As corporate guitar stores –— such as Guitar Center and Sweetwater ––– continue to rise, the once beloved local guitar shop has become nearly extinct. With only a handful of said shops remaining in San Antonio, finding a store offering the much-needed one-on-one experience that accompanies purchasing a guitar can be a struggle. Though the number of stores may be dwindling, one shop continues to make its case for the greatest in the city.
Located at 416 Austin Highway, Spacetone Music embodies everything a local guitar store should be. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and roughly 20 minutes from UTSA, the store teems with excellent gear and extraordinary customer service.
“We’re really just a tried and true guitar shop,” co-manager Dausin Ramirez said. “We all love the guitar business start to finish however you want to look at it.”
Opened in 2001 by owner Jason Rinn, the store continues to serve the public as one of the nicest guitar stores in San Antonio.
“Jason started this in 2001 at a smaller location on Broadway,” Ramirez stated. “He moved here around 2004 but expanded the store about nine years ago.”
As a vintage shop, Spacetone Music offers a variety of excellent guitars and gear. The store specializes in classic American-made brands, such as Fender and Gibson, and carries an assortment of popular brands — such as Jackson, Charvel, Ibanez and Dean. The guitar selection is far better than that of its competitors, as they carry rare pieces such as Gibson Flying V and Explorer guitars. It is almost impossible for a customer to walk in and not find a product worth purchasing.
While its selection alone warrants its ranking as one of the better guitar shops in the Alamo City, Spacetone Music’s service and atmosphere truly make it special. Stepping through the doors, customers are immediately greeted with warm welcomes from the employees who often feel more like friends than workers. Incredibly encouraging and willing to answer any questions, the staff does all it can to leave customers satisfied and excited to return.
“For a guitar player, it’s everything,” Ramirez said about the importance of a welcoming atmosphere.
Displaying nearly all of their amplifiers in the middle of the store, Spacetone Music heavily encourages customers to take guitars off the wall, plug in and jam for a bit. Employees never condemn the customer for playing loudly, opting instead to ask questions about what they are looking for and aiding them in their guitar journey. While prices tend to be expensive, the store is more than willing to negotiate. The service, along with the welcoming ambiance make the shop one of the finest in San Antonio.
From advanced players looking to expand their collection to beginners hoping to get into the world of guitar, Spacetone Music will aid through every step of one’s guitar journey.
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