Iconic music retailer Sam Ash closing, as going-out-of-business sale begins in NC

Catherine Muccigrosso
·2 min read
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North Carolina is losing one of its iconic music stores as the century-old U.S. music retailer Sam Ash Music closes all of its locations.

New York-based Sam Ash, one of the country’s oldest music retailers, began going-out-of business sales on Thursday, according to the company’s website. Sam Ash has 42 stores in 16 states, including “the musical instrument megastore” at 5533 Westpark Drive in Charlotte and 3131 Capital Blvd. in Raleigh.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce that all Sam Ash Music store locations will begin store closing sales today,” Sam Ash said on its social media sites. “This unfortunate news also presents a fantastic opportunity for great deals across our premium selection of musical instruments & pro sound equipment.”

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Sam Ash sells musical instruments, sound equipment and accessories, as well as offers repairs and music lessons.

Charlotte store officials were unavailable to comment, but a salesperson answering the phone said the store will likely close by the end of July.

Sam Ash stores nationwide have begin going-out-of-business sales. The music store in Charlotte, seen with a young man rocking out in this 2008 file photo, has long been a staple in the city. Observer file photo
Sam Ash stores nationwide have begin going-out-of-business sales. The music store in Charlotte, seen with a young man rocking out in this 2008 file photo, has long been a staple in the city. Observer file photo

Sam Ash in Charlotte

Sam Ash Properties Corp. purchased the nearly 3-acre property off Tyvola Road near Interstate 77 for $2.5 million in 2005, Mecklenburg County property records show. The 37,776-square-foot white building with red trip and four awnings’ tax value is nearly $4.2 million, records show.

Sam Ash has been family-owned since 1924 and is considered a go-to destination for musicians and music enthusiasts.

“It must be said that this place will hold a special place in a lot of musicians hearts,” Justin Brown said on Facebook. “First bass I ever got was from a Sam Ash in Charlotte NC when I was 12.”

“I have purchased a whole lot of gear from the Charlotte NC Store since they opened. They had some excellent salesmen, technicians and managers roll through there through the years,” Jim Hickey Music LLC of Charlotte said on its Facebook page. “Run over there and say goodbye.”