guitarmike":2za1g9mf said:
As a Midwesterner that has never been to Hawaii and probably never will, it is amazing there are enough high end players there on such a small geographical area to support a store like yours.
I hope it lasts ti you retire!
Thanks brother... Hot Licks Guitars has been around since 1983, and while like most of us here, I have an appreciation of the finer things (musically speaking). I've had to 'make do' with what I could afford-- as I was coming up. As a guitar store owner-- I focus mainly on "meat and potatoes" stuff. I try to keep a wide range of products for various tastes and budgets (a bit difficult, almost like predicting what will do well what will just sit). I do also carry a larger than average assortment of Left handed instruments.
I KNOW I am insane, as to my personal standards for what I like. I acknowledge that MOST guys won't go to MY level of extremes, but they don't have to. Here at Hot Licks, we put our money where out mouth is. If you're a beginner or the most experienced pro, we can and do relate, and aim to help the customer decide what the best solution for THEM is. The fun part about having the CRAZY rig at the shop is, is that it allows a REAL frame of reference for people to experience it 1st hand, as opposed to philosophy and theories as to how it sounds-- compared to other (usually WAY less expensive, and smaller) gear. BUT... IF they want to go to extremes, they KNOW we can help because we've already been there/done that too. Also, I use it as a demo tool. People seem to appreciate that the pedals in my rig are normal available over-the-counter pedals, that they can have too, and often haven't ever thought about them, but for seeing/hearing them in my rig. Can't tell you how many guys have asked me about the Dyna Comp, or the Phase90 as though it's a new product that's just been released for the 1st time. I stock them and sell them as a result. I LOVE gear! ALL kinds of gear from Eventide and TC Electronic to MXR, Boss, Electro Harmonix... Not a snob, though I often get mistaken for one. I just KNOW what gear WILL get the results I want, and I happen to own it, so some guys get put off by that, not realizing I've done gigs w/ a Roland Cube60, or Cube 80XL etc... OR that my opinion on gear is based on actual use, not merely based on reviews.