Easthampton has spawned a number of music stores in the past few years, and the most centrally located is probably Cottage Street's Rhythm Section. Originally focused on carrying drum and percussion products, the store has expanded its inventory to include guitars, amps, PA systems and a broad variety of parts and accessories. They specialize in "affordable merchandise," that's largely targeted at the young, budding musicians of the Valley, and maintain primary relationships to this effect with Dean, Yamaha, Ludwig, Zildjian, Mapex, Boss and other equipment wholesalers.
Rhythm Section also offers lessons aimed at that population. Guitar, bass, drums, piano, voice and theory can be studied through the store's diverse cast of instructional characters (namely Jon, Tom and "The Doc"), and great efforts are made to work around students' schedules. Additionally, John ("The Doc") actually holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in exercise physiology and nutrition.
Need a place for your band to practice? You can rent rehearsal space through Rhythm Section as well, at a flat rate of $20 per hour, though deals are available for those dedicated enough to book weekly or other regular slots. The rehearsal space includes an upright piano, a 4-channel PA system with speakers, a full drum kit and access to bathroom facilities, and is available for booking Mon.-Fri. from 6:30 to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 4 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Lastly, the store also offers basic guitar repair services, including tuning, stringing, bridge work, neck adjustments, rewiring and fret polishing, and is generally stocked with the necessary replacement parts for most operations.
"We're pretty rock 'n' roll," says new owner Tommy Atwood. "It's kind of a place where musicians come to hang out, and where bands are put together; that's why we like to call it a 'shop.'"
Rhythm Section is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturdays from noon until "whenever," and is closed Sundays. The store is located at 24 Cottage St. in Easthampton, and can be reached by calling (413) 527-4646 or visiting www.rsmusicshop.com.
