when i saw martin's selling taylor's in the last issue. definitely brought a chuckle to me.
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Here in Nashville my FLGS is World Music Nashville. They are fantastic.
http://worldmusicnashville.com/
I also consider GuitarRodeo a FLGS at:
http://www.guitarrodeo.com/
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Weekly update:
Gryphon Stringed Instruments, Palo Alto, CA
Guitar Trader / Music Power, San Diego, CA
Rick's Guitar Shop, San Diego, CA
Guitar Showcase, San Jose, CA
McCabe's Guitar Shop, Santa Monica, CA
LA Guitar Sales, West Hollywood, CA
Spotlight Music, Ft. Collins, CO
Wildwood Guitars, Louisville, CO
My Favorite Guitars, Naples, FL
Maple Street Guitars, Atlanta, GA
Ken Stanton Music, Atlanta, GA
Scotty's Music, Kalaheo, HI
The Player's Bench, Crystal Lake, IL
Tobias Music, Downer's Grove, IL
Wilcutt Guitars, Lexington, KY
Appalachian Bluegrass Shoppe, Catonsville, MD
Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center, Wheaton, MD*
Elderly Instruments, Lansing, MI
Guitar Rodeo, Minneapolis, MN*
The Podium, Minneapolis, MN*
Willie's American Guitars, St.Paul, MN
Music Villa, Bozeman, MT
Legacy Music, Lees Summit, MO
Fazio's Frets & Friends, St. Louis, MO*
Music Folk, St. Louis, MO
Magnolia Music Center, Gulfport & Ocean Springs, MS
Fat Sound Guitars, Cary, NC
Holloway's Music Center, Monroe, NC
Harry's Guitar Shop, Raleigh, NC*
Mandolin Brothers, Staten Island, NY
Alto Music, Wappingers Falls, NY
Wildwood Music, Coshocton, OH
The Drinking Gourd, Dayton, OH
Uptown Music, Keizer, OR
Cintioli Music, Philadelphia, PA
Empire Music, Pittsburgh, PA
Pianos N Stuff, Pittsburgh, PA
Woody's Music, Rock Hill, SC
Martin Music, Memphis, TN
Gruhn Guitars, Nashville, TN
World Music Nashville, Nashville, TN
Grapevine Guitar Works, Grapevine, TX
Melodee Music, Leesburg & Sterling, VA*
Dusty Strings, Seattle, WA
Dave's, LaCrosse, WI
The 12th Fret, Toronto, Canada
Guitar Guitar, Edinburgh, Scotland
Reddog Music, Edinburgh, Scotland
Scayles, Edinburgh, Scotland
Total 49 FLGSs. * indicates multiple people recommended.
I added Mandolin Brothers, Staten Island, NY. I found this store recently on my trip to NYC. They have huge collections of new/used guitars.
Thank you folks. Hope we get more!
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I used to work at Guitar Trader, used to work with the owner of Rick's Guitar Shop at Taylor Guitars. Mandolin Bros, Alto Music and 12th Fret all used to be my accounts.
And fine people, all...
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Martin Music in Memphis TN. Eric Martin and his store are featured in the latest issue of W&S:
http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/
+! Eric and crew are great !!!! Mike S.
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Portland Music Co., Portland, OR.
They were great to deal with over the phone discussing some of the various GS Mini LTDs they had in stock and worked with me to put a deposit on a few to pick up later. They called me back after they looked closer at and played the two blackwoods they had to describe the differences they noticed between them to me (one was a little warmer sounding, and the top visually had more character than the other).
Emerald City Guitars, Seattle.
They're not a Taylor dealer but they have some used Taylors from time to time and always have a lot of great vintage guitars and a helpful, friendly staff.
Also, + another 1 for McCabe's. I liked to go there when I lived in Los Angeles.
-Brian
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Dixie Music Center
Old Town FL
Dixie county
Bob and friends will take good care of you, Stop by if you ever run south on U.S. 19 florida
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Madison Music (Madison WI). Just attended the Taylor Road Show there last night. Nice people, big selection of Taylors (and other brands).
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Great Southern Music, Houston Texas
Located in the Copperfield area
This store is a father-and-son run business.
In a nutshell, excellent sales and service. Taylor (San Diego) CS recommended them. They are definitly part of the Taylor family.
