Welcome the “What’s Up at West Chester Music ” feature of our website. We’ll try our best to keep you updated on new lines, cool additions to our current inventory and events; as well as just letting you know what’s going on around here.

As always, we're looking for good for US made Strats and Teles as well as Martin D-18s, D-28s and D-35

Posted 7/31/08

Well, here we are at the beginning of August already.  Man, this summer is flying by!  Time for the mid summer edition of  “What’s Up”. 

Scott and I attended the summer NAMM show in Nashville back at the end of June.  We had a blast.  Although in all honesty, it’s hard not to have a great time in Nashville.  We had the opportunity to see many of our good friends, hear some phenomenal players, and check out new offerings from our existing builders and some cool new lines as well.    We’ve already started planning on our ’09 additions and we’re talking some absolutely killer gear; the kind you’ll actually be excited to use your $4.00 a gallon gas to drive on over and check out. 

While in Nashville I got the chance to spend some time with my friend and all knowledgeable amp guru, Patrick Selfridge from Mercury Magnetics.  I’ve known Patrick since his days with Groove Tubes (which in case you hadn’t heard is now part of Fender) and while we spent a good amount of time drinking Yuenglings and watching J D. Simo tear it up at Roberts Western World, I did learn a lot about how much transformers mean to the sound of your amp.  You can really hear the difference a transformer can make with the now famous Mercury Magnetics  EpiphoneValve Jr. amp mod.     There’s a reason some of the most prominent boutique builders use Mercury Transformers for their Amplifiers, it’s the tone!   We are currently doing Mercury Magnetics by special order and if you have questions I’ll get on the hotline to Patrick…he knows the answer.

We are about as stocked as our 1700 square feet will allow.  Here are some highlights of our current inventory: 

Just in a Santa Cruz Tony Rice Professional.  Beautiful Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with a German Spruce top.  Everyone that has played it raves.  One customer called it “magnificent.”

Collings D2H   A little different tone, a bit more volume than our last one. 

Extremely clean used Martin HD28. This guitar was actually brought in because it was too loud for it’s owner.  Big voice, great tone!

We’re just beginning to get restocked with many Taylor models after selling quite a few very quickly earlier this summer.

From Tom Anderson Guitarworks a Champagne Sparkle Cobra with H1 and H1+ pickups and a “too cool for school” trans yellow flame top Hollow Cobra with three smokin’ P-90 style pickups.

Used Suhr Classic with V54 pickups.  This one was a 2007 NAMM show guitar and has a spectacular Swamp Ash body.

Also in stock some great six strings from the Fender Custom Shop.

In the amp department we have a navy blue Carr Mercury and a Hammerhead and from Victoria we have a Regal II and a 45410.  Just arrived from Orange the brand new 40th Anniversary OR50 reissue head.  Also in stock from Orange: the AD30 Twin Channel 2x12 combo, Rocker 30 1x12 combo, Rockerverb 100 head and a Tiny Terror head as well as 4x12 and 2x12 speaker cabs. 

We’ll be launching a new website in September that will feature much more update inventory as well as a shopping cart so you can see it and buy it online. We’re headed into the 21st century…kind of.  We’re hanging on to our hand cranked cash register.

Look for our ad in Acoustic Guitar magazine starting with the October issue.  On sale September 1st.

I guess that’s about it from “the biggest little guitar store in the world”.  Hope to see you here soon.

Adios.

Posted 5/12/08

So, How are you? It’s been a little while and well, it’s time for another installment of “What’s Up” or in this case, “What’s In.”

Ever since the first shipments of Fender arrived in March, we’ve been busy unpacking guitars and amps, finishing our new Acoustic Guitar Showroom and rearranging the store to accommodate all the new gear…quite a task!  We’re just about done and if you’re a guitarist anywhere in the Philly/Wilmington area - this is the place to be!

We have some great new additions to our Acoustic Room:

Collings C-10 - Sunburst Top.  Waverly Tuners.  Big sound in a little guitar with a killer look.

Collings D-2H - Classic good looks and the powerful sound of the best vintage guitars.Collings  CJ - Used/ Excellent +.  Mahogany and Adirondack Spruce.  About $1500.00 less than new!

Bourgeois Country Boy Deluxe - Beautiful Adirondack Top.  Figured Mahogany Back and Sides.  Brazilian Rosewood Headstock Overlay.

