Repair, Restoration and sales of New, Used and Vintage Stringed Instruments.
Repairs, Restorations, building and Sales of New, Used and Vintage Stringed Instruments and accessories. 30 Years in Missoula serving Schools, Stores and general public. Warranty center for most Name Brands.Dealer for George Lowden Guitars and National Resophonic Guitars. Hard to find parts. Custom Built Autoharps.
Keywords: Autoharp,Banjo,Bass,Cello,Guitar,Mandolin,Viola, Violin,Zither,Ethnic Instruments,Repairs,sales, Restorations,Lowden,Gibson,Martin,National,Everett
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
39 years in Missoula
What is your primary product or service?
Restoration, repair and Building of Stringed Instruments.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
since a young age I was raised in a musical family and my Mother was a Ray Charles fan and my Father was a Calypso drummer. I played Saxophone since 5th grade and have been building Autoharps since 1965. After 3 years of technical school for Finishing and Violin repair I moved to Missoulain 1978 to work for Bitterroot Music repairing for the schools and music stores and general public. After some years of retail I mostly do repair work and building Stringed Instruments. I have been the warranty center for most Guitar companies like Martin, Gibson, Takamine, Ovation, Santa Cruz, National and was the only US Warranty center for George Lowden Guitars. I started Stringed Instrument Division Inc. in 1985 and continue to keep the music alive.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
I have been the only one to do it all (Violin Family, Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin,Baroque and Ethnic Instruments) from finish work to structural and cosmetic repairs to basic set-ups. I've trained apprentices that are doing business and help me when I need them.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
I have 2 locations. One is my home shop where I do repairs and one is my Store/ Office where I have people drop off and pick up their instruments and have a small retail of New Used and Vintage Instruments and accessories.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are on the corner of North Higgins Avenue and Spruce Street at the last Stop Light on the North end of Higgins Avenue. The Address is 500 N. Higgins Avenue across from the Iron Horse and kiddy corner from Wordens Market Downtown Missoula, MT.
What type of payments do you accept?
Check,Cash, Money Order, Direct Deposit - no cards
Which areas do you service?
I get repairs work from all over the country but do the school repairs for Most of Montana and pacific Northwest as well as nationally and even over seas.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
ME
What are your hours of operation?
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM Mon - Fri.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Thank You
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Treat others like you would have them treat you.