New music store in Plymouth will fill a community need

PLYMOUTH — There's a new music store in town. Tenney Mountain Music will carry things like music books, instruments and accessories. Owner Paul Picard said the store fills a need, as there are no other music stores in the area.

“There's a surprising amount of musicians in the Plymouth area, and I really want to help them out.”

The store will hold a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, June 28, at 17 Railroad Square Road. The ribbon will be cut, and eventgoers can hear music from Beth Monroe and Red Daisy Revival.

Despite being in a small space, Picard hopes to carry what the community needs. Guitar strings, drumsticks, drum pads and reeds. Instruments for sale include guitars and ukuleles. They will have drumstick brands like Ernie Ball, Dario, ProMark and Vic Firth, and will have Evans drumheads. Picard will also provide basic guitar tuneups. While Picard can’t carry everything in his new store, he will adjust his inventory based on need.

“There's no pickier group than musicians about their gear, so I know I'm not going to have something that's going to make everybody happy,” he said. “But I'm going to try and make most people happy and get what I can.”

Picard will also work with area schools to see what products he can stock to help teachers in their classes.

A future service the store may provide is instrument rentals. While it is beneficial to own an instrument, rentals can be helpful, especially for kids who are just starting out. He hopes he can save families a little bit of money by renting to them first, or by providing a rent-to-own service. But having instruments in-store to try is essential.

“Especially when it comes to buying a guitar, you want to be able to play it first,” he said. “You can't just order it online and hope for the best.”

Opening a music store is something Picard has wanted to do since high school. He grew up in southern New Hampshire, and works full time selling building products. He's also been a musician since he was 16. He primarily plays guitar and drums, and has jammed with various groups and bands around New England.

While the store is new, its name is carried over from a portable stage business he started last year, where he provides a professional stage with lights and sound.

Concerts on Canal in Laconia, being put on by Celebrate Laconia and NH Vintage Vinyl Owner Dan McLaughlin, take advantage of Picard’s stage services. McLaughlin spoke highly of Picard.

“He is professional, and is great for the job,” McLaughlin said. “We look forward to having them again this year, [and] hope to work with them again in the future.”

Concerts on Canal events feature food, games and live music performances on Canal Street in downtown Laconia. They started in June, and will continue through August, on the first and third Fridays of the month. One concert will be moved to Saturday, July 5, due to Independence Day. The band AXIS will play that night, a mix of '80s rock and pop. There may be an additional event scheduled at the end of August.

McLaughlin, who is also a musician, has heard good things about Tenney Mountain Musice. His store also sells various music accessories. But if there is anything he doesn’t have, he can now refer customers to Picard’s store.

“I've heard great things from other people, and said it's nice to have one closer to them up there,” McLaughlin said. “He's being more focused on just that aspect of music.”

Picard is excited and preparing for the grand opening.

“Based on the feedback I've gotten already, just on social media, there seems to be quite a bit of buzz around town about it, and people are very excited,” Picard said. “That makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I'm doing the right thing, and I'll be able to serve the community in that way.”