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so i finally made it out to scotty's in kalaheo, kauai - hawaii.
i know michaelw mentioned them as one of his favorites while in kauai, hawaii. i have to now agree with his comments. i'll be going back next week and i expect to pull the trigger between an 514ce fall limited 2010 koa/spruce and an 816ce spring limited 2012 - cocobolo/spruce.
i am hoping that they have an 814ce spring ltd coco to make a fair comparision especially since i do prefer the x14 body sizes.
service, prices, and his good looking staff made the visit a pleasant one. and yes, he does stand by his "best price" policy.
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I STILL haven't found a favorite along the Space Coast.
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Music Center, Kenosha Wisconsin, 15min from the house great guys there... Glenn and Todd in the guitar section.
+1 for Madison Music, but it is a two hour ride for me.
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Martin Music in Memphis TN. Eric Martin and his store are featured in the latest issue of W&S:
http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/
+! Eric and crew are great !!!! Mike S.
He doesn't qualify as local but that Jim dude at Guitar Rodeo is pretty awesome too. :) He'also a hoot to chat with. Mike S.
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I too travel for my job and plot out the guitar shops that lie in my sales territory for overnights. Great shops I have purchased from are:
Don and Marty at Wildwood in Coshocton, Ohio
Dave Miller at Buddy Roger's Music, Cincinnati, Ohio
Ted at Uptown Strings, Westerville, Ohio. A brand new Taylor dealer. Bought a Larrivee OM 03 from him about three years ago. Great guy.
Pro Sound Music Shop, Clarksville, Indiana. Keith and Debbie Rager are fine folks. They had THE 514CE I wanted.
Wilcutt in Lexington, Ky. and Guitar Emporium, Louisville, Ky. are both "must visit" shops.
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Northern Lights in Littleton, NH. I'm in love with this place, and it's not even that local to me. I'll go out of my way to visit whenever I'm in the White Mountains area. It's truly a family shop with an amazing selection of Taylors including some BTOs... Plus Martins and Santa Cruz. Happily, they have enough throughput to get a nice selection of LTDs and they do a lot of BTO orders. The environment is nice and relaxed with a spacious and quiet acoustic room. I've spent hours jumping between guitars there and never felt rushed, pressured or over-watched.
http://www.northernlightsmusic.com/ (http://www.northernlightsmusic.com/)
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L.A. Guitar Sales in West Hollywood, CA Ted and Helene are gracious hosts. Ted is very knowledgeable and fair in his pricing. You won't go wrong buying from Ted. I've bought four guitars from him in the last 1 1/2 years and I'm a newbie.
In NYC Rudy's SOHO is the Rodeo Drive of guitar stores. High end stuff mostly and the most beautiful guitar store I've seen. Gordon the store manager is very attentive and will pull off what you want to play. The archtop room with Monteleone's etc., is like visiting a museum. Check out their website.
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Portland Music Co., Portland, OR.
They were great to deal with over the phone discussing some of the various GS Mini LTDs they had in stock and worked with me to put a deposit on a few to pick up later. They called me back after they looked closer at and played the two blackwoods they had to describe the differences they noticed between them to me (one was a little warmer sounding, and the top visually had more character than the other).
Emerald City Guitars, Seattle.
They're not a Taylor dealer but they have some used Taylors from time to time and always have a lot of great vintage guitars and a helpful, friendly staff.
Also, + another 1 for McCabe's. I liked to go there when I lived in Los Angeles.
-Brian
Thanks for the kind words about Portland Music Co., Brian!
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Add Guitar Works in Evanston, IL - they have amazing Larrivees, Goodalls, and one-off locally built acoustics.
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Two in the Houston area:
Guitar Hacienda in League City. Excellent selection of acoustics, including particularly Taylors and Martins. They also carry McPhersons if anybody is into that (I am!). They are a fairly small shop though so they're not a Gibson dealer. Also, Danny there is a mighty fine tech and will set up any instrument to your specs...whether you buy it from him or from somewhere else.
