After 54 years as an important landmark in the music world, Medley Music has gone out of business. It is with great humility and regret that we have arrived at this decision. But the current market climate dictates that we had no other choice.

Since making this announcement, we have been inundated with emails, phone calls, and countless face-to-face conversations. We greatly appreciate the extremely kind outpouring of support. It’s gratifying to know the level of esteem that so many of you had for our company. We will be posting some of your comments in this news section. (We can be reached at GOB@medleynet.com).

We thank you for all of your support and business through the years. We will truly miss you.

Thanks again and good luck in your future ventures.

A.S.

* * * * * *

I have purchased 4 or 5 drumsets, countless amounts of cymbals, hundreds of drumsticks, and just last Christmas, a Martin guitar at Medley Music.

I used to hang out in your store in my teens, and met some incredibly talented musicians. I am now 40, and litterally was in the store last week picking some stuff...

So many memories...my father said he bought a banjo from you in the 50's...

I will truly miss Medley...you were an institution, and I wish you only the best in your final days.

Thank you for all the memories, you will truly be missed.

R.P.

* * * * *

I knew something had to be up. Things are really rough these days. I will stop by next week to check out your inventory. Gerson you have been a pleasure to deal with over the years. You know I buy a lot of equipment from a lot of people. But I can definitively say that Medley was always the best for me. I always knew you would give me a fair price and more importantly you would stand up to the companies when they were trying to screw with me. I am definitely sorry to see you go out of business.

R.S.

* * * * * *

Gerson!!!

I had no idea you were considering closing up shop! Your place was legendary in the Philadephia area. Maybe I should drive down and see you personally before you take your leave!

Very sad news, my friend!

J.Y.

* * * * * *

Dear Gerson and Staff: (Roy, Dominic, Booker, Charles, Mark, Bob and Chris):

I just received your Going Out of Business Email announcement and admittedly I sensed the demise of my "second and forever, endearing home" by at least the end of December, 2008. I am deeply saddened at this outcome and I will forever miss you all. As you all know, part of my existence and my being each week was to spend time with not just a retail store or a business establishment, but rather, a family of dear friends who share the same love of music and ideals as you at Medley Music do with me. I will be there with you guys to the very last day of business and then... as the lights are turned out and the door at 1041 W. Lancaster Ave. is locked for the final time, a piece of my soul and heart will fade to black as well.

When I started coming into Medley Music Mart as a little boy, (some 50 plus years ago), who would have ever thought that my love, devotion and friendship with a store and its staff would stem that much history. But for some unexplainable reason, IT DID. You have no idea how each week my spirits would climb when I would hear you shout out to me as I walked into the store, "Hey friend." What a joy it was to (again) see you all there, even if it had only been 6 days between my last visit.

May God Bless all of you and I Thank You from the bottom of my Heart for making my life and my music extra special. You guys are Theeee Best in My Book. I will genuinely miss you all!!

I will be seeing you soon... up until the very last day... my friends.

Sincerely yours,
E.A.

* * * * * *

To everyone at Medley,

I am so sad to hear this. Thank all of you past and present for going beyond the common business and truly serving our community.

I hope that you take the time to celebrate the wonderful impact that you have had on so many people. You have all been part of a huge and important facet of our community.

J.K.

* * * * * *

So I got home last night, and decided to check email before crashing cause I was still a little wired from playing, and what do I find? A hoax I tell you, a really bad joke about my favorite music store going out of business! Wow! I am shocked and bummed beyond belief! I know I haven't done my part lately - the result of two years without income, not a reflection on Medley or my interest in all things musical! But I've been telling people how lucky I was that there was a local music store that would survive the big box stores and on-line stores and all the other retail madness. Not only did I always get great prices (and you offered the same great prices to everyone I sent there as well) but you also had great lines, and offered great service and support. I was sure that this was the formula for survival. I guess you guys thought so too.

Anyway, I am bummed that you are closing, and I hope that something better rises from the ashes. Let me know where you land, and if you ever need a reference from a happy customer don't hesitate!

B.T.

