Stay Curious, Produce Success
By Dave Hoffman, Editor
I flew into town for last month’s Seattle Investment Strategy Salon Dinner a few days early for some meetings. After settling into my hotel in the historic Pioneer Square district, I went for a walk to stretch my legs and take in some of this city, about whose music scene I had heard romantic tales since I was a college student in the 1990s.
Around the corner, a sign caught my eye: “Vintage Guitars.” Sounded like the right spot! I walked down to the sign and saw a heavily gated door. I rang the doorbell, expecting to get buzzed in, and instead was greeted directly by a friendly employee who opened the door.
“Is this this kind of neighborhood?” I asked, indicating the gate.
“For this place it is,” he said. “You’ll see.”
Emerald City Guitars was founded in 1996 by veteran musician and industry expert Jay Boone, and true to 1990s Seattle, evolved from a local startup to a global standard bearer, an internationally acclaimed destination for vintage instrument enthusiasts and professional musicians alike.
Boone has sourced and sold vintage instrument for more than 30 years, along with an impressive background in performing and recording. He established the shop with a clear vision: to create the Northwest’s premier destination for used and vintage guitars. After managing several major guitar stores in downtown Seattle, he set out to build something unique – a space that would combine exceptional instruments with unparalleled expertise and service.
According to the website, the company’s goal is “to succeed at a business level while creating an atmosphere that dignifies our customers and our team of professionals.” This philosophy has paid off, as Emerald City Guitars has become a go-to resource for high-profile collectors and major artists from around the globe. The friendly guitar tech I spoke with rattled off a who’s who list of legendary guitarists who regularly stop in beginning with John Mayer and ending with an impromptu jam session he had had with Billy Gibbons.
The shop’s reputation rests not just on its impressive inventory but on its meticulous attention to detail. Each instrument that passes through its doors undergoes thorough authentication and appraisal, ensuring that collectors and musicians receive exactly what they’re promised. The owners frequently travel the country to find new rare additions to their offerings.
The whole experience felt a bit timeless, too. The woman working behind one of the counters told me that her husband had been at the OK Hotel when Nirvana first played “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The store stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage instruments and the importance of customer service in an increasingly digital age. Most importantly, it taps into that creative fire that never dies – the same energy sought by all of Gorilla River’s conferences and conventions.
Want to write about any hidden gems you’ve stumbled upon while traveling? Send us an email to share!
