Would any one in the Central Ohio area shop at a local guitar boutique?

[imguitardan]

I'm interested in possibly opening one. I figure that if there are any other local geeks, they'd be on here.
Please tag back and let me know that I'm not the only one that thinks we need this here. I'm so sick of buying to try!

[DavidE]

I've had this discussion with a couple of locals lately. We're all in the same boat, but beware that lots of us buy used.

[DiazDude]

Would there be enough business to sustain one in this economy? Be VERY careful but good luck.

[Eric Thomas]

I'll second Dave's comments. I'd be interested, but I typically buy used....

I think you would have to supplement the local sales with a successful website and possibly lessons to stay in business.

On the other hand, this is the 14th largest metropolitan area in the country. In a strong economy, seems like this cowtown should be able to support something other than Sam Ash and GC....

[Strat]

Ohio ? the state with the dead economy and fleeing population?

[twinrider1]

Columbus isn't a total wasteland. Swampdog carries HiWatt, Orange, Goodsell. And it looks like Lang Music (now MidOhio Music) has made a move into some higher end brands. They deal Tom Anderson, Suhr, and Bogner.

But I think there are enough brands out there that you could make a business out of it. It would definitely be an exciting venture.

[imguitardan]

I appreciate the responses (especially the honesty about buying used). I'm the same way; but don't you wish we had a musictoyz right here or a proguitarshop? Wouldn't you love that? Granted, there'd be a lot of tire kicking but if you weren't to buy used, wouldn't you support your local economy? The people who put it on the line so you can check stuff out? And yes, Swampdog does carry some boutique stuff. I think even (and especially) a pedal boutique would flourish. I Buy Guitars was great while it was around I bought some stuff from Pat and Geoff (I've a Force pedal for sale in the emporium). I got my Bassman and '73 Super Lead from them...but I was a tire kicker too. I just think true gearheads want access to the Lovepedal line, the Skreddy line, the BJF line (assuming you could even carry that stuff - i.e. get it in "stock"). That's the guitar store I'm looking for. I KNOW what's at Sam Ash and Guitar Center...I worked for the String Shoppe for half a decade (R.I.P). I tried to get Gary (CEO) to carry boutique stuff in the early '00s - he wasn't into it. Probably for a reason. I'd just love to have this stuff in town and if I lived anywhere near Musictoyz, I'd shop (or at least, kick tires) there all the time. And when I was ready to buy, I'd shop there because they stuck their neck out for me, so I could try things I've inly read about. Is there any place near Columbus that does that?

[ungarn]

I would definitely check out the store...but booteek is difficult for me to buy "new"...you better be able to take and make money on trades...

Oh yeah...Slipknot sounds wonderful with a Suhr-Lovepedal-Fuchs rig!!!

[Dave Shoop]

I think it would be difficult to do. Limited market due to the cost of the items. If it's something you love and don't need it as your only source of income go for it. It would frustrate the heck out me of to have all kinds of people coming in wanking on high end gear they know they can't afford.
Obviously the internet would be key to your survival.

Would you take in tractors on trade.

[luo_xiansheng]

Uptown Strings in Westerville used to be a boutique shop.

They had .. Melencoln (sp?), McNaught, Gledura, Pagan, Jet, and a few more I can't remember. I'm a bass player so that did me a whole lot of good.

This was around 2001-2004, so I guess the boutique thing didn't work for Columbus at that time. They sell lower-mid level stuff now and I hear business is decent.

~Eric

[twinrider1]

Many times I've heard successful business owners say that everyone told them they couldn't do it.

I've thought a pedal boutique be a good focus for a store (inspired by pics of the Japanese store threads). A wall of pedals, a dozen heads/cabs, combos, and lots of cables. They'd help sell each other.

I like the idea of a high end store, something like a Progressive Audio for gear. That said, I'm not in the business. I'd have to take the advice of folks like Jade very seriously.

[Double10]

I'd be hesitant to open such a store here. In reality, there are few high end boutique guitar stores out there, and most people in that market are loyal to particular stores. I used to live 5 minutes from Willcutt's, but even after I moved I still purchase 90% of my gear from them. Honestly, it is because of the service I've always gotten there, not because there isn't an equivalent store in Columbus. Even if there was such a store here, I doubt I'd do much business there.

[Jazzydave]

I'm not over that way but...

I'd think that if you had a great business/work ethic and took in some great used instruments to compliment the new gear, you'd do great. I'm over in the Baltimore/DC area right now and there are a few stores here that seem to do great on their reputation of selling/buying used gear.

Down in Knoxville, TN (my hometown), there is a small guitar shop that carries mostly vintage/high end gear and he's known for giving fair deals for used gear just about any day of the week. I'm sure he loses at times but bc of that reputation and just being a cool guy, he gets a lot of business.

Take care of those that take care of you and I think you'd be golden.

[Trego]

Originally Posted by Jade

I think it can be done. Centerville Music just down the road from you near Dayton which is a much smaller market carries Carr, Chicago BluesBox, Headstrong, Twister. Not to mention, they're the largest PRS dealer in the state, so they'll probably be carrying the Sewel/PRS amps when those come out.

They also do the boutique pedal thing. Barber, Frantone, etc

Ofcourse they're also a full service music store with lessons, repairs, and some beginner gear as well. I think that's the key. Carry the pedestrian stuff for mom n pop who are buying johnny a new guiar for his birthday, and keep the high end stuff to draw the giggers, and the well heeled hobbiest.

Seems to work for them anyways.

Good Luck to you!!
Jade

Centerville Music is where I've seen your amps!

Beautiful Red Head next to the front door. The next PRS Mira or Starla they get in, I'll have to check out!

Blessings, Matt

[Road Warrior]

Originally Posted by twinrider1

Many times I've heard successful business owners say that everyone told them they couldn't do it.

I've thought a pedal boutique be a good focus for a store (inspired by pics of the Japanese store threads). A wall of pedals, a dozen heads/cabs, combos, and lots of cables. They'd help sell each other.

I like the idea of a high end store, something like a Progressive Audio for gear. That said, I'm not in the business. I'd have to take the advice of folks like Jade very seriously.

Well, it didn't help that Uptown Strings is in Westerville, and while a super nice guy, the owner only knew what the brochures and sales reps told him. Now, there's a net savvy crowd out there and a boutique shop owner really needs know his stuff or I/we won't buy from him. I wasn't gonna buy anything nice from the guy because all he knew was what was in his shop and that's it.

I miss Cowtown Music... DAMMIT!!!! I could get great used deals and boutique pedals. Mark could always get whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted it.

There is NO place in Columbus like that now.