The Stainthorp building on the corner of Grant and Main streets is for sale.

Though Gary Stainthorp tried retiring from the music retail business a year ago, he said it didn't work.

"It'll work this time," Stainthorp said. "We have a good commercial real estate agent this time."

He added the building is nationally advertised.

Whether or not the building will remain a music store depends on who buys it, Stainthorp said.

He still has three warehouses full of pianos, and said he is letting them go at cost.

The economy has nothing to do with the couple's plan to retire.

On the contrary, Stainthorp said, sales have picked up in the last couple of months.

Most of his business is by word-of-mouth referrals.

Stainthorp's Pianos and Musical Goods is not online, as Stainthorp does not believe someone should buy an instrument unseen.

After longer than 50 years in the music business, Stainthorp said he has good thoughts about music in this area.

"I know children do better with music, with all their classes," he said.

This has prompted him to plan a nonprofit music school, with focus on string instruments.

Though he is not sure of the details, he wants to give back to the community and the children.

"It's so exciting to have these little kids, they're so excited," Stainthorp said. "I just put (a violin) on their shoulder and let them try it."

Playing the violin is not that hard, Stainthorp said, unless the goal is to become a concert violinist.

He is saddened music is always the first to go from schools during budget crunches, because he said music lasts a lifetime.

"Music has always helped me go over the bumps," he said. "You'll have music forever and it could save your life - it saved mine."

Stainthorp taught string instruments when he was younger, only charging $1 a lesson.

"I didn't make anything, but that's OK," he said. "You learn from teaching. If you can teach a friend a couple chords on the guitar or a couple licks on the piano, teach them. Because then you know they know."

In 1957, Stainthorp sent away for a railcar full of pianos - 28 in total - from New York.

"I paid $65 for the so-so ones and $85 for the cherry ones," he recalled. "I stored them in my friend's barn and my double garage."

He and his wife Shirlee will still repair and tune instruments from their workshop at home.

Gary said he also would like to make a few violins.