Why Your Next Guitar Deserves a Test Drive: The joy of Shopping at Local Music Stores

If you’re a musician—or just someone who loves music—you know there’s nothing quite like visiting a local music shop. You walk in, and the space is alive with rows of beautiful guitars, amplifiers, keyboards, and maybe even a saxophone or in our case, penny whistles on the wall. The staff aren't just “salespeople”; they’re musicians and gear enthusiasts who have carefully chosen each instrument on display. In shops like Foulds Guitars, for instance, every piece has been thoughtfully selected, meaning you’re not just looking at products, you’re exploring a curated collection.

Customers often chat with us and are surprised when they find out that our business actually owns the instruments you’re trying out. Music shops purchase their inventory directly from brands like Fender, Gibson, or Eastman or Orange. They’re not on loan, and there’s no “sale or return” policy from these companies. This means that every instrument in the store is a real investment made by the shop, and it’s all there to give you a hands-on experience.

Take just this morning, for example. A customer walked in thinking they knew what was the right guitar for them, But after spending some time with the shop owner, after trying a few different options and discussing their style and preferences, they ended up leaving with a guitar that was an even better fit for them. And here’s the best part: it actually cost a significant amount less than what they expected to spend. They walked out beaming, with a new guitar they loved in hand and confidence that they’d found the perfect match. It’s the kind of personalized experience that’s impossible to get online.

When you come in and try an instrument, you get to feel how it sounds in a real space. No online experience can capture what it’s like to strum a guitar, to feel it resonate against your body, to hear the hum of a tube amp, or get a sense of the physical feel of an instrument. And if you’ve got questions? There’s no substitute for chatting with a person who knows the gear intimately and can give you tips you sometimes didn’t even know you needed.

Local music stores create an experience that’s about so much more than just buying. It’s about giving musicians a place to explore, ask questions, and find what truly feels right. And even though prices might be a little cheaper online, what you’re getting at a local shop goes way beyond that—you’re investing in expert guidance, ongoing support, and a place you can rely on to be there if you need a repair, a setup, or even just a second opinion.

Another great perk of shopping local is the relationship you build with the shop. Bought a guitar? You know you can bring it back for adjustments or advice. Got an amp that’s acting up? You’re not stuck waiting for an online return; you have a place to go for quick help. You’re not just a customer; you’re part of the community, and the people there care about helping you make music you love.

So next time you’re in the market for a new instrument, swing by your local music shop. Not only will you get to experience the gear firsthand and get tailored advice, but you’ll also be supporting a small business that’s part of the fabric of the music community. While the internet is handy, there’s no substitute for the knowledge, service, and commitment you’ll find at your local music store.