Recognizing the lack of concentrated used, vintage and unique music gear in the Chattanooga area, business partners Chris Stephens and Rick Mikel opened The Picker’s Exchange in October 1996. They began by scouring pawn shops, buying individual pieces as they entered the store and opening the in-house repair shop. As time went on, Chris and Rick settled on a select group of national brands, changing from time to time, until the selection fit the clientele of the store.

In 2000, the shop was joined by luthier Bruce Bennett (now cofounder of Bennett Maxfield Music) expanding the shops capabilities. At this time, the store became the largest fully equipped guitar repair facility in the Chattanooga area, boasting a selection of replacement new, used and vintage parts. The stores inventory continued to grow as new lines of guitars, amplifiers and other instruments were explored, and new gear came in our doors.

In 2007, Rick and Chris amicably dissolved their partnership as Rick decided to focus on vintage gear (see Ricks Guitar Room) while Chris kept the mom and pop swap meet environment. Lessons, repairs and a variety of new, used and vintage gear is what you’ll find when you walk in the door. Craig Bolin, a young and truly talented guitar tech joined the shop in 2007.

The store has always maintained a family atmosphere. Along the way, we have had the opportunity to meet a number of great folks, many of whom have joined our family. We’ve lost a few friends in the process as well, namely George Holder, one of our beloved instructors and Mavis the boxer who roamed the store daily. We’ve gained new friends as well. Margaret now takes over duties of shop security. Many of us have grown up in store and consider it a second home. Stop by and check the store out, sit and chat. Our stock is constantly changing and there is a never a shortage of unique pieces or interesting conversation.