Where do you buy musical instruments?

[letters and numbers]

Hey im thinking about opening a guitar and instrument shop somewhere near downtown jacksonville. so where do people that live near downtown buy instruments and guitars now?? you know ive done some research and I dont think theres many options!

[Bativac]

All I know about is Guitar Center, George's Music, and Chip's Music. I'm sure there are other places but those are the three that my dad, uncle and brother frequent. They're guitarists - dunno about other stuff.

My dad had a music shop open probably 20 years ago, at University and Beney Rd. They lasted about a year before going under. I guess a combination of location, distribution deals with the major companies (Fender etc), and the ability to absorb losses for the first couple years can make you or break you.

He also worked at a place downtown, Paulus Music, that was around for decades. The building is still there but I think a volunteer organization moved in a few years ago.

Anyway that was more info than you wanted! Good luck!

[danno]

All I know about is Guitar Center, George's Music, and Chip's Music. I'm sure there are other places but those are the three that my dad, uncle and brother frequent. They're guitarists - dunno about other stuff.

My dad had a music shop open probably 20 years ago, at University and Beney Rd. They lasted about a year before going under. I guess a combination of location, distribution deals with the major companies (Fender etc), and the ability to absorb losses for the first couple years can make you or break you.

He also worked at a place downtown, Paulus Music, that was around for decades. The building is still there but I think a volunteer organization moved in a few years ago.

Anyway that was more info than you wanted! Good luck!

Small world... I bought a bass from your dad.

[Sigma]

Hey im thinking about opening a guitar and instrument shop somewhere near downtown jacksonville. so where do people that live near downtown buy instruments and guitars now?? you know ive done some research and I dont think theres many options!

I go to Chips's for the personal attention and he is accomodating on price when he can.  Don't care for the vibe at GC where they TSA inspect you on the way out the door.  Nice having a place that remembers your name.

[Miss Fixit]

Guitars United in Mandarin is a great little shop if you can stand the drive down San Jose.

[thekillingwax]

GU is awesome, but I always feel really intimidated every time I go there, no one's ever been unfriendly but I get the feeling that most of their customers are serious players, not new to the whole thing. Never had a pat-down at G. Center but they're pretty quick to stock the latest stuff, the staff is hit and miss- some of them obviously like what they do, the others might as well be stocking at Walmart. George's Music is probably my favorite store- they've got the national chain pricing ability but I think their staff are some of the friendliest I've met.

As for being near downtown? Not sure. I went to Paulus a few times back in the day, I think the majority of his business was doing band equipment for schools.