Fuller's Vintage in Houston. Huge selection of acoustics and electrics, including Martin, Taylor and Gibson. What really sets them apart are the high end instruments they regularly stock. Especially the Gibsons...like new ES335s, 355s, L5s, 175s, 165s, you get the picture. I've dropped lots of money there. Probably more than I should have over the years. Fuller's doesn't really do a set-up, so if you buy something in need of that (as most Gibsons do) you will have to go somewhere else to have it done. I have my favorites, and Danny (see above) is one. Ron Pace in Houston is the other. But I suppose that's a different thread.
And of course, fine folks to deal with at both shops. Somebody's already mentioned Great Southern. Been there too. Nice folks, and they do a good job with a set-up, but their stock isn't generally close to GH or Fullers.
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Portland Music Co., Portland, OR.
They were great to deal with over the phone discussing some of the various GS Mini LTDs they had in stock and worked with me to put a deposit on a few to pick up later. They called me back after they looked closer at and played the two blackwoods they had to describe the differences they noticed between them to me (one was a little warmer sounding, and the top visually had more character than the other).
Emerald City Guitars, Seattle.
They're not a Taylor dealer but they have some used Taylors from time to time and always have a lot of great vintage guitars and a helpful, friendly staff.
Also, + another 1 for McCabe's. I liked to go there when I lived in Los Angeles.
-Brian
Thanks for the kind words about Portland Music Co., Brian!
I've heard really good things about Portland Music Co. If I were ever to go back into retail, that would be the type of store I'd want to work in...
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Portland Music Co., Portland, OR.
They were great to deal with over the phone discussing some of the various GS Mini LTDs they had in stock and worked with me to put a deposit on a few to pick up later. They called me back after they looked closer at and played the two blackwoods they had to describe the differences they noticed between them to me (one was a little warmer sounding, and the top visually had more character than the other).
Emerald City Guitars, Seattle.
They're not a Taylor dealer but they have some used Taylors from time to time and always have a lot of great vintage guitars and a helpful, friendly staff.
Also, + another 1 for McCabe's. I liked to go there when I lived in Los Angeles.
-Brian
Thanks for the kind words about Portland Music Co., Brian!
I've heard really good things about Portland Music Co. If I were ever to go back into retail, that would be the type of store I'd want to work in...
Yep it really is a fantastic place. I only with I lived closer... although financially it's probably good that I don't!
-Brian
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I live about 30 minutes from Sweetwater. Although they don't always have the most competitive prices, they have a crazy amount of inventory since their warehouse is the same location as their storefront. They have also price matched for me a few times. Bought my 2010 Limited GACE Hog Taylor from them and multiple other items.
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My FLGS is the previously mentioned Wildwood Music in the restored Roscoe Village canal town in Coshocton, Ohio. The shop is located in the old lockkeeper's house. It's not exactly "local" to me as it is an 85 mile drive one way, but well worth the drive to see Marty and Don. I have purchased three new Taylors (two BTO's) and one new Martin from them. FWIW this little shop that is open just four days per week for a total of only 24 hours was the #1 Taylor BTO dealer for 2011. They always have a nice selection of custom Taylors (and Martins) in stock and ready to go. They always let me play as many guitars as I want for as long as I need to figure out what I want or don't want. No, they don't take credit cards but they have always welcomed my personal checks.
It was kind of cool to be able to see Don & Marty performing together on stage this past weekend at the Roscoe Village Apple Butter Stirring Festival... and yes, that is a REAL event.
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Rainbow Guitars in Tuscon, AZ ... some nice ones on their site :o
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here's are a few more that i've heard mentioned & if i were in their 'neck-of-the-woods',
or just passing through, i'd definitely make the effort to stop at any (& or) all of them
(listed in alphabetical order of city & state - some duplication, as city was added)
Wildwood Guitars (http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/) Louisville, CO
This is mine... although not super close. Wildwood Guitars in Louisville (just 5-10 minutes E/NE of Boulder) is one of the top 2 or 3 Taylor dealers in the US, and I have the privilege of living only about 45 minutes away (in non-rush hour traffic). I just bought my new Tas Blackwood LTD GSM from them a couple weeks ago... what a great experience. They have a small showroom, but a HUGE inventory in several storage areas and they can (and will) get anything out for you that you want to look at and play. Their website is amazing (one of the very best in the biz) with tons of great pics, specs, prices, etc. If you live in CO (Denver/Boulder metro mostly) or if you're ever wandering thru, definitely go by and see these guys.
