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Famous
Old Time Music Company
When you want the best in Ohio Bluegrass Stores...
This
article ran in the Summer 2005 Issue of the Bluegrass Journal
Written
by Sherri Chekal • All Rights Reserved by the Author, July
2005
Reprint Rights Available by Contacting the Author or The
Bluegrass Journal Editor
When you
just need a pack of strings or maybe a basic instruction book
on music, any old music store will do. In fact, it might not
even matter if they know the difference between a five string
and a plectrum banjo. However, if youÕre searching for a vintage
instrument, or just a very special and unique product or expert
instruction, then the Famous Old Time Music Company stores are
the place to find everything bluegrass and old time music related
in Ohio!
Your hosts,
Vernon and Kitty McIntyre, have been involved in bluegrass music
for many years and truly know the market. Vernon is a renowned
banjo, guitar and mandolin player who has played for the likes
of Walt Hensley, Jimmy Martin, Jim McCall and James Monroe.
He has performed on the Grand Old Opry and he has been the lead
man of his band, Appalachian Grass, since 1970. His talented
wife, Kitty, was trained as a classical violinist and felt the
lure of the fiddle early on sheÕs now is an accomplished entertainer
with many recordings and a full roster of her own students learning
her style and techniques.
It was in
the spring of 1983 that the McIntyres took over the operation
of the Famous Old Time Music Company store from Rich Hart, who
had owned the store after the original owners, Harry Sparks
and Mack Smith, who were members of a well-known musical group.
Called the Famous Old Time Music Company, they performed around
the region at shows and hootenannies during the 1960Õs. They
also started the store in Cincinnati that soon became a gathering
point during the folk revivals of that time. Bluegrass, folk
and other acoustic music genres have always been the focus of
the Famous Old Time Music Company and still is today, many years
later.
One of the
most appealing adventures awaits you when you visit the store
in Cincinnati. You are not greeted to flashy, high-tech, big-box
store coldness; instead you are greeted to a warm and comfortable
old building with character. There are so many instruments,
artifacts and products about, your eyes will be wandering about
with curiosity, taking in the history as well as the delightful
selection of unique and distinct instruments. Each showcase
or wall display will bring more and more treasures to your attention.
Vernon easily has 700 or more vintage instruments in his store
from extremely valuable, museum grade pieces to simply odd and
unique instruments that are surely one of a kind. He buys, sells,
trades and repairs vintage acoustic instruments. ItÕs a rare
treat to be able to go down into the basement of the old building
and marvel at all the parts and pieces of old instruments in
the workshop. If youÕre looking for a replacement part to your
beloved instrument, thereÕs an excellent chance that Vernon
may have it, or will be able to find it.
Recently,
the McIntyres have opened another store in the fields of Wapakoneta.
It is a delight to realize that some of the feel and atmosphere
of the Cincinnati store has migrated to the new location and
there are many excellent resources for all bluegrass musicians
there in the form of strings, books, videos, instruments and
other goodies. However, what is truly unique is that the Wapakoneta
store is also the home to a large auditorium and stage where
Famous Old Time Music hosts monthly bluegrass shows as well
as festivals out in the fields behind the store. The building
used to be an elementary school and Vernon and Kitty have plans
to convert the space into a musical Mecca for old time and bluegrass
fans and musicians. ItÕs easy to see that this music is their
life and love.
So if youÕre
in the mood for a real adventure with people who know exactly
what youÕre looking for and have the same passion that you do
for bluegrass music, then the two stores of the Famous Old Time
Music Company are a must stop on any trip through Ohio. Be sure
to check their website for store hours and directions as well
as show schedules and where you can catch Vernon McIntyre and
the Appalachian Grass playing soon!
Famous
Old Time Music
6019 Vine
Street -
Cincinnati OH
(513) 242-1442
20322 US
33 -
Wapakoneta, OH
(419) 568-1220
www.FOTMC.com
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