Another 'nother interesting guitar shop...

[Captain Jim]

My wife made an appointment to donate her business suits (retired people who spend time on a boat and an RV don't really need that type of attire  ) to an organization (Dress for Success) that helps women get jobs, and provides nice business attire.

I went along to carry stuff... oh, and there is a guitar shop I haven't visited not too far from there.  Yesterday took us to Bizarre Guitars in Phoenix.  Another Taylor dealer, and a very nice selection...



It's the kind of shop that obviously cares for the instruments on display... a salesman will take the guitar off the wall hanger, remove the neck tag, check to make sure it's in tune, then hand it to you.  There was a 512ce that really caught my eyes and ears... I am going to have to win the lottery or ... can you sell your second kidney?   

Can't see it in that photo, but there is an R Tayor and a beautiful PS on that back wall.

I briefly discussed a trade possibility... but can't justify that hit.  When I said, "Whoa, I'd have to sell it myself, instead," the salesman nodded.

I used to frequent a motorcycle shop that had the saying: "We cheat the other guy and pass the savings on to you."  I always liked that policy. 

A nice visit at Bizarre Guitars.  Glad I got over that "I hate to shop" thing.   

Jim

[HAPPYDAN]

When the staff really cares about what they do, it's a joy to shop there. And the money - so what? Do I want to die and leave it to my ingrate relatives? I regret I am gone from AZ, but sounds like you found a winner! Used instruments can be hard to move, but remember -  John Fogarty bought his hit song-writing Epiphone from a hock shop. Sometimes, the soul of the artist is imbued in the instrument. BTW, do you still ride? My motor pony is a Suzuki S40 (thump, thump)!

language

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Nice review Jim. Do they still have Bizarre Guns next door?

[michaelw]

the bizarre guitar Jim went to is in phoenix
http://www.bizarreguitar.net/taylor.htm

Ted, i think the bizarre guitar you're thinking of is greg golden's shop in reno
http://www.bizarreguitar.com/
the site's not up
http://bizarreguitarguns.com/?reqp=1&reqr=nzcdYaEvLaE5pv5jLab=
but the FB page is still there
https://www.facebook.com/bizarreguns
it looks like john clement was the owner of bizarre guns back in 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ePaJmRGM0A

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Interesting that two guitar shops would have the same name. Thanks Michael.

[TaylorGirl]

Looks like a really nice shop...thanks for the great picture, Jim.

Hey, I LOVE my 512ce...I think you NEED that guitar. It's calling you. I can hear it from here.   

[MexicoMike]

"We cheat the other guy and pass the savings on to you."

Good One  LOL!


(1973 Norton 850 Commando.)

[Captain Jim]

Interesting that two guitar shops would have the same name. Thanks Michael.

Not just interesting... it's bizarre! 

I played in a band back in the 70s with a keyboard player who used the word "bizarre" frequently.  Wanna make a guess when this business was formed? 

Yes, I still ride.  Rather, we still ride.  Over the years, we have had more motorcycles than guitars (HDs, Goldwings, BMWs, other Hondas, Yamahas, a Triumph Bonneville, and a Suzuki V-Strom).  Last year, I was ready to give up riding, when my wife said, "Let's get a couple scooters."

"Why would we want to do that?" I asked.

So, we compromised... and bought a couple scooters.  I have been having more fun riding this past year than in a very long time.  Easy, fun, peppy... and, did I mention: fun?!    Whoda thunk it?



We have been riding for 45+ years.  My first bike was a Honda 150 Dream back in the 60s.  I now joke that "I have come full circle: back on a Honda 150 again!"

Come to think of it, it's like that with guitars, too... my first guitar (when I was 11) was an acoustic.  After a lot of years with mostly electrics, I am lovin' my acoustics!

Best wishes,
Jim

[HAPPYDAN]

Amazing deja vu. My First guitar was acoustic, and bike was a Suzuki. I guess I have come full circle, too.

[MexicoMike]

Me with current bike (yes, you have to kick-start it!); Jacket is left over from the 996 Duck I sold a couple of years ago.  Same story, I have owned a lot more motorcycles than guitars!  My D28 use to travel to gigs on the back of the bike … in the hard case, of course.  The Taylor never has since I now use additional equipment that I didn't previously so it won't fit anymore.

[CodeBlueEMT]

 Glad you got to carry some stuff. Bizarre is pretty normal in my world. Cool guitar store.

   

[stepchildusmc]

is it just me or are there others that are living vicariously thru capt jim ?? 

[Captain Jim]

MexicoMike - a Ducati* jacket on a Norton?  Isn't that sacrilegious?    I like both those brands.  (Never owned either)

I have been known to wear a Taylor shirt while playing my RainSong.     Even wore my Harley (Hein Garicke) jacket while riding the V-Strom...



As long as we're all havin' fun! 

Best wishes,
Jim

While we're on the motorcycle talk, here's an old video (pre-Taylor) for the bike riders...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQIe9qSs_3o

* Didn't Understand Cost And Time Investment

[mgap]

I have been known to wear a Taylor shirt while playing my RainSong.

And I have worn my Taylor shirt will playing my Martin.  That actually made a couple of die hard Martin fanatics hair bristle up, and they let me know about it.


Now here is my ride, it kicks you know what.  Care to do a little racing.

[MexicoMike]

Wearing my Ducati jacket on my Commando works out pretty well - the Norton goes over well with virtually any motorcycle crowd, but wearing a Taylor shirt while playing a Martin?  Now THAT"S gutsy!