Amplitudes: The Mesa Boogie Blog

Capitol Guitars -  St. Paul, MN

How long has your shop been in business?
"Since 2004 we have operated independently for the past 14 years." 

Any specialty your shop is known for regarding products, services?
"We are known as the heavy metal store with all the pointy guitars and high gain amplifiers. We are stocked up on brands like Jackson, EVH, Charvel, ESP/LTD and MESA/Boogie. We always have cool guitars from the Jackson or Charvel Custom shop." 

Is there an interesting story or history regarding the shop and shop employees you can share?
"Capitol Guitars was established in 2004 by Twin Cities musicians Eric Berg and Bill Bergeron of the local sci-fi punk band, Invasion Earth. Capitol Guitars is a full-service, independent guitar store located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. Capitol Guitars was created by musicians for musicians."

How long have you been a MESA® dealer?
"We have carried Mesa Boogie amps since 2014." 

What’s currently your favorite MESA® amplifier in our line and why?
"Our favorite amp is the Mark 5:35 because of the buffet of tones it offers. It is hard to find an amp that can produce such versatile sounds due to the wattage selector between channels. The amp handles heavy metal distortion well and is full of attack and clarity. It also offers a clean and saturated tweed selection of sounds that are perfect for country or jazz music. This amp really can handle any genre you would want to play. The built in CabClone in the back of the amp is huge for anyone who wants to track into a digital interface while they are writing or recording music at home or in a studio setting." 

Is there a custom MESA® product in your selection and currently in stock you would like to promote?
"We have the brand new California Tweed 6V6 4:Forty available in an all black custom finish!" 

Shop Vibe

What makes your shop unique?
"While any store can sell gear, Capitol Guitars is staffed entirely by active, gigging musicians who understand your needs, whether you’re just starting out learning to play or are going out on tour. We carry a wide range of carefully selected instruments and accessories so you can find what you need. But if you can't find it, we can get it!"

Clientele

Any celebrity customers you can share with us or unique customer stories to share?
"Gary Holt from Exodus and Slayer came to our store for a guitar clinic in May. He looked into Eric’s office to find a Les Paul Custom in a sparkling ruby red finish. Even though it was not for sale he ended up buying it from Eric after the clinic. He also put our entire store on the guest list for the Slayer show the next night. Gus G has visited our store multiple times for clinics. He played his signature model that he took right off of our showroom wall! Gus has been seen rocking our Capitol Guitars sweatshirt out and about along with Adrian Smith who wore our heavy metal shirt on stage at the Iron Maiden show in St. Paul last summer. We also have had Chris Broderick, Misha Mansoor, and Eric Gales in for clinics recently."

Industry Trends

Any current trends you see in customer purchasing behavior?
"With each passing year we seem to notice that guitars are being made with an extra string and the tunings seem to drop a whole step. The low tunings resonate well with the multi-scale necks that are gaining popularity in the metal scene. This year we are also seeing modern takes on classic designs like the return of the 80s Jackson crackle finish and Eddie Van Halen’s “shark” guitar.

Thanks for checking out our featured MESA/Boogie® dealer! To visit the shop online or via social, find their detailed contact info here.