Acoustic Vibes • Tempe AZ
ANY TEENAGER WHO PLAYED an instrument probably hung out for hours in the local music stores. Staring at a limited selection, they’d imagine how cool it would be to own such a store. The business side is usually far from childhood fantasy. Music stores are risky endeavors but there are occasional success stories.
A perfect example? Jeff Looker, architect. Pondering transitional career options to pad out retirement, he bought a half dozen guitars direct from Santa Cruz Guitar Company, becoming their sole Phoenix distributor. Into his orbit came other brands, notably C. F. Martin & Company. Business acumen developed running an upscale architectural firm definitely had a place operating a top-tier acoustic instrument shop. Acoustic Vibes Music arguably has the finest and largest selection of high-grade acoustic instruments in the country.
Looking for a Martin 000 14-fret acoustic guitar? Local shops don’t carry this model. On my last visit Jeff had two stock copies and four from the famed Martin Custom Shop. Four custom Martin 000 guitars with 
list prices pushing $7,000! Jeff picks the options he would like to see, and nine months later, voilá! One-of-a-kind guitars are delivered to his store!
On my last visit there were 450 guitars in stock, 80% in this upper range or higher. When you want a great-looking, great-sounding guitar, and don’t want to wait ten years for Wayne Henderson to build you one, book a flight to this Destination Guitar Shop. Forget the budget. Buy a guitar you’ll have forever.
American Toolbox 
January 17, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Dan has this to say:
Dan Griffith
4 days ago dangriffithmusic.com
Great article on Acoustic Vibe Music. I am lucky enough to live just 10 miles away. It is my favorite! I bought a National and a Kanile’a Uke there. Two other favorites that you might me interest in: Lakota Leathers http://www.lakotaleathers.com Best instrument straps I have owned and Red Bear Pics http://www.redbeartrading.com Best guitar pick in the world.
My best to you.
Dan
January 24, 2015 at 5:07 pm
Great article
February 13, 2015 at 7:33 pm
Thanks so much! Jeff knows his stuff and his store is tops! The story wrote itself. In fact, I had a hard time getting it down to four paragraphs! – jim/editor
July 5, 2015 at 10:32 am
[…] Acoustic Vibes • Tempe AZ […]
August 14, 2015 at 8:13 pm
This is my favorite acoustic guitar shop on the planet! I have purchased a custom Breedlove and a Bedell Bellisima from them. Going back soon to find a Gibson Keb Mo or Cervantes Crossover 1 PE.
August 14, 2015 at 10:42 pm
Absolutely mine too! I’ve written about five of their instruments so far, and have 445 to go! Thanks for reading our online USA-products resource, American Toolbox! -editor