For some it’s therapeutic, the feeling of the cold strings passing under one’s fingers like a steel massage, creating an equally calming sound. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic, guitar sales were at a surprising all time high.
According to a CNBC article, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation was expected to top $700 million at the height of the pandemic. FMIC’s CEO Andy Mooney told the New York Times that sales had reached an unprecedented record.
“It will be the biggest year of sales volume in Fender history, record days of double-digit growth, e-commerce sales and beginner gear sales. I never would have thought we would be where we are today if you asked me back in March,” Mooney said.
Fenders are among the many brands in Eckroth Music’s inventory for those wanting to live out their dreams.
Store Manager Matt Anderson said he and the staff at Eckroth Music Store, located at 1067 3rd Ave W., in Dickinson will do their absolute best to partner aspiring guitarists with the perfect guitar for their style of music and personality.
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“We have different guitars for different styles, just depending on what the player would need,” Anderson said.
For those wanting to live out their rock and blues fantasies in a way that allows for playing a range of styles, Anderson said he would recommend Fender’s Stratocaster and Telecaster which he referred to as ‘versatile’.
“The ‘Strat’ is a super versatile guitar...if they’re wanting to get blues or even more country, the strat is a great guitar or even a telecaster, something like that,” Anderson said.
According to an article from Fender, Stratocasters have been popularized by the likes of Rock and Roll Legend Eric Clapton, Former Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour, as well as Jimi Hendrix, have helped keep the nearly 70 year old guitar alive.
Those focusing on a heavier sound, Anderson said, would be served best by an Epiphone Les Paul. Anderson said he has been using a Les Paul for 16 years.
Epiphone guitars have been a longtime staple in rock and roll guitar playing. According to the Reidys Home of Music website , John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison of The Beatles each bought Epiphone Casinos.
Anderson said those who prefer a style of music in which they can shred, he recommended the Ibanez RG’s the store has in its inventory.
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