Detroit Guitar Ready to Rock at New Birmingham Store

Music lovers and guitar aficionados alike may soon find themselves making their way to downtown Birmingham because Detroit Guitar has just made its home at 243 W. Maple Rd., opening its doors to the public Friday.

The shop features a broad range of individually selected brand-name electric and acoustic guitars, including Fender, Taylor and Gretsch brands, as well as a variety of amps, such as Orange and Carr, and related accessories. Private and group guitar lessons are also being taught on site by local instructors.

Detroit Guitar is managed and operated by Metro Detroit music enthusiasts and Birmingham residents Eric and Tracey Wolfe, as well as another husband-wife duo, Charlie Lorenzi and Claudia Leo, owners of Ann Arbor-based record label No Fun Records.

For the foursome, who have been friends since they met five years ago at a guitar store in Ann Arbor, opening Detroit Guitar together means one thing: sharing their wealth of experience and love of music with others.

"All of us are passionate about guitars and felt that we could translate our passion into a successful business," said Eric Wolfe.

With customers being Detroit Guitar's sole focus, the store's theme, "Rock Royalty," will make all who walk through the door feel right at home.

“Specialized lighting and seating will make them feel welcome — not just to buy but to hang around and be encouraged to play the guitar," said Wolfe.

Adding to the community vibe, Detroit Guitar also plans to host live performances and other special events in the coming months.

The owners couldn’t be happier to call Birmingham their new home, they said. With an educated workforce, desire to keep music alive in schools and a central location, Wolfe said Birmingham is the perfect place to do business.

“We are very pleased to have a store like this, which is unique to Birmingham, plus, we understand that it is owned by a Birmingham resident, which is great,” said John Heiney, executive director of the .

No music snobs here. Wolfe said Detroit Guitar will operate with an open-door policy, with music lovers and musicians of all experience levels welcome to walk in and pick up an instrument.

"We encourage everyone to stop by and let the guitar experience add quality to their lives,” he said. “We are thrilled to be here and warmly welcome everyone to our new venture.”

Detroit Guitar is located at 243 W. Maple and is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit its website or call 248-540-9900.