I saw one of Scott’s guitars when I was interviewing Harriet Greenlee two months ago and thought they were so cool! He can do custom graphic wraps and sells guitars for famous singers at their concerts. I wanted you to get to know his family and business…
Hey Scott! Tell us a little bit about your family…
My wife Thalia and I met in 2004 while attending Texas State University. It took us half a decade to decide we should be more than friends. During that time my wife, along with her family, converted her childhood home into a wedding venue (2007 one of the first in the area).
How did ya’ll come to start a successful wedding venue in the Wedding Capital of Texas?
It all started when my wife took an event planning class at Texas State, and fell in love with it. She built a business plan and brought it to her parents. Together, they worked in starting a new business venture. In 2011 we decided to move closer to her wedding venue to avoid the late night drives on windy roads after weddings.
How did your family manage Covid when it shut down the wedding industry?
Covid was hard on everyone. Both my wife’s and my business where drastically effected by the pandemic, but we have our health and happiness. The government shut down weddings as well as concerts (Concert sales are one of my biggest markets). We did what we had to do to keep our businesses operational, making tough decisions, but we made it to the other side.
Where did you come up with the idea for custom wrapped guitars?
My father in law owns The Zone Recording Studio in Dripping Springs. I love music, and to this day, still love hanging in the studio when time allows. One weekend I was asked to go out and sell merchandise by one of the bands in the studio. When out, I saw them sign a guitar, and you couldn’t tell who had signed it after they were done. In the following weeks it stuck with me, and I started looking into how to customize it. I tested the crazy theory one weekend on three really cheap guitars. They sold like hot cakes. In the coming weeks, I reached out to a few folks that I knew that did festivals. I think year 1 I did about 15 guitars.
How have you grown your new business to selling your guitars for famous musicians?
I have been very lucky to earn the customers I have. In the music business, if you do good, everyone knows, and if you do bad, everyone knows. I have been on good graces with more than I deserve. In 2014 was when I got my big break. I was on vacation with my wife when I received a phone call with a 615 area code. I told her I really needed to take this call because it was from a Nashville number. That call was for an order of over 400 guitars for a guy named George Strait. The following week, Merle’s camp, called, then Reba’s camp, and so on. To this day, it still blows my mind the musicians we get to work with.
When did your love of music begin?
My love for music began in church. I began singing at a young age in church and continued through college. Being able to find a profession that has allowed me to continue to be around music is a dream.
Which guitar is your favorite?
Favorite guitar is tough. Design wise, I really love cool art. Some of the Eric Church tour posters would be an example of that. A few years back, White Water Amphitheater had a series of art for each concert that I loved. I think Pixel Peach did the art if I remember correctly. As far a guitars I cherish: I have a Maines Brothers, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Kris Kristopherson, and Jerry Jeff Walker autographed guitars that we did. My most special is probably a guitar that I designed called the Legends of Texas that is autographed by George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, and Lyle Lovett.
Where are the guitars made?
The guitars are made elsewhere, but all the graphics are produced and installed right here in Dripping Springs about 4 miles south of town.
What are your favorite music venues in this area for music lovers to explore?
Nutty Brown was a good one, but two of my other favorite large venues is White Water Ampitheater and Floore’s Country Store. The closest place that I go see music regularly is Ghost Note Brewing. They seem to have a focus on good beer and music. If you want an authentic dace hall feel, you can’t go wrong with Mercer Dance Hall. There are so many…
What are some of your favorite Austin area bands to listen to?
Austin Area bands to listen to? Well, that is tough too. I listen to a lot of country and know Austin area folks that also now live in Nashville. In no particular order:Ryan Beaver, Ben Danaher, William Beckmann, Psychic Shark, K Phillips, Rob Baird, William Clark Green, The Striker Brothers, Gary Clark Jr, Michael Boudreaux… too many
Where can people learn more about your business?
You can find out more at our website: www.thegraphicguitarguys.com , on Instagram @graphicguitars
If you are just visiting Dripping Springs or are in the market for a new home in the area then I’d love for you to reach out to me! I’d love to give you recommendations for fun places to go and things to do, or help you find your dream home! Just call, text or email me and we can get started: 512-569-8480 or laurenclark@magnoliarealty.com
