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