no more encores for steve’s music store as it prepares to auction off remaining stock

the family-run chain steve’s music store, which has been a staple for montreal musicians for 61 years, closed its doors for good on tuesday.for owner michael kirman, son of founder steve kirman, the closing feels like “losing a sibling.” he added that the experience of buying a guitar can’t be fully replaced with online shopping. “it makes music a little colder. not being able to pick up and try a guitar, or try a couple side by side to find the one that calls your name … that's a big loss,” kirman said. “there are certain parts of the industry, like guitars and drums — especially acoustic instruments — where no two are the same. it could be the same model, but they're from different cuts of wood or something like that, and everything develops its own personality, and you can't get that personality shopping online.”

in the face of financial pressures and online competition, steve’s music store closed several other locations earlier this year. the flagship store on ste-catherine st. e. was open to the public for one last day on tuesday, for customers to peruse inventory being auctioned off — from guitars to headphones to percussion instruments.

some customers have been loyal to steve’s for decades.frank vela, 57, first came to steve’s when he was 12 years old in 1981, when his father bought him his first vantage acoustic guitar, which he still owns. he continued the tradition with his daughter sofia vela, 24, who got her first bass from steve’s when she was 14.“my wife and i came and bought her a graduation gift, a beautiful fender american professional ii precision bass in mercury, which she plays in her band. a lot of memories — it's sad to see it go. never thought this day would come, and that's why we're here today — a little bit to see what we can bid on at the auction, but also one last shot of nostalgia before this goes away,” frank vela said in the guitar aisle. he was eyeing a five-string bass that matched the turquoise of his sportcoat.

john dodge, who teaches music at st. gabriel elementary school, has also been coming to steve’s for more than 40 years, saying it’s “madness” that it’s closing after all this time.“a lot of the world is moving online. i mean, i am guilty — i buy a lot of stuff online," he said. "but at the same time, i do not buy guitars without trying the guitar. no, it doesn't happen.”

the store will auction off its remaining inventory on wednesday and thursday. details can be found at stevesmusic.com.