Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2016

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It’s Only Rock and Roll,
ButThey Love It
Shem Creek Music Center
140
Ask the Experts
Whether you’re
buying your first guitar
or simply adding to your
collection, the friendly
and knowledgeable staff
at Shem Creek Music
Center can help you find
the perfect fit.
Shem Creek Music has been a hot spot on the local
music scene since 2004. Family-
owned and managed by owner Phil
Thomas, the staff of trained musicians provides a safe and
fun environment for all ages and ability levels.
The store has a vast assortment of new
and used acoustic, bass and electric guitars,
strings and accessories. Check out the huge
selection of Reverend, Martin, Breedlove,
Blueridge and Ibanez guitars, and you’ll
also find Marshall and Eden amplifiers,
other high-end brands and vintage. They
also offer budget-friendly guitars.
The Shem Creek Music experience
reaches far beyond retail. Unlike in a
big-box store, the staff wants you to learn,
laugh and stay awhile. Browse the endless rows of vinyl
records and vintage rock and roll T-shirts, or swoon at the
gorgeous guitars lining the walls.
The shop offers private guitar lessons for kids and adults
and is open to the public seven days a week, all year long.
“It’s really cool and special to us when we see a kid
succeed. Our substantial lesson department, headed up
by nationally known guitarist and songwriter Eddie Bush,
shepherds the students to a higher level than anyone else
in the state,” said Scottie Frier, guitar sales manager and
guitarist for popular local band, the Travelin’ Kine.
In the back of the store, you’ll find a sound-controlled
acoustic listening room where patrons can try out several
fine acoustic guitars and discern the subtle differences in
the voices of the fine woods used in their construction.
By Charlize Burns
| |
Under the watchful eye of shop manager and master
guitar technician “Dano” D’Amelio, Shem Creek Music
repairs all guitars.
“We can take an old guitar or drum kit and give it life
again,” said Patrick Drohan, who oversees the Percussion
Department and is also the drummer of the Atlas Road
Crew, currently on tour in the United States and Europe.
“People count on us,” said Donnie Polk, sales associate,
tech assistant and local pro player. “Phil gives out his cell
phone number to every customer. If you need your strings
changed out before a show the next day, he’ll meet you
anytime, anywhere to help.”
Thomas and his staff enjoy cultivating the next
generation of musicians. Their goal is to
help Charlestonians find a new passion or
start fun family traditions through music.
For instance, Bruce Berg has opened
a record department with an unmatched
collection of LPs for sale – the latest
vinyl releases, rare collector albums and
thousands of new and used records.
His 40-year tenure in the retail and
wholesale record business in the Long
Island, New York, area has given him
unparalleled knowledge of the industry.
Shem Creek Music has a vibrant event schedule, with
record release parties, in-store performances and more. A
popular event is the Sunday afternoon Shem Creek Sessions,
which often feature Eddie Bush and the Mayhem and on-
stage demonstrations of the latest cutting-edge gear.
“This has become one of the bigger local music hangouts,”
said Frier. “You never know who’s going to be here.”
Shem Creek Music is home to many big names, such as
Hootie and the Blowfish’s Mark Bryan, Eddie Bush, The
Stop Light Observations and up-and-coming bands such
as Jump Castle Riot.
To learn more, visit or call
843-884-1346.
Photo courtesy of Shem Creek Music.