SERVING MUSICIANS
AROUND THE WORLD
For over 60 years, Lay’s Guitar Shop has provided world-class restoration, iconic custom builds, and expert repair services.
Virgil Lay started Lay’s Guitar Shop in Akron, Ohio, in 1962. Our store has been serving amateur and professional musicians nationwide ever since. Virgil worked on instruments for such players as Jack Bruce, Phil Keaggy, Joe Walsh and bands such as Bad Company and The Outlaws. Jimmy Page‘s Les Paul #1 had its neck shaved in our shop.
Dan Shinn, the current owner, started working for Virgil Lay in 1979. He acquired the guitar repair shop from Virgil in the late ’80s and to this day upholds the reputation for high quality repairs and restorations that have been the hallmark of Lay’s Guitar Shop. Under Dan’s management, Lay’s Guitar Shop has not only upheld the high standards set by Virgil Lay, but has expanded the business to accommodate an international market. The is due to our finish and restoration department, headed by Joel Shinn for over 25 years.
MEET THE TEAM
DAN SHINN
Dan Shinn, the co-owner of Lay’s Guitar Shop, started working for Virgil Lay in 1979. He bought the shop from Mr. Lay in the late ’80s after learning everything that Virgil could teach him about repairing and restoring guitars. Mr. Shinn upholds the reputation for high quality repairs and restorations that have been the hallmark of Lay’s Guitar Shop since it opened in 1962. Under his management, Lay’s Guitar Shop has sustained the high standards set by Mr. Lay, and has expanded the business to serve an international market.
PRODUCTS WE ENDORSE
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“The only place to get your guitar taken care of in this area. Dan & his crew are the best. I’ve been going to Lay’s as far back as the days Vigil still owned it & worked there. I’ve had many things done here : line-ups, cleaned & reconditioned after a house fire, rewound pick up & insurance estimates. All professionally done by Dan or his staff. Trust your baby to them, they’ll take good care of her.”
-Chris Steiner
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
We have made it super easy for you to set an appointment with us to either drop off or pick up your instrument. Choose either of the options below this information. Once scheduled and you arrive at our shop…please ring the door bell at the front door and we will meet you there.