Finnish music shop becomes a destination for vintage instrument collectors

A music store in Iisalmi, eastern Finland, has gained a reputation among musicians as a go-to spot for rare and vintage instruments, drawing professionals to stop by during tours, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Located in the former railway station building, Mähösen Musiikkikauppa specializes in second-hand instruments, which owner Antti Pulkka says are now sought out by sellers rather than the other way around. “We offer more unusual instruments, so they might sit on the shelf a little longer,” he told Yle. “But people know our style, and good items always find buyers.”

The shop operates without an online presence, as Pulkka insists customers should physically test instruments before purchasing. Vintage gear—particularly tube amplifiers—often proves more repairable than modern equivalents due to accessible components.

The surge in demand for vintage instruments began during the pandemic, driving prices to levels that even professional musicians struggle to afford. In response, the Music Promotion Foundation (MES) established an instrument bank in Helsinki, lending high-value pieces to players. Foundation representative Markus Nordenstreng notes that older instruments often contain materials, like rare woods, no longer available today.

Examples of current market values include a 1976 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe listed at €3,300 in Finland, while a Gibson ES-335 Cherry Red Long Guard fetches nearly $75,000 on international sites. Nordenstreng believes vintage instruments will retain their appeal as new generations discover their craftsmanship.