Boise has its own “Norman’s Rare Guitars” in the 12th Fret Music shop at 671 South Capitol Boulevard. If you’ve watched the documentary about Norman, you’ll be equally in awe seeing wall-to-wall and ceiling-hung guitars at Rob Ridgway’s 12th Fret Music.
Rob’s passion began when he was 14 or 15 years old, when he first started playing guitar. Rob became a professional musician, with a dream of opening a guitar store. He shared: “I remember I just loved being in music stores and feeling like I was at home.” Creating a sense of home has happened. The low-key atmosphere with a friendly and knowledgeable team invites question asking, staying for a while, and community building.
When Rob purchased 12th Fret Music, it was located off South Broadway. Rob has continued guitar and amp repair work with a passionate team on board. New, used, exclusives, and consignment guitars from more than 30 makers are in the store, plus multiple amp makers.
Selling, setting up, and repairing guitars and amps is a unique offering in Idaho. Want to test guitars and amps? Rob says, “Yes, come on in. We encourage this 100%. Instruments and sound are very personal to the player and every guitar and amp is going to resonate differently for each player and listener.”
Visitors and customers interact with team members and each other as they explore the store, the acoustic demo room, or the high-end electric demo room. In addition to guitars, you’ll find strings, picks, tuners, straps, accessories, and more. If you want to explore your collection’s worth, Rob’s team can appraise instruments.
After the 2017 purchase, Rob shares: “We were bulging at the seams and knew we needed more space, but I wasn't quite ready to move. Then, the complex was sold and the new landlords/owners wanted to increase our monthly lease payments by 90%. So, I started looking and was able to find our home on Capitol. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for us!”
Building a friendly and knowledgeable team that creates a sense of home for customers requires careful hiring. Rob values his team and indicates “It took a while to get to this point and I'm grateful for everyone who has helped get us here. When I hire, I look for a passion for instruments and music, and for people who can be of service to our customers.”
As a Marshall distributor, Rob’s team has built the largest – and loudest – Marshall amp wall in the world and is hoping to earn a Guinness World Record. This wall will also be a part of a local charities fundraising effort. Stay tuned!
12th Fret Music has something for everyone: New players; People who have been playing for awhile and want to upgrade gear; People looking for pro-audio equipment; Through to high-end guitar collectors. Rob wants everyone to know: “We care about music as much as our customers do and we are here to enjoy the journey together.”
Rob Ridgway’s shop isn’t flashy, but it hums with history. On any given day, someone’s tuning up, someone’s reminiscing, and someone’s learning—quiet proof that Boise’s music scene doesn’t need a spotlight to stay alive.