The KC Gear Guide: Supporting the Shops That Support You
September is a transitional month in Kansas City. The kids are back in school (keeping our resident music teachers busy!), the air is finally cooling down, and the fall touring season is kicking into high gear.
If you’ve been pushing your gear to the limit all summer, September is the time for a tune-up. We are lucky to have some of the best independent music shops in the Midwest right here in our backyard. Here is the Soundstructure Studios KC Guide to the KC shops that keep the "Sound of the City" alive.
1. Big Dude’s Music City (Broadway Blvd)
Just a few minutes from the studio, Big Dude’s is a Kansas City institution.
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Why we love them: They are one of the few places where you can find everything from a professional lighting rig to a rare boutique pedal.
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The Pro-Tip: Their rental department is a lifesaver. If your main head goes down the night before a big show at The Truman, Big Dude’s is the first place you should call.
2. Heritage Music Repair (Gillham Rd)
If you’re a woodwind or brass player (or a guitarist with a serious bridge issue), Heritage is the gold standard for technical work.
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Why we love them: They are artisans. From vintage restoration to simple setups, they treat every instrument like a piece of history.
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The Pro-Tip: They have a great selection of refurbished instruments that are often higher quality than what you’d find new for the same price.
3. Brothers Music (Mission, KS)
Located just across the state line, Brothers Music feels like the record store/gear shop hybrid of your dreams.
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Why we love them: They curate a unique selection of used and vintage guitars that are actually set up and ready to play. No "dusty wall hangers" here.
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The Pro-Tip: They have a massive vinyl selection. It’s a great place to go for "sampling inspiration" when you're stuck in a creative rut in the studio.
4. KC Fret Shop (Merriam, KS)
For our acoustic and folk residents, KC Fret Shop is a must-visit.
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Why we love them: They specialize in the "fretted" family—banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles. Their repairman is one of the most respected in the region.
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The Pro-Tip: If you’re a teacher at Soundstructure, this is a great place to send students who are looking for their first "serious" instrument upgrade.
September Event Alert: Dancefestopia
Don't forget that Dancefestopia takes over La Cygne (just south of KC) from September 7–13. If you’re an electronic producer or DJ at Soundstructure, this is your Christmas. Even if you aren't playing, go for the production value—the stage design and sound engineering are world-class.
The Soundstructure Experience:
Soundstructure Studios is more than just a warehouse full of soundproof studios — it's a community of artists, engineers, teachers, and music lovers united by a shared passion for music.
Have an idea for a blog or something you would like to cover? Email: jam_kc@soundstructure.com