O'Reilly Art

The Local Seeker
26 August 2011

Arty O'Reilly who has lived in Cornwall since 1997 has been the owner of Strung Out Guitars on 601 Montreal Road for the past five years. O'Reilly previously owned Arty's House of Music in Montreal and Guitarman in Westbank British Columbia. Strung Out Guitars in Cornwall is O'Reilly's third music store. "I like working on guitars, playing them, and I am a people guy. My long term goal is to keep doing this".

O'Reilly is a big supporter of Cornwall's local musicians, and not just with great customer service. He gives musicians a place to play! A few years ago I hosted 'Sunday in the Parking Lot' in the parking lot behind the store, and I want to do it again this year".

O'Reilly also knows his music history. He takes a lot of pride in the collectible guitars that his store carries, such as a Gibson Lap Steel once owned by John Fogerty of CCR, and an acoustic guitar signed by David Bowie. There is however one collectible O'Reilly has no intention of selling. "They are all for sale except my Les Paul autographed guitar".

Over the years O'Reilly has had a few famous customers including Joe Perry of Aerosmith. "Joe Perry bought thirteen guitars and twelve amps when they were recording 'Get a Grip' in Vancouver at Little Mountain Studio". O'Reilly has also sold guitars to Steve Segal of April Wine. According to O'Reilly, ''April Wine comes into the shop once a month, and they are one of the bands who played Lift-Off this year".

Although Strung Out Guitars carries a lot of high end stuff, "We also have a wall of guitars under a hundred bucks". Services at Strung Out range from selling new and used guitars, consignments, trades, repairs, and music lessons.

For more info visit: www.strungoutguitors.co or call 613-938-3738.