For any musician, the memory of their first music store visit is etched forever. Perhaps it was a big chain like Guitar Center, or maybe, just maybe, it was a local gem that prioritized passion and customer connection over sales quotas. If that resonates, then you might be thinking of Motor City Guitar Michigan, nestled inconspicuously in Waterford. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you, save for the two towering 30-foot Les Paul replicas that act as sentinels at the entrance. Inside, you’ll discover one of the most impressive collections of guitars and effects pedals in the entire Midwest.
Motor City Guitar’s enduring success story is built upon unwavering dedication. In an era where the music industry faces headwinds and many stores are closing their doors, Motor City Guitar thrives, fueled by loyal customers who appreciate the vision of owners Marty and Melissa Minuis. “Motor City Guitar is an anomaly because it’s weathered every musical wave,” explains Sean Lynch, guitarist for the dream-pop band 800beloved and a knowledgeable presence behind the effects pedal counter at the store. “From the hair metal of the late ’80s to the grunge and alternative explosion of the ’90s, and all the genre shifts of the early 2000s, they’ve never pigeonholed themselves. They cater to every kind of musician.”
This broad appeal is deeply rooted in the Minuis’ genuine understanding of what musicians truly need. “I’ve been playing guitar since I was ten, and Melissa was immersed in piano and clarinet from childhood, picking up guitar after we met in high school,” Marty Minui shares. “Guitar wasn’t just a hobby for me; it was life. I’d spend ten hours a day deciphering Jimmy Page and Randy Rhoads riffs, the old-school way, with a record player.”
Marty and Melissa transformed their passion into reality in 1988, the year they married, by opening Motor City Guitar. At the time, juggling college with multiple part-time jobs, they sought stability and embarked on entrepreneurship, launching their modest store in a strip mall near Waterford Mott High School. Remarkably, half of their initial inventory came from Marty’s personal collection. “The landscape for small businesses has drastically changed since the ’80s,” Minui reflects. “Back then, we launched Motor City Guitar with a mere $700 investment, alongside relentless hard work and countless hours. Midnight dinners and 4 AM bedtimes are common, but when you’re driven by passion, the grind feels less like work.”
That passion is the bedrock of Motor City Guitar. Marty’s enthusiasm for guitars is infectious. “Like many guitarists, I vividly remember the sheer thrill of nailing ‘Smoke on the Water’ during my first lesson – it was an unparalleled feeling.” It’s this joy, the spark of musical discovery, that Marty and Melissa are dedicated to fostering in every new generation of players. Sean Lynch emphasizes the Minuis’ commitment to customer satisfaction. “I have the autonomy to help young musicians get their hands on an instrument, even bending on price or payments when needed. That’s the heart of the Motor City Guitar experience – seeing a kid’s face light up when they realize they can actually afford their dream guitar. That’s the reward that keeps Marty and Melissa going strong all these years.”
Lynch adds, “This is a genuinely honest place where you can find quality gear without the pressure of commissioned salespeople pushing quotas.”
Motor City Guitar boasts an astounding inventory, tens of thousands of items deep, encompassing everything from industry giants like Fender and Gibson with their extensive catalogs to niche, independent manufacturers crafting unique guitar picks. They also proudly stock brands with limited US distribution, sourcing both innovative American builders and hard-to-find imports. Inside the store, you’ll find a comprehensive selection: guitars, basses, drums, PA systems, recording equipment, and specialized instruments like ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, and resonators. Venturing into new sonic territories, they’ve recently expanded into synthesizers and sound modules, with plans to unveil a vintage guitar department soon.
However, for a truly mind-blowing experience, prepare to be amazed by their guitar and effects pedal collections. Motor City Guitar stocks hundreds of guitar models, and effects pedals are a true specialty. They offer at least 1,400 different pedal models from over 100 manufacturers. Crucially, you can test drive these pedals, meticulously sculpting your desired sound. “People are floored by the sheer volume of gear when they walk in,” Lynch notes, particularly about his domain, the effects pedal section. “The pedal counter is a spectacle for first-timers; it’s like a candy store for musicians, an endless sea of effects.”
“Our philosophy is to offer an extensive range in every category,” Minui explains. “We’ve always aimed to curate a diverse product selection to cater to the individual tastes of all musicians, because music is deeply personal. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all world.” Beyond selection, they are fiercely competitive and prioritize customer care. They consistently beat online and competitor pricing, welcome trade-ins, and offer layaway options. “We are committed to working with our customers however we can, striving to exceed their expectations every time they visit Motor City Guitar,” Minui emphasizes.
Motor City Guitar transcends the typical music store; it’s a community hub for the Minuis and their devoted clientele. They treat every customer like family, because, in essence, they consider them part of the Motor City Guitar family. “The majority of our customers are just like us – everyday people,” Minui says. “We share a love for listening to, playing, and dreaming about the gear that fuels our music. It’s a deeply personal connection, and the music business, at its heart, is personal too. Helping people express themselves through music is incredibly rewarding.”
Beyond retail, Motor City Guitar provides repair services and music lessons for all skill levels. They’ve also launched an online store, offering a glimpse into their vast inventory (though it’s still growing), encouraging customers to explore online and then experience the gear firsthand in the store.
Online shopping has its place, but it misses the magic. As Minui aptly puts it, “Where’s the fun in that?”
When asked about his and Melissa’s proudest achievement with Motor City Guitar, Minui concludes, “It’s seeing a customer leave with a huge smile. Or when they tell us that someone at our store helped them find exactly what they were searching for – that’s incredibly fulfilling. Or when a musician shares their song, a recording, and credits us with helping them along their musical journey. That feeling is truly unmatched.”
All photos by Doug Coombe.
