I finally had the chance to get by this well recommended place yestereday! WOW! I had to stop after walking in the door and take this picture (above). And that's just the front room!
This place is chock full of vintage and used instruments from every maker you can think of. They also have basses, amps, an amp tech and guitar tech on board!
I had a blast meeting their amp tech, J.D. Black, who after I mentioned my name, knew my Grandmother Maudie Burnett. She gave him his first job in electronics in 1972 at her TV & Appliance shop Southern TV & Electronics. I used to play there in the basement in houses she made out of refrigerator boxes for us. She was a wonderful and strong woman that was and always will be an inspiration to me. Turns out he remembered her well for the same reasons as well! He's also a pretty good guitarist too!
Rodney Herrell is nice guy and also an excellent player and very knowledgeable about guitars and tech. I could easily recommend taking your equipment here. I know it's nice to know I have more options.
My friend, Marshall Dunn, Guitar Tech at Guitar Center here in Little Rock is the one who recommended that I stop in. I both hate him and thank him now! :) It's not good to know there is such a treasure trove of cool to someone like me that has serious gear lust!
I'm looking forward to getting around there again and see what they have in stock next time, but be prepared, there are no price tags on anything in the shop! Pricing is all off the top of the owner's head. That said, I will say that the prices I inquired about sounded very fair for the quality and vintage of the equipment. I'm sure that cash is king, so bring it to deal. With my inevitable taste, I'll have to see about layaway!
They are located at 812 Higdon Ferry Rd, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913 Map to Guido’s
Phone: 501-625-7625 or cell 501-655-6168
email: vintageguitarguru@yahoo.com
Your source for vintage guitars, amps and accessories!
Guido’s has that special Martin, Gibson, Fender and much more!!
Guido Ciardetti, Owner
Rodney Herrell, Repairs & Lessons
There are many accusations that this shop is participating in the selling of stolen goods. What proof do any potential buyers have that this is not the case? Much information is circulating that local artists who have proof that some of the merchandise belongs to them and have fought for recourse are not receiving their items back. A boycott is currently being called for, and the tight knit arts community of Hot Springs is responding in furry.
ReplyDeleteIn response, I got this message from Guido:
ReplyDelete"Hey Patrick Guido here. thanks for the nice write up however theres a comment posted...none of that is true...heres how we handle purchases.. all gear I purchase is reported to leadsonline as a reguirement of the Hot Springs Police dept. people selling gear to my store are on video and reguired to give a valid Drivers Lic. I have worked with the Hot Springs Police dept and have helped them catch and prosecute individuals who have tried to pass stolen gear"
I have no doubt that this shop is doing all it can to deal only in quality and legal used gear. Boycotting and maligning a shop without based on hearsay (and maybe just this one disgruntled person trying to pass themselves off as a movement) and without absolute proof is a mistake.
A very nice place to shop for used and vintage gear- fast service and a friendly and courteous atmosphere- I will be coming back to see Guido, he made me a really great deal on a beautiful strat and fender amp combo. I could not ask for more,,,, Regards, The closet guitarist
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