As for the Electric Guitar Department:

Tom Anderson  Hollow T - Butterscotch with a Maple Fingerboard.  Light as a feather.  Not a better sounding T style guitar anywhere.

Collings City Limits Deluxe - Great Flame Maple Top with all the Deluxe appointments.  Lollar Pickups.

Collings 290 - Cherry with Lollar P-90s. 

Melancon Cajun Gentleman - Used/ Excellent ++.  Wild Flame Maple Top.  TV Jones Filtertrons.  Bigsby.  Gretsch style controls.  $2200.00

Suhr Classic T SSC - Used/ Excellent +.  Bound Sunburst Top.  “C Huge” Neck.  Suhr’s exclusive Silent Single Coil system makes this guitar dead quiet.

Of course we have a nice selection of Gibson, Taylor, Takamine, Epiphone and Fender Acoustic and Electric/Acoustic Guitars

Besides all that, we are one of the best-stocked Fender dealers in the area.  We have a great selection of American Vintage Reissue Strats and Teles as well as some nice Custom Shop pieces.  The big news from Fender is the new American Standard line.Stratocasters, Telecasters and Basses all seriously improved over the former American Series line.  We have several in stock ready to check out.  If you’re looking for a Fender you owe it to yourself to try one.

As usual we have a great array of Gibson Les Pauls, SGs and ES models.  As well as Epiphones, Paul Reed Smith Guitars (including MIRAs), and PRS SE models.  

Our Amp selection has never been better!  Which reminds me, our first Victoria Electro King arrived last week.  This amp is so impressive that we called Mark at Victoria to let him know how much we liked it.

I think that’s about it for this time.  There’s more cool gear arriving everyday.  Stop by and find out why one of our customers calls us - “The Biggest Little Guitar Store In The World.”   Yeah, I like that!

Posted 3/2/08

Ok, let’s face it, that was a pretty good edition of “What’s Up” last time. Fender Guitars, Basses, and Amps at West Chester Music. I don’t mind telling you we’re all extremely excited.

The history of Fender is the history of Rock n Roll and for the first time in our over thirty-year history, we’ll be able to offer these groundbreaking instruments and amps. From Squier all the way to Custom Shop, including the new American Standard line. From the Tweed and Blackface all tube reissues to the affordable FM series. Fender’s new home is at West Chester Music.

The first shipment should be here in three to four weeks.

Check it all out at www.fender.com and then come see us.

Where are we going to put it all? Fair question. We need to clear some space so you know we’re dealing. Check out our small tube amp sale. Small amps from Gibson, Epiphone and Gretsch are in stock and priced to go.

Just In: Our first Collings flattop just arrived, an amazing D2H. Sitka Top with Indian Rosewood Back and Sides.

Tom Anderson Classic. Olympic White with a Tortoise pickguard. Rosewod Fretboard. VA series Pickups. On consignment we have a Goodall Traditional OM with an Adirondack Top and Rosewood Back and Sides.

Also just in a whole bunch o’ new Gibsons, Epiphones and PRS SE Models.

To recap: If you’re looking for a great Fender Guitar, Bass or Amp look to the West…West Chester Music.

Posted 2/25/08

Just a simple, one word update for today:

Need we say more?

Posted 2/16/08

What’s up at West Chester Music? What’s the big news after the 2008 NAMM show last month in sunny Anaheim, California? Well, to start off, and this is really big, we are proud and excited to welcome Collings Guitars to the store. That’s right, Collings! And if their incredible line of Flat Tops and second to none Mandolins weren’t enough, the good folks down in Austin are now building some of the finest electric guitars we have ever seen. To get the big picture of what Bill Collings and his crew down in Texas are doing check out www.collingsguitars.com. A gorgeous MF Mandolin and TV Yellow C-290 have already come and gone. The first acoustic guitars should be arriving in February. Mark your calendars!

While we’re on the subject of fine acoustic guitars, we have another announcement: We are equally proud and excited to welcome our old friend, Tom Wade, back to West Chester Music. Tom’s reputation as one of the Philly area’s high-end acoustic guitar specialists began with us over 10 years ago. His easygoing style, coupled with his extensive knowledge of premium acoustic instruments, makes him the man to talk to when you’re looking for a premium quality Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin or Banjo. He’s no slouch with Electrics and Amps either! If you don’t already know Tom, or even if you do, stop by and welcome the newest member of the staff.

