Kelley's Music

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By Tad Dickens The Roanoke TimesThe July issue of Guitar Player magazine features Kelly's Music in the issue of readers picks of the best independent guitar shops.Kelley's Music 3335 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke 989-9232, kelleysmusic.com Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday Fun fact: Luke the dog is a mix between a German short-haired pointer and an Australian cattle dog. He apparently loves musicians.Roanoke independent instrument dealer Kelley's Music turned 31 years old last week.And with that milestone came what store owner Ron Montgomery calls the store's greatest accolade to date. The July issue of Guitar Player magazine included Kelley's Music among its list of America's top indie guitar shops.It's amazing to me, Montgomery said. I can't quite articulate how cool I think that is. It's very gratifying. To me, Guitar Player magazine has always been - there's a lot of guitar magazines now - but it has always been the one.I remember when I was a kid in junior high school, I would always rush to the library and hope to get a look at the new Guitar Player when it hopped in.And now his store is in its pages.The issue, on magazine racks now, includes a blurb about the shop in its GP Community section.While giant chain stores and online retailers have changed the business landscape, the most successful independent stores have adapted, evolved, and found their own niches, reporter Bridget Oates wrote. They can also be community havens, learning centers, and places to hear great music.Kelley's was one of 38 stores across the country that received the Guitar Player treatment.When the reporter called Kelley's recently to gather information on the store, Montgomery was working by himself on an evening with customers everywhere. He thought the call was a solicitation to stock the magazine.I told 'em to call back, you know, Montgomery said, laughing. I mean, you don't expect that they're going to be interviewing yo