(I guess that's an asterisk for me on Wildwod Guitars. :) And do note the difference between Wildwood GUITARS in Louisville CO and Wildwood MUSIC in Ohio.)
As a side note, my previously FLGS was Acoustic Music Revival in downtown Old Englewood, CO (right off Hampden/285 & Broadway). They are closed now due to the recession, but for many many years they were the nicest, most knowledgeable, best stocked LGS in the Denver area. They did not carry the Taylor line, but had Alvarez/Yairi, H&D, Martin, Seagull, Lowden (for a while), and many other lesser known makers. I bought my first "real" guitar there in 1994 (huh, almost 20 years ago)... an Alvarez 5072 Jumbo spruce/hog that I still have to this day.They were a great shop, owned by Bob Laughlin with a great staff and a fantastic part time luthier (Chris). It is so sad to see a great shop like this close its doors and fade away because of the tough economy, especially after having been a Denver fixture for decades. Please DON'T add this one to the list since they're gone, but had to share about a legend of a guitar shop in CO.
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My favorite and really ONLY place I shop is Coffey Music in Westminster, Maryland. Their Taylor selection is excellent. The customer service is unsurpassed and they offer excellent Taylor deals every day. Lots of Taylor enthusiasts always buying, selling and swapping to add to the already sweet inventory. No, I don't work there, but am there enough to be a Coffey afficionado.
davidc
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CA House.In St Clairsville.Ohio,,,,They Have a full line of Taylors and Martins...Nice people to deal with,,,,, SEE ROGER HOARD,,,,They have a great service dept
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Alto Music in Wappingers Falls, NY (& Middletown, NY).
Alto in Middletown!
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Alto Music in Wappingers Falls, NY (& Middletown, NY).
Alto in Middletown!
I visited them a few times when I lived in NY - nice place to relax and play. I also enjoyed Coast Music in Danbury CT, where I bought my 2001 514e. My favorite store is still Martin Music in Memphis TN, where I bought 4 of the six Taylors I currently own....
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Artistan Guitars and Maury's. They are only too glad to speak personally to you, knowledgeable, and quick to return calls and emails. I just bought a parlor from MF and am very satisfied. I have used the latter in quite a lot of non guitar purchases such as amps, cables, and guitar accessories; has excellent sales rather frequently, very fast shipping, no tax to my state, free shipping and excellent no hassle return policy.
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Mine is the Portland Music Co. location on NE Broadway in Portland, Oregon. They've got a great selection of Martin, Taylor and Collings. They also have Guild, Lag and Eastman for the lower price points.
The Manager there really knows her stuff. They also just hired a guy who used to work for Taylor Guitars.
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Mine is the Portland Music Co. location on NE Broadway in Portland, Oregon. They've got a great selection of Martin, Taylor and Collings. They also have Guild, Lag and Eastman for the lower price points.
The Manager there really knows her stuff. They also just hired a guy who used to work for Taylor Guitars.
eastman ... 8)
thanks for the heads up :)
just curious if you have any idea if the guild F series (47 & 40) were originally described as being a grand orchestra body shape -
i saw a pic of a 66 F47 & it has a nearly 16" lower bout ( like 15 11/16") with a narrow waist & 4 15/16" body depth
http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6709 (http://letstalkguild.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6709)
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Mass Street Music.
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Pianos N stuff in Pittsburgh....best price on Taylors I have found.
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Rainbow Guitars in Tucson, Arizona. Josh is the man you can read his Bio on their site.
Rick
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Guitar Works in Evanston Il
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Guitar Emporium, Louisville, KY. It recently closed :-( due to the owner wanting to retire and spend more time with the grandkids. Saw the other day that it is going to reopen very soon with all the same employees. Love that store! bought my 814ce there last year. ;-)
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UK - GuitarGuitar... They have stores across the UK, and an extensive online presence too.
http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk (http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk)
We've bought two Taylors at their Newcastle store, an AER amp and some Bose L1 gear too.
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Coyles Richboro Music, used to be a Taylor dealer. I took lessons there growing up and became a teacher there. Kevin is the owner and does the repairs and is generous and courteous to everyone who comes in the door. I have bought quite a few guitars there and have always been satisfied. A real "mom and pop shop" actually its a "Father and Son" shop.
http://www.richboromusic.com
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When I lived in MD it was definetly Chuck Levin's Music Center in Wheaton, MD.
