Denny Burt, owner of Coeur d'Alene's oldest music store, announces retirement

COEUR d’ALENE — If Denny Burt is asked why he waited so long to retire from Burt’s Music and Sound, he’ll point out the number of student instruments waiting to be serviced inside his store.  

“That’s why I do it,” Burt said.  

After over 50 years at the store with his namesake, the 74-year-old and his staff have decided to retire from the city’s oldest music store and instrument repair shop.  

“I kept doing this as a ministry, to keep kids in music,” Burt said. 

Burt has been providing instrument repair services for bands as far north as Bonners Ferry for decades and plans to continue offering repair services off-site for his longtime customers once he hangs up his apron for the last time in June.  

“I feel instrument repair (is) my gift and calling and look to it as a ministry of keeping people in music,” Burt said. “But at my age, ‘for everything there is a season.’” 

The store’s legacy dates back to the 1940s, when Whiteley’s Electric & Appliance on Sherman Avenue became the first store in Coeur d’Alene to offer instrument sales and rentals. 

Eventually, Roy Wasson became the sole owner of the store, renaming it The Music Center. It was kismet that in 1962, 11-year-old Burt’s parents agreed to rent him a trombone from The Music Center so he could join beginning band at school. 

“I remember distinctly waiting at the end of our driveway on Dalton Avenue for my mom to bring my old used rental trombone home in the alligator skin case,” Burt recalled.  

It was then Burt fell in love with music — and it was this love of music that motivated him to talk to Wasson whenever possible, as he frequented The Manor House (now The Iron Horse) where Burt worked around the time of his high school graduation.  

“I would go out in between orders and talk to him and ask him to hire me so I wouldn’t have to continue cooking,” Burt said. “Eventually Roy gave up (on) turning me down and hired me in 1969.” 

Burt worked under Wasson for several years as he pursued a music degree at North Idaho College. Though his original plan was to attend the University of Idaho to finish his degree, his course was forever changed when Wasson said he wanted to retire.  

“(He told me that) he had a buyer but really felt that I should be the owner,” Burt said.  

So, at 21 years old — and no established credit — Burt approached “every bank in town” until one would give him a loan.  

Now, over 50 years and a store name change later, Burt hopes to find an interested buyer before they close the doors for good in June. 

“I would love to have the right person continue the legacy of Coeur d’Alene’s oldest music store and would make a very attractive sale (offer), but that would have to happen very soon,” Burt said.  

If Burt does not find a buyer, the store’s instrument and accessory inventory will be sold, Burt added.  

“It’s been a pleasure serving three generations of musicians in North Idaho, and it is not without sadness for myself and our entire staff to retire, but it is time for Burt’s Music’s season under our leadership to end,” Burt said.  

    From left: Denny Burt, owner of Burt's Music & Sound, Burt's wife, Trena, and longtime staff members Eric Burgeson, Kevin Kubista, and Gary Ross. All are set to retire in June.
  

    Roy Wasson (left) and Denny Burt (right) in 1969.
  

    Burt's Music & Sound is located at 1123 E. Sherman Avenue, Coeur d'Alene.