A look inside The Guitar Shop in DC

The collection of guitars is impressive: more than 2,000, not all on the premises, ranging in price from just under $200 to $100,000. Brands include Fender, Gibson and Martin, a brand that started more than 150 years ago.

"When you say you'd like a pre-war Martin, you better tell me which war. I have pre-Civil War Martins," he said.

Selling guitars, he said, is like "breeding show dogs and running the humane society for lost-cause dogs. You have to find homes for all of them."

Outfitter of Rock Legends, Regular Joes (may require registration)