THE T-SHIRT CLUB
FOR GUITARISTS
FEATURED SHOP OF THE MONTH
APRIL 2023
CAVEMAN
VINTAGE MUSIC
Eric Stollsteimer started playing guitar at age 12, taking lessons at Arnoldt Williams Music in Canton, MI. The owner offered Eric a job dusting pianos, which led to working in sales. In 1996, 21-year-old Eric opened his first shop, Boss Guitars, in Ann Arbor, MI, until he moved to Los Angeles in 2007. After working for a music corporation, he wanted to run his own business again and, in July 2011, opened Caveman Vintage Music in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Caveman (Eric wanted a shop name that said “old” or “primitive”) offers unique vintage gear at a reasonable price. The shop has an extensive collection of vintage guitar and basses, including Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Hofner, Mosrite, Martin, Elk, Guyatone, Greco, and Rickenbacker.
Never knowing what amazing instrument or individual might walk in the door is always exciting for Eric. “My ideal find is having an original owner come in with the guitar, amp, or keyboard they purchased new way back when they were young.
Getting the whole story of how they used it and cherished it over the years is really a thrill to learn about. I’m always grateful when they decide to pass it on to my shop and I’m able to find another person to take it on its next journey.”
His ideal acquisition? “Maybe my 60s Wurlitzer baritone guitar or Tom Howard McCormick “Mona” guitar. Yep, I like the weird stuff.”
If you’re in L.A., check out Caveman -- and Eric’s band Sound Reasons!
