Introduction
Hi, I'm Ollie! Welcome to Ollie's Guitars - a UK-based online guitar shop specialising in fine vintage, rare and reissue-style electric, acoustic and bass guitars.
Ollie's Guitars was started in Nottingham, UK in 2019 by myself (Ollie!), stemming from a lifelong interest in the famed instruments played by the guitar giants of the 50s, 60s and 70s.
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Since then, things have grown somewhat and I'm proud to present an exceptional collection of 20th century instruments alongside some rather handsome contemporary vintage-style and reissue model electric guitars.
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Ollie's Guitars is a solely-online operation, with all guitars inspected, cleaned, set up and shipped from myself here in Nottingham (East Midlands, UK).
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What's On Offer?
I'm primarily interested in golden age and classic electric guitars - the famed instruments produced by Gibson, Fender & their USA contemporaries' during the mid-late 20th century.
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You will also find an occasional selection of rare German-built guitars from esteemed builders such as Hofner & Framus, as well as some of the more underrated and affordable Japanese-built 'catalogue' guitars from the likes of Teisco, Kay and more.
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FAQs
Do you have a physical shop?
At this point in time, sadly not! While it has always been an ambition, world events of the past few years coupled with increasing pressures on independent retailers have rendered the realities of a bricks-and-mortar shop somewhat impractical. I aim to occupy something of a middle-ground here, offering comprehensively-documented, expertly-serviced and shipped guitars at competitive prices.
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Can I come and try a guitar?
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At present, Ollie's Guitars is a single-person operation with just myself (Ollie) responsible for the running of day-to-day operations. Paired with the current absence of a showroom or demo space, I am without the means to offer routine viewings or try-outs for guitars. However, I am always happy to send further photos and details of any guitar upon request and aim to provide video demos for most guitars listed on the website (watch this space!).
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Do you buy guitars?
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Yes! I am always interested in vintage Gibson and Fender models, as well as their contemporaries and other quality reissue style / rare guitars. I can offer competitive prices on trade-ins or cash for those looking to free up some funds. I am not particularly interested in anything apart from the above, but I'm always open to hearing what you have!
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Do your guitars include a setup?
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Yes - I never send out a guitar that I wouldn't be happy playing myself! As such, all guitars include a standard 'shop setup', which entails:
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Action set to 1.5mm-2mm (varying dependant on model, etc)
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Intonation set (where necessary)
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Pots and switches fully-cleaned
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Neck relief set (where necessary)
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Fretboard (where rosewood, etc) cleaned
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I use the term 'shop setup' simply as every player of course has their own preference on specific string height, gauge and neck relief, etc. All guitars are thus set with a comfortable action (generally considered to be between 1.5mm-2mm) and relieved of any avoidable or undue fret buzz unless otherwise mentioned. Despite this, I would always recommend having any guitar set up (purchased anywhere) to your own preferences by a luthier of your choice to get the most out it and cater to your playing style!
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Can I collect a guitar I've bought?
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Yes! While I don't offer routine demos, I can always make time to hand over a guitar in person. I am conveniently located in the heart of Nottingham city centre (NG1), should you wish to avoid shipping and pickup up your new prized instrument in person.
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How do you ship your guitars?
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All guitars are shipped next working day where possible via Parcelforce 24, or a specialist courier for larger items. All guitars are shipped in brand new or recycled guitar boxes / guitar-specific packaging, fully-padded to ensure you receive your new instrument safely. ​
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Do you ship outside of the UK?
For the time being, unfortunately not. Fairly recent events have made overseas trade increasingly difficult and I am further not set up to operate outside of the UK. I cannot make any exceptions, though you are welcome to collect a guitar if you are able to!
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Are you VAT registered?
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Yes - Ollie's Guitars is a UK VAT registered business. I operate on the VAT Margin Scheme and as such VAT is not reclaimable from purchases made on the website unless otherwise stated (e.g., in the rare instance a brand new guitar is sold).
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How do I get in touch?
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Simply use the 'Contact' form, or send me an email on info@olliesguitars.com. I am also on Instagram (@olliesguitars) and most of the big socials, so feel free to send me a message on there!