* * * * * *

Hello Gerson ...having just read your store email ..explaining about your store closure I felt I had to write to you to say how sad I was to hear that information. I have dealt with you about 7 or 8 times and found your help to have been greatly appreciated. Being 4500 miles away is always difficult in trading but you always made my purchases easy.So thank you ...

T.H.

* * * * * *

A good friend of mine said he heard you might be going out of business. I’ve been shopping at your store for years and I hope it’s not true. However; if it is, I just wanted to thank you for running the best local music store by far. All the best to you and yours either way!!!

Thanks again.

J.M.

* * * * * * It was great to see you today. I just wanted to personally say Thank You for your time and patience. Being new to guitars, I was overwhelmed by the amazing selection that you had. I couldn't wait to get home to play (albeit poorly!) My left fingers are already aching! Nevertheless, I look forward to years of enjoyment with my new friend, the OM18GE guitar.

My cousin, whom you saw today, has been an avid player of Martin guitars for decades. He took me to their factory to take their tour several years ago. I suppose that is where I became hooked. He was my inspiration for taking the plunge today.

For years, when he visited us from Long Island, he made it a predictable habit to visit your store. He was always impressed by your personal style and your incredible selection of guitars. He was very depressed today to learn of your plans to close Medley. It is a shame that excellent traditional family-run local retailers find it hard to survive. You have my heartfelt regrets.

Please know that there are many who will miss your valuable contribution to our community.

I would like to wish you the very best of luck in your next step through life.

All the best,

D.D.

* * * * * *

I am sorry to hear that you are closing your doors. My son was especially happy to shop in your store for hours when we visited from Australia. He bought a lot of drum equipment... You might remember him. As a boy I bought my first guitar in Ardmore from you in 1966! It was a Yamaha 12 string and I still have it.

Good luck to you what ever you do in the future.

Thanks for everything,

O.P.

* * * * * *

Hi Gers

My wife and I were both saddened reading the news of Medley closing. I have received many calls over the weekend from friends, musicians, and even some of your competitors expressing their profound sense of loss. The closing of the store will create a huge hole in the fabric of the Philadelphia musical community that will never be filled.

I want to thank you again for everything that you have done for me, and wish you and your family success with future endeavors. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help.

Best regards,

F.D.

* * * * * *

Dear Gerson:

I became very sad when I read the email that Medley Music is going out of business.

Music is a large part of my Life. Medley Music was a huge part of that part of my Life. Over the past ~40 years, I have purchased from Medley about 11 guitars, 10 amps, and innumerable effects, strings, picks, etc.

About 40 years ago, when I was about seven-years-old, I used to walk down to Ardmore (back when it was safe for an seven-year-old to walk alone a couple of miles away from home). I used to look through the windows of Medley Music, with wonder, at all the musical instruments. My parents had taught me that you don't go into a store unless you were going to buy something. I decided that I would save my money from the small jobs an seven-year-old had, so that I could finally enter the store. Along with all the instruments, I remember seeing your Dad behind the counter. I wondered what this man, who presided over all of these wonderful instruments, was like. Since I did not know how much it would cost, I waited and saved for a year. During that year, I would make that walk to Ardmore most Saturdays to look through the windows from the outside while I amassed my Entry Money. The Big Day finally came. I set off on foot one Saturday with a five-dollar bill in my pocket, hoping this was enough money. I finally walked through the door of Medley Music, Ardmore, PA. Your Dad greeted me and asked how he could help me. I told him that I was looking to buy a musical instrument. We decided that a harmonica would be best. I left with my First Musical Instrument, a Hohner harmonica, AND change from my five-dollar bill.

