Seattle is known for its vibrant music scene, and for guitar enthusiasts, it boasts a treasure trove of guitar shops. While many flock to the well-known electric guitar havens, there’s a lesser-known gem waiting to be discovered: the upstairs acoustic guitar section at Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar. After a routine dentist visit in the neighborhood, I decided to pop into Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar and was pleasantly surprised by the impressive array of acoustic guitars they had on display.
While I’ve had positive experiences at other reputable Seattle guitar stores like Dusty Strings, Thunder Road, Emerald City, and the Trading Musician, Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar possesses a unique charm. The atmosphere is relaxed and low-key, with friendly staff who offer assistance without being intrusive. In the past, they even had a gentle Great Dane named Moose roaming around, adding to the welcoming vibe (though I haven’t seen Moose on recent visits).
Let me share a glimpse into their acoustic guitar haven upstairs, captured through my lens:
Exploring the Martin Wall at Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar
The first wall that caught my eye was dedicated to Martin guitars. It was a stunning display of craftsmanship, featuring a range of models from classic dreadnoughts to other body styles.
During my visit, I gravitated towards the Martins, as I’m currently on the lookout for a quality dreadnought. However, one minor inconvenience was that many of the guitars were unlabeled. This meant I was playing instruments without knowing their specific models or price points. To their credit, the staff at Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar were available and the owner was actively assisting customers downstairs. I could have easily asked for information, but I opted for a more spontaneous approach – playing first and researching later on my phone.
The Gibson Acoustic Collection at Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar
Adjacent to the Martins, the Gibson wall presented another impressive selection of acoustic guitars. This display featured classic Gibson models and vintage instruments, promising a diverse range of tones and playing experiences.
The Unexpected “Blind Taste Test” for Acoustic Guitars
In a way, the lack of labels turned into an advantage. It became a “blind taste test” for guitars. Normally, I might avoid picking up instruments beyond a certain perceived price range. However, without the price tags staring me down, I found myself playing some truly exceptional guitars that I might have otherwise overlooked. It turns out, my ear leans towards the finer things in the guitar world!
My ears were initially drawn upstairs by the rich sound of someone playing a “1976 Martin D-76 Limited Edition Bicentennial.” The star inlays and eagle on the headstock were visually striking, and the sound from downstairs was captivating. When I had my turn, the D-76 lived up to its visual appeal – it felt fantastic, sounded wonderful, and played effortlessly. However, at over $7,000, it was definitely beyond my current budget.
Then came the real revelation: the “1983 Martin Vintage Series D-28V Herringbone Brazilian Rosewood Pre-War-Spec Dreadnought.” Words can hardly do justice to this guitar. It was simply one of the best acoustic guitars I have ever played. Upon checking the price on my phone, I discovered it was nearly double the price of the ’76 Martin! This was my first experience playing a Brazilian rosewood guitar, and I now understand the legendary reputation. It possessed an incredible depth and richness of tone, a truly exceptional instrument.
I also explored a few standard Martin D-28 models, which were excellent in their own right, albeit with a different character compared to the Brazilian rosewood D-28V. A particularly interesting find was a “D-28S 12-fret dread” from the 70s, featuring a slotted headstock and planetary tuners – a unique and wonderful instrument.
Adding to the variety, I picked up a mahogany Martin dreadnought that resonated beautifully. I couldn’t find this particular model listed online at Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar, although they do have a genuine ’37 model listed. I’m quite sure the one I played was simply a more recent addition to their inventory.
Finally, I must mention the Clayton Pledger narrow-body long-scale slope shoulder guitar, which, while not pictured, has always intrigued me at Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar. It’s been there for a while, and I find myself consistently drawn to its unique character.
Concluding Thoughts on Mike and Mike’s Acoustic Guitar Selection
While I can’t take them all home, my visit to Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar provided invaluable context for my ongoing dreadnought search. Even if my guitar hunt is temporarily on hold, the experience of playing such exceptional instruments was truly inspiring. If you’re in Seattle and have a passion for acoustic guitars, especially Martins and Gibsons, I highly recommend venturing upstairs at Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar. You might just discover your dream guitar in this hidden acoustic haven.
