South Austin Music was established in 1986. Yes, that’s right, we have been here at the same location for 40 years.
Owner, Bill Welker attributes the success of the store to the relationships that have been developed and grown since day one. We are quite aware that Austin is a special city with an amazing live music scene that stands out worldwide. However, a store like this cannot exist without the support of the local music community.
We buy, sell, and trade but we also fix and teach.
Through the years we have always provided an eclectic place to shop, instrument & electronic repairs, and of course music instruction. We have served our wonderful community with the best possible service we can provide and we always will. Remember to always support your local music stores and local musicians. Please stop by and experience what Austin musicians have embraced for years.
There are many things unique about South Austin Music. One of our biggest assets are the people that work here. Aside from the owner, everyone is a musician with both playing experience and retail experience which helps us to help you. You will never find ego or bias that would get in the way of providing you with the best possible buying experience. We are always happy to see you so come by and say hello! Our goal is to build relationships with our customers because we know without you we could not exist.
Meet the SAM team
Bill Welker
Owner
Owner and operator of South Austin Music since 1986. Bill has been the guy to supply the Austin music scene with all the gear and accessories through the years. Graduating with a business degree and working at McCarty Music in Wichita Falls, Tx, he has learned the important skills to keep a small business alive and well!
Sethan Welker
Manager
Sean has been a part of the SAM FAM for more than 20 years and surrounded by music at a very young age. He grew up at his father’s famous club, Steamboat on 6th. His years and experience has allowed him to best serve all of our needs as musicians. No matter how niche your request his, he most likely knows where to find it.
Sethan Welker
Manager
Sethan has grown up in the music business. He aspires to serve others and excels in customer relations. One service he provides is being the contact person between customers and our well known tech Ben Nippes for all guitar repairs. He’s also, along with Scott Blanco, the one who makes our SAM Sessions interviews interesting and worth watching!
Tim Moen
Bass Specialist
Moving to Austin from Madison, Wisconsin, Tim found his way into the South Austin Music crew in 2015. Having played just about every genre known to man, he’s an excellent resource for all bass and beyond. Along with being a highly in-demand bassist and overseeing our bass world, he is always happy to chat with novice and pro players alike.
Phoenix Knight
Guitar/Effects Specialist, Social Media
Phoenix was the first Austinite in the family. Starting his career on Red River and Sixth street at the age of 16, he had many years to hone in his skills. He loves helping people get into the world of guitar and effects, finding your next sound, or find that piece of gear that opens a new world for you. You can find him sharing our store and our presence on the interwebs.
Isaac Garcia
Guitar and Effects Specialist
Isaac is born and raised in Austin, Tx. A drummer first, but an experimentalist at heart. His knowledge of pedals is a great asset to anyone looking for their next sound. Already a career musician at a young age, his experience is not limited to just gear. You can find him playing for his project “PIPE”. He is also our resident Phish fan, so be sure to ask him about it.
Andrew Pressman
Bass Specialist and Repair Liaison
Andrew is a career bassist, a Bay Area G, and full time dad. A long time SAM customer, now the newest member of our team. A handyman himself, he is a great resource to help with whatever mod/upgrade you want do. He also takes care of your instruments while they wait to be repaired!
Ben Nippes
Guitar Repair Specialist
Ben is our main customer guitar repair specialist, and has won Austin Chronicle’s “Best Instrument Repair” 5 years in a row! Anything from a simple string height adjustment to a complete re-fret; Ben is the one to make your instrument play the best it has!
Nick Lewis
Amp Repair Specialist
Nick is our Amp repair specialist, over the years of tinkering with old tube transistor radios, going to a vocational school, and immersing himself in the trade of repairing amplifiers and electronics, he can bring your amp back to life with rejuvenated tone!
Tony Nobles
Store Stock Repair Specialist
Tony is our store stock repair specialist. He has over 40 years of experience fixing and and building guitars, Tony helps us make sure all of our inventory whether it be new, used, or vintage, is up to spec and ready for sale!