Eddie’s Guitars in Maplewood isn’t just a showroom for rare and custom guitars—it’s the product of decades of dedication and a close bond between Kirkwood resident Nathan Putney and his father, Eddie.
Ed Putney began his career in music retail at Tower Grove Music, where he worked his way up to become a partner. In 1971, after years of dedication, he earned the opportunity to buy the business, securing a loan from his parents to make it happen. Nearly three decades later, in 2000, the store was rebranded as Eddie’s Guitars, marking a new era as Nathan officially joined the family business.
“I always hung around the store when I was a little kid,” Nathan said. “I played hide and seek with my sister, and the employees would stash me in drum cases and then place me on a top shelf.”
Today, Nathan serves as owner and president, having grown up immersed in the world his father built. Over the years, Eddie sold guitars to legendary artists, including St. Louis’s own Chuck Berry.
As the industry evolved, so did their approach. “When bigger conglomerates came to town, we had to pivot,” Nathan explained. “We focused on boutique and custom-built guitars—things you don’t see everywhere else.”
That shift paid off. Eddie’s Guitars is now recognized internationally for its curated, high-end selection and is one of the top dealers in the world for the manufacturers it represents, with an extremely strong presence on social media. Still, at its core, it remains a family business, rooted in a shared passion not only for guitars but also for classic cars.
“Cars have always been a big part of my relationship with my dad,” Nathan said. “Some of my favorite memories are the two of us working on them together. These days, we’ve gotten into Porsches and Shelby Cobras, but it’s always been more about the time spent than the cars themselves.”
As for what’s next, Nathan says the future of the store is open. “I don’t pressure my kids to take over. If they want to, great. If not, that’s okay too.”
What hasn’t changed is the foundation of the business. “I couldn’t have grown this business without my dad, my mom, and my family. And the guys who work here—they’re incredible. They bring the same level of passion my dad and I have always had.”
You can visit Eddie’s Guitars at 7362 Manchester Rd by appointment. Learn more at eddiesguitars.com