Guitar Czar to close after 32 years, cites tariffs among reasons

MURRAY — A Utah music store announced it will close after 32 years of supplying Utah musicians.

In an Instagram post, Guitar Czar cited tariffs, the economy and increased online shopping as factors in their decision. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Guitar Czar (@guitarczarstore)

“We have loved serving the music community and being a part of so many people’s music journey and artistic discovery,” the store wrote in the post. “Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years.” 

Guitar Czar did not provide an official closing date, nor did it respond to KSL NewsRadio’s requests for comment, but it did say remaining products will be “heavily discounted.” Current hours are listed as Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

According to the Utah music store’s website, it sells more than just instruments and accessories. Maintenance, repairs and lessons have also been offered. 

Tariffs impacting much of industry, Riverton Music GM says 

According to Riverton Music General Manager Colin Campbell, tariffs are a challenge the entire music industry is currently facing. 

Riverton Music’s stock of beginner and orchestra instruments (namely violins, violas and cellos) has been the hardest hit, as many of them are imported, according to Campbell. 

“(Beginner) orchestra instruments … the large majority of them are made in China. I don’t think there’s a place in the United States we can get student instruments from,” Campbell said. 

Band instruments, like clarinets, flutes and saxophones, have also been subject to price increases. 

“There’s companies in Europe that make all their student instruments in China … a lot of the least expensive instruments … have all been impacted,” Campbell said. 

Additionally, Campbell said there was some panic over the price of Sabian cymbals, which are made in Canada, earlier this year. 

The National Association of Music Merchants said it is lobbying for tariff exemptions of musical instruments and its accessories. 

Tariff impacts reach beyond Utah music stores

Instruments designed for students aren’t the only ones impacted, though. Yamaha guitars, which are often used by musicians of all levels, are manufactured in Japan, China and Indonesia, per the company. 

Gibson guitars are made in the U.S. and regarded as a higher-end model, often played by professional musicians. However, the company’s website indicated that it sources some wood from Europe and Canada. 

Gretsch is another well-known brand, manufacturing some in the U.S. and others in Japan, China, South Korea and Indonesia. 

Canadian and Chinese goods are both subject to sharp tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

An Oct. 7 update from Supply Chain Report said many goods being imported from China are currently subject to a 30% tariff. However, that could change—on Oct. 12, President Donald Trump threatened China with a new 100% tariff. 

Canadian elements, such as wood, electrical components or custom guitars, are currently subject to a 25% tariff. 

These costs are being passed on to consumers, Campbell said. 

“We’ve had two or three price increases this year because of tariffs,” Campbell said. “[It’s] probably the most that we’ve had for a number of years.” 

He said the company often only has one price increase a year. 

Price hikes are not only present at local stores. Sweetwater, a national company that sells music gear, said conversations with partner companies indicated prices could rise as much as 25% in March 2025.