While we didn’t get Tom at the NAMM show, we did see plenty of new gear that will be making it’s way to the store over the next few months. Marc Baier from Victoria was showing off his new line of vintage Gibson inspired Amplifiers. Look for one of the new Electro Kings in the near future.

We looked at quite a few boutique pedal makers and just in are three of the new pedals from Ooh La La Manufacturing. Very cool FX boxes: The Ultraviolet, Cobalt, and Truly Beautiful Disaster. Hand painted by Jason Myrold (formerly of Z Vex Effects fame). Visit www.oohlalamfg.com for more information on these kickass pedals!

So, If you’re within the sound of our website, you know that West Chester Music is now a dealer for some of the most prestigious acoustic and electric guitars built anywhere. Bourgeois, Collings, Santa Cruz, Taylor, Tom Anderson, Gibson, PRS, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Ernie Ball/ Music Man. Not to mention amps like Victoria, Carr, Marshall and Vox. Wow! Is it any wonder why we say, “If you’re looking for a great new amp, acoustic or electric guitar look to the west…West Chester Music”

The “Just In Department”: Tom Anderson Hollow Drop Top in Sweet and Sour Burst. Rickenbacker 4003 Mapleglo. From Gretsch: a Silver Jet, Broadkaster Bass and Country Gentleman. A couple of sweet Paul Reed Smiths just in the door a Swamp Ash Special in Natural and a killer McCarty Soapbar, 10 Top in Tortoise Shell.

We’ve got some great used Fenders at the moment including an early Custom Shop Tele Thinline in Firemist Gold with an incredible flamed Maple Neck.

Oh yeah, our new Acoustic Guitar Showroom is under construction and should be finished in early March. If you’re one of our many walk-in friends drop by and check it out.

Keep your eye on this spot …I’ve got a feeling more exciting West Chester Music news is on the way!

Posted 11/06/07

Well, I’m a bit overdue with the latest installment of “What’s Up” but in my own defense there’s been a lot going on here at the store.

First things first: West Chester Music is pleased to announce the arrival of Santa Cruz Guitars. How cool is that? Another of America’s premier acoustic guitar builders has come to West Chester. For those familiar with SCGC you know of the beauty, quality, unmatched playability and phenomenal tone of all the guitars in the Santa Cruz line. If you’re looking for a fine acoustic guitar and have yet to play a Santa Cruz, we encourage you to come on in and see (and hear) what you’ve been missing.

You can check out the entire Santa Cruz story at www.santacruzguitar.com. Then hurry on down to the store to play one of the instruments from their extensive line. Everything from 00s and 000s to Dreads and Slope Shoulders. We’re particularly fond of the H-13, a little guitar with a big, big voice. The first one didn’t last a week!

The Acoustic Room at West Chester Music features fine guitars by Gibson, Taylor , Bourgeois and now, Santa Cruz . Looking for a better acoustic guitar? See why we say, “look to the West”…West Chester Music.

Now, as if that’s not enough, pedal heads we’ve got one for you. We’ve just added Barber Electronics to our collection of FX gear. Barber makes great pedals including the Barber Direct Drive and Tone Press, both of which are Guitar Player Magazine Editors’ Pick Award winners. We’ve got the new Trifecta in stock. The Trifecta is three great fuzz pedals in one neat package. The whole deal on Barber pedals is at www.barberelectronics.com.

Our first Tom Anderson, a killer Firemist Gold Classic was here for a mere three days before finding a good home. An Olympic White Hollow T classic is on its way.

Latest additions: Santa Cruz DPW (pre-war braced Rosewood Dreadnought), Santa Cruz Tony Rice, Santa Cruz slot head 12 fret 000, Bourgeois OM.

We’ve had some killer trades lately, now in stock: Collings City Limits Deluxe (about $1000.00 under new), Suhr Classic TS, Taylor NS 74, Taylor XXV GA and a Brazilian Rosewood Collings CW. I don’t expect these great used pieces to last long so if there’s something in that group that grabs ya, give us a shout.

Almost forgot, new Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo.

Well that’s about it. Maybe we’ll get to pickups next time but the way things keep happening around here I doubt it!

Posted 8/13/07

West Chester Music wants to thank all those who came out for Shred Fest: a Guitar Clinic with Bart Walsh (former lead guitarist for David Lee Roth).

The clinic took place on Monday, August 13 at 6 PM and was held at The Arts Scene, 530 E Union St., in West Chester.

Click Bart Walsh and Gibson Guitar Clinics for more details.

