Tattoos and rock guitar players may go hand in hand. But the ink made way for the pick last weekend, as Top Shelf Guitar opened in a Bay View storefront that formally housed a tattoo parlor.

Musician Jeff Benske is the owner of Top Shelf Guitar Shop (2358 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.), and his mission is simple.

"We want to cater to the professional musician. The people that come in here will understand that what I have is good stuff," says Benske.

Benske has been a professional musician for 20 years, and has performed all over Milwaukee with his latest band, Five Card Studs, at places like The Globe, Summerfest and The Harp.

Besides selling guitars, Benske can also take care of practically any repair needed, and if he can't, he knows who can.

"We'll tackle anything in our ability. If it is beyond our skill we have other resources in town for any type of repair the customer needs," says Benske.

But is Bay View's Kinnickinnic Avenue saturated with music shops? After all, one down the street just closed its door.

"I think music stores in the same location should help each other out. The store down the street deals primarily in drums. I try to go for top-end American-made guitars like Fender and Gibson. I'm not crazy about low-end import guitars," says Benske.

Most of his stock comes from guitar shows held around the country. He says that's where to find the vintage goods.

"Some of it is personal, some are from guitar shows -- you just have to constantly hunt and collect," says Benske.

In the near future Benske plans hiring teachers to give lessons, but that's currently still in the works. And if you're giving up your career as a musician, Top Shelf Guitar Shop also buys used instruments.

For more information, call (414) 481-8677.