Jim Gillaspy, a former co-owner of Katzin Music & Studios, which closed earlier this year, has announced he will open a new music-supply store in Durango on July 1.

“Now that the word’s out, the response really has been heart-warming,” Gillaspy said. “I’m excited to play a role in music in Durango again.”

Katzin Music & Studios had been in business for nearly 40 years when it announced it would close because of a number of factors, including highly competitive online sales and the availability of free sheet music online.

Gillaspy; his mother, Ruth Katzin; his sister, Cathie Duncan; and his brother-in-law, Scott Duncan owned the store.

Gillaspy said right after Katzin Music & Studios closed, he started thinking of ways to provide more opportunities for music supplies in Durango while at the same time run a business that could compete with online competitors.

“I eventually came up with a workable scenario,” he said.

Jimmy’s Music and Supply will offer mostly accessories, such as strings, picks, drum sticks and shoulder rests for violins. The store will also sell acoustic guitars, offer consignment and repairs, and rent PA systems.

“The market is still tough,” Gillaspy said. “So the business has to be able to shift with the times. Even though Katzin was making changes every year, we couldn’t make big enough changes to really make a difference.”

Gillaspy will likely be the only employee.

“We’ll have a lot less expenses, so it should work,” he said.

The store will be located at 1480 East Second Ave., not too far from the old Katzin Music & Studios location. Gillaspy said with iAM Music and Stillwater Music nearby, a sort of music district exists in the area.

Stillwater Music, which offers private lessons, was a neighbor to Katzin. The nonprofit expanded into Katzin’s space when it closed.

iAM Music offers various music-based programs.

“It’s really going to be great being there,” Gillaspy said.

The owner of Southwest Sound, Durango’s only remaining music store that sells CDs and records, says he is seeking a buyer for his store. Earlier this month, Robert Stapleton said it will close in the next few months if a buyer isn’t found.

Southwest Sound has been selling music in Durango since 1977.

jromeo@durangoherald.com