A lifelong guitarist and guitar trader has brought a new shop to Louisville.
David Thomas opened East Tennessee Guitars on April 1, offering pre-owned guitars at prices he says typically run $500 to $1,000 below Guitar Center retail. Thomas, a Louisville resident who spent 40 years as a salesman for a pump company before retiring, said he previously operated two storefronts in Maryville — one at the corner of Broadway and Washington next to Garner’s Barbershop and another on Harper Ave., downtown Maryville.
Thomas said his advantage over larger retailers is his network of dealers and collectors, which allows him to source specific instruments — including vintage models — within days.
He also offers repair work and trades.
“If there’s anything you want, I can have it here for you to look at within a couple of days,” Thomas said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a $50,000 guitar or a $500 one.”
The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Shoppes at Louisville Square, 2940 Louisville Road.
