5 Secrets Of Baxter Northup Music Co.: Inside California's Oldest Continuously Operating Music Store
For over a century, a quiet giant of the Southern California music scene has stood firm on Ventura Boulevard, serving generations of musicians from students to professionals. As of December 20, 2025, the Baxter Northup Music Co. in Sherman Oaks remains a historic anchor, not just as a local shop, but as the oldest continuously operating music store in the entire state of California. This deep-dive explores the legacy, unique specialties, and current offerings of this iconic establishment, revealing why it is far more than just a place to buy sheet music.
The store's enduring presence in the San Fernando Valley is a testament to its commitment to quality service, specializing in areas that larger chain stores often overlook. From expert wind and brass instrument repair to comprehensive music education programs, Baxter Northup has successfully blended a rich, century-old history with the ever-evolving needs of the modern musician, making it a crucial resource for the Los Angeles musical community.
The Century-Long Legacy: A Complete Baxter Northup Music Co. Profile
The story of Baxter Northup Music Co. is one of remarkable endurance, tracing its roots back to the dawn of the 20th century. Its journey from a small downtown Los Angeles operation to a Sherman Oaks institution is a fascinating chapter in California's cultural history.
- Official Name: Baxter Northup Music Co.
- Established: 1906
- Original Location: Downtown Los Angeles (first at 339)
- Founding Figures: Harry Baxter and Ray Northup
- Early Company Name: Girton – Howe – Baxter Co. (circa 1909)
- Current Location: 14534 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
- Distinction: Oldest continuously operating music store in California.
- Core Services: Instrument Sales, Instrument Rentals, Expert Repair Services, Sheet Music, Individual Music Lessons.
- Specialties: Brass and Woodwind Instruments and Repair.
- Community Involvement: Sponsor of the LA Jewish Symphony and participant in the Sherman Oaks Street Fair.
The store’s founders, Harry Baxter and Ray Northup, were musicians themselves, and their initial venture in 1906 quickly became a hub for the burgeoning music scene in Los Angeles. Their vision was to create a place that not only sold instruments but also fostered a love for music, a philosophy that continues to guide the company today.
The Unrivaled Expertise in Brass and Woodwind Instrument Repair
While many contemporary music stores focus on guitars and digital equipment, Baxter Northup Music Co. maintains a vital niche that is critical to the survival of school band and orchestral programs: specialized instrument repair. This is arguably the store's most valuable—and least known—secret weapon.
The repair shop at the Ventura Boulevard location is renowned for its expertise in wind and brass instrument repair. This includes everything from routine maintenance and cleaning to complex overhauls for instruments like trumpets, trombones, saxophones, clarinets, and flutes. This specialized focus makes them a key partner for school districts and professional musicians across the San Fernando Valley and beyond, who rely on their meticulous craftsmanship to keep their crucial instruments in performance condition.
Their repair services extend beyond just the wind instruments, though. The technicians are also skilled in re-stringing and performing minor adjustments on orchestral strings, including violins, violas, and cellos, as well as guitars. This breadth of capability ensures that a diverse range of musicians can find high-quality, reliable service under one historic roof.
More Than a Store: Education, Rentals, and Community Engagement
The business model of Baxter Northup is deeply rooted in supporting the entire musical journey, from a student's first note to a professional's performance. This commitment is evident in their comprehensive offerings that go far beyond simple retail.
Individual Music Lessons and Education
A cornerstone of the Baxter Northup legacy is its dedication to music education. The company offers individual music lessons, providing a personalized learning environment that contrasts with the large, impersonal classes found elsewhere. These lessons cover a wide array of instruments, ensuring that aspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels can find expert instruction. This focus on one-on-one teaching helps cultivate a deeper connection to the art, upholding the founders' belief in fostering a "love for music."
Instrument Rentals: Supporting School Programs
For parents and students involved in school band and orchestra programs, the cost of purchasing a quality instrument can be prohibitive. Baxter Northup addresses this through its robust instrument rental program. They supply reliable, quality instruments, particularly brass and woodwinds, that are essential for students starting out. This service is crucial for the accessibility of music programs across the Los Angeles area, allowing more children to explore musical arts without a massive initial investment.
The Community Connection: A Local Landmark
In the highly competitive landscape of Ventura Boulevard, which has seen the rise of large chains like Guitar Center, Baxter Northup thrives by being an active and engaged community partner. The store’s presence is felt through its support of local cultural institutions, such as its sponsorship of the LA Jewish Symphony. Furthermore, the store is a recognizable fixture in local events, being listed as a participant in the annual Sherman Oaks Street Fair, an event that draws the community together and highlights local businesses. This deep integration into the local culture solidifies its status as a beloved neighborhood landmark.
The Enduring Appeal of the Oldest Music Store in California
The continued success of Baxter Northup Music Co. in the 2020s is a powerful statement on the value of specialization and history. In an era dominated by online sales and big-box stores, the personalized service, deep knowledge of wind and brass instruments, and the tangible connection to a century of musical history offer an experience that cannot be replicated.
The store is more than a retail space; it is a repository of musical knowledge, a workshop for instrument preservation, and a training ground for the next generation of musicians. For anyone seeking a rare piece of sheet music, a finely tuned brass instrument, or simply a conversation with a true instrument specialist, the historic doors of Baxter Northup on Ventura Boulevard remain open, proving that the oldest music store in California is still the most relevant.
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