Music in Hard Times

Like much or the country, we are feeling the effects of the dramatic downturn in the economy. We’ve heard from many of you about the difficulties facing working musicians, weekend warriors, and amateurs alike. While times aren’t tough for all, they are tough for many.

I’ve been researching the impact of the Great Depression on the music industry, and ironically, both Martin Guitars and Gibson increased sales during the depression. This demonstrates the importance of music in hard times. Music plays two vital functions during these times: it offers great entertainment when we need it the most, and it acts as an expression of the pains, hopes, and sorrows people feel during these times. Think of all of the great music that emerge from the depression—Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family, Bob Wills, Robert Johnson, and Son House, just to name a few that come immediately to mind. It is also during the depression that the electric lap steel was invented and the Dobyera brothers invented the resonator guitar. The heritage of steel and slide guitar is deeply rooted in this period.

I’m not writing this to implore you to buy a new Melobar. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. We will be here when you’re ready. Instead, I want to implore you to keep the music going—we need it. It is time to return to the days of family and friends gathering together in homes to make music. It doesn’t cost anything, and what better entertainment is there? We will emerge from the tough times, and hopefully, we will emerge musically richer as our parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents did when they emerged from the depression.  Let’s use music to help us “slide” through the tough times and into a brighter future.

Jim Frost
Melobar Guitars