Having served Spalding for 44 years and provided lessons to hundreds, Spalding Music Services closes its doors for the last time tomorrow (Friday).
Bob Adams (82) set the business up in 1973 and his son Robert (52) has worked there since leaving Spalding Grammar School, aged 16.
The pair have fought hard to keep it going, but could not compete with the rise of internet shopping.
They feel the additional pressure from the changing face of Spalding town centre and Springfields pulling people out of town have contributed.
Robert said: “To survive as a small independent trader has become just about impossible. We have been struggling for a few years and both knew it had to come to an end.”
Business founder Bob added: “The council has got a lot to answer for.
“I think the council should come up with something to encourage retailers to be in Spalding.
“It’s the council that has allowed these developments, sounding the death knell for small traders.”
Music lover Bob launched Spalding Music Services in 1973 when his favourite record store closed down.
Originally trading in vinyl, he soon switched to electronic organ sales after buying a used one for £100 – removing the large two-keyboard contraption from an upstairs bedroom window by sliding it down a ladder onto a pickup truck – and selling it a few days later at a £145 profit.
The business was first based in Broad Street, where Prezzo is now, and strongman Geoff Capes had a fitness centre above.
On first sight of the former world’s strongest man, Bob quipped he hoped never to have reason to argue with him, only for his store to later be waterlogged by a flood emanating from the centre a few months later – luckily it was all sorted out amicably!
From its current Winsover Road base, the business sold a variety of instruments and offered lessons to up to 100 students a week. The freelance teachers will now continue those at other locations.
Bob, of Pinchbeck, said: “Fortunately we had a good business for a lot of years.
“My ambition was to leave a thriving business to my son Robert. To watch the business go down these last few years is very soul destroying.
“I come from humble beginnings. We have spent a long time keeping our heads above water and now, sadly, this.
“I feel disappointment and sadness but I think we did well to keep changing with the times.”
