Kin Isamov visits Hargiss Stringed Instruments on Thursday in Benson. The instrument shop is moving to 40th and Hamilton by June 1.
photos and words by Krystal Sidzyik
John Hargiss moved to the Benson neighborhood back when it was a different time, back when, for the most part, the motorcycle biker community ruled Benson. It was 1990 and Benson was a “rough ass place to be,” Hargiss says as he examines an acoustic guitar.
Hargiss was working at D-Rocks on 120th and Center when he first decided that he needed more space to work in. He then began working out of his garage, and it wasn’t long after that when he knew he needed even more retail space. He first started in a building across the street at 5914 Maple St. in Benson. He worked out of that shop for almost six years before purchasing the building he’s in now at 6061 Maple St.
“Built many instruments out of this shop, probably have worked on at least 10,000 instruments, probably fixed everybody in four or five states' problems, worse than a bartender,” Hargiss jokes.
During Hargiss’s time in Benson with his shop, Hargiss Stringed Instruments, he’s been very much involved with the community. He’s been a part of the Commercial Board, the Business Association and the Benson Business Improvement District. He created a historical society through the state of Nebraska for Benson, and it's true, he’s a bit of a historical junkie. Besides being filled to the brim with instruments, Hargiss Stringed Instruments is also a cove of historical treasures where artifacts line the walls.
So why purchase a new location? It’s all about moving on, Hargiss says.
“I’m scared and excited at the same time, some type of emotional dichotomy that I’m pulled at both sides from the spectrum,” Hargiss says. “But you know, a person needs adventures. If you quit taking risks, well, then what’s this whole journey about?”
Plus, he can’t find another square inch to cram anything in any more corners. His current location is roughly 2,800 square feet, and his new location at 40th and Hamilton will be almost 25,000 square feet. That leaves plenty of room for his retail shop, a home and tons of creativity.
“There’s plenty of other spaces there to lease out for other artisans,” Hargiss says. “One can live there, one can have a retail, a school, have a performing arts center. It has a loading dock, a garage and a yard.”
What excites him most about the move, though, is the potential for a performing arts center. One portion of the partials was a theater built in 1901, 60 feet wide by 200 feet long. After spending some time cleaning it up, Hargiss hopes to hold lectures, graduations and live performances.
Hargiss hopes to be up and running in his new building by June 1. He isn’t sure whether or not he plans on selling or leasing his current space.
Krystal Sidzyik is an intern for Hear Nebraska. She is still learning how to play her acoustic guitar. Reach her at krystals@hearnebraska.org.