Medley's prices had always been, not only the best in the area, but best in the industry. More important to me than price, is Customer Service. Medley was BEST of ANY industry. Although I have been schooled as a professional musician, I entered Corporate America in 1990. I have been known as the Musician of my offices. Co-workers come to me when they want to get instruments. I always referred them to Medley. The best example (but just one of many) of Medley Customer Service that I used occurred in 1982. I almost exclusively dealt with your long-time salesman, Bruce. When purchasing equipment, I always went to Medley during off-times. Never on Saturdays in order to avoid the teenagers with their mother's money. One day in '82, I arrived with the cash, and told Bruce, "I'm ready for a Strat." I was the only customer at the time. Bruce knew me well enough by this time that I came prepared to purchase (also because I brought my own Mesa/Boogie Amp to play through). I told him which Strat I was interested in. Along with the technical specs I required, I wanted the Natural finish. Bruce went to the computer and found that he had six in stock. He brought all six up from the storage room. Because I wanted the Natural finish, I told him that I didn't want to SEE the guitars. I did not want the appearance to influence my decision. He understood. He placed the six cases behind me. He handed each Strat to me with my eyes closed as I went through some playing. I went through all six. Reduced the selection to three. Further reduced to two. I finally picked The One, based of sound and feel. Bruce then showed me all six guitars. The interesting thing was that The One was the only one that had black pick-ups and black pick guard. The other five had white pick-ups and white pick guards. I walked out of Medley Music with my Fender Stratocaster. A couple of years later I realized just how special my Strat was, when I saw Frank Zappa at the Tower Theater on his last Rock concert, with the same guitar.

I believe your Dad has always been ahead from a business standpoint. I still have a couple of free passes to Medley's guitar show held at the Villanova Field House. They have a hand-drawn portrait of your Dad with "In Harry We Trust". I always have.

You have my deepest well-wishes to you and your family.

Sincerely,

S.W.

* * * * * *

Gerson:

I heard today that you have decided to close the doors of Medley Music, certainly one of the most venerated of retail institutions in our business. I am sure it was a difficult decision, not easily reached. I can remember visits to Medley that go back longer than I care to remember. You and your father were always gracious to me and their was always something for me to learn. I have no idea what your plans are, but I hope we have the opportunity to do business together again sometime. If I can do anything for you, don’t hesitate to be in touch.

Best regards,

H.P.

* * * * * *

Hi Gerson,

I just wanted to say how sad I was to hear the news of your closing after all these years. You know how long I've been shopping there. I will miss the service and attention I always got from you and your staff.

I bought my first electric guitar from Bruce back in Ardmore, and, as you know, lots of stuff since then. I still have almost every guitar I ever got there, including the R&D Martin HD-28 your Dad got from the factory. What an amazing guitar--it has been on platinum albums, just not with me playing it! Not to mention classics like an ARP Omni, Prophet 600, Yamaha electric grand, DX-7... wait, I'm showing my age!

Where will I go now to hear people announce "T. A. is in the building!" when I walk in?

Please let me know if you open another outlet in the future. You can always count on me to be a loyal customer. There will always be a special place in my heart for Medley Music.

Best of luck with your future endeavors, and say hi to your Dad for me,

T.A.

* * * * * *

Gerson, just want to wish you good luck in the post-Medley years. Your dad Harry was great to me as a young businessman. I had bought a few things from him, an Ibanez lawsuit Tele which I wish to heck I still had and a Morris 12 string which I still do have! Anyway, when I started my fledgling sound biz, Harry gave me the best wholesale prices and 30 days credit, which really helped me get established. Say hi to him if he’s still around, and my best to you.

L.M.

* * * * * *

Gerson

I want you to know that the email sent out about Medley closing saddened me. Unlike other stores medley has maintained a level of professionalism which (in my view) has set the standard for other stores to rise to.

The greater part of gear I have is from Medley and it was intentional in those purchases. Sometimes medley was a bit higher, sometimes lower, but that was not the consideration, rather it was the level of the store that kept me coming back over the many years. I want you to know that I have always appreciated that.

As of late I have not needed much gear, the time will come when I will need something, but I loathe the idea of having to use a 2nd rate establishment, or mail order.

The real point of this email was to express my appreciation for you, your leadership in the store and the professionalism of Medley Music.

J.Y.

* * * * * *

I just called the store to get a price quote and heard the news. I have to say how sad I felt to hear that Medley is closing its doors forever. The music community on the Main Line will never be the same.

