If you’ve ever wandered just off the beaten track in New Westminster and wondered what kind of magic happens inside the little guitar shop tucked into its own timeless corner of the city, here’s your answer: a whole lot of music, mastery, and stories worth hearing.

For more than half a century, Neil Douglas Guitar Shop has been shaping musicians, mentoring students, restoring beloved instruments, and quietly becoming one of the most respected guitar hubs in the region. And like many great local businesses, its strength comes not from flash or hype, but from deep roots and real expertise.

A Lifetime in Music—and in New West

Owner Neil Douglas began the business in 1968, opening his first shop on Sixth Street before eventually settling into the current location in 1989. The building houses not only the shop but the Douglas family home—a true definition of local living and working woven together.

Neil’s path into the guitar world wasn’t planned. People simply kept asking him to teach, fix, or help, and it grew into a life’s work. Over the decades, he has taught countless students, (even a famous one or two) repaired thousands of instruments, and even built classical guitars played in concerts across Europe. His philosophy? “People just started paying me to do it—why would I do anything else?”

Today, he still teaches—and still loves it most of all.

Where Guitars Come Back to Life

One of the shop’s busiest departments is its repair bench, now run by guitar tech Mark Wolf, who fixes nearly 2,000 guitars a year. Mark began working with Neil in the early ’90s, left to spend 17 years on the road as the guitar tech for Queen and Bad Company, then returned to New West with stories and expertise from around the world.

Repairs come in from everywhere—sometimes even from touring bands passing through, and once from as far away as Australia. And while the shop never name-drops (privacy comes first), their reputation speaks loudly. Customers, musicians, students, and even music store owners across North America recognize the name “Neil Douglas.”

A Teaching Studio with Heart

Before COVID, the shop had 400 lesson students. While numbers dipped during the pandemic, they’re steadily growing again. Each instructor specializes in a different style, and students are thoughtfully matched with the right teacher. If needed, Neil will even help guide someone from one teacher to another—whatever helps them learn best.

And unlike many studio environments, teachers here stay. Some have taught at the shop for 18 to 25 years, a testament to the supportive, sane environment Neil has created by screening out those rare “lunatic fringe” customers who can make teaching miserable.

Quality, Value, and the Truth About Guitars

One of Neil’s biggest passions is helping people understand real quality. There’s a world of difference between $150 guitars and $2,000 guitars—and it’s not about price tags, it’s about craftsmanship. Neil illustrates this by comparing an inexpensive guitar to a hand-built classical instrument he bought directly from Masaru Kohno, one of history’s most celebrated luthiers. He still plays that guitar today; the top is worn where it rested against his chest through years of concerts.

His favourite thing is watching beginners grow. He always starts students on affordable instruments so they can learn the basics before upgrading. From there, the good guitars sell themselves.

Why You Should Stop By

Neil believes the best way to understand guitars—or lessons, or repairs—is through personal contact. The shop doesn’t rely on flashy ads, and it doesn’t push high-pressure sales. Instead, you’ll find conversation, honesty, and decades of hands-on experience.

Whether you're a parent considering lessons, a player needing repairs, or someone who simply appreciates the craft behind an instrument, this is the kind of local treasure worth discovering.

And of course—worth supporting.

Neil Douglas Guitar Shop is proof that expertise, community, and genuine passion can turn a little New West business into a musical cornerstone. To really understand it, all you need to do is walk through the door.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: 379 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.

Phone: 604-525-8512

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