About Trout Valley Guitars
Welcome to Trout Valley Guitars online shop located 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. I’m Tom Hall, and music has been the driving force in my life going back to 1971, at the age of 8 when my Uncle Ed bought me my first guitar. Studying guitar and learning about gear quickly turned into a lifelong pursuit of all things music. In 1987, I attended Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, California. I've spent years playing guitar live and in the recording studio, which has given me a hands-on understanding of how gear performs both at home, on stage and in the studio.
I’ve been dealing in guitars since the 1980s, buying and selling, trading, and collecting premium instruments. I compose, produce and engineer at my home studio, Fulgent Music Studios. This connection to creating and understanding music from the ground up fuels everything I do.
While I spent decades trading gear locally, this online store has been a great way for me to reach more people. It lets me connect with musicians, collectors and players across the map. Whether you're looking for a professional guitar or amp, or looking to safely consign or appraise a vintage piece, you're dealing directly with someone who loves the music and the instruments just as much as you do. I am available by Facetime, phone or by appointment if you are local.
Consignments & Appraisals
Have a vintage instrument you need valued, or a premium piece of gear you are ready to sell? Let’s talk. Click here to fill out my request form and I will get back to you directly.
Shipping
I offer insured shipping on all products for $30. If you are able to purchase with Zelle of Venmo I can waive shipping costs.
Guitars & Amplifiers
I specialize in professional-grade guitars and amplifiers. I am an authorized dealer for both Victoria Amp and Tyler Amp Works—world-class designs built for serious players who appreciate hand wired amplifiers. I have a great relationship with both Mark from Victoria and John from Tyler. If I don't have what you're looking for in stock, all amplifiers from Victoria can be custom ordered in your choice of tolex and grill cloth, typically at no additional cost. Custom orders do not take any extra production time, taking 10 weeks (give or take) to ship. Amplifiers from Tyler Amp Works can also be custom ordered with your choice of wood, tolex, and grill cloth, featuring a quick turn-around time of typically 3 weeks to ship.
Return Policy
I'm very interested in helping you find the right guitar or amplifier. I would prefer a phone discussion or a FaceTime call to go over any guitar or amp you'd like in detail prior to your purchase. I do accept returns within 48 hours of receipt on any used products and new, non custom order amplifiers. The customer pays for initial shipping and return shipping on all return items. I charge a restock fee of 5%. All gear needs to be returned in the same condition it was received in and returned in the same packaging. Custom order amplifiers from Victoria or Tyler cannot be canceled or returned.
Thanks for stopping by the site and please feel free to contact me anytime.