Goodbye, Guitar Works

Sad news: I learned today that Guitar Works in Evanston, Illinois (estd. 1979) is closing. My Guitar Works story:

In 1994 Elaine and I were bopping around Evanston with our kids. My daughter Rachel, a tyke of seven, pointed to a store window. “Look, Daddy,” she said, “that’s the kind of guitar you like.” It was a modern-day National, a resonator guitar. She must have seen a National on a videotape of Son House or Bukka White (yes, she was brought up right). We went in, and I thought I’d just try the instrument and walk out wistfully. Instead, I sat and played for an hour and half while Elaine took Rachel and Ben for ice cream. I tried two Triolians too — not as good. And then, before I knew about it, Elaine was putting the National on our credit card. I still have my National, play it, and love it. Its only problem: after thirty-two years, the maker’s label inside (held in place with Fun-Tak) has detached. (I got it and the Fun-Tak out, carefully.)

It was so comfortable to try out guitars in Guitar Works and to just be able to play — no pressure. Now guitarists will have one less place for that to happen. Thanks, Guitar Works.

[An hour and a half: Elaine’s estimate. I lost track of time, as one does when playing an instrument.]