I am back in Florida and I really enjoy the great folks at Florida Discount Music, in Melbourne, FL, which btw (for flaggerphil) IS on the FL Space Coast! ;)
www.floridadiscountmusic.com
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It may be sad but in my local area (15 miles) there are no enduser friendly guitar shops that I know of. They basically ignore you if they don't think your pockets are full of money(boy if they only knew what I did for a living) . So I use them to test play guitars and then order from my favorite retailer, sweetwater.com.
I am sure there is a good shop somewhere around me but I have not found it yet :'(
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i feel ya site. 2 taylor shops around me, first is good people that pay little attention to you( i ordered a 616ce and they got me a 516, then a 614). and the other one across "the pond" won't deal with out-of-staters. Adirondack Guitar in Hudson falls NY is fantastic...but no Taylors. they're a 2 hr drive south anyway. i could go up to Montreal but the price differential!!!!!!
so i'm resigned to dealing online. Aaron at gracewinds in Oregon has been fantastic to work with. answers all my questions promptly and offers insights that i hadn't thought of. i'm lookin' at a GS mini next( maybe eventually the whole collection of 'em..they look fun). I'll probably try some of the "locals" here on UTGF first i think. if not, i'll text Aaron again.
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Afraid, I can only talk about ourselves... Sorry for the self-promotion, but (Currently) we're the only independent Taylor dealer in the Twin Cities. We're doing our best to get that "We're really important, KNOW guitars, our music taste is better than yours, we have no reason to sell you ANYTHING" vibe going, but unfortunately are not doing very well at it!
Hoping to be a favorite shop some day.
Groove City Guitars, St Paul (Snelling and Selby)
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Hi, Guys and Gals! Here's another one for the list:
Olde Mill Music
North Main St, Mount Airy NC
Locally owned and run B&M, been in business more than twenty years. Really nice folks there, nice selection of acoustics - some inexpensive/offshore, some upscale, even some local handmades too. They offer group lessons and know the best luthiers in the area as well as some excellent teachers.
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Another excellent dealer and crackerjack luthier is Jim Holler of Trinity Guitars in Jamestown NY, upstate near Buffalo I believe. I received my wonderful 655 from Jim earlier this month. He is very knowledgeable and easy to speak with. Plays locally too. His staff is great as well. His gal, Kathy Foster, is the one who I worked my acquisition with. Turns out that Kathy is also a kindred spirit with me - she's an Amateur Radio licensee. I've been one myself for 50 years since my high-school days. The whole transaction was a delight! I would recommend Jim without reservation.
His luthiery experience is extensive. He has built several guitars with his own take on the Manzer Wedge. Photos are on his website. No question that he's serious about his work!
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Rainbow Guitars in Tucson, Arizona. Josh is the man you can read his Bio on their site.
Rick
Rick, looking for a used Taylor to play during my stay in Tucson november and december.
What would the best way to find a one?
Michael
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If you're a San Diegan, I think that The Blue Guitar is the place for acoustic guitarists...for sales or repair. There are bigger shops, but there isn't one with more knowledge of acoustic instruments.
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Harry's Guitar Shop in Raleigh, NC
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Lark Street Music Teaneck NJ
Mandolin Bros Staten Island NY
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I need to update my original post as I found an outstanding dealer and they are a 5* Gibson and Taylor dealer.
Russo Music
Asbury Park NJ
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Any great shops in Iowa?
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Anything not initialed G. C. ( which is nevertheless a necessary evil)
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My FLGS's are:
Tobias Music-Downer's Grove, IL
Make N' Music-Chicago, IL
Down Home Guitars-Frankfort, IL
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I suppose my living room-- more guitars of quality to play than any NJ Guit Center I've been in.
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My FLGS won the 2013 Single Store Dealer of the Year award :o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCFQGX0XsRQ#t=1774 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCFQGX0XsRQ#t=1774)
way to go Marion & staff 8)
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My FLGS... Alto Music in Wappinger Falls NY.
Great people, great service, independently owed.
