A man is on a mission to save guitar shops after he was left dismayed by the closure of the city’s premier music shop.
Drew Haselhurst from Brighton plays the guitar in his spare time and “always used and loved” Gak, the North Laine shop which closed in North Road in March before going into administration.
“It’s rare to have a shop that big, with that much choice – it was an Aladdin’s cave. If I was ever in town, I would always find time to pop in.
“When it went under it was a bit of a shock. I was genuinely gutted. Gak and Resident are the places which retain a bit of Brighton culture – there are so many chain shops now.”
Read more: Former Gak Emporium store in Brighton is under offer
Now the 45-year-old has launched a campaign, Save Our Guitar Shops, which is asking guitarists to take a pledge to support independent shops wherever possible and think twice before clicking “add to cart”.
The Save Our Guitar Shops campaign features shop profiles, a wall of public pledges from players around the world and a nomination form to include other independent stores.
So far, the campaign is supported by four Sussex shops: Mudpie Music, North Laine Music and Badlands Guitars in Brighton as well as Bonners Music in Eastbourne.
“Online shopping is convenient, but I want to make sure people don’t sleepwalk into guitar shops going”, Drew said.
“As a guitarist, if you’re going to buy one that really fits you, then you need to hold it and see it. I have one I bought online which I don’t use that much because it just doesn’t fit me as well.
“It’s also about getting advice and trusting someone you build a relationship with.
“Think of all the amazing bands we have produced in this country – as a little island we’ve punched well above our weight in terms of music – and part of why is because we have all these little guitar shops dotted around the country.
"Our music industry would suffer without them.”
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