I admit to browsing the aisles of Sam Ash and Guitar Center, but I always made my purchases at Medley. As a small business owner myself I appreciate the personal touch and attention your staff always gave me. Dominic and Mark always had time for my questions no matter how silly they might have been.

My last purchase of two 421's and a beautiful sounding API mic pre have enabled me to get pristine audio onto my projects. I for one will sadly miss Medley music. We should shed a tear for all small business owners trying to keep pace with the ugly superstores that are chipping away at the American dream of self employment and entrepreneurship.

Thanks to Medley for all the great sounds and service over the years.

Sincerely,

S.G.

* * * * * *

Dear Gerson,

I just found out about Medley closing at the end of the month. I am very saddened by this and wish you the best, whatever the future has in store for you. My years heading up the repair department (1974-1979) were 5 great years.

Best regards,

R.S.

* * * * * *

Dear Medley Music...

Since I discovered you guys in 1996, I have purchased the majority of my equipment and supplies from your store, which is a two hour drive each direction for me. In my not so humble opinion, there is no one who has offered the service that your staff did, especially Mark and Domenic. Whenever I had a question (and yes I hounded these guys to death with five phone calls in a day sometimes), they were prompt with an answer or an opinion. And when they didn't have an answer, they directed me to someone who did. Needless to say Medley Music will be regretfully missed.

Many thanks and regards;

P.C.

* * * * * *

Gerson,

I was a young member of the last Mainpoint Generation so I have been around awhile. I have many , many memories of Medley.

I had friends who worked at Medley including Al Powell, a friend of many years, with whom I began 1020 RPM.

I remember the times when The Mainpoint rented a Fender Twin Reverb for Larry Coryell, who would not perform without it.

I remember when I was telling Brian Bricklin I wanted to install a pickup in my 1972 Cherry Guild D-25 but was very leery about it. He said, " We can put in a Lawrence Pickup, which can be removed and will hold itself in place by pressure, run a wire inside to the peg for your strap, use a 1/8 input through the strap peg, use a 1/8" to quarter inch adaptor outside and everything will cool. Since we knew one another from the School Boys days, I said alright and never regretted it.

It was where I met Ron Ruggiero, who years later hand made a guitar for Joseph Black, who is in Cloning Einstein, whom I manage. Joe used that guitar to record a CD now charting on Smooth Jazz and America Music Charts.

One night about two years ago my daughter tried to sit on the steps in the mural and obviously did not.

You have had the greatest employees over the years and I will be one of many who will miss sometimes just walking in and looking around.

I could go on but you have too many other e-mails to read.

Best Wishes,

M.M.

* * * * * *

god i really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, hate samash and guitar center.

sorry to see you go. you were my last bastion of hope.

g.c.

* * * * * *

Dear Mr. Rosenbloom,

I've worked for four different MI manufacturers over the last 19 years, and I have done some form of business with Medley Music throughout this period. My experience in dealing with Medley has always been that the folks there are friendly and knowledgeable, and I do not recall even one negative experience with your store's staff. I thank you sincerely for that. I wish you all the best, and also Mark Brooks, Carmen, Dave Sagherian, and all the others I've talked to there over the last two decades.

Kind Regards,

J.A.

* * * * * *

Gerson,

I’m so sorry to learn of the demise of Medley. When I had the opportunity to stop in a few times, I saw excitement, energy and a genuine interest in the customer. It’s a shame that the economy can take away such a great institution. In any event, I wish you success in whatever future endeavor you undertake.

P.G.

* * * * * *

Gerson-

I just wanted to extent my thanks for the many years of business. Growing up in the area, over thirty years ago I would ride my bike up to the shop and drool over the fabulous instrument you had. I took lesson at your shop with Michael Pilla (of Robert Hazard's fame), who I still occassionaly keep in touch with.

Over the years, I have bought many instrument from you (the same ones I would drool over). Your dad was always a great presence in the shop, clearly a legend in the music biz. It always made me feel good that the same faces I saw as a kid where there until the end (thirty years later). You don't get that kind of employee retention and dedication at any music shop, only Medley.

As you move onto your next phase of your life, you should feel good about the influence and the memories that Medley Music created.

Thanks again,

R.P.

