What’s Under Your Bed?

The phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” has never been more lucrative than it is today.  With television pushing shows like “Antique Road Show”, “American Pickers”, and “Pawn Stars” what once was looked at as junk is now becoming gold!
 Let me introduce myself.  My name is Brandt Bourque. I’m a native of Gonzales and have been living here the majority of my 30 years.  I have worked in the music retail industry, selling instruments, for over 12 years (six of those years at Music Inc. in Gonzales).  I also worked for Guitar Center, the largest chain store in the music industry, at their flagship Atlanta, GA location.  There, I received awards for top salesman and a “rookie of the year” award for overall excellence.  I became owner/president of Music Inc. of Louisiana in January of 2012.  Since then, Music Inc. has been awarded NAMM’s Top 100 award two years in a row. NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) awards its Top 100 award to the 100 stores in the nation that continue to drive the industry forward and show dedication to growing and cultivating the music industry.
In 2014 Music Inc. celebrated 45 years of service to Ascension Parish. After having its doors open for 45 years it’s safe to say that many of the instruments floating around south Louisiana came from Music Inc., including many that are now considered “vintage”.  Just like the antiques seen on the most popular TV shows, some “old” guitars can be worth serious money!  Would you believe that a particular model, and year, Les Paul can fetch upwards of $300,000!  Now, that’s some serious cash!  Most of these guitars are snatched up by collectors, but there are stories every year of someone finding an old case under their bed, or in a storage closet, that ends up being “the real thing” and worth a lot of money.
 Don’t overlook that old beat up dusty case.  Take it out and give it a quick look over.  Names like Gibson, Fender, Martin, Gretsch, Rickenbacker and Silvertone are sure to be of some value.  And, there are many others out there that can bring a solid return on their original purchase price.  Instrument amplifiers can be worth a bundle as well.  There are amps by Howard Dumble that can be worth up to $80,000!
 More importantly, pick up those old instruments and play!  If the old instrument is yours, it's bound to bring up memories of your youth playing with old friends or maybe the challenges you faced when you were just learning.  If the instrument belongs to a family member, ask them to teach you how to play, or to tell you the story and history of the old instrument.  You might be surprised to find out that out that it was purchased from Music Inc.  If it's an inherited instrument and you need a little help uncovering its mystery, bring it to us and we will gladly help you research its history.
As the holiday’s approach, the gift of music is one that is guaranteed to last a life time.  It's been proven; music instills discipline, sparks the imagination, enhances learning, and helps cultivate new friendships. Music Inc. can help you create a passion for the art of music.  

Stop by and say hello,
Brandt

Music Inc. named Top 100 Music Retailer 2nd Year in a Row!

Music Inc. of Louisiana in Gonzales, LA has been named one of the Top 100 musical instrument and product retailers in the world by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). The designation will be formally presented to the Top 100 dealers at Summer NAMM, a trade show held in Nashville, TN this July.  Music Inc. is also being considered to receive the Dealer of the Year award, NAMM’s highest honor for retailers.

“We are very honored to have been selected as a “Top 100 Dealer” two years in a row within the same year that we celebrate out 45th Anniversary.  Offering new and exceptional products while maintaining the high level of customer service people have come to expect from a small town shop is what has kept customers coming back to Music Inc,” said Brandt Bourque, President at Music Inc. of Louisiana.

Music Inc. of Louisiana received the Top 100 designation in recognition of:

A demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service
Proven community advocacy and support for music education
An exemplary retail experience worth returning for and recommending
to others
Merchandising and marketing practices that encourage repeat sales
Sound planning for future success, employing marketing and
training initiatives
Engaging and effective use of web and social media

Music Inc. could also be awarded in one of eight additional categories: Best Exterior Presentation, Best Merchandising Display, Best Marketing and Sales Promotion, Best Online Presentation, Support Music Advocacy, Music Makes a Difference, Best Emerging Dealer “Rookie of the Year,” and Best Special Event. Winners of these categories, as well as Dealer of the Year, will be announced at the July 18 ceremony in Nashville. 

Businesses vying for Top 100 status were evaluated for innovative methods, resourceful approaches, and effective implementation of retail best practices. A panel of anonymous industry judges scores each entry to determine the Top 100, the individual category winners, and Dealer of the Year. Dubbed the ‘retail Oscars’ by Music Inc. magazine, NAMM’s Top 100 Dealer Awards was created to spotlight the industry’s very best music product retailers.

“NAMM is proud to recognize this music store with the coveted Top 100 Dealer Award,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “Music Inc. of Louisiana exemplifies the passion for making music that unites all of us. They are on the front lines in bringing music and music education to their community and are truly the back bone of our industry.”

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies located in more than 92 countries.