Illawarra Guitar Shop Reborn as Bassment Unplugged Under Mother-Son Ownership

In April 2024, the long‑standing Haworth Guitars shop in Albion Park Rail was sold to a mother‑son duo, Jacque Wills and Kai King. The new owners renamed the store Bassment Unplugged and are working to revive the local music community.

Haworth Guitars had been a fixture of the Illawarra region for more than three decades. The Haworth family ran the business from its original location in Kiama Downs before moving it to Albion Park Rail. In 2023 the family decided to sell the shop after 30 years of ownership. The store was purchased by the Stormer brothers, who rebranded it as Stormer Music. Stormer Music was placed into liquidation on 22 April 2026, leaving the shop available for new ownership.

On 9 April 2024, Wills and King completed the purchase. Wills, who runs a cleaning business and sells doTERRA essential oils, had been involved with the local music scene through her son’s bass playing at Park Sound Factory. When the shop’s previous owners announced the sale, Wills and King saw an opportunity to keep a key instrument retailer in the area.

The new name, Bassment Unplugged, was chosen by King, who explained that the term “Bassment” felt like a natural extension of the word “basement” and reflected the shop’s focus on bass instruments and the community’s underground music culture. Wills added that the name “just felt like a perfect fit.”

Since taking over, the duo has begun a series of community‑oriented events. The first was a free re‑stringing day, which attracted a full shop and positive feedback from customers. Wills said the event was a way to “get the community back in” and to encourage people to visit the store and play instruments.

A partnership with D’Addario, a manufacturer of guitar strings, has provided free strings for the re‑stringing event. The collaboration was described by Wills as a “great” way to bring people into the shop and support local musicians.

Beyond events, Wills and King are expanding the shop’s services. King, who has experience repairing bass instruments, has taken on re‑stringing, pedal repairs, and is planning an amp repair course. Wills noted that the shop’s goal is to “be a place where people can come in and sit down and play instruments.”

The owners also aim to revive the Haworth Music School, which had been part of the original Haworth family business. Wills said the school’s numbers had fallen and that the new owners want to bring them back up. The shop’s new focus on community events and repair services is intended to create a hub for local musicians.

Running a retail business with a family member has its challenges. Wills described the experience as “a little bit trying,” but said King is adapting well to the retail side of the operation. She added that he is learning to manage repairs and customer service.

The re‑launch of Haworth Guitars as Bassment Unplugged comes at a time when many local music retailers are struggling. By offering free services, community events, and a focus on repair, Wills and King hope to differentiate the shop and provide a sustainable model.

As of now, Bassment Unplugged is operating under the new ownership, with plans to expand repair services and revive the music school. The shop’s future will depend on community engagement and the continued support of partners such as D’Addario.

The transition from Haworth Guitars to Bassment Unplugged illustrates how local music businesses can adapt to changing market conditions by focusing on community, repair, and education. The Illawarra region will watch closely as the shop seeks to re‑establish itself as a central hub for musicians.