One thing all musicians have in common is their love for music and everything that goes with it. Nothing is better than finding that perfect guitar to add to a collection or as the next great instrument to be played on stage. Learn where your favorite musicians are shopping and hear what they had to say when asked what their all-time favorite local guitar shops were.
Greg Martin of the famed Kentucky Headhunters was eager to answer when asked this question, and offered up a great amount of insight on which local music shops he frequents. “Guitar Emporium in Louisville is a store I’ve been dealing with since the 70s. Owner Jimmy Brown and myself also play in the Stray Cat Blues Band.” Heading further south into Kentucky, Martin offers this, “In Bowling Green I used Derek Mitts at Royal Music Co. He’s also guitar tech for The Headhunters, he does a great job on guitar maintenance.” Greg also says that he likes RS Guitar Works in Winchester, KY for finish work and Backstage Music Co. in Glasgow, KY for strings.
Scott Mertz, known for his Louisville, KY band Cornbread Mafia and now with Your News Vehicles likewise lists Guitar Emporium as his top choice remarking, “My favorite guitar store is Guitar Emporium of Louisville at 1610 Bardstown Rd. They are local and have the finest selection of vintage guitars and amps in the country. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable and if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can find it through an extensive network of vintage guitar sellers.”
Speaking with the front-man of the band Vintage Voodoo, Rick Willard A.K.A Voodoo Rick laments that he couldn’t mention all the great local shops that his city of Louisville offers but does conclude that Music Go Round would win his final decision. “We pretty much stick with vintage instruments,” speaking of the band, “our hands go down to Music Go Round, the staff are awesome and there is always something new and funky coming through the store.”
In Bowling Green, the boys behind the non-profit Country Music Preservation Society of Kentucky really know their local music. Daniel Johnson, also known as JD Outlaw and co-founder Brad Garner also called Hardass- have been long time frequenters of local music and guitar shops. When asked which one he prefers, Daniel had this to say: “Kentucky Music- Tony and David have always taken care of our needs whether it be a blown PA or running ears for our shows — Royal Music is also a great place to do business, Webb’s very knowledgeable.” The Kentucky Music Company of Bowling Green seems to be a favorite spot, with several musicians citing them in their list of top picks not only for their great selection of guitars and amps, but also for the quality repair services they offer.
Whether you are a well-known musician on the road, or a local that just likes to pick a tune, everyone needs to know where to go to get the best selection and service. Being a customer and supporter of local guitar shops is a great way to help the local music scene, and to network with other musicians. From Louisville to Bowling Green and everywhere in between, the beautiful state of Kentucky has a rocking music scene with guitar and music shops that are well worth your time and investments- take it from the advice of the musicians and bands you know and who know the Kentucky music scene better than anyone.