GoManGo
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Hands down: Empire Music in Pittsburgh, PA. Joe always has something good in his 'back room.' And if he doesn't have it, he'll get it in for you -- and give you a great price on it either way...!
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My FLGS... Alto Music in Wappinger Falls NY.
Great people, great service, independently owed.
GoManGo
I like Alto Music--go to their Spring Valley location from time to time. Is Wappinger's a big place? Think they have 3 stores
BTW I believe Alto is Taylor's largest independent seller.
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Great Southern Music in Houston, TX does a great job. I moved about an hour away to College Station but still consider them my go-to dealer. They're good folks.
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Madison music, Madison Wisconsin
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The Upper Bout is THE place to go in Champaign, IL....The Taylor Road Show people kept commenting all night about how blessed we were to have a store like The Upper Bout in our hometown. Added bonus....it's only about 6 blocks from my house :)
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Not that this will matter to many of you but if you're ever visiting Melbourne, Australia, do go to:
http://www.acousticcentre.com.au/
The image is only of one wall... .
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The Bridge of Harmony, Brainerd, MN and St Cloud, MN. excellent selection of Taylor and other guitars.
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Martin Music in Memphis TN. Eric Martin and his store are featured in the latest issue of W&S:
http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/
I gotta get down and check this store out. Jackson is woefully short when it comes to guitars. There's a couple of shops here with nice enough folks but a mid-level Alvarez is about the best acoustic you'll find. Lots of entry level Washburns, Fenders, etc. though.
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Haven't seen the latest W&S yet to read the story, but my 424-LTD koa GA was purchased via mail from Martin Music. They were a joy to do business with, described the guitar accurately over the phone, had very nice posted pictures. There was no need for the three day return period - I knew within the first hour that it was a keeper.
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Martin Music in Memphis TN. Eric Martin and his store are featured in the latest issue of W&S:
http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/
I gotta get down and check this store out. Jackson is woefully short when it comes to guitars. There's a couple of shops here with nice enough folks but a mid-level Alvarez is about the best acoustic you'll find. Lots of entry level Washburns, Fenders, etc. though.
So I own eight Taylors (including a GS Mini), and seven of them were purchased through Martin Music (The Cujo was purchased from a GC in AZ in 1997). Eric is absolutely the best - he has a true love of guitars, and keeps his store wonderfully stocked with many great brands, including Bourgeois, Goodall, Larrivee, Avalon and Taylor of course. He also stocks really nice electrics if that's your thing. Eric has been top notch through all of my BTO/custom projects, and he is a pleasure to hang out with! I highly recommend a visit to his place when you can...
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GC is the only local store left in my town.
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GC is the only local store left in my town.
So sorry for you....... :-[
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This is a great thread!!! ;D
There's a little guitar store here in Lees Summit, MO, called "Legacy Music." They've got a great staff. I hope to actually visit "Wildwood Music" in Ohio run by Don and Marty. (bought my Taylor from them...they're wonderful folks) ;D
I want to second Legacy Music (http://www.legacymusic.com/ (http://www.legacymusic.com/)) in Lee's Summit, MO.
This is the shop I usually grab my picks/cords/strings from. I also purchased my Taylor from here and the staff was helpful in this. I don't like pushy staff trying to make a sale. These guys just told me the info I asked for and let the guitars do the rest. It's a mom and pop shop so I'm glad I could support them with my business.
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Looks like Mandolin Brothers on Staten Island is back on its feet, having recovered from the passing of its longtime owner Stan Jay. A great, great treasure of a place.
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I didn't know Stan had passed...I bought a few nice instruments from him over the years...and he attempted to buy an old Martin I used to own - but that was before I became a Taylor fan. Actually, Stan introduced me to the Taylor brand when I was acquiring a 000-16 back in 1996. His knowledge will be missed....
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Just this, and I realize it's an old thread, but this list is simply not complete without Lightening Joe's Guitar Heaven in Arroyo Grande, CA. This family-run business stocks over 1600 guitars, plus other stringed instruments. Great people that make you feel like you're visiting friends. Also a very cool museum of old instruments. It's a must stop any time I'm on the central coast.
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Just this, and I realize it's an old thread, but this list is simply not complete without Lightening Joe's Guitar Heaven in Arroyo Grande, CA. This family-run business stocks over 1600 guitars, plus other stringed instruments. Great people that make you feel like you're visiting friends. Also a very cool museum of old instruments. It's a must stop any time I'm on the central coast.
