Music store founder closes Crossroads chapter

A PILLAR of Ballarat’s music scene and the man behind the region’s premier instrument store has retired after more than three decades.

Seeing out his final day at the helm of Crossroads Music last week, founder Kevin Thompson has handed the business over to new management.

Despite having more time to travel and pursue other interests, he said saying goodbye is still bittersweet.

“It’s been a bit of a hard slog, but there’s been lots of support, probably from hundreds, wishing me all the best,” he said. “I’ve made a mark somehow.

“It’s been a bit tough giving it up after all these years, but I’m at that age where I’ve decided I need to get away and do a bit of stuff while I’m still young enough to get around.”

Mr Thompson established the business in 1991, initially operating out of his home with an emphasis on guitar repair, which he’d learned under Geelong-based guitar builder Jim Dyson.

The business also served as a space for music rehearsals and lessons over the years.

Originally called Crossroads Guitar Repairs, the shop was first located in Barkly Street before moving to Bridge Mall.

“We were selling guitars as well as repairing from the beginning,” Mr Thompson said. “We started off with some second-hand stuff then we progressed as the reps started rolling in, to other brands.”

The business soon moved from Bridge Mall into Skipton Street off the Midland Highway, where it was located for nearly 30 years.

Crossroads’ iconic mural, depicting a chest-baring, long-haired guitar player, is still featured on the building’s facade.

The store moved back to Bridge Mall last year, and is now based adjacent to where it was during the mid-1990s.

Mr Thompson said the music store landscape in Ballarat was very different from when he started Crossroads to how it is now.

“There were at least three, maybe five music shops in Ballarat over the years, and several guitar builders and repairers, but as they matured or stopped working, it was only me by the end,” he said.

“I think it’s just about attitudes with people in shops. We were always like friends with our customers. Most people ended up friends and would just drop in for a chat.

“I’m hoping we helped and encouraged Ballarat’s local musicians. This was a bit of a meeting place for most musicians around the place, from here to Melbourne.”