Music store picks up on latest trends; West Winds takes pride in offering instruments that are cutting-edge

By Darrel Beehner
Staff Writer

Wayne Bernard cleans guitars at West Winds Music Company in the Zecca Plaza. The store carries many different guitars and does repairs as well. [Photo by John A. Bowersmith/Independent]

GALLUP — West Winds Music Company manager Nate Goodrich wants customers to know something before they ever walk through the doors of the new Gallup store.

"It's not your daddy's guitar."

Goodrich, whose father also owns music stores in Las Cruces and Grants, deals in lesser known instruments, especially when it comes to guitars.

Instead of the usual Fender, Martin and Les Paul brands many area musicians are accustomed to, the walls of West Winds, 1604 Zecca Plaza, are covered with B.C. Rich, Gretch and Dimebag Darrell (Abbott) Razorbacks.

"I cater to unique musicians," Goodrich said. "They all have different styles and different instruments.

"A lot of people buy on price point," said Goodrich, a native of Missouri. "I tell everyone not to buy based on name but sound. I do a lot of research to find the best bang for the buck. We have hand-built guitars for under $600."

Despite being having been burglarized twice since opening the store several weeks ago, Goodrich said business has been very good.

After starting with a $31,000 inventory, Goodrich estimates it has grown to $46,000 despite the thefts.

West Winds works with local ministries by selling them tax-free instruments at the cost of what he believes they're worth and not the suggested retail price.

"I lose money on a lot of things," he said. "But I'm doing extremely well.

"The inventory rotates quickly. The turn around on the Dimebag Darrell Razorback is less than five days," he said. "Drums, pound-for-pound, sell more than the guitars. It's hard to keep them in here."

With an inventory that's primarily acoustic-electric, heavy on guitars and light on brass instruments, the Mohawk-sporting Goodrich admits that he "wasn't prepared for the music scene" in Gallup.

Though he has "the occasional country" musician, the majority of West Winds' clients are heavy metalists.

And it's those rockers and alternative music buffs who are forcing West Winds to begin looking for a larger store.

"I'm changing with the times; that's why I'm expanding," Goodrich said. "I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but I know what's cool."

West Winds Music Company is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Information: In Gallup call (505) 722-5102. The Grants store is at 302 E. Stephens and can be reached at 287-3473 or online at www.westwindsmusic.com.