Music’s last stand?

Instrument and gear retailers are much more than just stores, they are a vital part of a thriving music scene. Hamilton has said goodbye to many retailers over the years but a number still remain.

Hamilton's music instrument stores serve as more than just places to buy gear — they are integral parts of a thriving musical community, where creativity flourishes and melodies begin. 

Whether exploring the latest offerings at contemporary stores or reminiscing about the iconic establishments of yesteryear, one thing is clear: the music of Hamilton resonates through its stores, past and present.

Rooted in the city's industrial past, Hamilton's thriving music scene bears the imprint of its blue-collar heritage. The echoes of steel mills and factories reverberate through the bluesy, punk rock riffs, heavy double kick pedal beats and gritty lyrics that characterize much of the city's music, serving as a testament to the resilience and tenacity of its residents.

On any given night at any given venue, you’ll see and hear seasoned veterans to up-and-coming artists. Hamilton is home to a wealth of talented musicians who infuse the city's music with passion, energy, and authenticity.

Whether performing in local bars and clubs or on national stages, these artists are the lifeblood of Hamilton's music scene, inspiring audiences with their creativity and talent. Anyone familiar with Hamilton knows it for this rich musical heritage I speak of, but an unfortunate trend has emerged in recent years – the closure of music instrument stores and venues. These establishments, once vibrant hubs for musicians and enthusiasts alike, are now dwindling in number, leaving a void in the local music community. 

For decades, Hamilton has been home to a thriving music scene, supported in part by a network of music instrument stores scattered throughout the city. These stores served as more than just retail outlets; they were gathering places where musicians could connect, learn, and share their passion for music. Store owners and employees are often musicians themselves, earning steady income to do what they love. 

However, in recent years, the landscape has shifted, with many of these storied establishments closing their doors for good.

Several factors have contributed to the decline of music instrument stores in Hamilton. Economic challenges, including rising rents, have placed significant strain on brick-and-mortar businesses. Social media is a distraction from practising an instrument for younger generations. Local stores also face intense competitive pressure from online sellers such as Amazon and Reverb. It all goes some distance in explaining why there are not nearly as many music stores in Hamilton as there used to be.

Additionally, shifting consumer preferences and the rise of digital music production have altered the way musicians acquire instruments and equipment, further impacting the viability of traditional music stores. 

American retailer Sam Ash, which proudly proclaimed itself "The World's Favorite Music Store," is shutting down after 100 years in business. The family-owned company announced on May 2 that all 44 Sam Ash Music locations would begin closing sales that same day. The first location in Brooklyn, New York, was opened by Sam Ash – who was an immigrant violinist – and his wife Rose back in 1924. Their great-grandson Derek Ash said the company’s 42 locations could not compete in the era of online shopping.

Despite the challenges they face, music instrument stores hold a special place in the hearts of Hamiltonians and musicians alike. For generations, these establishments have played a crucial role in nurturing talent, supporting local artists, and preserving the city's musical heritage.

From iconic storefronts to beloved family-run businesses, each music store has left an indelible mark on the community, shaping the soundscape of Hamilton in profound ways. Let's take a closer look at remaining local music instrument stores and reflect on the contributions of some of those no longer with us.

Current local instrument stores

The Acoustic Room (Locke Street): Nestled on the charming Locke Street, The Acoustic Room stands as a haven for acoustic enthusiasts. Boasting a curated selection of high-quality guitars, ukuleles, and other acoustic instruments, this cozy store invites musicians of all skill levels to explore its melodious offerings.

Picks and Sticks (Locke Street): Another gem on Locke Street, Picks and Sticks celebrates the joy of stringed instruments. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a budding ukulele player, this quaint store offers a diverse selection of starter guitars, mandolins, banjos, and more, along with lessons and camps and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Birchway Sound (Grant Avenue): Tucked away on Grant Avenue, Birchway Sound specializes in making boutique guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and unique finds, this boutique store caters to discerning musicians seeking one-of-a-kind treasures.

The Music Stand (Hester Street): Located on Hester Street, The Music Stand is a treasure trove of musical instruments, accessories and lessons. From brass and woodwind instruments to percussion and keyboards, this comprehensive store caters to musicians of all genres and styles, providing everything needed to fuel their musical passions.

