Hey everybody,

Sorry it's been a little while since we've checked in with one of these blogs. Things have been absolutely flying around the shop lately. Normally summer brings a bit of a slowdown, but that definitely hasn't happened this year. Between the rush after Memorial Day, a steady stream of online orders, new inventory arriving every day, repairs piling into the service department, and customers coming through the doors, it's been one of those stretches where you look up and realize the week disappeared before you had a chance to catch your breath.

It's been a good kind of busy though. Inventory has been moving, new gear has been arriving nonstop, and we've had a lot of cool things happening throughout the store. So I figured it was time to sit down for a few minutes and catch everybody up on what's been going on around Sims.

Over in the acoustic room, we recently got in a beautiful Martin 00-18 that we featured on Instagram. Every time I walk through that room I'm reminded how far the acoustic department has come over the last year. We're working really hard to keep a complete Martin selection available, especially the standard models people ask for most often. One thing we've learned is that Martin players can be very particular about electronics. Some customers want absolutely nothing installed in their guitar, while others are gigging every weekend and want the convenience of factory electronics. Because of that, we're trying to keep both versions available whenever possible. And if the guitar you fall in love with doesn't have electronics, don't forget that Jon installs LR Baggs, Fishman, and other pickup systems every single week. If you're trying to figure out the best solution for your acoustic setup, we're always happy to help.

Over in drumland, Gage finally received his Slingerland Radio King kit! He special ordered himself a three-piece kit with a 20" kick drum in Black Diamond Pearl, and it is absolutely stunning. If you haven't seen the unboxing video he and Will put together, definitely go check it out on our Instagram. The kit looks incredible, but more importantly, Gage got to play it on a theater gig recently and said it sounded every bit as good as he hoped. It's always fun when one of the staff finally gets their dream gear after months of waiting, and this one was definitely worth it.

Another long-awaited arrival finally showed up after about nine months. We received two hammered Ludwig Black Beauties, both 6.5x14 models. One has Imperial lugs and the other has tube lugs, which immediately turned into a debate in the drum department. Gage insists a Black Beauty should only have Imperial lugs, and honestly he's probably right if you're buying one drum to keep for the rest of your life. But I have to admit, that tube lug version looks pretty incredible. Either way, both drums sound fantastic, and after waiting that long it's nice to finally have them sitting in the shop for people to compare side by side.

Another drum that completely caught me off guard arrived recently. A while back when I was visiting DW's factory, I saw an entire kit wrapped in African Chen Chen veneer getting ready to leave the building. It was one of those moments where I immediately made a mental note that we needed something built with that finish. Fast forward several months and a DW Collector's Series SonicPly snare drum showed up that I had honestly almost forgotten I ordered. This thing is ridiculous. It's a 14x6.5 with an aluminum ply built into the shell, finished in a Natural to Burnt Toast Fade over African Chen Chen veneer. Gage was tuning it up the other day and the sound is every bit as impressive as the appearance. Between the finish, shell construction, and overall craftsmanship, it might be the coolest snare drum currently sitting in the store.

The drum consignment program continues to grow as well, and it's been really cool seeing drummers start to take advantage of it. We've had snare drums, cymbals, and even our first full consignment drum set sale recently. A beautiful Ludwig Classic Oak kit in Blue Sparkle that belonged to our friend Brett found a new home with a customer up north. Before it ships out, I'm actually going to be installing a tom mount on the kick drum. Drilling into a Ludwig shell always makes you take a deep breath before pulling the trigger, but we've done enough of this over the years that it'll turn out just fine. It also serves as a good reminder that if you need drum modifications, repairs, or upgrades, don't hesitate to ask. We're doing that kind of work all the time. The used drum inventory has become surprisingly impressive. I recently asked Gage to show me his three favorite used items currently in the department, and his choices were a Noble & Cooley 14x7 Tulip snare, a Ludwig Supraphonic 14x5, and a mint-condition pair of Zildjian K Special Dry hi-hats. Every week it seems like something interesting is coming through the door. At this rate we may genuinely have to expand the drum department again, which is a problem I'm perfectly happy to have.

