“It’s great to see players exploring these options and finding guitars that really match their style,” Milgate said. “Because we carry such a diverse range, it’s always rewarding to watch someone connect with the instru- ment that feels like it was made for them.” ROOTED IN COMMUNITY The local music scene in Colchester, which is located some 60 miles outside of London, is the beating heart of everything the store does. Peach Guitars has built a reputation as a true “community hub” according to Milgate, where musicians of all ages and backgrounds gather to connect, learn and be inspired. “We’re fortunate to have some incredible musicians in the area, and it’s always a high- light when they come into the store and play,” Milgate said. “Over time, the shop has really become a community hub where musicians of all ages and styles can connect with each other and feel part of a community.” Peach regularly hosts events and work- shops. With a dedicated stage inside its saloon showroom, the shop is always ready to wel- come artists for clinics and live performances. In recent months, Peach has hosted guitar greats Joey Landreth and Andy Wood with both events completely sold out. “Events like that bring people together and remind us why we love doing what we do,” Milgate added. As a small, family-run business, the shop thrives on creating a welcoming in-store experience that goes beyond transactions, and instead relies on the power of trust and a sense of community. “We’ve built our reputation on creating a welcoming in-store experience, offering great service and producing content that really connects with people,” Milgate said. “That sense of trust and community is what keeps customers coming back, even in a world dominated by huge online platforms.” Peach goes the extra mile to ensure each purchase feels personal and reliable. Every guitar over £300 ($400 USD) is individually weighed and listed online. Every instrument sold, whether through the website, mobile app or in-store, is fully set up by Peach’s in- house luthiers, guaranteeing it plays perfectly straight out of the case. As the guitar market evolves, Peach Guitars sees exciting opportunities for growth by welcoming new players. “It’s amazing to watch a new generation of players getting started,” Milgate said. “With so many incredible young artists making their mark, they’re already inspir- ing others to follow the same path. MI
Aiden Milgate
— By Kimberly Kapela The influence of U.K. bands and music culture powers Peach Guitars. With a dedicated stage for clinics, live performances and workshops, the Colchester, U.K.-based retailer has built a reputa - tion as a “community hub” for all things music in Essex county. M usic culture has always had a massive influence on the instruments musi-
sound and culture can be. It’s moments like that which create waves of inspiration, and you can really feel the impact in the kinds of instruments people are looking for.” That cultural pull is especially clear in the enduring popularity of the classics. Models like the Fender Stratocaster, Telecaster and the Gibson Les Paul remain staples of Peach’s inventory because of their role in shaping the soundtrack of entire generations. “What makes them so special is that these iconic shapes are available at almost every price point,” Milgate explained. “Whether someone is just starting out or they’re a seasoned player, they can get that same magic and feel in their hands.” That said, Peach has also noticed grow- ing excitement around modern makers who push tradition into new territory. Brands like PRS, Tom Anderson, James Tyler and Novo have earned devoted followings amongst its U.K. shoppers.
cians choose to play. For Peach Guitars, one of the U.K.’s premier guitar retailers, this connection between stage and shop floor is at the heart of its business. With a history of welcoming artists who inspire the next generation of players, Peach Guitars continues to witness how iconic moments in music ripple through to the hands of new guitarists. “A lot of our customers come in because they’ve seen their favorite bands or guitarists on stage and that sparks the motivation to pick up an instrument for the first time,” said Aiden Milgate, digital content man- ager for Peach Guitars, which is located in Colchester, U.K. “This summer was a perfect example with the return of Oasis. Seeing a classic rock n’ roll band fill huge venues with guitars front and center has reminded people just how powerful that
48 I MUSIC INC. I NOVEMBER 2025
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