About Us

No strings attached. Charlotte’s best guitar store.

Here’s our story.

When VERA owners Jeff and Dan toured guitar stores for inspiration, all they found was a whole lot of what they didn’t want: too much clutter and disorganization and no one there to help sort through it. That’s when they knew they had something special with VERA Guitars.

Traced back to Latin roots, the name “Vera” means truth. And that’s exactly what we want you to find here. Everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, can walk in and have a real conversation with a musician who can talk through your whys for buying a guitar. From there, we’ll work together to help you find the right brand or experience, from guitars to accessories and lessons.

And that’s the truth.

Take a peek backstage.

Longtime friends Jeff Zirkle and Dan Dyszelski decided in 2021 to bring a fresh experience to the Charlotte music scene. Here’s a little more about their journey from a couple of kids ready to rock to guitar store renegades.

Jeff Zirkle

Brand Executive

Hey, Jeff. Thanks for taking a few minutes to talk. First question: What got you into guitars?

Happy to do it! So, I started on the drums in the school band growing up but eventually switched over to guitar. I remember listening to my friends play and jam around, and I was like, “Hey, I want to do that.”

So, peer pressure works! Cool. You evolved into a pretty serious guitarist. Do you have any stories from a favorite performance?

When I was in college, we got a chance to headline a show back home, and my dad was there. Not only did he get to see us play, but also it was a great show. It’s something I’ll never forget.

What a memory. Tell us about your personal guitar collection.

Right now, I own four guitars. I still own my first acoustic, a Taylor 314ce. I also have a 12-string I inherited from my uncle before he passed away and one electric guitar, a Gibson Les Paul R0 built in 2006. At one time, I had as many as 18 guitars when I was playing shows regularly.

Jeff Zirkle, Brand Executive

OK, that’s living the dream right there. What’s the song you always go back to again and again?

I have so many! But if I had to pick just one, I would say “No Excuses” by Alice in Chains; it’s one of the first I ever learned how to play. “Band on the Run” is a close second.

Right on. Ok, last question: Do you get out to watch live music in Charlotte?

Absolutely! And I love that you can experience live music on so many different levels here. From pros on tour to local acts at smaller venues, Charlotte is just an incredible place to see music of every genre.

Dan Dyszelski

Store Owner

Hey, Dan, nice to talk to you. Same first question that Jeff got: What got you into guitars?

So, my first guitar-related memory was my dad handing me a Fender Bronco when I was 4 years old. I was like, “What the heck do I do with this?”

Going electric right out of the gate! You must have come from a musical family.

Yes, actually my mom has always been very music oriented. She plays most horned instruments and the harmonica.

Did you perform when you were young?

I did. I played churches when I was a kid. I remember to this day my first time getting up in front of everyone with just me and my guitar.

If you could pick one artist to jam with, who would it be?

This may surprise a few people, but I have to say Prince. He was very underrated as a guitar player. I think he may have been the best ever.

Dan Dyszelski, Store Owner

OK, before I go listen to “Purple Rain” on an endless loop, what’s your advice for someone starting a band?

Make sure you get along with everyone. You’re going to spend a lot of time with these people.

You say you want a revolution?

Let’s start with more than 200 premium guitars ready to play in a bright, modern showroom. With a convenient location right near Carowinds off Interstate 77, VERA is the place to indulge your inner rock star.

See The Store

Visit the holy grail of guitars.

Sure, we like to have a little fun around here, but we’re very serious about the brands we sell. As a Taylor dealer in the Southeast, VERA has over 50 Taylor guitars on the wall ready for you to play. Head over to our brand page to learn more about our killer roster of partners.

See Our Brands