‘We’re ecstatic’: Thunder Road Guitars’ first day in big new Junction home

(1st four photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
It’s opening day for the newest shop in The Junction, Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) at 4736 California SW. And proprietor Frank Gross tells us he’s “ecstatic.”

As first reported here in May, Thunder Road is making the move from a storefront about a mile north, where it was “busting at the seams” after two and a half successful years – the business started online in 2011. Biggest thing about the new shop is, in fact, its bigness – tripling the square footage, 2,500 feet now, up from 800 sf before. That means more instruments – about 200 on hand at any time – but also more services and partnerships. Another West Seattleite, Chad Beeler of The Bass Shop and Bass EFX, is now partnering with Thunder Road:

Also new: TRG will be offering lessons starting next month (there’s studio space in the back) – watch for more on that soon. In the meantime, even if you’re not a musician, it’s fun to browse the selection of fine vintage and used guitars – acoustic as well as electric – and other instruments and equipment, including amps.

Thunder Road has new hours as it launches the new storefront – there today 10-6, which is the Tuesday-Saturday schedule; on Sundays, when you might want to stop in as a side trip while at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market in the next block to the north, they’re open 11 am-4 pm. And you can’t miss the sign:

(Thanks to Michael for this photo!)
Besides visiting in person, check in online – on the Web. TRG is also fun to follow on Instagram, for the regular “Today’s Catch” feature.

Jeff Gilbert June 27, 2015 (12:53 pm)

Another jewel in the crown of the awesome West Seattle business community. Great work, Frank!

Jim P. June 27, 2015 (2:26 pm)

Always nice to be able to buy locally and know it really *is* local and not just some minor branch of Megacorp Inc.

Haven’t touched drums in more than forty years but gods seeing that kit makes me miss it. :0

WS4life June 27, 2015 (3:55 pm)

Awesome hand painted Sign/Logo! Love it! Wish more businesses would go this route. It just adds so much character to the junction.

me June 27, 2015 (9:18 pm)

Cool!

Petertut June 27, 2015 (11:04 pm)

It’s a great location loaded with great instruments, managed by a knowledgeable team. A great addition to the Junction, and a great accompaniment to the other music-related business on the corner, Easy Street. Add in Husky Deli, Mashiko, Beer Junction, Bakery Noveau, and the Junction is truly becoming a “destination “….