Winner: Alamo Music Center
Several locations
alamomusic.com
Yes, there are bigger stores – big loopland boxes with guitars and amps stacked up to the rafters. And, yes, there are funkier and more varied places to trade horses for that vintage ’73 Strat you’ve always wanted. But there’s a reason Alamo Music has been in business for almost 100 years – and why it continues to be a favorite of Running readers. Founder Alfredo Flores Sr.’s grandson Zach Marr now runs the company and long-time CEO Alfred Flores Jr. remains active in local arts organizations and granting scholarships. Thanks to these deep community ties, the Familia Flores knows how to keep musicians in concert while welcoming amateurs, school groups and orchestras. From classes and rentals to financing and repairs, the two-store chain has found a way to keep up with megastores while staying true to its roots. He’s even kept one step ahead by adding online shopping tools to his website to help customers narrow down the confusing range of guitars and pianos on the market.
2. Robot Monster Guitars
517 E. Woodlawn Ave.
(210) 320-1710
robotmonsterguitars.com
3. Spacetone music
416 Austin Hwy.
(210) 930-3662
spacetonemusic.com
