"Scott Dickson" wrote in message
...

except this one is a family that run a pawn shop.

Kinda like running a Used Guitar Shop......

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No question. In some ways it is. I am fully sensitive to kids trying to
hock guitars or amps for drug money or for receiving stolen equipment and
have taken certain precautions to avoid this. First, I won't buy anything
from a minor, meaning under the age of 18. I always ask the seller
questions about the guitar and it's history. If I get suspicious of the
story or if they are willing to sell a decent guitar for half of it's value,
I don't buy it. I've already been contacted by two people aware of the
shop who have asked me to keep my eye open for guitars that were stolen from
them.

But that's where the similarity ends. Most of the current inventory was not
acquired in this manner. They are researched and purchased from legitimate,
higher end and vintage guitar outlets that I've made arrangements with.

Due to the help of some professional level musicians, the shop has quickly
become known in the area as a small "boutique" type music shop that has a
small inventory of higher quality and different equipment. It caters to
serious players, both hobbyists and pros who are looking for a different
sound or a quality instrument. There are other music shops in the area that
geared towards beginners and kids making a transition from Guitar Hero to
future rock stars.

When I first opened I acquired a bunch of less expensive, beginner type
guitars, not knowing for sure what direction the shop would take. I'll be
donating most of them to a local organization that works with mentally
challenged kids who have contacted me requesting any donations I can make.
The Fender Squire type electric's and inexpensive acoustic guitars are
exactly what they need.

The excellent condition, quality guitars in the $1000 to $3000 range are
selling. $80 dollar Squires are not.

Eisboch