Gibson Garage London is the only Gibson guitar shop outside of Nashville, and it opened in 2019. The store is a unique space that is part showroom, part venue, and part gallery, providing visitors with an immersive experience of Gibson’s rich history and legacy.
Since I played my first Gibson visiting the Gibson Garage in London has been on my bucket list and its safe to say I was not disappointed. If your a guitar enthusiast the Gibson Garage in London is for you.
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The store offers a wide range of Gibson guitars, including exclusive models that are only available at the Gibson Garage London. Visitors can also enjoy live music performances at the venue, featuring both established and up-and-coming artists. The space is designed to be part of the London music community, with a live stage and a gallery showcasing rock ‘n’ roll photography.
The Gibson Garage London is also a hub for guitar enthusiasts, offering guitar workshops and masterclasses by Gibson experts. The store’s interior is designed to reflect Gibson’s heritage, with vintage guitars and memorabilia on display alongside modern models.
History of The Gibson Garage London
The store is designed to be the ultimate guitar experience and destination for music lovers across the globe. The store showcases over 300 electric and acoustic guitars from Gibson Custom Shop to Epiphone.
The Gibson Garage London was opened by Gibson Brands Inc. in 2021. The store is the first of its kind in the UK and offers a unique experience for guitar enthusiasts. The store is a dream space where fans can explore Gibson’s rich musical history. The store is located in historic London, just off Oxford Street, and is easily accessible.
The store offers an immersive experience for guitar enthusiasts. The store has a vast collection of guitars, including vintage and rare guitars. The store also offers a range of accessories, including amplifiers, pedals, and strings. The store is staffed by knowledgeable and experienced musicians who are passionate about guitars.
The Gibson Garage London is not just a store; it is also a gallery and venue. The store hosts live music events and exhibitions. The store’s debut exhibition featured the rock ‘n’ roll photography of Gered Mankowitz. The store is also a hangout place and a destination for music lovers. The store’s interior is designed to be fun and classy at the same time, making it an ideal place to hang out with friends.
Location and Accessibility
Address and Directions
The Gibson Garage London is located at 61-62 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8NQ, just a short walk away from Oxford Street. This retail hub offers 4,500 square feet of retail space dedicated to guitar enthusiasts. The store is easily accessible by car, public transport, or on foot.
Visitors can use Google Maps to get directions to the store. Alternatively, they can take the Central or Victoria line to Oxford Circus station and walk for about 5 minutes to reach the store.
Public Transport Options
The Gibson Garage London is conveniently located near Oxford Circus station, which is served by the Central, Bakerloo, and Victoria lines. Visitors can take any of these lines to reach the store. Additionally, the store is within walking distance of several bus stops, including the Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road bus stops.
Parking Facilities
There are several parking facilities near the Gibson Garage London, including the Q-Park Oxford Street and the NCP Car Park London Brewer Street. However, parking in the city can be expensive, so visitors are advised to use public transport or walk if possible.
Exhibits and Collections
Permanent Exhibits
The Gibson Garage London features a variety of permanent exhibits that showcase the rich history of Gibson guitars and the music industry. Visitors can explore the evolution of Gibson guitars, from the earliest models to the latest innovations, and learn about the iconic musicians who have played them.
One of the most popular exhibits is the “Wall of Fame,” which features photographs and memorabilia from some of the most famous guitarists in history. Visitors can see guitars played by legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page, and learn about the stories behind their iconic performances.
Featured Collections
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Gibson Garage London also hosts a rotating series of featured collections, which showcase rare and unique guitars and other musical instruments. These collections are curated by experts in the field and offer visitors a chance to see some of the most sought-after instruments in the world.
Recent featured collections have included a series of guitars played by famous musicians in iconic concerts, as well as a collection of vintage Gibson guitars from the 1950s and 1960s. These collections offer visitors a chance to see instruments that are not typically available for public viewing.
The Gibson Garage London’s Les Paul Room
The Gibson Garage London features a Les Paul Room where enthusiasts can explore a collection of Gibson Les Paul guitars. This dedicated space provides an opportunity for guitar enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the iconic Les Paul models available at the store.
The Gibson Garage London’s SG Room
The Gibson Garage London includes an SG Room, offering a dedicated space for enthusiasts to explore a collection of Gibson SG guitars. This specialized area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the unique features and sound of the SG models available at the store.
Interactive Displays
The Gibson Garage London also features a number of interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the world of music and guitars in a hands-on way. These displays include virtual reality experiences, interactive sound installations, and other multimedia exhibits.
One of the most popular interactive displays is the “Build Your Own Guitar” exhibit, which allows visitors to design and build their own custom guitar using a variety of materials and components. This exhibit is a great way for visitors to learn about the construction and design of guitars and to explore their own creativity and musical interests.
Events and Workshops
Live Music Events
The Gibson Garage London is not just a retail space, but also a hub for live music events. The venue features a stage where icons and emerging artists perform on any given day of the week. The kickoff event on February 22, 2024, featured music icons like James Bay, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page, and Sir Brian May. The venue is designed to be a part of the local music community, and there are plans to host regular events and concerts in the future.