Long & McQuade (Hamilton + Burlington): With locations in both Hamilton and neighbouring Burlington, Long & McQuade is a household name among Canadian musicians. This expansive chain store offers a vast array of instruments, from guitars and keyboards to drums and brass, along with professional audio equipment and rental services.

Gone but not forgotten

Mountain Music: The most recent closure, Mountain Music was open and rocking for 44 years. Specializing in rock, the store was a friendly shop that was a melting pot of like-minded customers and employees.  

Pongetti's: Founded in the 1950s on Barton Street, Pongetti's was a legendary music store renowned for its wide range of instruments and knowledgeable staff, attracting musicians from near and far. It eventually moved up to Upper James in the ’90s and closed in 2012.

Reggie's Music: For more than 25 years, Reggie's Music on John Street North was a trusted destination for musicians seeking instruments, repairs, and expert guidance and even lessons, leaving an indelible mark on Hamilton's musical heritage.

Payne Music: King Street East’s Payne Music was a beloved music store known for its extensive selection of instruments, sheet music, and accessories, and a repair shop for brass and woodwind instruments. It served as a cornerstone of Hamilton's big band and jazz music scene for decades. It operated from 1954 to 2018.

Absolute Music: A staple on Upper James for 26 years, Absolute Music provided medium to lower-end makes and models affordable for beginners and weekend warriors.

Waddingtons: With a rich history dating back to 1929, Waddingtons was a cornerstone of Hamilton's music community, offering a diverse selection of instruments and accessories and a music school with as many as 20 teachers upstairs in its 18 John St. N. location. 

Anne Foster's Music: A beloved fixture of Hamilton's music scene from 1942 to 1989, Anne Foster's Music in the historic Lister Block on James Street North was a cherished destination for musicians seeking sheet music and expert advice. On a personal note, my mom worked there for years, and it’s where my parents met.

Local Instrument makers, luthiers & independent instrument repair shops

Woodford Instruments (Smith Avenue): Situated on Smith Avenue, Woodford Instruments specializes in handcrafted guitars and basses, each meticulously crafted to perfection. With a focus on quality materials and artisanal techniques, this boutique shop offers instruments that inspire musicians to create and innovate.

Cithara Guitars: (East 24th Street): Daniel Clark creates custom-built electric and acoustic guitars, including a cool line of electrics crafted out of retired pinball play-fields. His shop provides a full line of repairs and restoration services and even offers a six-month guitar building course in which students create their own instruments.

Lounsbury Guitars (Mountain Avenue): Chris Lounsbury builds Orbit electric guitars, his own design, along with custom handmade acoustic guitars. With a passion for precision and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Lounsbury also provides expert instrument repairs and modifications, ensuring that musicians' instruments perform at their best. Instrument owners know that guitars are sometimes left in disrepair and need help to be brought back from the dead. Do you have a guitar in a case in a basement, closet or attic and you’ve been meaning to play it or pass it on to someone who will? Bring it to Lounsbury and he’ll do his best to revive it.

Flocello European String Instruments Music Studio (Susan Drive): Flocello brings student and maestro-level stringed instruments – cellos, violins, violas, double bass – to Hamilton from Liuteria Toscana, a wonderfully prolific group of independent luthiers in Italy, along with instruments built in Romania.

Rich Audio: Specializing in audio equipment repair and restoration, Rich Audio has earned a reputation for excellence in Hamilton's music community, providing expert service for amplifiers, speakers, keyboards, and more.

The Guitar Clinic/The Peghead (McKinstry Street): Formerly known as The Guitar Clinic and rebranded as The Peghead, this Hamilton institution has been a go-to destination for guitar enthusiasts since its inception. From repairs and setups to custom builds and rare finds, this shop is a haven for guitar aficionados.

Man About Tune: Offering instrument repairs and setups with a personal touch, Man About Tune is a trusted destination for musicians seeking restoration and repair for Hammond organs, vintage electric pianos, and piano tuning specifically. Founder and self-professed piano nerd Adam Melnick has lent his extensive technical talent to well-known musical acts such as Deep Purple, The Guess Who, The Proclaimers, and Justin Timberlake.