Back when I lived in Kalifornia, my biggest client was there on the Central Coast. I bought a travel guitar from Lightening Joe's. Nice little shop!
My personal FLGS is Kiernan Music (http://kiernanmusic.com) here on the Big Island of Hawaii. Brian and his son Derek are both master luthiers and wonderful human beings.
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Musician's Workshop in Asheville, North Carolina.
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Well, I bought my first Taylor at Elderly, but they are not actually local.
Here in Springfield, IL my two 'go to' stores are Capital Music and The Luthier Shoppe. The former is the place I have to be careful of visiting, but because I know I'll buy something.
The latter is more of a electronics repair place but he does have some nice Taylors hanging on the walls.
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I enjoy Ted Brown Music (http://www.tedbrownmusic.com/) in Tacoma WA & Puyallup WA.
Went to a road show at Dusty Strings last year and it was nice.
Went to the Guitar Center in South Center this year for their Taylor road show.
:D Danny
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Matchetts Music in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Jack's Music
Conway , AR
Jack is great about spending the time and advice needed to help me make the right choice
We live about an 2 hr RT from Jack's shop
and numerous times he has let me sign out a guitar and take it home for a few days to play it
Bought my first Taylor from him 16 yrs ago
Now, well... Over the years
My buddy Jack has way to much of my guitar money
and I dont regret a penny of it
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Guitar Sanctuary in McKinney (North Dallas) Tx.
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In Houston, Tx it is definitely https://fullersguitar.com/ (https://fullersguitar.com/)
The drool level is very high in that store! and the sales staff is awesome and knowledgable!
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Martin Music in Memphis TN. Eric Martin and his store are featured in the latest issue of W&S:
http://www.martinmusicguitar.com/
i'm a fan of martin music too, super knowledgable and made my BTO experience amazing
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TJ's Music, Fall River, MA - Great crew there.
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Guitar Center is for sure my favorite. They have the best selection and are very knowledgeable about the finer details of guitar craftsmanship. Their stores are full of customers who appreciate music and are very considerate of the instruments they handle and to others around them.
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Just kidding, of course. Ugh. Below are three stores I have bought from, none of which are actually local to me:
MUSIC VILLA, Bozeman, Montana: I have purchased both my 712 and my custom Koa here, both after much time spent with Joe (who does most of the store's demos on YouTube) and with the owner, Paul. They have the feel and philosophy of a small-town store and truly seem to care about the customer's relationship with music. They always throw in extra merchandise with orders and host local events in their communities. Very pleasant and professional.
SHORELINE MUSIC, Durango Colorado: I purchased my Custom GC from John, the owner, after it was announced that cocobolo would apparently become hard to come by. John spent an awful lot of time helping me make a decision but our conversations also tended to drift to many unrelated topics. I have also purchased pick-ups, strings, and other gear from there, and John always includes a hand-written note when he ships the merchandise.
EDDIE'S GUITARS, Maplewood, Missouri: I recently bought a used Lowden F35 guitar from Matt Chukla, who is the acoustic guitar salesperson and a hell of a guitar player in his own right. They are a small operation (I believe only 8 employees) but Matt was very patient and helpful throughout the process. He even understated the condition of the guitar, which was in truly mint condition and looked brand new when it arrived.
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Boston MA area
Guitar Centers are splattered all over the Eastern Massachusetts map (2 in Boston), but none of them could, would, or should qualify as FLGS. Nor is their inventory as good as they think it is. (Taylor dealer)
Qualifying stores:
Mr Music in Allston (Boston) (got Walnut Jumbo and Mahogany Grand Concert there, both used)
Music Emporium in Lexington (got Grand Orchestra there, new; Taylor dealer)
There are also still a few other smaller stores still doing business in the area.
Problem is that most stores in the area only deal with certain manufacturers, so for brand new products there is no one go-to store left.
R.I.P.: E.U.Wurlizter, which I first patronized in late sixties and then through turn of century, where I got my Gibson Jumbo, Taylor 12 string, a couple of Gibson Les Paul's and a few other items long since gone.
