Downtown Business in Bluffton Opens for Music
The Wells County Chamber of Commerce staff, Ambassadors and Bluffton NOW! welcomed Brent Garrett, owner, with Old 303 Music store located at 303 Market St in Bluffton with a Ribbon Cutting on November 9, 2018. Olde 303 Music opened their doors this past August.
Garrett, after retiring from the United States Marine Corp, worked as a guitar tech for national recording acts around the country modifying, fixing, and changing guitars for artists. “I enjoy the creativity of building a guitar, bass, amplifier, or effects pedal that sounds like no other,” explained Garrett. “Finding that specific sound in an instrument is fantastic and unique. People should not have to spend thousands of dollars to have an instrument that fits who they are as an artist.”
Garrett refers to Olde 303 Music as a Hot Rod Shop, but with musical instruments. “We want people to hang out here, talk music, have coffee and simply be a destination place in town. Bluffton has always been good to me and the community has always given me opportunities and now I want to give back.”
Olde 303 Music will carry the basics of what musicians need such as strings and supplies. Garrett explained that another unique service they offer is the hand-crafted custom artwork that can be created on guitars, amplifiers, and drum heads. “People can see some of our works of art on our website at olde303music.com,” Garrett said.
“A popular item in the industry are custom effect pedals and we are proud to say that we are the only music store in the United States that carry these,” said Garrett. “The custom effect pedals are made by an artist overseas and I am so grateful that I developed a friendship with him and he will only sell to me.”
Garrett’s vision being in downtown Bluffton is to host events with live music. “We want to have fun events where we can close the street and have vendors selling food, local people playing and listening to music,” Garrett explained. “Local churches, high schools, musicians can gather downtown and play all types of music throughout the summer.”
Garrett concluded saying how much he appreciates Ed Swartz and his tremendous help making the space Olde 303 Music is located. “He has helped give me this tremendous opportunity and making this hobby of mine a business reality.”
Pictured in photo cutting ribbon (left to right):
Jason Pinney, Artist and Manager of Olde 303 Music
Owner of Olde 303 Music, Brent Garrett