[troehl]

Hey Everyone,
Just wondering who you all think are the best GD gear shops out there? Are there any stores where the owners/staff really love the Dead, and are knowledgeable about the equipment available?

I love stopping into shops when I travel to check out gear. Just looking for some ideas as to which shops in which towns might be worth checking out.

Thanks for the input!

[JonnyBoy]

I don't know of any per say, I you are loking for the kind of gear the band used it would all be custom made stuff out of a small house or studio, Alembic is a neat place to go. Places like Guitar Center and music Go round are trying to push mexican strats if you want one or not. If you are looking for some custom guitar work done looksround on here or talk to waldo, he will help you get pointed in the right direction. Peace Brother, Jon

[troehl]

I don't know of any per say, I you are loking for the kind of gear the band used it would all be custom made stuff out of a small house or studio, Alembic is a neat place to go. Places like Guitar Center and music Go round are trying to push mexican strats if you want one or not. If you are looking for some custom guitar work done looksround on here or talk to waldo, he will help you get pointed in the right direction. Peace Brother, Jon

Thanks for the suggestions, JohnnyBoy.

Really just looking for any favorite guitar/gear shops out there. Some shops are just "way too cool" to talk about the Grateful Dead and related gear. I get sick of the eye-rolling as soon as I mention Garcia or his rig.
Just looking for music stores who can talk shop without the ego; a place with a bunch of Deadheads behind the counter would be a nice bonus.

[tigerstrat]

You ain't gonna find it. The best you can hope for is for them to keep a straight face You can and will find a head at this store or that store, but a whole staff of them? IDTS. I'd love to hear about any though.

[NashvilleMike]

Some shops are just "way too cool" to talk about the Grateful Dead and related gear. I get sick of the eye-rolling as soon as I mention Garcia or his rig.

...and that is why we love rukind! Info here, buy online...buh bye GC.

[Grateful Dad]

If you're ever in the Philly area, call and or visit Cintioli's music on Oxford Avenue in the Northeast section of town. Benny Cintioli and his staff have been there for 40+ years. The store is loaded with effect racks, and there should be a salesman there who will listen to your needs. He may roll his eyes at first but if you can verbalize exactly what you are looking for they really will help you out.

Do some research and just explain in specifics what you are looking for. You never know what you're going to find there because they deal with trade-in merchandise as well as new equipment too. One time I purchased a used Alembic Bass for only $700.00! I am going there today to check out some Fender Jazz basses, I'll poke around the store for you today and see what they have in terms of effects. Cintioli's has always been my favorite shop to spend a couple of hours in due to the vast inventory in the store and the no pressure atmosphere.

Are you looking for the Garcia sound? The Weir sound? The Phil sound?

If you can't make it to Philly then you'll probably have to rely on the advice from fellow musician Deadheads on this forum (probably the best way to go), also go to the websites of the companies that make what your looking for and talk to their CSR's, and then visit music stores armed with the knowledge and information you need to make your investment in your sound.

I'll risk the eye rolling and ask for some GD sounding gear for you today!
Good luck.
The Grateful Dad