Stepping into Replay Guitar Exchange is like entering a haven for musicians. The warm ambiance, created by dimmed lighting, rich walnut floors, and tastefully accented walls, immediately sets a welcoming tone. Your eyes are instantly drawn to the impressive displays of acoustic guitars, each one a unique piece of art showcased against a classic black felt backdrop. The sheer variety in styles is captivating. In the background, the gentle strumming of a potential customer testing out a guitar adds to the store’s vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a collection of ukuleles and banjos catches your eye from across the room, beckoning you closer. Instantly, the virtuoso ukulele playing of Jake Shimabukuro comes to mind, inspiring a sense of awe and perhaps a touch of envy at his incredible fingerwork. This inspiration leads you toward the beautifully arranged ukuleles, and you might just pick one up to try and coax out a sweet melody yourself.
But Replay Guitar Exchange offers much more than just guitars and ukuleles. To the left, you’ll discover a dedicated room filled with a wide array of amplifiers, catering to every guitarist’s tonal needs. Another room is a paradise for bass players, where the deep, resonant sounds of a slap bass line might greet you, showcasing the store’s diverse musical offerings. To the right, the presence of the store’s luthier highlights their commitment to comprehensive service, ready to address any guitar repair needs. Venturing further into Replay Guitar Exchange, you’ll find resources for musical growth. Four practice rooms, equipped with iMacs for modern learning, are available for individual lessons. Students can even take a recording of their session with them on a thumb drive, a fantastic feature for continued learning. For those waiting for lessons or simply wanting to relax, a comfortable lounge provides a cozy space to unwind.
Returning to the front of this exceptional store, it’s worth noting the small stage area. On their grand opening night, Replay Guitar Exchange treated guests to the progressive rock sounds of John Wesley, featuring music from his album “Disconnect”. John Wesley (vocals/guitars), Patrick Bettison (bass guitar), and Mark Prator (drums and percussion) delivered an engaging performance that captivated the large crowd of attendees eager to explore South Tampa’s newest guitar store and experience the talent of John Wesley and his band. Replay Guitar Exchange is clearly more than just a music store; it’s a destination for musicians of all levels.
