At Guitar Haus, we're proud to offer something a little different. While we are a brick-and-mortar store, our focus is shifting to being online, and more and more of our customers are discovering us through our website and placing orders without ever stepping foot in the store. Why? Because they know we take great care to ensure every guitar that leaves our hands is in pristine condition.
Still, we know that many of you want to visit in person, to browse, ask questions, or even try out an instrument. If you're planning your first visit to Guitar Haus, this blog post will walk you through exactly what to expect.
Yes, Our Front Door Is Closed (and That’s On Purpose)
One of the most common reactions we get? “Wait… are you closed?”
Our front door may not swing open like a traditional retail shop, and that often catches new visitors off guard. But don’t worry, we’re here, and we’re happy to help.
When you arrive, look for a sign that says “Entrance next door” and follow the arrow to your left, entering through Unit 5. Once inside, someone at our front desk will greet you and guide you to the store.
First Stop: Used Guitars and New Models Under $2,000
You’ll be led through the back hallway (yes, it might feel a little behind-the-scenes, don’t be afraid!) to our first showroom section. This area houses:
- Used guitars
- Many of our new guitars priced under $2,000
- A rotating selection of budget-friendly finds
Trying guitars in this area is allowed, and we encourage it, but we do ask for a little respect and care. Here are a few best practices when handling instruments:
- Always ask before plugging in
- No belts, jackets with zippers, or clothing that could scratch the finish
- Stay seated while playing
- Keep playing to a moderate volume
- Please don’t lean guitars against walls or leave them unattended
Our team is happy to assist if you’re unsure about anything.
Service & Repairs: No Appointment Needed
You’ll also come across our service area, where we handle everything from string changes to full setups.
No appointment is necessary for service, just stop by during business hours, and we’ll take a look. Most setups take 2 to 4 days, though times can vary depending on our current queue. Please note that same-day service is not available, as we work on guitars in the order they’re received.
The Luthier’s Hall: Appointment-Only Access for Premium Guitars
Guitars priced over $2,000, and many of our rare, custom, and boutique instruments, are kept in our Luthier’s Hall. This is a quiet, climate-controlled space reserved for serious players and collectors.
To try a guitar in this section, an appointment is required. Here’s why:
- The instruments are prepared in advance, perfectly set up and tuned
- The room is reserved just for you, with minimal interruption
- Most of these guitars are destined for online customers and must remain in showroom condition
We’ve learned from experience that letting customers casually try every guitar, especially high-end models, often leads to small dings or scratches, which force us to discount what would otherwise be mint-condition guitars. Our appointment-only system is our way of respecting both the instruments and the customers who value them most.
If you're serious about a particular guitar, we want you to try it, just let us know which model you’re interested in, and we’ll prepare the space accordingly.
Please keep in mind that some guitars are not available for trying.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for a quick pick-up, service, or you're eyeing your next dream guitar, our goal is to offer a respectful, no-pressure, high-quality experience.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, reach out here or give us a call.
We look forward to welcoming you at Guitar Haus.