InTucker Magazine

Business of the Month – Music Trader

If you have driven down Lawrenceville Highway, you have seen it. Across the way from the Handy Ace Hardware, between Billy Bob’s and MoonShadow Tavern, there is a store marked with an eye-catching guitar-shaped sign. “Music Trader” it reads, giving a fitting indication of what you will find inside.

The Music Trader is exactly what it says on the tin. It primarily operates as a buy-sell-trade store; this leads to an eclectic, rotating stock of everything from classic acoustic guitars to brass instruments to audio equipment. In addition to browsing physical inventory, customers gain access to the extensive musical expertise of its owner, Paul Allison.

Paul Allison had been playing music his whole life, and a couple-year stint at another music store in Atlanta opened his eyes to the possibility of owning his own. In 1985 he opened the Music Trader in Tucker off Lawrenceville Highway, and the rest is history.

“I’ve stayed at the same location ever since,” Allison says.

In the Music Trader’s years of operation, Allison has seen a wide variety of customers. “From internationally renowned doctors, churches, and famous stars to local musicians and recording studios,” he lists. “We do a little movie and TV business. They are unique in being interested in appearances, not sound!

“One thing that really stands out about this music store is the intelligence and intensity of artists,” he adds. “They are very motivated, highly energetic folks—it keeps you on your toes because you never know what their needs are going to be!”

There hardly seems to be a need that the Music Trader cannot meet. If you are in the market for repairs, Allison can help with those, too. “Over time I learned how to repair things on top of sales,” he says, a necessity for refurbishing some of the instruments he purchased for resale. This skill has served the Music Trader well, as customers rave about its reasonable prices and quick turn-around time.

Allison’s time in the industry and his passion for the musical arts are evident in the way he handles each visitor who enters the Music Trader. Whether you are a complete beginner still learning to string your guitar or a seasoned professional just browsing in search of a lucky find, Allison will meet you at your level. If the Music Trader has what you need, he will have plenty of tips and tricks for how to best use it. If what you are looking for is not in stock, check back next week. There is sure to be something new to catch your eye.

The Music Trader is located at 3964 Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker. Shop hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.