Hidden Record Gems Of Central Ontario-Currie’s Music And Antiques

Hidden away in the town of Gravenhurst, Ontario is one of the most unique record stores I have ever come across, Currie’s Music And Antiques. Located in the heart of the town on Muskoka Rd. North, the store was originally an old movie theatre that was converted into a place to find records of all speeds, guitars, a recording studio, and many antiques. We took the trip north to this one-of -a-kind store on Saturday, June 13, 2015, and were amazed. There are well over 2,000 78’s in the record room, 45’s galore, and for vinyl lovers, a good selection of all types of music. A history of this store has been copied from their website, with the permission of the owners.

 

Music Store

Described by many travelling musicians as “my favourite store, ever,” Currie’s Music & Antiques is choc-o-block with some of the most interesting old guitars and stringed instruments you will find anywhere, as well as drum kits, vintage amps, cowboy boots and western shirts and stacks of hand-picked vinyl.

The son of long-time antique dealers: Ted and Suzanne Currie, Andrew fell in love with the business of buying, repairing and selling vintage guitars as a teenager. A business that began with tiny booths set up at antique markets and trade shows turned into over six rooms of vintage and pre-loved musical instruments, and a name that is known by players far and wide.

A careful expert when it comes to repairing and rebuilding classic instruments, Andrew has brought many an old Gibson, Harmony, S.S. Stewart or Kay guitar back from to life after years of neglect, and made it sing.

With a discerning ear, Andrew began working as a live-sound engineer in High School and to this date has controlled the sound board for over 3000 performances at venues such as Peter’s Players, The Gravenhurst Opera House, The Kee to Bala and many concert halls around central Ontario for acts as well known as Johnny Winter, Big Sugar, The Yardbirds, The Tragically Hip, 54-40 and Taj Mahal.  Andrew acted as Technical Director for four of Muskoka’s best-loved concert venues for several years.

All of this aside, Andrew is first and foremost a musician – and boy can he play. Let him pluck the strings of your favourite guitar in the shop, or hear him rip it up as a bass player of drummer on a local stage and you will see for yourself where the passion begins.

The extensive vinyl selection in Currie’s Music is cared for by Rob Currie – another extremely talented musician, and recorded-sound aficionado. More about Rob can be found on the “studio” page.

 

The photographs below show that a trip to this store can be very exciting for record collector’s.

 

A Report On The Forty Fourth Canadian Collector’s Congress

Here is a report on the 44th Canadian Collector’s Congress held in Toronto on Saturday, April  25, 2015, courtesy of Jack Litchfield.

 

Victrola and 78 Journal-Issue 2, Fall 1994

Here is the second installment of the Victrola and 78 Journal, edited by Tim Gracyk, in the Fall of 1994. The first issue can also be found on this blog.

 

Victrola and 78 Journal, Volume 1, Summer, 1994

While searching for new material to publish, I came across a series old articles that were written for the Victrola and 78 Journal in 1994. The material pertains to both gramophone and 78 rpm records, so it falls within this blogs theme. I hope you will enjoy the first edition, and will continue with the series at a later date.

 

From The July 5th 78 RPM And 45 RPM Record Event!

Here are some photographs from the sale on July 5th, which, by the way, was a huge success! The next event date is Saturday, August 16th. Details for this will be posted shortly, or if you have a Facebook account, you may go to the link below for more details.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1455473548034619/

 

Showing The Record Collector’s House

You can imagine what prospective buyer’s would say if you left all your record shelves behind when you move and sell your house.