Ted Good Music – Historic institution in the Canadian music retail landscape
Ted Good Music is a historic institution in the Canadian music retail landscape, specifically serving the Westman region of Manitoba. Based in Brandon, Manitoba, the store has been a pillar for musicians and educators for over 50 years.
History
The history of Ted Good Music is essentially the story of music education in Western Manitoba:
- 1960s: Basement Beginnings:The business was founded by Ted Good (Edward William Good), a Navy veteran and accomplished trumpet player. It began in the late 1960s as a teaching studio in his basement on 10th Street in Brandon.
- Traveling Academy: Ted was known for loading his station wagon with music teachers and driving to small towns across Manitoba (like Virden and Neepawa) to provide music lessons to communities that otherwise lacked them.
- A Regional Institution: As the retail side grew, the shop moved to its long-standing commercial location at 747 10th Street. It became the primary supplier for school band programs, local jazz festivals, and the Brandon University School of Music.
- 2021: The Faders Acquisition: TIn a major shift for the Brandon music scene, Ted Good Music was acquired by Faders Music Inc. (another local independent shop). The two stores now operate as “sister locations,” with Ted Good Music maintaining its original branding and focus on band and orchestral instruments.
- 2023: End of an Era: The founder, Ted Good, passed away in December 2023 at the age of 99, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential figures in Manitoba’s musical history.
Dealer Profile
Today, Ted Good Music operates with a modern retail approach while specializing in the “traditional” side of instrument sales and rentals.
The “Band & Orchestral” Specialists
While their sister store, Faders Music, focuses heavily on guitars, synthesizers, and vinyl records, Ted Good Music is the region’s go-to specialist for:
- School Band Programs: They manage the majority of band instrument rentals (woodwinds, brass, and percussion) for schools across Western Manitoba.
- Sheet Music: They house one of the most extensive physical sheet music and method book libraries in the Prairies.
- The “Academy” Legacy: The store continues to host a massive lesson program, utilizing a large team of instructors for everything from classical piano to jazz trombone
Core Offerings & Brands
The store is an authorized dealer for many of the world’s most respected instrument manufacturers:
- Pianos/Digital Keys: Yamaha, Roland, and Korg.
- Guitars & Amps: Fender, Ibanez, Godin, Orange, and Blackstar.
- Band/Orchestral: Bach, Yamaha (Wind/Brass), and Pearl Percussion.
- Accessories: A massive stock of reeds, mouthpieces, and orchestral strings.
Service & Repairs
One of the store’s strongest assets is its full-service repair shop. They employ specialized technicians capable of:
- Overhauling woodwind and brass instruments (re-padding, dent removal).
- Guitar setups and electronic repairs.
- PA system and audio gear servicing.
Location
- TED GOOD MUSIC 747 10th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4G7
For more information, you can visit their official website at TED GOOD MUSIC
