Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Guitar Shop in Oxford
Established in 2000, Oxford Guitar Gallery became a cornerstone of Oxford's music community through its dedication to quality instruments and customer service. Our team, led by industry veteran Dave Smart, provided expert advice and curated a selection of guitars, amplifiers, and accessories for musicians at all levels. The shop's custom guitar building service and dedicated repair workshop demonstrated our commitment to craftsmanship and technical excellence.We actively supported local musicians through events and clinics, fostering a vibrant community hub. Despite financial challenges leading to our closure in 2011, our legacy continues through Smart Guitars, maintaining the same standards of quality and customer care that defined our 11-year history.
Services
Electric Guitars
Custom Shop
Vintage Sourcing
Guitar Repairs
Amplifiers
Workshop Services
Pedal Sales
Bass Guitars
Acoustic Guitars
Guitar Accessories
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer over a decade of expertise in guitar sales and repairs
- Our custom guitar building service caters to individual musician needs
- Dedicated to supporting the local Oxford music community
- Comprehensive repair services by experienced craftsmen
- Extensive selection of quality guitars and accessories
What people say
Friendly staff
Excellent repairs
Unique custom service
Supportive of local music
Wide selection
Services
Custom Shop
Our Custom Shop created personalized instruments tailored to exact specifications. Musicians collaborated directly with craftsmen to design unique guitars featuring custom body shapes, neck profiles, and electronics. This service catered to players seeking instruments that matched their individual style and technical requirements, producing instruments renowned for superior playability and tonal quality.
Guitar Repairs
The dedicated repair workshop handled all maintenance needs from basic setups to complex restorations. Experienced technicians performed fretwork, electronics installation, and structural repairs using premium components. All work came with a full guarantee, ensuring instruments maintained optimal performance and longevity through expert care.
Vintage Sourcing
This specialist service located hard-to-find vintage guitars, amplifiers, and effects. With established connections across Europe and the USA, we sourced iconic models like '58 Les Pauls and rare boutique gear. The service helped collectors and working musicians acquire historically significant instruments and replacement parts for vintage restoration projects.
Electric Guitars
We offered a comprehensive selection of electric guitars spanning entry-level to professional models. Brands included PRS, Dean, and custom builders, with instruments chosen for tonal quality and playability. The inventory featured both off-the-shelf models and exclusive limited editions, catering to diverse musical styles and player requirements.
Amplifier Sales
The amplifier range covered handwired valve models to modern digital amps, including brands like Cornell and ZT. Special promotions featured exclusive deals on Cornford and Enfield models. The selection focused on tonal versatility and build quality, serving guitarists seeking specific sound characteristics for studio or live performance.
People
Dave Smart
Founder
With over 30 years in the music industry, Dave Smart established Oxford Guitar Gallery in 2000. A musician himself, he created a shop combining retail expertise with community support. He later founded Smart Guitars, continuing his commitment to quality instrument provision and customer service.
Questions
What services did Oxford Guitar Gallery offer?
We provided guitar sales, custom builds, repairs, vintage instrument sourcing, and amplifier sales with expert technical support.
Why did the shop close?
Financial difficulties and declining sales led to closure in 2011 after 11 years of operation.
Did you offer international shipping?
Yes, we shipped worldwide with orders placed before 14:00 dispatched same day via courier.
Was credit available for purchases?
Interest-bearing and interest-free credit options were available for customers.
Who was the founder?
Dave Smart, a music industry veteran with 30+ years' experience, founded the gallery in 2000.
What made the shop unique?
Our combination of custom guitar building, repair expertise, and community engagement set us apart.
