Grandma's Music and Sound

Grandma's was founded in 1982 by guitarist Micky Patten. The small store opened on the Northeast side of Albuquerque, New Mexico - in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains.
Gradually, the emphasis of the store changed from a guitar shop to a recording and early MIDI equipment store with products from Roland, Ensoniq, Sequential Circuits, Emu Systems and Tascam. In 1984 the name was changed to Grandma's. The name came from a midwestern nightclub.

In the beginning...

Ryan Clement was hired in 1986. In 1987 the store was moved from 1500 square foot location to 4000 square feet location complete with service department and classroom.

We added our guitar department in 1987, and became an Authorized Fender Dealer in 1989.

In 1994 Grandma's won the Retailing Exellence Award from Music Inc. Magazine. We have also received many nominations from Music and Sound Retailer including “Best Staff”.

Renowned engineer and drummer Baird Banner joined Grandma's staff in 1996, and in 1997 we added a larger guitar department (up the ramp) and a larger service department (down).

Grandma's circa 1996

	On March 1st, 1999 we moved across the parking lot at Manzano Center. Much of that store’s design was done with the help of our friend and recording artist Kenny Vernon.
Grandma's circa 1999-2003

Over the years Grandma's has had many workshops and clinics. Some of the past artists include: Terry Bozzio, Dennis Chambers, Alan Pasqua, Mike Keneally, Blues Saraceno, David Garibaldi, Beppe Gambetta, Chris Proctor, Sara K., Michael Chapdelaine, Kerry King, Dennis Chambers, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Doyle Dykes, Steve Morse, Michael Wilton, Andy Timmons, Pat Kirtley, Sonny Emory, Jordan Rudess, Laurence Juber and many others. Thank you all!

In February 2004 we moved to our new custom building on Albuquerque’s growing West Side. Our new store has over 15,000 square feet, larger shipping and receiving with a two truck dock, a climate controlled acoustic guitar room, T1 telephone and data lines, a live performance stage with sound and lighting and more space for every department. We continue to grow thanks to you!!

Grandma's today