Sam Ash Music Stores

Sam Ash Music Stores began in 1924 when Sam and Rose Ash pawned Rose's engagement ring for $400 to make the down payment on the first Sam Ash Music store in Brooklyn, New York.

Today, Sam Ash Music is the largest family-owned musical instrument retailer, with 45 stores in 16 different states and three generations of Ashes still invested in the company. According to Sammy Ash, grandson of the founder and current COO of the company, it is the family aspect that continues to set Sam Ash apart from other music retailers.

"Grand Pa Sam laid down some very sound and honorable business practices with regard to honesty, customers, and business in general," Sammy says. "We still live by those rules. If you have a problem, whether you are a customer or an associate of the company, you can go right to any Ash for justice. We are a very hands-on, open-door kind of culture."

Founders Sam and Rose raised two sons, Jerry and Paul, and one daughter, Marcia, in an apartment behind their first store in Brooklyn. Both sons served in the military, then worked extensively in the store upon returning. Later, Jerry's wife, Bernice, also worked in the store. Jerry and Bernice had three sons, David, Richard, and Sammy.

Today, Jerry is chairman, Paul is president, Richard is CEO, David is CEO and general council, and Bernice is executive vice president in charge of print music. A fourth generation of Ashes have started working within the stores as well—David's daughter works full-time with the company and Sammy's sons and nephews all work part-time.

Sam Ash has always been an innovative company, which keeps the musicians who visit the stores foremost in mind. The entire Sam Ash staff, more than 1,550 employees, is comprised of musicians that can capably answer customer questions. All employees take tests, visit manufacturers, and sell only instruments, or families of instruments, which they specialize in.

"We don't have guitar players at the drum counters or sax players at the guitar counter," says Sammy, who plays guitar. "Customers come back because they know we know what we are talking about."

Other family members also have a strong aptitude for music. Richard plays drums, keys, and guitar. Sammy's son Ben is attending Berklee College of Music, while his son Max plays bass and guitar, and sings. His two younger sons have also shown impressive musical talent.

"I expect Sam Ash Music to be around another 85 years," says Sammy. "And hopefully, with an Ash still at the helm." Considering the family's strong commitment to music, it would be no surprise.

Let Sammy lead you through his amazing collection of guitars, as seen in the video below produced by Premier Guitar.