Updated: Jun 18, 2018
“The Loft” in the upstairs of Lay’s Guitar Shop
Nestled in Kenmore is the well-known Boulevard District staple — Lay’s Guitar Shop. In the beginning of June, Lay’s decided to add something new to their store. Above the regular space where they build and repair guitars, Lay’s has transformed the upstairs area into “The Loft.” This new addition is a showroom boasting Lay’s collection of vintage, customized, and used guitars and selection of amps. In the near future, Lay’s plans to host workshops and seminars on guitar building and upkeep. Guitar lessons will be available in the near future after “The Loft” is expanded.
Since Virgil Lay opened it in 1962, the shop has been repairing, restoring, and customizing guitars for both everyday people and aficionados in Akron, across the United States, and abroad. The shop has an impressive collection of vintage guitars, custom-made acoustic and electric guitars, and used guitars. The shop’s current owner, Dan Shinn, started apprenticing for Lay in 1979 and then bought the store in the late ‘80s. Dan’s brother Joel helps him run the shop by heading the finish and restoration department.
From then until now, Lat’s Guitar shop has worked on instruments for various musical legends, including Jack Bruce, Phil Keaggy, Joe Walsh, Chris Pratt, Joe Bonamassa, and bands such as Bad Company and The Outlaws. In addition, Jimmy Page’s Les Paul #1, which originally belonged to Joe Walsh, had its neck shaved at Lay’s shop. The phrase,”Finished by Lay’s Guitar Shop” is used as a selling point in international magazines like Vintage Guitar and 20th Century Guitar.
The Loft at Lay’s Guitar Shop
974 Kenmore Blvd.
Akron, OH 44314
330-848-1392
Hours:
Monday 11 a.m – 7 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.