Our Story

Jerry and Carley started Guitar Chimp in their basement in 2006. Jerry has played in bands for 20 years buying and selling his personal gear along the way. Together Jerry and Carley began building Guitar Chimps’ inventory in the time they had between both of their full time jobs. They first bought guitars and pedals around Salt Lake City and quickly realized they needed to start traveling to be able to purchase more gear. They then began traveling during any break they got all throughout the western United States. Slowly they moved Guitar Chimp out of their basement , added people to the team and now have a 4 man, 1 woman, 1 toddler, snake, bird, dog and cat friendly business. Guitar Chimp has always been committed to providing their customers with quality and transparency. Guitar Chimp’s goal is for each customer to feel confident with their purchase that it is what was advertised and is something they can be stoked on playing.

Meet the team:

Jerry Hines

King Crab

Jerry was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Boise, ID. He came to Salt Lake City around 2005. Jerry is the mastermind behind the company. He is responsible for purchasing inventory, quality control, customer service and running the shop. Jerry is a bassist, guitarist and wannabe drummer. He is a dad to a cat and human both of which he spends most of his free time with. When he’s not calling the shots at the shop you can find him eating all of his favorite foods, which is pretty much all the food.


Favorite jam to play at the shop: Unwritten Law

Favorite guitar: This One

Carley Hines

Queen Crab

Carley was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has been the other half of Guitar Chimp since day one. Carley is a teacher, a degree collector and a lover of all things breakfast. She is involved in almost every aspect of the business, whether it is shipping, photography paperwork or quality control. When she is not working at the shop you can find her chasing around their little one and spending time with her family.

Favorite jam to play at the shop: Queens of the Stone Age

Favorite guitar: 1979 Gretsch 7595 Stereo White Falcon

Matt Wiley

Luthier

Matt was born in Vernal, Utah and grew up in American Fork, Utah. Matt is responsible for inspecting, setting up and completing any necessary repairs or adjustments to each guitar. Matt is the singer/mandolin player of Folk-punk band Eons. He loves his dog Theo, and is a sucker for anything coated in ketchup.

Favorite jam to play at the shop: Sourdough Slim. Anything but Limp Bizkit or Korn.
Favorite guitar: Gibson Les Paul Jr.

Taylor Orton Heat

Guitar detailer, shipping and receiving

Born and raised in Utah, Taylor was one of the first people to join the Guitar Chimp family. He is in charge of disassembling and detailing each guitar that comes through the door as well as inspecting the components to determine originality. He is also a part of the shipping and receiving team. When he’s not at the shop you can find him pounding the skins in bands around town. He is a pit bull lover, cheese enthusiast and shop comedian.


Favorite jam to play at the shop: Limp Bizkit

Favorite guitar: Fender J Mascis purple sparkle Jazz Master

Scott Michael Wardle

Photography, shipping and receiving

Scott was born in Salt Lake City and raised in Seattle, Washington. Scott is responsible for taking detailed photos of every item listed for sale. When Scott isn’t taking photos you can find him running sound at various clubs and venues around Salt Lake City. He is a bass slappin’, snake owning, semi-professional bee keeper with a love for all things pizza.

Favorite jam to play at the shop: Korn
Favorite guitar/pedal: Modulus Flee FB 5 5 String Bass with Lane Poor and Darkglass Duality pedal