Don
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For me in IL,
1) Tobias Music (for Taylors)
2) Chicago Music Exchange
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H.B. Woodsongs in Boulder Colorado.
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Carlton Music in Lakeland, FL has a great inventory of Taylor's and a very knowledgeable staff.
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it's a tie - Spindrift Guitars in New London, CT or Wakefield Music in Wakefield, RI
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Blues Angel Music in Pensacola Florida.
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there are no mom and pop shops witihin n hours drive to me :( just GC
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Detroit Guitar in Birmingham, Michigan. It’s an all around great shop. I have bought many guitars from them and will buy many more. The owner Charlie and his associate Andy are awesome. They are always willing to give you the best deals on everything and they’re value for trades is unbeatable.
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Randee's Music in Rockford, IL
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My FLGS closed and was replaced by a guitar center :(
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My FLGS is Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI. I was raised in Lansing and worked my career there. I started going to Elderly in 1974, after starting guitar in 1973. At that time, Elderly was in its original store, a hole-in-the-wall store in East Lansing, across from Michigan State (my alma mater, by the way). Now, Elderly is an internationally recognized store. It's amazing to me. Stan Werbin is a great guy and he has a wonderful staff of talented people and luthiers. I'm proud to be one its earliest customers and to have grown up with them.
http://www.elderly.com/
Lucky Duck! That is my dream store!
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My FLGS is Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI. I was raised in Lansing and worked my career there. I started going to Elderly in 1974, after starting guitar in 1973. At that time, Elderly was in its original store, a hole-in-the-wall store in East Lansing, across from Michigan State (my alma mater, by the way). Now, Elderly is an internationally recognized store. It's amazing to me. Stan Werbin is a great guy and he has a wonderful staff of talented people and luthiers. I'm proud to be one its earliest customers and to have grown up with them.
http://www.elderly.com/
Lucky Duck! That is my dream store!
Mine too! But living close has its downfalls too....they have gotten their fair share of my $$. ::)
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Tobias Music, Downers Grove IL http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=8077.msg96214#msg96214
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12th Fret in Toronto is great. Lauzon Music in Ottawa and The Arts Music Store in Newmarket are great shops, too. I haven't been to any of them in several years, but I still hear good things about them.
And check out The Arts!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48341302082_f61059b2c3_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48341302032_d34572fb46_b.jpg)
That's certainly a shop that takes Taylor seriously!
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12th Fret in Toronto is great. Lauzon Music in Ottawa and The Arts Music Store in Newmarket are great shops, too. I haven't been to any of them in several years, but I still hear good things about them.
And check out The Arts!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48341302082_f61059b2c3_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48341302032_d34572fb46_b.jpg)
That's certainly a shop that takes Taylor seriously!
WOWWWWWWWWW!!!
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I’m fortunate to have My favorite and arguably the largest single family owned music store in the country about 15 minutes away from my home:
https://chucklevins.com/
Their slogan at Chuck’s is “everything at music”, and they aren’t kidding. They are likely not a top 5 selling Taylor dealer, but I’m sure they are in the top 15. But they are likely no lower than top 15 for every brand you’ve heard of. Their acoustic guitar collection is impressive but dwarfed by an even bigger selection of electrics and basses and amps. Yet I doubt guitars are more than 30% of their inventory. They are one of the top dealers in drums, synthesizers, lighting, and band/orchestra. Everything from a $200 trumpet to handmade tubas starting at $12,000. And they have accessories to go with everything. I’ve never seen another shop like it - they are a general music Megastore.
I bought my very first nice instrument, a Bach trombone, from the original Mr. Levin back in the mid-80s. The family is Faithfully carrying on the business just like he always did.
I’ve bought a couple of guitars from a couple of the larger retailers who do lots of YouTube videos like Alamo and Empire who were great to deal with, but Chuck’s has always been my favorite. For guitars, Pete and Paul will take good care of you.
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I know this is an old thread, but still…
Only two recommendations for the whole of Europe so far. And one in Australia.
Can you wonder that Brit Taylor players feel marginalised?
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I know this is an old thread, but still…
Only two recommendations for the whole of Europe so far. And one in Australia.
Can you wonder that Brit Taylor players feel marginalised?
Feelings are always a choice and based upon perspective. Are you trying to say that's the fault of Taylor or all the people that post to this forum?