If you thought musical instrument shops were a thing of the past, you may want to consider a trip to London. Guitar brand Gibson has just opened a remarkable experience store near Oxford Street, with some quite special features.
For amateurs and professionals
While so many physical music stores have closed in recent years, American guitar brand Gibson is investing in prestigious flagship stores. In the presence of rock stars such as Brian May, Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi, Gibson opened a Guitar Garage opened in the heart of London. It is the brand’s first flagship store outside the United States, following the opening of a first Gibson Garage in Nashville (where the brand’s headquarters are also located).
Gibson Garage aims to be the ultimate guitar experience store: it caters to music fans and starters as well as to professional guitarists. There are test rooms for more than 300 acoustic, electric and bass guitars. Music lovers can have a custom-made guitar designed at the Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab. The shop also sells Gibson clothing, gifts, gadgets, gear and accessories.
Performances and expositions
In the basement, there is a stage to host performances, panel discussions and book signings each week. An exhibition space will showcase photography and art: the opening exhibition is by rock photographer Gered Mankowitz.
A special addition is a secret room, called The Vault, which supposedly is hidden behind a red telephone box. The room features some rare Gibson models, but it is open to special guests by invitation only. The shop measures 420 sqm and is located on Eastcastle Street, not far from the famous Oxford Street.
