A slow farewell to Manson's guitar shop, Exeter.

[Wonks]

I just looked at the Manson's web site and was saddened to see the news that they will have closed down by the end of June.

https://www.mansons.co.uk/blog/post/man ... pdate-2023

It's not local to me but I've been in anytime I've been in the area and have bought several things from them. It has always been a great shop.

[IAA]

And Banks’ music room here in York has closed down. Just online now. It’s a pity, whilst musicroom didn’t have the widest selection, the staff i dealt with were fantastic and great players to boot!

[zenguitar]

Over a month ago I noticed stock levels were low on a visit to Manson's, and at the beginning of this month conversation at an open mic night confirmed that they were going to be closing down.

Andy

[Wonks]

End of the shop lease, plus ageing owners. Presumably no children willing or able to carry on the shop’s name in a different location.

At least there’s still Project Music in Exeter, but to me the two shops complimented each other rather than competed.

[tea for two]

Aaah. This is one of those times I wouldn't mind being a multi £millionaire like a few hundred £million.

Reckon I'd sort the lease out for next decade at least.
Sort out staff salaries, taxes, utility overheads for next decade so they wouldn't worry about these.
Incase some wanted to leave hire similar musicians I wouldn't call them staff.
Then leave them to it for the next decade.

Anyone got Macca's number lol.

I recall the Guitar shoppee in my town closing, I lamented that, became a restaurant. This was over a decade now.
Once when in there a few bods were noodling some Metal, Rock. I plonked myself down strummed a couple Jazz chords, one of the staff looked at me like wow. I hastily left not wanting to embarrass myself even more lol.

[Ian Shaw]

Aah.That's really sad.
It's probably the nearest proper guitar shop from where I live in Somerset & over an hour away at that. Always went in for some something or other when I was down that way.

[SecretSam]

Are you the Ian Shaw who used to do loads of gigs at Ronnie Scott's? Before they turned it into an Angus Steak House?

If so, we are not worthy. Or I'm not, anyway.

[Ian Shaw]

Are you the Ian Shaw who used to do loads of gigs at Ronnie Scott's? Before they turned it into an Angus Steak House?

If so, we are not worthy. Or I'm not, anyway.

Sorry, no, not he. Is that the jazz singer, Ian Shaw? Not the first time that's happened! I'm the lesser well known part-time noodler, Ian Shaw, who occasionally spews out something that nobody hears. But I'm not bitter...

I keep jazz at the end of a very long pole, I'm afraid, only to be poked if really necessary.

Cheers

[Wonks]

Well, Mansons is no more, but the premises have been taken over by Life Guitars (who moved from a nearby location). Life Guitars are primarily a second-hand only guitar shop, but their website seems to indicate they might now be stocking some new guitars.

https://lifeguitars.co.uk/

[zenguitar]

I heard on the grapevine that things had moved on so made a visit earlier this week. And in my travels I noticed that the old Life shop was empty, which gave me a clue...

When I got to the old Manson's shop it was confirmed. Had a look around and a chat with them. They have been patiently building the business and plan to continue along the same lines in the new premises. They are friendly and knowledgable so I hope they do well. And if you have a spare £34,400 hanging around, they have a 1961 white Strat on the wall

Not far away you have Project Music who have taken the opportunity to add the Gibson dealership to their portfolio. If they curate their Gibson and Epiphone stock as well as their Fender stock it could prove expensive visiting them.

Andy

[Wonks]

You’re worth it.

[amanise]

Sadly there's a lot of it about - Marshall amplification is sold now too. I forget who exactly - but an overseas company.

[Ian Shaw]

Good to know it continues in some form, but it's a sad state of affairs in the West Country. I shall pop in next time I'm down that way.