Acoustic Outfitters Music Shop
Acoustic Outfitters Music Shop was founded as a sole proprietorship in 1996 by Gary Filgate. Gary, a life long musician and accomplished banjo player, started the business out of his home, selling musical accessories and instruments at Blugrass festivals throughout New England. At the end of the 1996 summer festival season, he and his now wife Alison Magill, found their basement full of merchandise needing a home. Together with their friend Brian Ashford, the trio decided to open a retail music store in Stratham. Gary had nearly a decade experience at other music stores, including a stint with Liberty Banjo in CT, where he learned to make and repair banjos.
Over the years, he developed strong relationships with musical instrument vendors and the knowledge needed to operate a musical instrument shop. Using his relationships and his experiences, Gary started his business, opening the day after Thanksgiving in 1996. They literally painted the wall that morning at 8am then opened the doors at 10, Gary recalls. The shop started with a few used instruments, some Kentucky Mandolins and a Santa Cruz Tony Rice model in stock. They quickly secured the dealerships from Martin and Taylor guitars and were on their way. Repairs are done in-house or by independent dealer certified repair technicians and they also offer lessons, rentals, workshops and other services.
For more information, please visit http://www.aomusicshop.com