Guitar Whiskey
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2006
- Messages
- 2,757
Being that I'm pretty much an old guy now I often think back fondly to being a kid around 1970 and hanging out in the best guitar shop I knew of at that time. Little did I know that this would shape the rest of my life. Back then, Ace was a store front on Santa Monica Blvd just up from Ocean Avenue, probably about 4th street. The two owner brothers (Hank and Jack) were great guys who answered all my juvenile questions and offered advice that I still live by to this day. It was amazing to be there and watch them work the deals with guys. This was a lesson in salesmanship for sure. I remember Jack was the one who I felt more connected to; he'd demo stuff for me and anybody that walked into the shop. Most of the guys that came in were older than me so a great opportunity to watch and learn from the more experienced. In the late 70's I moved from the area but went back years later to visit but the store had moved to Wilshire and the brothers were no longer there; don't know the history on this.
Wondering if anyone knows what happened to Jack and Hank, or has any old photos of the shop (inside or outside) they can post. Would love to see pictures to relive some of those memories. So many amazing stories must have evolved from this excellent guitar shop.
Side note; I remember agonizing over 2 guitars that I wanted to buy there which would become my first ELECTRIC guitar. One was a 64' Mustang for $75, the other a '65 Strat for $225 (too expensive for me then). Jack told me the smart thing to do is save up and get the Strat. Months later (seemed like years) my dad conviced me to get a new 71' ES 335TDC which was actually more expensive than the Strat, but sold it 5 years later. In hindsight should have got the Strat because #1, I would probably have kept that one because it was such a great guitar and #2 we all know which would cost more to purchase today.
Wondering if anyone knows what happened to Jack and Hank, or has any old photos of the shop (inside or outside) they can post. Would love to see pictures to relive some of those memories. So many amazing stories must have evolved from this excellent guitar shop.
Side note; I remember agonizing over 2 guitars that I wanted to buy there which would become my first ELECTRIC guitar. One was a 64' Mustang for $75, the other a '65 Strat for $225 (too expensive for me then). Jack told me the smart thing to do is save up and get the Strat. Months later (seemed like years) my dad conviced me to get a new 71' ES 335TDC which was actually more expensive than the Strat, but sold it 5 years later. In hindsight should have got the Strat because #1, I would probably have kept that one because it was such a great guitar and #2 we all know which would cost more to purchase today.