The Beat Goes On – Eastside Guitars & Drums Keeps a Steady Beat for Greenville Musicians
One of Greenville’s most beloved music stores, Eastside Guitars & Drums, continues to serve the community with an unflagging dedication to music. Owner Terry Green has sold guitars and drum kits to Greenville musicians for over 32 years.
A Lifelong Love for Music
Green’s journey began in his teenage years, when he first dipped his toes into the music world with a part-time job at a music store. “This is all I’ve ever done,” recounts Green. After a brief time at Greenville Tech, Green realized that his love for music was something he wanted to pursue professionally. After taking a job with a guitar company, he quickly realized that retail was his true calling and decided to open his own store.
After a brief three-month hiatus from the music business, Green was swiftly pulled back to his true passion – owning and operating a music store in his hometown.
New Address, Same Beloved Store
Eastside Guitars and Drums recently moved to 420 N. Pleasantburg Drive, a strip of stores just north of Lowndes Hill Road, known as 291 Plaza. The new location makes the store more accessible for his loyal customers.
In addition to retail space, Eastside Guitars and Drums also offers space for music lessons. Green has hired three full-time veteran teachers who have shared their love for music with Greenville’s community for years. Tony Christopher, a drum instructor at Eastside for 25 years; Sam Burgess, who has taught guitar, bass, and ukulele at the store for more than 18 years; and Niel Brooks, who has taught guitar and songwriting at Eastside for 17 years.
Behind the counter, Green and his store manager, Bobby Bass, serve customers with the same friendly faces and expert knowledge that Greenville natives have come to associate with Eastside Guitars and Drums.
The Entreprise’s Spirit
Green’s fascinating musical journey started when he was just eight years old and picked up a guitar for the first time. His passion for music was solidified when he attended a circus and was much more interested in the orchestra’s drummer than the actual performance itself.
This passion transitioned him from a guitar player to a drummer and eventually led him to form a band with other young musicians. He plays locally with a cover band named ‘The Substitutes’ and still enjoys jamming with his former bandmates from ‘The Bosco Bee Band’.
Quality at Every Price Point
Eastside Guitars & Drums prides itself on offering quality musical instruments at every price point. From beginner guitars, to professional-grade drum kits, Green ensures that each instrument his store carries is of reliable quality. He cautions against buying guitars online, emphasizing the importance of testing the instrument in person since each guitar will have different weights and resonate differently based on the wood used.
With a relentless commitment to quality instruments, excellent service, and fostering a love for music in Greenville, it’s clear why Eastside Guitars & Drums remains a beloved institution within the community.
