About Us

 

Guitars4You is owned lock stock and barrel by Mark Hopkin – I have a lifetime’s experience in the retail guitar business, going back to 1978, when I joined the family business, Wisher (Derby) Ltd, straight from school – Prior to that, I spent 4 years working every Saturday and school holiday, even skiving many days from school, in order to work in the shop – My grandfather and father both spent a lifetime in the music business – My father was practically born in the music shop, managed by my grandfather, back in the 1930’s – Over the years, three generations helped to establish Wisher’s as a successful, popular and knowledgeable music shop within the Midlands – Following the sale of Wisher’s to Carlsbro Retail in 1987, I spent a number of years working at Play It Again Sam, Academy of Sound and Mark Hopkin Guitar Gallery, all within the midlands area. In the summer of 2004, 2 years after the birth of my daughter, Guitars4You was born – Moving on to today and sadly a form of semi-retirement is now with me – I can hardly say the last 45 years has been hard work, so now I view Guitars4You as an extension of a hobby – It allows me to take my time evaluating each and every guitar, in order to create the detailed info + reports + pics for my web site listings – I have a simple believe that the guitar is the salesman and not me – If it feels and plays right, then you may well be interested in buying it and hopefully keeping it – All guitars are not equal, with regards to feel, tonal character and playability – Therefore my job is to play, check and set-up every single guitar, in order to maximise its potential regarding the playing performance

Whilst I’m still here, the level of commitment that is required to run a full time business, that included a vast selection of new PRS and Fender Custom Shop Guitars, has now been and gone – Yet I have been surrounded by exceptionally fine guitars for well over 45 years, so I can’t just walk away from them – Hence ‘The Private Collection’ with an emphasis on quality not quantity – The Private Collection features used guitars that I have personally owned, or indeed the type of guitar that I would like to own and play on a regular basis – As such they reflect me, my knowledge and passion for cool, classic , used. and affordable vintage guitars

I still maintain a small showroom in the market town of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, but all visits are now via a prior appointment only – So please contact me to discuss further – An express mail order service  is still available as required

Sales + Enquiries – Please call 01335-345777 – 9am to 7pm – Monday to Saturday

E-mail :- mark@guitars4you.co.uk

Showroom visits – By a prior appointment only