Educational Workshops
In addition to live music events, the Gibson Garage London also hosts educational workshops for guitar enthusiasts of all skill levels. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, including guitar maintenance, repair, and customization. The workshops are led by experienced professionals who share their expertise and knowledge with participants. The workshops are a great opportunity for guitar enthusiasts to learn new skills and techniques and to connect with other guitar enthusiasts.
Special Exhibitions
The Gibson Garage London also features special exhibitions that showcase the history and heritage of the Gibson brand. These exhibitions feature rare and unique guitars, as well as artifacts and memorabilia from the Gibson archives. Visitors can learn about the evolution of the Gibson brand and its impact on the music industry. The exhibitions are a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the guitar and the music it has inspired.
The Kramer Experience
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
The Gibson Garage London is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Sundays, it opens at 12:00 p.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Visitors should note that the store is closed on bank holidays and Christmas Day.
Ticket Prices
Admission to the Gibson Garage London is free of charge. Visitors can browse the store, check out the guitars, and explore the different sections without having to pay an entrance fee.
Group Visits
The Gibson Garage London welcomes group visits, including school trips, music clubs, and other organizations. However, groups of more than 10 people are required to book in advance. To arrange a group visit, visitors can contact the store by phone or email.
The store also offers guided tours for groups, which can be tailored to specific interests and needs. The tours cover the history of Gibson, the different types of guitars and equipment available, and the unique features of the store. Visitors can also request a demo or a lesson on how to play a guitar during their visit.
Overall, the Gibson Garage London offers a unique experience for guitar enthusiasts and music lovers. With its extensive collection of guitars, equipment, and accessories, visitors can find everything they need to pursue their passion. The store’s knowledgeable staff and friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in guitars and music.
Amenities and Services
Shopping Area
The Gibson Garage London is a 4,500 square feet retail space dedicated to guitar enthusiasts. The store offers a vast selection of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, amps, guitar effects pedals, and other accessories. Visitors can browse through the merchandise and try out their favorite instruments before making a purchase. The shopping area is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it a pleasant shopping experience for visitors.
Accessibility Services
The Gibson Garage London is easily accessible for visitors with disabilities. The store is equipped with wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. The staff is trained to provide assistance to visitors with disabilities and is always ready to help. The store also offers sign language interpretation services upon request.
Support and Membership
Membership Benefits
Becoming a member of the Gibson Garage London comes with a variety of benefits. Members enjoy exclusive access to events, workshops, and masterclasses led by industry professionals. Members also receive discounts on merchandise and gear purchases made at the Gibson Garage London store. Additionally, members have the opportunity to participate in member-only events and meet-and-greet sessions with visiting artists.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Gibson Garage London offers volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in gaining experience in the music industry. Volunteers assist with events, workshops, and other activities hosted by the Gibson Garage London. Volunteers also have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and gain valuable experience in event planning and management.
Donations and Sponsorship
The Gibson Garage London welcomes donations and sponsorship from individuals and organizations interested in supporting the music industry. Donations and sponsorship help fund events, workshops, and other activities hosted by the Gibson Garage London. In return, donors and sponsors receive recognition on the Gibson Garage London website and social media channels, as well as exclusive access to events and workshops.
Overall, becoming a member of the Gibson Garage London offers a range of benefits, including exclusive access to events and workshops, discounts on merchandise and gear purchases, and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. Additionally, the Gibson Garage London welcomes donations and sponsorship from individuals and organizations interested in supporting the music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours of The Gibson Garage in London?
The Gibson Garage in London is open from 10am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 12pm to 6pm on Sundays.
How can I get to The Gibson Garage in London by public transportation?
The Gibson Garage in London is conveniently located just a short walk away from Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road stations. Both stations are served by the Central, Bakerloo, and Victoria lines of the London Underground.
What types of guitars are available for purchase at The Gibson Garage in London?
The Gibson Garage in London offers a wide range of guitars, including electric and acoustic guitars, basses, and amps. They also have a selection of guitars from other brands, such as Epiphone and Kramer.
Are there any exclusive or limited edition items at The Gibson Garage in London?
Yes, The Gibson Garage in London does offer some exclusive and limited edition items. These items are often highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What are the price ranges for guitars at The Gibson Garage in London?
The price range for guitars at The Gibson Garage in London varies depending on the brand and model. They have guitars available at various price points to suit different budgets.
Can visitors take a tour of The Gibson Garage in London?
Unfortunately, visitors are not able to take a tour of The Gibson Garage in London. However, they are welcome to explore the store and check out all the guitars and other music gear on offer.
Closing Thoughts
The Gibson Garage London is a must-visit destination for guitar lovers, music fans, and anyone interested in experiencing the history and culture of one of the world’s most iconic guitar brands. The Gibson Garage London is a well-equipped store that offers a comfortable shopping experience for guitar enthusiasts with its spacious shopping area and accessibility services, the store is an excellent destination for music lovers across the globe.
