Chandler Guitars, one of Britain’s most iconic guitar shops, is set to close its doors on 31st October after 37 years supplying some of the most significant guitarists of recent decades. The closure comes about due the decision of the shop’s owner, Paula Chandler, to retire.
Started in 1979 by Paula and her then husband, Doug, the pair went on to build the “go-to” venue for professional and keen amateur guitarists from all over London, a reputation that survives to this day. The store is still a hub for professional guitarists and their technicians and in recent weeks has been selling the entire John Renbourn collection of guitars on behalf of the late guitarist’s family.
News of the store’s great customer service and highly competent repair shop spread across the country and overseas, and the West London location became a regular stopping off point for top UK and US acts and their road crews at the start of UK tours. Regular customers got used to seeing stars as diverse as Pete Townshend, Colin Firth and Mick Jagger dropping in, confident in the discreet professionalism and unbeatable product knowledge of Paula and her staff.
Chandlers have pioneered countless brands over the years which were unknown at the time, but which have gone on to become household names in our industry. PRS, Schecter, ESP, and Tom Anderson Guitars all appeared for the first time in the UK in the window of Chandler Guitar, as did Rivera and Soldano Amps, Seymour Duncan and EMG pickups, and countless other cool products.
Commenting on the success of Chandler Guitars Paula Chandler says, ‘Customers, whether they are a number one selling Artist or someone just picking up the guitar for the first time, come to us to share knowledge, music, coffee and a love and passion for guitars. Products come and go but it’s fantastic customers coming in the door that have given me the greatest pleasure over the years’.
Paula added that she and the team, Neil, Andrew, Andy and Brinsley, wish to thank everyone for all their friendship and custom.