Over in the bass department, we currently have more Rickenbackers in stock than I can ever remember having at one time. We've got Jetglo, Mapleglo, and Walnut finishes hanging on the wall in both 4003 and 4003S models. If you've ever tried to buy a Rickenbacker, you know that's pretty unusual. Their production schedule works in waves, so you'll go months without seeing one and then suddenly several arrive at once. Right now we're in one of those waves. The bass wall looks fantastic, and we've had some great Rickenbacker guitars come through as well. The 620 we recently received didn't last long, but we've still got a wall full of Rics in the Select Room. If you've been thinking about a Ric, now is definitely the time.

The pedal department has been getting a lot of attention lately too. Somehow, despite being a drummer, I've ended up helping Robbie handle most of the pedal buying, and we've been working hard to bring in some really cool boutique brands. We recently got a fresh shipment from Electronic Audio Experiments, more pedals from our friends at Caroline Guitar Company, and a large restock from Benson. The pedal wall is looking really strong right now, and it's been fun watching customers discover some of these smaller builders. The one thing we still can't seem to keep in stock is the Greer Lightspeed. We continue to get calls almost daily asking about them, and every time we get a shipment they're gone before we know it. We've got around forty of them on order, so hopefully we'll see a fresh batch arrive soon. When they do, don't wait too long.

In the repair shop, Jon is officially back from vacation, and judging by the repair department, people were waiting for him. The repair queue filled up quickly while he was gone, and he's been buried ever since he got back. Between setups, fretwork, electronics repairs, pickup installs, and general maintenance, he's been nonstop. So if you've got something that needs attention, bring it by. We'll get you taken care of.

One thing I wanted to make sure everyone knows about is a pilot program we're doing with Reverb. Most people know that we primarily handle used gear through consignment, but now when certain items are listed on Reverb, you'll occasionally see an option to "Sell In Store." If that option appears, you can bring the item directly to us. We'll verify the condition, confirm everything matches, and if everything checks out, Reverb pays you directly while the item stays here for us to sell in-store and online. We've already had some really cool pieces come through because of it, including a Strandberg and a Polar Ice Silver Sky that lasted about three days before finding a new owner. So if you've got gear you're thinking about moving, it's definitely worth looking into.

Outside of the retail side of things, I wanted to give a quick shoutout to some of our staff and friends. Sway and Jon recently spent some time recording at Archer Avenue Studio with our buddy Kenny McWilliams. If you haven't seen Archer Avenue's new facility yet, it is absolutely incredible. Jon's band Mids has been recording there, and Sway has been working on some original music as well. Both projects sound fantastic and I can't wait for everybody to hear what they've been working on. Even my dad, Jerry, booked some time at Archer recently to record some 7 String Jazz tracks. If anyone out there is needing some studio time, you've got to try and get on Kenny's schedule. His new facility is world class and his mixes are incredible. Once all the staff gets their new music released, we will be sure to let everyone know!

I also wanted to mention that Sims Music was nominated again in Free Times Best of Columbia for Best Music Store. We'd certainly appreciate your vote if you're willing to throw one our way. While I'm shamelessly asking, my band Flat Out Strangers was nominated for Best Jazz Band, and my wife's band Prettier Than Matt was nominated for Best Band. I'm admittedly a little biased when it comes to those categories, but it's really cool seeing so many talented local musicians and bands getting recognized. We are honored to be alongside so many great shops and musicians in these categories. 

Before I wrap up, don't forget that our next Uke Jam is coming up on June 29th at 6:45 PM. Jessica will be leading it as always. Bring a friend, borrow one of our ukuleles if you need to, and come hang out with us for the evening. Those jams continue to be one of my favorite things we do around here.

As always, thank you all for the support. Things have been hectic lately, but we're grateful for every bit of it. Come by, hang out, play some guitars, hit some snare drums, try some pedals, and spend a little time with us. We're here if you need anything.

We'll see you soon!

Justin Sims