International Guitar Month is coming to a close, and we couldn’t let it pass by without highlighting our local gem — Songbirds Guitar Museum.
Fast Facts
🎸It opened in February 2017.
🎸It’s been featured in major national publications, including the New York Times, USA Today + Reverb.
🎸Big names from Lizzo to Vince Gill have visited the museum.
🎸At any given time the museum has 520 pieces, including rare instruments.
🎸The museum has acoustic, electric, jazz, bass, mandolin, banjo and mandocello models.
Q&A with Damien Rogers - Songbirds General Manager
Q: We read on your website that the guitars featured in the museum are “brought to life” and are “historically accurate.” Tell us more.
‘A: Here at the museum, we like to focus on the “story” of the guitar itself. The vintage pieces in our collection are not only incredibly well-preserved, they also come with unique stories from previous owners that really represent that specific time in history. Our mission in putting these beautiful instruments on display is to educate and inform those who come through our doors by honoring the past and letting people know how important they are. To go even further into the experience, we even have options for you to play and even record with your dream instrument, so that you may even become a part of that history.
Q: What should visitors know that is unique from other guitar museums?
A: There is no other COMPLETE collection of incredible instruments like this. The number of rare and historically significant instruments in our collection is astounding and we want to share that with everyone; and even let them play them as well!
Q: Who are some interesting names that have come to play at or visit the museum?
A: We have had some of the most legendary players and stars come to see us at the museum. From Dick Dale (legendary surf guitar pioneer), Joe Bonamassa (world-class “torch-bearer” for blues music), and Kevin Bacon (yes, THE Kevin Bacon- actor and musician) to other names such as rapper T.I. and pop sensation, Lizzo. All of which have had an extraordinary experience at our venue whether playing or just visiting.
Q: What types or models of guitar does the museum feature?
A: You’ll find many different models and major brands here at the museum: Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, etc. An incredibly rare collection of sunburst Les Paul Models. Amazing one-off or prototype Fender guitars. Beautifully ornate and well-crafted Gretsch guitars. We have an amazing collection of acoustic guitars as well, including many pre-war Martins. We even have several wonderful banjos!
Q: How many guitars does the museum currently have?
A: As we are always seeking out new and rare pieces, the museum itself at any given time holds about 520 pieces ranging from mostly solid-body electric guitars to acoustics, basses, and banjos. But the museum is only the beginning, as we have a couple of off-site locations that house the rest of the collection so that we can rotate the museum out and provide new pieces for everyone to enjoy.
Q: How often does the museum get new guitars? Where do these guitars come from?
A: The guitars come from all over the world from just about every continent. Our rotating exhibits usually change about every 4-5 months to ensure that we are constantly blowing people’s minds with new vintage pieces.
Q: When did the museum open/who opened it, and how did the idea for this type of museum originate?
A: We just celebrated our 3rd anniversary, but the idea has dated back a couple of years before that. Realizing the vast and almost complete collection that our group of private investors had acquired over the last decade and beyond, they wanted to share them with the rest of the world and make sure that each story was told and experienced through story and playing the instruments.
Q: If someone isn’t musically inclined, how can they expect to experience the museum?
A: The beauty of the museum is that you don’t have to know how to play guitar to appreciate the experience that we have for you. There is no prerequisite to enjoying the museum. Our displays are loaded with historic content and time period correct pieces that even non-music lovers can relate to. Plus, once you’re done with the museum, you can catch a show in one of our two world-class concert venues.
Q: How is the museum functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic? Is there any way that people can still experience aspects of the museum?
A: Given the tough climate that we are all facing right now, we always want to consider the safety of our customers, staff, and all associated with Songbirds. With that, we are currently closed to adhere to the precautions and orders that come from both state and local government. That being said, we always encourage people to go online to our website to keep in touch and updated on what we have going on. For instance, you can browse what new exhibits are coming or even download our iBook where you can get an interactive taste of what we have in the museum right from your device! We also try to provide content on our social media platforms that everyone can watch to be entertained during this troublesome time.
Q: Has Songbirds Guitar Museum recognized International Guitar Month in any way?
A: While it has been difficult to do so with the pandemic, we try to constantly recognize those that have pioneered not only guitar playing but music in general, so you can usually find some photos, videos, etc. of important people on our page that we like to honor and highlight as part of International Guitar Month. And since music and the guitar is appreciated all around the globe, we have some new and fun ideas in store that people all over the world can enjoy.
Q: What can people look forward to in the future for Songbirds Guitar Museum?
A: A growing collection and a growing vision. The Songbirds brand has never been limited to being just a museum. We are always acquiring new pieces, coming up with new experiences, and constantly trying to engage our visitors that come from all over the world. You can always rely on Songbirds to continue with incredible experiences of guitar history, live music, and customer service, and we look forward to serving everyone that comes through our doors.