From the legacy of historic music stores to the vibrant energy of contemporary establishments, Hamilton's music scene continues to evolve, driven by a shared passion for the transformative power of music. 

From innovative new venues to boundary-pushing artists, the city's music landscape is constantly evolving, reflecting the dynamic spirit of its residents and the ever-changing face of the city itself. The scene is as diverse as its population, spanning a kaleidoscope of genres that reflect the city's eclectic spirit.

As music lovers, we are privileged to witness and be a part of Hamilton's musical journey, experiencing the soulful sounds and vibrant energy that make this city a true musical gem. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, be sure to take some time to explore Hamilton's music scene and these stores—you never know what hidden gems you might discover along the way.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Local professional musicians share their thoughts about local music stores.

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 “How do instrument retailers keep the music alive in the city?”

Steve McKay (Bruce Peninsula, Twin Within): “The greatest contribution that a music store gives to the scene is employing the musicians who live and work in the area. It's that kind of steady income that gives musicians the freedom to play their music and try to make it as a player.”

Dave King (Autumn Defence, Rapid Transit): “Connections. They are a great gathering place for musicians and not always just about gear. You could bump into someone who may recommend an artist for a project and there’s a possible lifetime connection made through just hanging out in these shops.” 

Mark Pongetti (The Acoustic Room): “These days you can purchase a guitar anywhere, however, you can only build a relationship through customer service and an in-person shopping experience that is second to none.”

“What were your favourite former stores and any influences they had on your style and maturation?”

Jeremy Fisher (singer-songwriter born in Hamilton): “Reggie's (first amp), Pongetti's (saved all summer and bought a Gibson SG when I was 16!), honourable mention goes to Payne Music because I was also a clarinet player. I spent so much time at Reggie's just trying stuff I could never afford and they were always very patient about it. I still get excited thinking about going there. It seemed like they had everything, and for a small store their stock was pretty outstanding. That was my main spot where I could hop on a bus at age 13, spend a whole morning there with my friends and come home with a pack of strings.”

McKay: “It was all about J&L Music on King Street (now the Salvation Army), Payne Music just down the street and Reggies before they closed. If I wanted something, I would start at Reggies and just start walking east until I found it. There was also a sweet pawn shop across the street from J&L that always had excellent pedals – which was essential in the late ’90s. It seems like all of our money was spent on guitar and bass pedals back in those days. As a drummer, I loved going to Payne music with my drum teacher Bob Wright (who also famously owned Wright Music until he retired). Payne's was a great place to get skins, sticks and the odd used gear. I believe Mr. Payne's son was a drummer, so everything was pretty decently set up in that shop.” 

Why do local, independent shops matter? 

Fisher: “Even outside of music, local independent shops matter because the money stays in the community instead of flying off to some tax haven. You buy a guitar at Pongetti's, and the Pongetti family buys groceries from Fortinos and the money keeps going around until that profit trickles down to buy your kid's bulk pizza pockets for a grade 8 trip to Quebec City. Every good music shop had a corkboard where you could find a teacher or band looking for like-minded musicians. It was a community hub.”

McKay: “I'm not sure that being independent is actually an asset these days. The indie shops often don't carry certain brands because the big box guys have a distribution monopoly. The local piece is the most important to me. I want to walk to a place that has everything that I need and hang out there while people try out gear.” 

King: “Community. They can help foster relationships between folk who may not otherwise have that sort of environment to meet up. Certainly more in the pre-internet era but I think it still holds true today. They can also provide employment to a lot of musicians who are in between gigs or who teach. Also a great place for younger kids to hang out and have conversations with industry veterans who may frequent or work at these stores.”

Pongetti: “The music industry was always based on relationships, not clicks. Unfortunately, due to the corporate culture that has taken over our industry, that experience has been compromised. In years past, Hamilton was teaming with a minimum of a dozen independent music stores and the music scene was vibrant. Technology (internet) changed the landscape on how music was listened to, viewed and purchased.”