* * * * * *

I'd like to add my name to the long list of people who are saddened to see you close your doors.

I've not been very involved lately in musical endeavors that would bring me through your doors, but I've always thought of you first whenever I've considered buying anything musical. I brought my old Martin guitar to you several years ago for repairs (the action was way too high), and you did a splendid job, making it playable again. Thank you again, so much.

Years ago when you were in Ardmore I actually worked with you, albeit briefly, as a guitar teacher - one of my first jobs.

Thank you for being a great presence and support to the music community on the Main Line (and beyond!) for so many years. I hope that all of you who have been there for so long move on to other satisfying and meaningful work. By reading all those emails, I gather you have given so much to so many!!

Bon voyage and happy trails!

A.S.H.

* * * * * *

Gerson,

I just spoke to R.T. and he told me the bad news. You might remeber me, I was the keyboard player with Turk, 8 Karet Gold and then later Karets.

Man, this is a shame to have a great long standing businiess go!! You always were good to me when I and the band purchased equipment from you back in the late 70's and that is something I will never forget.

S.M.

* * * * * *

Bryn Mawr will never quite be the same. Even if a competitor arrives, all they can bring is amps, instruments, PA equipment etc.. They will never bring the vibe.

Your closing reminds me of when Plastic Fantastic closed in Bryn Mawr. Betsy Berlin brought the Police there for a record signing! She had her ear to the street. She, not a retail chain, knew their potential and brought them to that little shop.

I had the privilege of working a couple of years at Robin's Bookstore in Philly, which I heard on NPR, just closed. Robin's was not just a bookstore. It was an enclave for intellectuals, bookworms, and literate misfits. I worked for and on occasion literally with Larry Robin and his friend and buyer Paul. I knew his father Herman and his uncle Morris. Robin's was the oldest independent bookstore in Philadelphia! He hired gays, Hispanics, women, African Americans, the physically challenged and other minorities naturally.

He was one of a couple dozen publishers, retailers, distributors etc. who were among the first to be invited to China. ( We had copies of Mao's "Little Red Book" before Larry went to China. ) He did not believe in censorship and took a personal stance on it.

I'll always remember that in every instance, whether it was Plastic Fantastic, Robin's, or Medley the independent owners and their employees made the difference.

Best Wishes,

M.M.

* * * * * *

Wow, I was totally floored when I received the Going Out of Business email.

Gerson, please convey to your whole family - and the whole Medley family - how sorry I am to hear of the business closing. I was so fortunate as a young music teacher in the 80's to take a job at Medley and learn a slice of 'the business'. Working with your mom and dad, you, the whole crew on the floor - Bruce, Robbie, Dave, Glenn, Eddie, and lately working with Mark - was just an amazing experience for me. It was an honor to work at Medley, the finest shop around, no games or nonsense as a sales rep, just great products at a great price. I learned so much about the music business and about myself, and had the pleasure to develop a loyal base of great customers.

I wish you all only the best in your collective future - THANK YOU for allowing me to be part of the Medley Family back in the 80's!

Sincerely,

D.S.

• • • • • •

Sorry to hear of your business closing. A long time associate of mine (Author of Guitar for the Absolute Beginner) shopped your store often as a kid growing up in Philly. She worked many years for me and helped build our lesson program to what it is today. She always had nothing but kind words for your store and staff. Years later my youngest brother (who was in business with me before moving to Philly) also often spoke highly of your store. We've been in business here in CT for 25 years and I think this year was as hard as it gets. Not sure we'll make through 2009 ourselves, but we'll make a go of it. I wish you all the best and Happy Holidays. I know what it takes to run this type of business and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and staff.

Sincerely,

S.M.

• • • • • •

Dear Gerson,

I've been thinking about you every day since I heard the news about the liquidation. I could not let the holiday season pass without dropping you a note to say I'm sorry you have to go through this, and how much I respect you for the way you're doing it.

I just work at a family business and know how much it means to me. I cannot imagine the emotional attachment you have to Medley Music. Still, you are doing what's prudent from a business standpoint, and closing Medley with honor. That takes amazing discipline.

