Business Spotlight: Hoover Music C. serves variety of music needs

Tarnished brass horns and well-fingered woodwind instruments line one side of the wall at Hoover Music Company. Near the back of the store are several old photographs that detail Springfield's musical history, as seen through the eyes of four generations of the Hoover family.

Herbert L. Hoover founded H.L. Hoover Music in 1912. Now, his great-grandson Brian Hoover is preparing to run the business and carry on the family's musical tradition.

It's hard to imagine all the changes that have occurred during this business' 89-year history. Whole new genres of music have evolved. Better methods for making musical instruments have developed, and technology has created product lines for things such as electric guitars, amps and sound mixing equipment.

The store itself has also evolved over the years. Originally named H.L. Hoover Music, the store was renamed Hoover's Music & Bookstore during World War II.

During this period, the store sold greetings cards, clothes, and other consumer products because metals and other raw materials used to make musical instruments were in short supply.

Later, the store incorporated and its name was changed to Hoover Music Company Inc. In 1967, Hoover Music moved from its original location at 316 South Ave., to its current location at 440 S. Jefferson Ave.

Hoover Music has always appealed to music lovers who appreciate convenience.

"We're very service-oriented here," said Brian Hoover. "When someone brings their instrument in to get it repaired, we'll look to see if we have another instrument we can loan them."

Most of the new instruments sold at the store carry well-known brand names. On one aisle, you can find guitars made by Fender, Guild, Gretsch or Alvarez. On another aisle, you can find orchestra instruments made by Konn, King, Armstrong, Jupiter or Artley.

In addition, Hoover Music stocks a wide variety of musical accessories and more than 165,000 pieces of sheet music. Customers can also sign up for private music lessons, which are given in the back of the store and conducted by 10 of the store's 20 employees.

Unlike some stores, Hoover Music also trades musical instruments. Most of the instruments taken in trade are repaired and later sold. Customers, in turn, receive a store credit toward the purchase of a new instrument.

In recent years, instruments purchased over the Internet or from a mail-order catalog have accounted for a good portion of the store's repair work. Some of these instruments, however, can't be fixed because they were manufactured poorly or made from the wrong type of material.

"We've seen our share of ebay specials in here," Brian Hoover said. "All of the instruments we sell, whether they are new or used, come with a one-year service warranty, and unlike some of the shops on the Internet, we're not going anywhere."

However, Brian Hoover is quick to point out some of the merits of doing business on the Internet. Hoover Music is in the process of setting up a Web site (www.sirsavealot.com/hoovermusic). The Web site offers discounts to visitors who shop at local Springfield area businesses.

Brian Hoover is also looking to computerize the store's inventory and renovate the store's interior. According to Brian's father, Jim Hoover, who is overseeing his son's transition into the family business, these changes mark the beginning of a new era at Hoover Music. However, some things at this fourth-generation family business remain unchanged.

"Music is a powerful influence in people's lives," said Jim Hoover. "It gives them a way to express themselves and channel their creativity. Every member of our family who has helped run this store feels blessed to be part of that."

Hoover Music Company

Year founded: 1912

Owner's name: Hoover Music Company Inc.

Address and phone number: 440 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806; 862-3573

Web site: www.sirsavealot. com/hoovermusic