So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Greg’s Vintage Guitars began with me writing articles for my blog “The Vintage Guitar News and Views”. I got my capitol for my business by cashing in my 401K and used it to purchase a few guitars as well as start up an internet based business. This was long before DSL or mobile devices were out so it has been a learning experience, but also a growing experience. Before the advent of Facebook and even before there was Myspace, I joined and supported forum rooms related to guitars and music. By building a loyal following and treating my clients the way I would want to be treated, I slowly kept growing and becoming recognized in the industry. I have had my shop and gear in international guitar magazines, both print and online, and have been filmed for the Discovery Channel and I just keep doing what I love.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It really wasn’t that difficult to take something I had been doing for years, as a player and guitar geek, do my due diligence and research and begin to make purchases in building my inventory. It did require, and still does require, a lot of reading, be it publications, history books on various builders and companies, as well as constantly reading material in regards to all the various guitars and gear that has been produced over the last 100 years. I don’t think one can ever know everything about their business. I subscribe to constantly learning and not stagnating in my knowledge of my business. Learning how to build an internet based business was by the seat of my pants through trial and error. I also concentrated on building strong client relations and coming up with marketing. Luckily, I was already involved in many of the music and guitar gear forum rooms and then jumped on social media as it grew and developed. The hardest part has been not having a brick and mortar storefront. It has inhibited growth on a more local level, but I have developed an international clientele by being internet based, so that has made up the difference.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Greg’s Vintage Guitars – what should we know?
Like the name says…Greg’s Vintage Guitars is primarily about buying and selling quality vintage guitars, but it does include amps, guitar parts and memorabilia. I started out specifically concentrating on acoustic guitars. In particular “The Grammer Guitar”. This vintage guitar was made primarily in Nashville, Tennessee and is even represented in my logo. Today I buy and sell many different builder’s wares including Gibson, Fender, Guild, Martin and many other classic builders. I do research on all the guitars I am offered or am considering purchasing. Many dealers focus on one builder or one brand. I have given myself a well rounded knowledge of all builders that I may consider purchasing or trading. I feel that has given me an advantage over other smaller dealers. I also offer a trade-in or consignment option to clients. I don’t judge them. If a client is ready to trade or sell one of their guitars to me on consignment, then I help them with that. I also treat every guitar as if it were my own and don’t rush into a deal for the sake of a quick profit. I give each guitar the same respect my clients give me. Because of that, I have clients that have been with me, and followed my business for years. Some have even become good friends who have dropped by to see my collection and hang out.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There have been many that have supported and helped me over the years. Most of them guitar players. I’d like to first thank Frankie Moates. He was the original owner of Vintage Guitars. I met Frankie when I was just 22 years old. He became a friend and mentor for a few years before passing away. I’ll never forget him pulling me aside and saying, “Greg, read as much as you can, learn as much as you can, and support your clients. Don’t worry about making every dollar. Do what is right and everything else will work out.” I’ll never forget him. Then there’s Al Cleghorn and Al Carness. Al Cleghorn is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the history and data in vintage guitars. I still call Al when I run across a guitar that may be an oddity or is outside my main area of expertise. I also want to thank Kevin Vaughan. Kevin has shared more in knowledge about the history of early Nashville guitar builders and the Grammer Guitar than I could have imagined. I have also been fortunate to meet and work with great players like Steve Wariner, Merle Haggard, Reggie Young and many others. They have supported me and have graciously shared their knowledge and experiences with me. And finally I want to thank my clients and my many friends that continue to support me on social media. I would not be able to do what I do without them.
Contact Info:
- Website: Visit Greg’s store on Gbase
Image Credit: Voyage ATL
Originally published at Voyage ATL