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GB Chamber of Commerce celebrates A440 Musical Instruments 10th anniversary
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Courtesy photo A ribbon cutting was held Thursday, Oct. 20, at A440 Musical Instruments Supply & Repair, 1207 Main, to celebrate the Great Bend business’s 10th anniversary.

The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce staff and Ambassador’s Club recently hosted a ribbon cutting commemorating A440 Musical Instruments’ 10th anniversary. Lyle Jones, the store’s manager, wrote a mostly true and original song about the store’s owners, and how the store has grown to be a staple of Great Bend local business as well as the only brick and mortar music store in the state of Kansas west of Hutchinson. 

Like many small businesses, A440’s story began in a garage where future Sheriff Brian Bellendir repaired instruments in his limited free time. The growing number of instruments to repair led to a conversation with friends Dan and Kim Heath, who shared a love for the arts as demonstrated by the volume of guitars Dan had collected over the years. A440 Musical Instruments Supply & Repair opened its doors at a Forest Avenue location in 2011 with two couples interested in filling a need for the community they served.

Business expanded over the next several years as vendors were acquired. Schools and communities began to connect with A440 and eventually the store moved to downtown Great Bend where it currently resides at 1207 Main.

In 2018, Lyle Jones was hired as manager, bringing a blend of retail experience, product knowledge, work ethic, and exceptional customer service. He is often seen helping local organizations with their sound, volunteering, and giving back to the community and schools. 

Jones said he is excited about the next 10 years with A440.

“Our business continues to grow, finding new ways to meet our customers’ needs with an ever-expanding offering of services and products,” he said. “Along with myself, our team, consisting of Dan and Kim Heath, Brian and Carol Bellendir, Other Brian (he’s a stellar repairman), thank you for supporting us through our first decade, and look forward to serving you for many decades to come.”

For more information about A440 Musical Instruments Supply & Repair, visit them at 1207 Main Street, Great Bend during regular store hours: Monday – Friday, noon – 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Find them on Facebook, or call the store at 620-796-2335.