Music Pantry
While scouting for the ultimate guitar shop location, George Jones realized that the city of Richmond didn’t offer a musical instrument store. So, in partnership with his brother John, they opened the Music Pantry on October 27th, 1975. George learned many valuable lessons from his father, Frank, and during his time working as a shoe salesman at Sherry’s Shoes at the young age of 14. In 1982 George would purchase his brother’s share of the business to become the sole owner. In 1993 he moved the business to its current location of 10 S 8th St where business is rockin’! Considered the “mecca of guitar culture”, the Music Pantry is a full-line music store that offers a wide variety of musical instruments that has close to 400 guitars on display! Some of their other instruments include SM Percussion, digital pianos, professional combo stage keyboards, and a full complement of musical accessories.
They also offer a very extensional teaching program for guitar and piano lessons. Every instrument sold in-store is professionally shop adjusted and can also be serviced as needed. George plays a range of instruments, but his true passion is the guitar. The first one he purchased was a natural finish Cincinnatus that he bought at a home sale in 1959. It didn’t have strings at the time of purchase, so he used fishing wire for strings and used either matchbook covers or pins from his sister’s curlers as picks! He had this to say about his store: “I really enjoy working with all our customers. Everyone has an inspiration. I love to interact with each one and hear their stories and how they got into music.” He enjoys reading and is looking to publish a teaching method on harmony theory, which he feels is one of the most important factors when working with his clients. George also served in the Army from 1968-1970 in Germany as a Radio Operator. Thank you for your service!
You can visit the Music Pantry from 11:00am-8:00pm Monday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm Saturday, and 1:00pm-4:00pm on Sundays. They can be reached at 765-966-6433. Be sure to check them out on Facebook for more information, updates, and to find out how the business got its name.
George Jones of Music Pantry
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