As a young musician in the early 70s, I moved west seeking fame and fortune but somehow missed San Francisco and Los Angeles and ended up in San Jose. Shortly after arriving I started working part time for a production group that held concerts at a local theatre. I’d do odd jobs, work stage security, and generally just hung out. The Doobie Brothers would rehearse there occasionally so I’d sit and watch from the balcony. One afternoon a guy walked in carrying a brown Gibson case. He mentioned that he wanted to sell the guitar and would I like to see it? He opened that old case, and inside was a stunning 59 Les Paul standard. They were cool and sought after then, but at only 14 years old it certainly was not a “vintage” guitar. Sadly, I was a young, poor musician who didn’t have the $300 he was asking. He mentioned that he would also trade for a Martin 12 string. I didn’t have that either and I never saw the guy again. Several months later my girlfriend’s brother gave me a guitar he didn’t play any more. It was a Martin D12-20. The irony was cruel and painful, but I was hooked. For nearly 50 years I’ve been playing, collecting, and trading vintage guitars and amps. I eventually got busy enough to open a small shop in the bay area, but now serve my customers exclusively online. 

What I offer

I primarily focus on vintage and custom shop guitars and basses. I am also the US distributor for Montreux guitar parts and accessories.

I buy guitars

Please contact me if you are interested in selling a vintage (pre-1972), custom shop or reissue guitar, bass or an entire collection. You will receive a prompt, courteous reply.