Flossmoor residents and music lovers now have a place to visit and inquire about guitars and related accessories – Hidden Gem Guitars.
Owner Kyle Asche and Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson led a ribbon cutting ceremony at the store, located at 2630 Flossmoor Road, Suite 207, on Friday, March 31, one day before the official grand opening.
Asche and his family have been Flossmoor residents since 2013. He has 22 years of experience in the professional musical field, and he has been teaching music at Loyola University for 13 years.
“I’ve been thinking about this for years, (since) we moved to Flossmoor, keeping tabs and an eye on storefronts,” said Asche. “We love the community so much, and I wanted to bring what I do to this community; it was a matter of finding the right space in downtown Flossmoor.”
Musicians of all skill levels will have opportunities to take lessons. A signup sheet is available at the store.
“I am a one-man shop; eventually, I’d love to teach five days a week and hire more teachers.” Asche said. “I know the demand for new students who may need rentals; we have been getting in touch and forming relationships with school districts.”
“Having my kids involved in all their activities in music and sports and getting to know community members these last 10 years, I feel positive about contributing music, the thing I love, back to the community.” Asche added, “I grew up going to mom-and-pop music stores, trying out guitars, and taking music lessons, and I had some great teachers who have changed my life and set me on the path towards music; I hope to extend the same to community members.”
Locals can stop in the shop to test and try various guitars, including basses, Jazzmaster, Stratocasters, SGs, etc. Customers can also sell their new or used guitars at the store.
“We will be purchasing and also consigning guitars from and for customers, the standard consignment fee across the industry is generally 15%, but that can vary.” Asche added, “We would be somewhere in that ballpark!”
The store offers a comprehensive range of accessories, including guitar strings, pedals, picks, stands and cables. Repairs, setup, cleaning and tuning are among the other services available.
Asche said he welcomes walk-ins. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on setting up a lesson or any other questions, find Hidden Gem Guitars on Instagram @hiddengemguitars, email [email protected] or call 708-323-6965.