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We will be open for business SOON!
Great news, everyone! We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting a Grand Opening Event coming on May 2, 2025! Get ready for updates and invites, and some freebies for our first customers. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
All About Us...
Our Mission
Welcome to The Guitar Shop Off Elm Street, where music history and passion for craftsmanship come alive. Founded by Chuck Browder, a classical guitarist with an extensive background in music, broadcasting, and political discourse, our shop is more than just a place to buy instruments; it's a community hub for musicians and enthusiasts alike.
Our goal at The Guitar Shop Off Elm Street is to make your guitar-buying experience the best in Greensboro. We want you to have the personal attention you and your music deserve. In addition, we strive towards an eco-friendly marketplace by carrying vintage and previously loved gear. Buying pre-owned is a painless way to reduce your carbon footprint and support a vibrant circular economy. And by shopping locally, you’re not just saving money—you’re also cutting down on transportation costs and emissions, making a fantastic sustainable choice! We offer the finest selection of locally sourced used and vintage guitars in the area, expertly detailed and ready for a new home.
Plus with our certified repair tech, we’re here to help you breathe new life into a beloved piece of gear, all while making a positive impact on our planet. It's the greener way to experience new music today! And if your concerns are less about going green and more about saving it, we've got you! Our best sellers are quality and value. It's what's at the heart of every deal at The Guitar Shop Off Elm Street.
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Located in the heart of downtown Greensboro, our shop offers a personalized shopping experience, enriched by the owner's unique background. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner, our shop provides a curated selection of guitars and gear, seasoned advice, and a welcoming space for all. Join us to explore the world of stringed instruments, share your musical journey, and become part of a vibrant community that celebrates the art of music. Come check us out!
Who We Are
Chuck Browder, owner and sales
Chuck discovered his love for guitar at the age of 12. His formal music journey began in High School at The North Carolina School of the Arts, where he studied classical guitar under the tutelage of renowned maestros Aaron Shearer, Kenneth Frazelle, and Gerald Klickstein. Furthering his education at Guilford College, Chuck majored in Music and Political Science, leading to a fruitful partnership producing radio show The World of the Unexplained (WOTU), which hosted intriguing guests such as Jesse Marcel Jr., Alice Krige, and Dr. Cyril Wecht. Chuck then segued into creating, producing and co-hosting the politically charged talk show Third Rail Radio, interviewing influential figures like Senator Mike Gravel, Roger Stone, and Fareed Zakaria. During school, and in the many years since, Chuck performed with the Guilford College Guitar Ensemble and the Piedmont Guitar Orchestra, including a memorable performance at the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.
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Chuck began working in music retail just after getting married to his college sweetheart. Ever the traveler through the musical realm during his many years in the industry, Chuck has absorbed vast knowledge and insights from factory tours with iconic brands such as Gibson, C.F. Martin, Yamaha, and Fender. He has connected with legendary industry figures like Bob Taylor and Christian Frederick Martin IV, deepening his understanding of the artistry behind each instrument. He has worked with countless professional musicians, guitar makers, collectors, and industry leaders, never forgetting the new player next door.
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With his 17 years of corporate music retail now in the rearview mirror, Chuck has finally opened the doors to The Guitar Shop Off Elm Street in the heart of downtown Greensboro, NC. This isn't just an independent guitar shop; it's Chuck's rockstar playground, a sanctuary where guitar enthusiasts can tap into Chuck's world of passion, expertise, and electrifying energy. \m/ \m/
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Amanda Browder, owner and intendant
Meet Amanda, co-owner of The Shop and Chuck's better half! Hailing from northeast Ohio, she made her way to Greensboro to soak up the college life at Guilford College. With a solid background in administration and sales from her time at big box retailers, plus experience in the medical field, Amanda has honed her customer service skills to perfection. As the head of client relations and marketing, she’s got a of expertise to share. When she's not running the shop, you can find her hanging out with Chuck and their three awesome sons (ages 10, 12, and 14), along with their four cats and a dog. Amanda loves books and music, binge-watching on streaming, and enjoying camping trips in North Carolina's beautiful State Parks!
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, guitar technician
