Fort Worth shop marks 31 years of used instrument sales

Fort Worth residents have a dedicated source for pre-owned musical gear that has operated continuously on the same street since October 1995. The shop, known as Competition Music, recently marked its 31st year in business. Owner Scott Dyson has navigated the industry for nearly four decades, transitioning from a career in insurance to running a retail operation focused on used instruments.

Dyson’s entry into the field began in 1987 when he called a local music store and learned the employee answering the phone was departing. He took the position at Swords Music and worked there for several years. After a brief stint at a neighboring shop called Ape Music, he purchased the remaining inventory from that store when it closed in 1995. He opened his own business three days later in the same corridor.

The shop specializes in used guitars, amplifiers, drums, and PA equipment. Dyson also carries a smaller selection of band and orchestral instruments. He prefers dealing in used items because of the variety available and the better profit margins compared to new stock. His customer base consists largely of repeat buyers who return for specific pieces.

Dyson described his own musical ability as mediocre. He plays acoustic guitar as a primary hobby and can perform a few songs on the piano. He also played bass in two bands in the past. Despite his self-assessment, he spends his days evaluating and selling equipment to musicians who require functional gear at lower price points.

Operating a small retail business in Fort Worth presents specific financial and logistical hurdles. Dyson cited property taxes and insurance costs as major ongoing expenses. He also mentioned dealing with difficult neighbors on the street. To manage his workload, he relies on the consistency of his regular clientele. He noted that the business currently runs itself to a large degree because he only needs to wait for known customers to arrive.

Dyson valued the flexibility of self-employment, which allowed him to raise his son from six months old until the boy was six or seven years old. He appreciated the ability to close the shop for personal matters without needing a supervisor’s approval. This autonomy was a key factor in his decision to leave the insurance industry, where he described his previous role as a nowhere job.

In recent months, Dyson has begun posting his inventory on Facebook Marketplace. This digital shift has introduced new faces to the shop. However, the core of the business remains anchored by long-time patrons. He stated that most of his customers have been in the store before, creating a stable revenue stream that insulates the shop from some market fluctuations.

Looking ahead, Dyson hopes for a period of stability. His primary goals are to avoid major disasters and to keep external authorities out of his operations. He also wants to maintain the physical integrity of the building, specifically keeping the roof from leaking. He expressed a wish that a tornado does not strike the area, allowing the business to continue smoothly without interruption.

The shop’s longevity reflects a niche demand in the local market for affordable, used musical equipment. Dyson has maintained his position in the neighborhood for more than 30 years. His approach combines a personal connection with customers and a straightforward business model focused on buying and selling used gear.

Dyson’s journey from door-to-door insurance sales to music retail spans 39 years. He has witnessed changes in the local music scene but has kept his focus on the core product. The shop remains a fixture in Fort Worth, serving musicians who prefer the character and cost-effectiveness of pre-owned instruments.