By Brian Bloom
Regional Manager
For 20 years Geoff Albert was on the other side of the music industry. A 1990s University of Memphis graduate with a degree in music theory and grad work in music history and musicology, Albert spent 20 years in the music CD retail business. With internet downloads becoming more and more of an alternative to over-the-counter sales, Albert looked for a change.
“I’ve always been kind of a guitar nut,” Albert said pointing to his classical guitar training. “I’ve always been into the gear. For years I was on the finished side of the music. I wanted to go back to where music was made,” he said in explaining the opening of Bartlett’s Revolve Guitar and Music Shop.
Located in Bartlett’s historic downtown district, guitars and accessories fill the former railroad depot at the corner of Sycamore View and Stage Roads.
“I’ve wanted to own my own store for a long time, and I wanted to be in the older area of Bartlett,” explaining his locale.
Offering a selection of new and used guitars and equipment, Albert said he wants his store to portray a family atmosphere that’s welcoming to professionals and novices alike.
“Let’s face it,” Albert said. “This kind of business can be intimidating to those just starting out. There are so many guitars, so many choices. We want to be unintimidating when it comes to customer service. We want people to know that anybody can learn to play and we want them to know that we will be competitive with everybody – retail and online- when it comes to prices.”
Guitars line the store’s walls, like sentries over the inventory that fills every available foot.
Revolve Guitar and Music Shop features quality pre-owned as well as being a dealer for ESP, Takamine, Tanglewood, Prestige, Orange amps, Ampeg amps and others. The store also has a large selection of accessories from apparel to pedals and provides complete guitar and amplifier repair.
Instruction is another major element of the retail business from beginner to advanced six days a week on guitar, base and other fretted instruments.
Revolve Guitar and Music Shop also rents band equipment, partnering with Lane Music in Germantown and the Bartlett business supports the rentals with a large selection of band supplies, song books and learning materials.
Taking the mystique out of music in a family-friendly environment, Revolve Guitar and Music Shop is located at 5832 Stage Road in Historic Bartlett Station.
