Guitar Haven — Local services in Grand Haven

General Quick Points about: Guitar Haven (Grand Haven, MI)

Pro's: Wide selection of quality used & new guitars Fair, and often good prices on gear (especially for a mom and pop shop) Chill Atmosphere (also humidity controlled) John and Cheryl are fun and knowledgeable You gotta meet Juno (the dog) Wide selection of lessons, or can refer you to someone (they are in the "know") Inside door handles are guitar necks (yes the frets are filed)

Con's: Juno is never there when I visit anymore They don't carry the PRS strings I like Parking can be annoying at times (worth the extra walk though) They have 2 doors and I never know which to use

Detailed Review:

Guitar Haven is one of the last "Mom and Pop" shops in all of West Michigan, and you're missing out if you live around and haven't visited. I've bought a guitar there that I didn't even plan to buy (great price on a Taylor acoustic), I've put a guitar on consignment with them, and I've even donated a bass guitar with them.

Everything with them is super easy, no sales pressure, just honest prices, real conversation about local shows or music teachers, and a chill atmosphere. It's hard to not walk out without getting something (get a t-shirt, it'll last longer than strings).

They aren't one of the big box stores, but John and Cheryl have been upping their game lately with bringing in excellent used guitars like a PRS S2, Gibson Les Paul's, Dean Zelinsky guitars, and the list goes on. If I recall correctly, they get Reverend and Heritage guitars new, straight from the factory - Heritage is compromised of a large portion of former Gibson employees that were let go back when Gibson had a plant...

THE Definition of a local treasure: This is the type of business that USED to exist, where the owners are invested in the community, and the community returns the favor. So here is my story: I had a guitar repair that required my acoustic cutaway's pickup to be re-attached. New Strings, set up, all of it. I won't say what I paid, because every repair is different, but I will say I expected and was prepared to pay five times what I was charged. When Cheryl (one of the owners) told me the total, I said, "I'm sorry?" She then started reading me a list of all that Jon (the other owner) had done, thinking I was angry. I had to stop her and say, "No no no, I am just in shock at how affordable that is." Her response? "We believe guitars have souls. And we know how important guitars are to their owners, so we don't really make any money on repairs." Unbelievable. Both of them. Nicest people, hip, and cool as it gets. Gracious. When I dropped off my guitar a week earlier, as Jon was writing up the work order, she made a point to ask me about my day, what music I listened to. And we bonded over Wilco haha. By the way, John's repair was first rate. I played my guitar the moment I got home and it sounded like my old friend again. I will never shop anywhere else. Live in Grand Rapids? Holland? Up North? Forget Guitar Center, and make the trip to Guitar Haven. They have an amazing inventory of new and hard to find vintage guitars. Again, just one of those rare gems that don't exist anymore. Worth your support. Thanks again...

I moved to the area recently and felt right at home as soon as I walked into Guitar Haven. Jon and Cheryl are endlessly warm and kind and they are eager to meet everyone who walks through the door. Not to mention they have a great selection of unique and top-quality gear at fair prices. Above all, it feels more like a home than a business, which is my favorite kind of business. They both are deeply connected with the music community both locally and state-wide and are more than happy to share their love of music with all generations. Truly wonderful people and a great store that I’m proud to support. Just be careful - it’s very easy to unexpectedly walk out with an incredible instrument...