Piano Traders: Music and Memories
Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces
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In 1951, Russ Hancox with sister, Clarice, opened a music shop on Dominion Road, later moving to Mount Eden, where their third-generation family store, Piano Traders, still stands. “It’s wonderful to have your son working with you,” beams Rod Hancox, son of Russ and father to Robert. “Growing up, nothing was pushed, not from my dad and hopefully not from me.” Rod never intended to take over the shop, but when Russ died in 1976, he stepped up from his role as a piano technician and tuner. Starting in 1969, Rod was well informed with the running of the business.“It’s not until you get in amongst it you realise how great it is. Like a car dealership with all the spare parts. There are so many accessories. Our print stock is like a library.” Piano Traders is renowned for specialised stockholding, the aforementioned sheet music in particular. They supply a vast chunk of the nation’s schools, churches and libraries, and export too. “We even have other music stores calling us for stock,” adds Robert, who’s been at the shop a year. He admits he’s still finding his feet at the store, but he loves it: “we get to meet such interesting people. Some customers have been coming since before my dad’s time.” The next generation aren’t far behind: “we’re gearing up to hold student concerts. Kids can show off what they can do and teachers can show off their students!” The store is a part of the community and it’s a heritage that father and son are very proud of. “We think of our customers in the long term,” says Rod. “It’s not just about getting the sale. We commit to families over their lifetimes.” Staff have been just as loyal. Two past members served 50 and 45 years, with two current ones into their second decades.
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01 — Rod handing down some words of wisdom to son Robert 02 — Rod as a young boy learning the trade 03 — Piano Traders, 1953 04 — The long-lasting team at Piano Traders (L-R): Mark (29 and a half years), Robert (one year), Sarah (three years), Rod (since forever), Hilary (10 years) and David (14 years)
The biggest rivalries are not from New Zealand stores, but overseas online companies. The last two years have changed faster than the previous forty. “It will be interesting to see where retail goes,” says Rod. “I hope retail still has an important role. That it’s not just going to be about sitting behind home computer screens.” Change is something Piano Traders is used to. They’re adaptable. The onset of television ownership in the early 60s drastically dented piano sales and the store, for a while resorted to selling fridges, stereos and washing machines. The 70s brought the electric organ, and the 80s-flooded cash gave birth to, “people who wanted pianos for breakfast!” Rod tells of awkward piano deliveries involving cranes, balconies and ramps: “we were never beaten!”
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Once they dropped off a baby-grand at a penthouse using a helicopter. “We used the late piano-mover Peter Fats [Fatialofa],” continues Rod. “He was a legend in his own right from his rugby days and families would get very excited about it.” Ukuleles and digital pianos are popular now, with guitars making a comeback. Rod says when old acts come to town, sales surge as baby boomers are inspired to relive their youth. Fast approaching 50 years in the business, Rod’s passion remains undimmed: “I love the job, the music. It’s had its moments, like anything, but the past fifteen years have been the best — I’ve made more friends and had the most fun and I’m still here after 45 years, and I’m sure Robert will be too.”
90 Mt Eden Rd, Auckland 0800 505 003 www.pianotraders.co.nz Hours — Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 9am-4pm