By day, they're hard-working shopkeepers. At night, they might take to the stage in their sci-fi punk rock band.
Eric Berg and Billy Bergeron are owners of Capitol Guitars (191 E. 7th St., St. Paul) and two-thirds of the veteran Twin Cities group Invasion Earth. They had dreamed of running their own guitar shop -- with a low-key vibe and gear that would appeal to musicians who share their taste for rock, metal and punk -- for almost as long as they had been playing together in bands, dating back to the early '90s.
They looked into a franchise but didn't like the large down payment, continuing royalties or the idea of being told what brands to carry. Taking the DIY approach they've also used to promote their band, they loaded up Berg's credit cards and opened the doors to Capitol Guitars in 2004 in a tiny downtown storefront. Last year they moved into much larger digs on E. 7th Street, just a few blocks from Station 4, the venerable metal club.
As well as sponsoring shows there, Invasion Earth and Berg's side rock band Regenerators play occasional gigs. Other bands often make last-minute stops at the store for strings, repairs, or a whole new guitar. It's one of only a dozen dealers in the country that carries U.S.-made Jackson guitars, a metal favorite famed for their flying-V shape. The shop also offers high-end amps and lessons.
Three and out with Eric Berg
- How do you juggle the shop, the band and going to shows?
We rehearse Thursdays at 11 in the morning. That's weird but that's when it fits in. Now that we have a couple employees, it's nice. For years it was a huge struggle ... We would close the store to go play a show.
- Has your band had any "Spinal Tap" moments?
Our personal gear is always in shambles. To the point where on stage I'll say, "If only I knew where a guitar store is!" That's a good way to get a laugh.
- Speaking of "Spinal Tap," do you have any amplifiers that go up to 11?
Yes -- the Randall Gus G T2HH Heaven and Hell amp. All the knobs go from 1 to 11. And it's got a "shred" setting!
