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Finger pickin' good

June 20, 2012

What started as just a few banjos in 1972 has turned into one of the most notable music shops in the Midwest.

For Elderly Instruments owner, Stan Werbin, starting a musical instrument business was quite a change from the master’s program he was enrolled in during the early 1970s at the University of Michigan.

“It might have been my field, but it wasn’t for me” said Werbin, who went from being a biochemistry major to store owner in the basement of the Campus Town Mall, 541 E. Grand River Ave.

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop offered Werbin the location 40 years ago.

“It was very inexpensive rent and a very small store,” Werbin said.

The two began selling Werbin’s instruments and by 1984 his collection grew, requiring a move to a larger location.

The building, located at 1100 N. Washington Ave, in Lansing, now houses hundreds of instruments and caters to all musicians.

“It’s kind of like a little dream come true for me.”

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