Famous Old Time Music selling at auction

mcintyresThe Famous Old Time Music Company, owned and operated by by grassers Vernon and Kitty McIntyre since 1983 in Ohio, has closed its doors. Once serving the acoustic music community in the central US from two locations, providing lessons, repairs, and both new and vintage instruments and accessories, the McIntyres have decided to move on to the next stage of their lives, and leave the business world behind.

Both the repurposed school building in Wapakoneta that housed Famous Old Time, and their complete inventory and fixtures, are being offered for sale. This weekend will see the inventory sold at auction in two sessions.

But the McIntyres won’t be leaving bluegrass behind. Vernon will continue to do instrument repairs, and they both still offer lessons at their studio in Cincinnati. And they will keep performing with their band, Appalachian Grass.

Kitty gave us a quick rundown on the details of the business.

“The Cincinnati store was established in 1972 and Vernon and I purchased it in 1983. We opened the Wapak location of Famous Old Time Music in 2002.

Lack of cash flow forced us to close. We are very sad about having to close the business. We met some of the best folks in the world through both locations.”

Those interested in owning a piece of the Famous Old Time Music Company can attend the auctions this weekend. Saturday (6/1) will see several hundred musical instruments offered for sale, both new and used, along with a good many parts, accessories, and cases. The store’s expansive collection of vintage LPs, estimated at between 7,000-10,000 in total, will also be auctioned.

Then on Sunday, a separate auction will be held to sell the antiques and collectibles belonging to the business.

More complete auction details can be found online.

Farewell, Famous Old Time Music.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.