How Player's Gear began

Music shops have always been more than just retail spaces. At their best, they’re gathering spots where musicians of all levels can connect, swap stories, and share the joy of making music. Places like Studio B in Marion, Indiana once offered exactly that—a place where friendships grew right alongside guitar skills. On any given day, you might find yourself hanging out with characters like “Freak,” “Screechman,” or “the custodian” (so named because he was always sweep picking). You could learn from players like John Logan, who kept the day-to-day running, or Doug Weaver, the owner who gave the place its heartbeat.

What made it special wasn’t just the gear—it was the constant flow of conversation. Sometimes the topic was guitar tone, other times it was as silly as which brand of toilet paper was best. What mattered most was being surrounded by people who were on the same wavelength: musicians with strong opinions, big laughs, and an even bigger love for music. Everyone there understood the magic of “it”—that unexplainable quality that makes a performance feel alive. More often than not, “it” came from the simple joy of playing with others.

When the big box stores arrived, Studio B eventually had to close its doors, and with it went that easy place to gather. That loss highlighted just how important it is for musicians to have a home base: somewhere to sit down, plug in, and feel part of something bigger.

That’s the spirit behind Player’s Gear, which opened in 2019. From the beginning, the goal has never been just to sell instruments, but to recreate that same sense of community. Over time, the shop has grown—starting in downtown Marion and now thriving in Gas City—but the focus has stayed the same: providing unique gear for unique players, a welcoming seat to take a load off, and a space where friendships and music can take root.

Just as important as the gear itself is keeping it playing the way it should. Every guitarist knows the feeling of finding that one instrument that just “clicks.” But without proper setups and regular maintenance, even the best guitar can lose the magic that made you buy it in the first place. That’s why repairs and setups are at the heart of Player’s Gear. From dialing in the perfect action to chasing down buzzing frets or faulty wiring, the shop is dedicated to making sure your instrument stays inspiring every time you pick it up.

And while workshops are fewer these days, the craft of pedal building is still alive here thanks to Rick Crownover—a brilliant builder who generously passed down the knowledge that makes it possible to design and build effects today. His influence is woven into the shop’s DNA, and it’s a reminder of how much musicians rely on one another to keep the music moving forward.

At its heart, Player’s Gear is here for musicians who want more than tools—it’s a place to share laughter, keep instruments alive, and keep that spark of music burning bright. Just like at Studio B, it’s about community first, gear second, and the joy of playing always.