Fort Worth music shop owner Scott Dyson marks 31 years in business

Scott Dyson has operated his Fort Worth music store for more than 30 years. The shop, located on a specific street in the city, is now entering its 31st year of business. Dyson specializes in selling used musical instruments and equipment to a base of loyal patrons.

The store’s inventory focuses primarily on guitars, amplifiers, drums, and PA equipment. Dyson also carries a smaller selection of band and orchestral instruments. He explained that he prefers used gear because it offers more variety and allows for better profit margins compared to new stock.

Dyson entered the music industry in 1987. At the time, he was working as a door-to-door insurance salesman. He called a local music store to ask about a job. The employee who answered the phone was leaving the position. Dyson was hired at Swords Music and worked there for several years.

He later moved to Ape Music, which was located next door. That store closed in 1995. The owner of Ape Music allowed Dyson to take the inventory he could not liquidate. Dyson received the store’s phone number and opened his own shop three days later in October 1995.

He noted that he is not a professional musician. He plays acoustic guitar as his main instrument and can play a few songs on the piano. He also played bass in a couple of bands. He described his playing ability as mediocre but sufficient for his personal enjoyment.

Dyson cited self-employment as the aspect of his career he values most. He raised his son in the store environment from the age of six months until he was six or seven years old. This setup allowed him to post a sign on the door and leave the shop to handle personal business without taking formal leave from a traditional office job.

The primary challenges of operating the business are property taxes and insurance costs. He also mentioned dealing with difficult individuals on the street. However, he stated that his current clientele is strong enough that the business largely runs itself. He spends much of his time waiting for regular customers to arrive.

Most of his customers have visited the shop before. He has recently started posting items on Facebook Marketplace. This digital channel has helped him meet new people, but the core of his business remains repeat in-person customers.

Dyson expressed a desire for the business to continue succeeding without major disasters. He hopes to keep authorities out of the operation and prevent roof leaks. He also noted a hope that a tornado does not hit the area. His goal is for the business to remain smooth and stable.

The shop will continue to celebrate its 31st year on the street. Dyson plans to maintain his current inventory strategy of focusing on used instruments. He will continue to rely on his established customer base and social media postings to sustain sales.