The story

Two old friends open a guitar shop

John and Mickey met in 1991 in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury. They were neighbors from two tiny apartments in the attic of an old Victorian. Mickey introduced himself when he heard John practicing “Blue Train”, a song he had not yet heard but it felt as familiar as anything he had studied.

Fast forward to 2015, when they decided to evolve their shared love of making music into a guitar shop. It was equal parts of nostalgia for the hang and excitement for the new instruments that pushed them over the cliff. Loree and Lynnie, their much better halves, shaped and supported the undertaking in a multitude of ways.

While it existed, Distortion Brothers Guitar Shop introduced small builders and their boutique guitars, amplifiers, and effect pedals to a larger audience and, in the process, rocked out. Through guitar shows, studio events, pop-up shops, open mic nights, and an online presence, Distortion Brothers remained true to its founding principles.

Our terms defined

What’s in the name

dis·tor·tion

noun · \di-ˈstȯr-shən\

the act of changing the natural, normal, or original sound of music in a way that is unusually pleasing

broth·ers

noun plural · \ˈbrə-thərs\

a group related to each other by common ties or interests and not constrained by gender or ancestry

The name originated as a description of John and Mickey’s relationship, but it grew to honor everyone who inspired and supported the shop. This chosen family, our ohana, was not exclusionary. Although the name implies fraternity, our Distortion Sisters were equally important and valued.

The ethos

DIY to the core

The shop grew from the do-it-yourself ethic of Los Angeles in the early days of Hardcore Punk and Heavy Metal. Distortion Brothers would come to be without external funding or corporate partnerships. Instead, this guitar shop was established by working with small builders, recording studios, and musicians, and by drawing on the founders’ technical knowledge and willingness to sweat.

• Retail Revolution. Small shops and independent builders over the big box.
• Slow, Organic Growth. Each step taken only as success allowed.
• Honesty & Integrity. Customers, suppliers and partners treated well.
• Support the Local Scene. The Bay Area’s musicians deserved better.
• Exceptional Tools for Sonic Discovery. Only the best quality and most inspirational gear.