This is our captivating journey of transforming a neglected space into a rustic guitar shop. It wasn’t easy, facing more than a few challenges along the way, from fixing up the place to making it a cozy spot for our guitars (and for us). It's a story not just about fixing up walls and floors but about creating a spot that feels inviting and perfect for trying out a new guitar, coming in for a repair or setup, or just hanging out and talking about music. So, grab a coffee, and let's dive into this adventure of sawdust, paint, and, of course, music.
The Discovery of Potential
When we discovered this location, it resonated with us. Despite the extensive renovations required to transform it into a guitar shop that not only looked the part but also maintained the optimal temperature and humidity for our precious instruments, we were captivated by its innate rustic charm, perfectly aligning with our vision.
The space was small, but the potential was great!
The Challenge of Transformation
Sealing in the Warmth
Our initial task involved insulating and plastering the ceiling to ensure heat retention. This proved to be the most challenging aspect of the makeover. Nonetheless, we persevered and achieved a satisfactory result, embracing the rustic vibe.
Crafting a Functional Aesthetic
Next, we tackled the need for a storage area for cases, gig bags, and other less aesthetically pleasing items. Despite concerns about further reducing the shop's size, we found it essential. Surprisingly, this addition created the perfect nook for our cash register, transforming into a cosy alcove. It also served as a display for our “preloved” guitars, enhanced by strategic spotlighting.
Mood Board and Essential Features
By this point, we had established a mood board and a list of essential features, including:
A timber wall
A neon sign
A stylish faux leather sofa
A sleek glass display case
A Persian rug that ‘really ties the room together’, a nod to any Lebowski enthusiasts out there.
The Art of Re-purposing
Through a stroke of luck, the faux leather sofa was already in the room, left by the previous tenant, along with two glass display cases.
Creating A Backdrop
The timber wall, materialized through the re-purposing of old pallet wood, covering the entire wall at no cost — how’s that for sustainability. It naturally became the backdrop for our first arrangement of guitar hangers, that looked as though they’d grown there.
Accents of Warmth
With an eye for detail and an uncanny knack for finding treasures, Bruce’s wife, Abi would spontaneously appear, each time with a rug in the boot of her car, as if by magic. Before we knew it, we were graced with three exquisite rugs. Their rich textures and intricate patterns added a layer of warmth and charm to the shop, perfectly complementing its size and the rustic aesthetic we cherished.
Due to budget restraints, we decided to give the neon sign a miss, for now…
Embracing the Shop's Identity
The painting phase followed, with a simple yet impactful colour scheme of grey walls, white ceilings, and a striking black trim, complemented by our shop's logo on the far wall. The alcove was painted green, achieving a rustic "Streets of London" ambiance.
Lighting the Way
Installation of low-hanging roof lights then brought the desired atmosphere to life, marking the space's true transformation into a guitar shop. The addition of an old piano, a workbench for Ben to do his thing, and a handmade counter from pallet wood scraps and carpet off cuts from Bruce's camper-van conversion signaled it was time to stock the shop with guitars, marking the beginning of our journey.
The finished shop in its full glory
And just like that, our guitar shop was born, ready for the final touch: stocking it with guitars. We'd turned an old, neglected space into a haven for music lovers, a place not just to buy guitars but to share stories and passions. We were just missing one last thing: Charlie The Dog's approval. Right on cue, he came in, sniffed around every corner, and then curled up on the sofa, his new favorite spot. That was all the reassurance we needed.
Here's to the tunes and tales that will fill the air and here's to the music and memories that await! We look forward to having you.
What a fantastic day at the Merseyside Guitar Show at Aintree! It was an absolute pleasure meeting you all—especially Dan, who somehow managed to make me feel both incredibly welcome and slightly guilty for not buying all the guitars I tried. Honestly, chatting with you and testing out your instruments was the highlight of my day.
Now, onto the small matter of my utterly impossible decision-making process. I went into the show with my heart set on some big names—I even tried out a Gibson J45 and a Martin Co D1, which were both predictably impressive. But then, like a mischievous plot twist, I stumbled across your range of Tanglewood guitars and, oh boy, the game changed!
Particularly, the Tanglewood…