Posted 7/16/07

Well, here it is the middle of July already and it’s time for the second installment of “What’s Up at West Chester Music”.

My intention was to talk about Pickups, how they can improve your tone from subtle variations to changing the whole sound of your axe. I was also, of course, going to tell you about our great selection of pickups and the makers we carry: Gibson, Fender, Seymour Duncan, EMG, Lindy Fralin and Joe Barden. That’s right, both Lindy Fralin and Joe Barden pickups are available here.

Now that’s just a tease, we’ll talk more about pickups next time. Right now we’ve got an announcement of epic proportions: Tom Anderson Guitars are coming to West Chester Music! You heard me right, West Chester Music is now a dealer for Tom Anderson Guitarworks. Finally, here in the Philly-Wilmington region there will be someplace to check out and purchase what many people believe are some of the finest electric guitars built anywhere! Our first two instruments will arrive in October, a Hollow T Classic in Olympic White and a Classic in Firemist Gold, (give us a call if you want the complete specs on either of these guitars). Two more instruments are due before the end of the year.

Those who know Anderson Guitars can tell you about the incredible playability, amazing tone, gorgeous woods and unsurpassed quality that come from people who really care and believe in what they do. We wholeheartedly agree.

We are excited to have Tom Anderson Guitarworks join us here at West Chester Music. Check out the whole line of Tom Anderson at www.andersonguitars.com and then check out our stock or have us help you put together the Anderson of your dreams.

So, to repeat, that’s Tom Anderson Guitars at West Chester Music. It doesn’t get much better than that.

We are one of the biggest Marshall dealers in the area. We have most models of amps and cabs in stock including the all new JVM Head and, IMHO, the greatest Marshall yet: the Vintage Modern Head and matching 4x12.

Marshall has a complete line of amps for everyone. Everything from the MG solid state amps to their exclusive handwired Series. Nothing gets that “classic rock” sound like Marshall, the leader in British tube amplification.

Thinking about a new amp? Thinking about Marshall ? What can we do to help? Check out our “Internet sale of the Moment”. We are taking an additional percentage 5% off our already low prices on every new Marshall in stock. All you have to do is mention that you saw it on line and we’ll do the rest. Oh yeah, you have to be here in the store.

Recent additions: Bourgeois Vintage D (a cannon), used Highway 1 Strat, and a couple of extremely cool G&Ls; a two tone burst Legacy and a three pickup, blonde ASAT Classic.

That’s it for this time. Next time pickups and more.

Posted 6/11/07

Bourgeois Guitars - It seems that many more guitarists are entering the “high end” acoustic guitar market these days; looking for that special, lifetime flat top that will thrill them every time they play it. We are proud to be the area’s only dealer for Bourgeois Guitars. Made by hand in Lewiston, Maine, the guitars of Dana Bourgeois are known for their incredible wood, fabulous tone and playability. Long a favorite with Bluegrass players, our list of Bourgeois customers include players of every style. Bourgeois makes a variety of models in several different body styles. If you’re a slope shoulder dreadnought fan, their new for 2007 25” scale Slope D is not to be missed! Come on in and check out the fabulous flat tops of Dana Bourgeois. We have a Bourgeois Vintage OM, Vintage D, and Country Boy currently in stock...and check out West Chester Music guitar instructor Jay Scott's review of his Vintage OM on the Bourgeois website (select the "Customer Letters" link).

Orange Amplifiers - Now in stock: the Tiny Terror...incredible 15 watts of British Tube sound!!!

Carr Amplifiers - The first two have arrived here at the shop and wow! Carr Amplifiers have been getting incredible reviews in the press for the last few years. We knew that West Chester Music was the place for this great line. From the Mercury (in stock) - which powers down to an incredible 1/10 of a watt and still sounds great, to the newest addition, The Vincent (also in stock) - with its Blackface-like cleans and almost tweed-like crunch, Carr is at the vanguard of today’s boutique amplifiers.

Gibson Guitars - West Chester Music is still one of the region’s biggest Gibson dealers. We have a great assortment of models and finishes in stock at all times. Gibson Acoustic and Electric as well as fabulous banjos and mandolins from the Bluegrass Division and a great selection of Epiphone models. Gibson’s internet advertising policy forbids us from listing our inventory on our website so give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you with the Gibson of your dreams. Oh yeah, we’re Gibson Custom Shop dealers too.

That’s about it for the moment. Check back from time to time. We have a lot going on and some highly anticipated changes in store before the end of ’07.