Guitar specialist is strumming a finale

Dec 23 2008 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

A GUITAR shop whose customers included Meat Loaf and best-selling novelist Iain Banks is closing after four years in business.

Guitar Experience in Brook Street is shutting up shop early in the new year saying there is less room for specialist shops now that even department stores sell instruments.

Owner Stewart Orr, who ran the business with his son Sam, said: “It’s been a hard struggle for quite a while but now it’s become impossible to carry on. Sadly there’s no alternative but to go.’

Specialising in vintage models as well as dealing in a wide range of guitars, amplifiers, accessories and repairs, the premises was refurbished for the opening in 2004.

Named in tribute to world-famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix after his song Are You Experienced? – the bright new yellow shop-front was a colourful addition to the north end of Brook Street.

The shop built up its regulars and its famous clientele. Sam Orr couldn’t believe his eyes when larger-than-life rock star Meatloaf entered the shop in 2005 and ended up buying a nylon classical guitar for £37.

“But obviously it hasn’t been enough,” said Stewart.

“We’ve met some great people and dealt with some fantastic instruments, but overall it just hasn’t worked out. When you see department stores and the like selling guitars, without any specialist knowledge or assistance to help the customer either at point of sale or with after service, then there’s not much hope for specialist shops like ours.

“Sales are on everywhere at the moment but ours is definitely a final closing down scenario.”

He added: “A few shops have closed down here already this year so you can’t say business people haven’t tried to support Brook Street commerce, but there comes a point when you have to call it a day.”