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Mystery Shopper: Maple Street Guitars, Atlanta, GA

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Mystery Shopper: Maple Street Guitars, Atlanta, GA

This review was submitted by Guitar Jar contributor: David

During a recent vacation to the US, I made a (planned) visit to Maple Street Guitars in Buckhead, Atlanta. I had previously Googled for info on recommended guitar stores in Atlanta and Maple Street Guitars kept coming up as the place to go.

Maple Street Guitars, Atlanta, GeorgiaTaking the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transport Authority) from downtown Atlanta and a 10 minute walk to Maple Drive brings you to the front door of Maple Street Guitars.

The store is divided into two retail sections, acoustic (the larger part) and electric. Maple Street Guitars has extensive workshop facilities and also specialises in tuition. Their website, www.maplestreetguitars.com, describes their activities far better than I can.

The website also shows a comprehensive and regularly updated inventory of new and used stock. I was particularly interested in the acoustic side of life and there is plenty in stock to stimulate that interest. Entry level guitars are abundant, but so are mid-level and high end guitars (there is an impressive selection of Collings, Lowden, Martin and Taylor) – all available for audition.

Any store can boast an impressive stock list, but what separates the good stores from the great stores is the staff. Enter Sean Ramuno! (All the Maple Street Guitar’s staff are featured on the website, together with their résumés.)

Sean is a voting member of the Grammys, a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and very knowledgeable about acoustic guitars. He provided a good balance between answering questions, setting up gear for me to try and leaving me alone to consider what to buy, or not to buy (no pressure!!).

I haven’t mentioned accessories. Maple Street Guitars is well appointed with a wide range of bits and pieces from many well-known manufacturers. My main reason for visiting was to buy some acoustic pickups and I had plenty to choose from, notably Fishman, K&K and LR Baggs.

As Maple Street Guitars’ staff are all musicians, I was able to enquire about the local music scene as we wanted some live music before returning to the UK. This question brought out

three of the team to provide enthusiastic advice. The following evening, my wife and I went to Eddie’s Attic (www.eddiesattic.com) in Decatur, an easy MARTA ride east of Atlanta, to see Ari Hest (www.arihest.com) – well worth listening to. (Incidentally, John Mayer, and The Civil Wars started out there). Great venue, great artist, good food, good beer – great recommendation!

So, the visit to Maple Street Guitars was well worth the effort. I got the pickups that I went for. The store is well stocked and the staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

If you ever find yourself in Atlanta, with a few hours to spare, I recommend you visit Maple Street Guitars.

This review was submitted by Guitar Jar contributor: David

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