Rusty's Cool Guitars: A Vintage and Custom Shop in South Carolina

What Rusty's Cool Guitars Offers

Rusty's Cool Guitars is a vintage and custom guitar shop located in South Carolina that specializes in used instruments, rare finds, and custom builds. The shop carries electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and bass guitars across a range of price points, from affordable beginner instruments to high-end vintage pieces. Whether you're hunting for a specific model from decades past or looking to commission a custom instrument tailored to your playing style, Rusty's operates as both a retail shop and a workshop.

The shop's reputation centers on its owner's hands-on approach to restoration and setup. Rusty and his team work on instruments in-house, meaning guitars are inspected, cleaned, and adjusted before sale. This matters if you're buying used—you're not just getting a guitar, you're getting one that's been vetted by someone who plays and understands the instrument.

Key Takeaways

• Rusty's Cool Guitars stocks both vintage and contemporary used guitars, plus offers custom builds for players with specific requirements.
• The shop performs in-house repairs and setups, so used instruments are inspected and adjusted before you take them home.
• Custom builds allow you to specify wood type, hardware, pickups, and finish, with timelines and pricing determined during consultation.
• The shop also handles repairs and maintenance for guitars purchased elsewhere, making it a resource beyond initial purchase.

Vintage and Used Inventory

The used guitar market in South Carolina isn't centralized, which makes a curated shop valuable. Rusty's sources instruments from estate sales, trade-ins, and direct purchases, meaning the inventory changes regularly. You might find a 1970s Fender Stratocaster one month and a rare Japanese-made Ibanez the next. Prices reflect condition, age, and demand—a well-maintained vintage piece will cost more than a newer used guitar in similar condition.

When you walk in, ask the staff about the history of any instrument you're interested in. Rusty's team can often tell you where a guitar came from, what work has been done to it, and what to expect in terms of playability and sound. This context matters more than a price tag alone, especially if you're investing in a vintage piece that might appreciate or become harder to find.

Custom Builds and Commissions

If you have a clear vision for your next guitar—a specific body shape, wood combination, pickup configuration, or finish—Rusty's can build it. Custom builds typically start with a consultation where you discuss your playing style, budget, and timeline. The shop then sources materials, constructs the instrument, and performs final setup and testing before delivery.

Custom builds take longer than buying off the shelf and cost more, but you end up with an instrument designed for your hands and your sound. Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the build and the shop's current workload. If you're considering a custom guitar, contact Rusty's directly to discuss what's possible within your budget and timeframe.

Repairs, Setup, and Maintenance

Beyond sales, Rusty's Cool Guitars handles repairs and setup work for guitars purchased anywhere. Common services include fret leveling, nut replacement, bridge work, electronics repair, and refinishing. If your guitar has developed a buzz, won't stay in tune, or needs new pickups, this is where you bring it.

Setup work—adjusting action, intonation, and truss rod tension—is especially important if you've bought a used guitar elsewhere or inherited an instrument that's been sitting in a closet. A proper setup can transform how a guitar plays and feels under your hands. Rusty's can assess what your instrument needs and explain the work before beginning.

Finding Rusty's Cool Guitars

The shop operates from a physical location in South Carolina where you can walk in, handle instruments, and talk directly with the staff. Hours and exact address information are best confirmed by calling ahead or checking their current contact details, as shop hours can vary seasonally or for custom work.

If you're traveling to visit, bring time to browse. Guitar shops reward lingering—you might discover an instrument you didn't know you wanted, or learn something about your own playing style from handling different models. If you're shopping remotely, describe what you're looking for and ask if they have anything in stock that matches.

What to Expect When You Visit

Bring your current guitar if you want feedback on its condition or setup. Rusty's staff can compare it to instruments in stock and help you understand what differences in price, wood, or hardware actually mean for sound and playability. If you're a beginner, don't hesitate to say so—the shop works with players at every level.

If you're interested in a specific vintage model or brand, ask whether the shop can source it. Even if it's not in stock, Rusty's network of other dealers and collectors sometimes makes it possible to track down hard-to-find instruments. Expect honest conversation about condition, value, and whether a particular guitar is worth the asking price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to play guitar to shop here?

No. Rusty's works with beginners, experienced players, and collectors. If you're buying your first guitar, the staff can explain what features matter for your goals and help you find something that fits your budget and body size.

Can Rusty's help me find a specific vintage guitar?

Often yes. If you're hunting for a particular model or year, describe it to the shop. They may have it in stock, be able to source it through their network, or let you know what a fair price would be if you find one elsewhere.

How long does a custom build take?

Timeline depends on the complexity of the build and current workload. A consultation with Rusty's will give you a realistic estimate. Simple builds might take a few weeks; more involved projects can take several months.

What if I buy a guitar elsewhere and need it repaired?

Rusty's Cool Guitars handles repairs and setup for instruments purchased anywhere. Bring the guitar in, describe the problem, and they'll assess what work is needed and provide pricing before starting.

Are prices negotiable on used guitars?

That depends on the shop's policy for each instrument. Some used guitars are priced to sell quickly; others are rare enough that the price reflects their value. It never hurts to ask, but expect honest answers about condition and market value.