So, this is a note to say Happy Holidays and hang tough. Your family built a great business. You ran it well. Take pride in the 50-plus years of serving customers and realize that everything has a time and a place.

Finally, when this phase of your life is complete, I look forward to seeing what you're doing next. I hope it's something where we can work together. I always enjoy our time together.

Happiest of holidays and with great respect,

F.A.

• • • • • •

Gonna miss you. I enjoyed my dealings with you for over 35 years and appreciate the way you guys did things.

Thanks -
C.B.

• • • • • •

I have been a loyal customer from the 60's and I am saddened by your news. Best of luck to all the staff and keep us informed if anything else is happening.

Sincerely,

J.G.

• • • • • •

So sorry to hear you're closing, Medley has been an institution in Bryn Mawr for as long as I remember! You'll be missed greatly! (damn that guitar center....) I'll cherish my 40th birthday guitar even more now.

A.L.

• • • • • •

I am very sorry to see you go, music is an important part of this world, the few times I have visited your store, I was always treated with respect and felt comfortable asking even what seemed the dumbest questions. Your staff was top notch, good luck to you all.

• • • • • • 

Dear Gerson,

I am so sorry to hear the Going our of Business news. You helped us get our store started! You are so generous - always took my call and helped me make decisions!

I hope this note finds you well and satisfied with your decision. May your future be less stressful, full of Sunshine, and great health.

With Love, Sadness, and Appreciation

K.J.

* * * * * *

GR,

Although both my guitars came from Larry, one before and one after the merge, I consider you the only dependable dealer in the area. I live in the Jenkintown area, so I'm a follower of Acoustic Roots. I've scheduled my trips to Bryn Mawr over the last 5 years so that I could stop into Medley, along with other businesses local to you.

I'm serious when I say, "where now?" I don't like the "chains," but prefer small local sellers, like myself. I'm not out of business, but I'm not doing any, either.

All the best,

W.R.

* * * * * *

Wishing you all of the very best as you move ahead in your life as well as all of the terrific staff members there at Medley Music.

I very well remember purchasing a Sun Solaris amplifier (I still have it,) in 1972 when you were in Ardmore. Since then, you and your team including Acoustic Roots have played a significant role in my music career. My mother bought a Martin Guitar at Medley when I was a Toddler.

This is sad news but I do understand business decisions.

The Philly music scene will not be the same without Medley Music. I am planning to come by before you close the doors

Take care,

A.K.

* * * * * *

Dear Gerson,

I'm very sorry to hear the news of the closing of Medley Music.

But along with the thousands of other folks sending in their best wishes, I also wanted to add my thanks to you and your parents for the terrific years that I spent in your employ. For the last 30 years (heavens!!), I have been particularly grateful to your father for giving me the opportunity to work at the store and with Roger. I had a tremendous experience there and learned more than I could ever express.

I very much hope that your next adventures are interesting and rewarding and I hope to hear from you in the future.

Best regards,

T.A.

PS -- I still have an Elger guitar and promise to take good care of it.

* * * * * *

I had no idea you guys were going out of business. I have been through the store many times (and probably bought more gear than I could really afford.) Thanks you very much for running a resepctable operation that musicians could count on.

B.B.

* * * * * *

I am so sorry that your store closed. I came by today to make a few purchases and my heart dropped when I noticed the newspapered windows. Thanks so much for your service, products and ever-willing tech-chats and brainstorming. I can unequivocally say that NO other music store compare to your down-to-earth attitudes, products, service, and genuine love for the music industry. If you ever reopen I will be on the lookout.

Best of luck in '09,

T.L.

ps you all helped supply my church with a great sound system, of which we are very grateful. not to mention numerous personal audio products i use daily.

* * * * * *

Your store will truly be missed on the main line. I remember buying my first guitar there with my dad when I was ten years old and continuing to buy most of my gear from you guys over the next decade and a half. Hope all is well.

Best,
T.A.

* * * * * *

Sorry to see you go. What a Philly staple for musicians you have been. Best of luck to Booker and all the staff.

D.C.

* * * * * *