General Info

In 1965, the Wineroth brothers, who had been doing live sound production for Jimi Hendrix and others, decided to start a small music store in a house on Bascom Avenue in San Jose. While partner and fledgling publisher Bud Eastman dreamed of bigger things for his nascent Guitar Player magazine, Gary and Barry were selling the guitars displayed in the showcase. And they haven't stopped since. Today's Guitar Showcase is the largest non-franchise music complex in Northern California. The Guitar Showcase facilities are home to the Showcase Swap Shop, the largest musical consignment and rental center in the bay area ; and the Showcase Music Institute, one of the finest instructional programs in the bay area ; as well as the retail branch, the Guitar Showcase Main Showroom, which has expanded to cater to the full range of your musical needs - from electric and acoustic guitars and basses, to instrument amplification and effects, to drums and percussion, to keyboards and professional audio. Also on the premises is the Vintage Vault, one of the world's premiere vintage instrument collections. This rock and roll museum houses examples of rare and unique guitars dating back to the 19th century: pre-war Martins, Les Pauls and Stratocasters from the 50's and 60's, one-off's and custom shop creations, and many of the most desirable makes and models in the guitar universe. So stop by and browse for that new guitar, or check into the Swap Shop for that hard-to-find piece of gear you've been looking for. Set up some lessons with one of our excellent instructors, or make Gary an offer he can't refuse on that '62 Strat in the Vault. Even bring by your broken gear, and we'll arrange repair for you.