Bothners to Open in Stellenbosch

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Soon Paul Bothner Music will be opening a new branch in the Stellenbosch area. The new store is centrally located and is close to the University. The store is spacious, air-conditioned and will offer free parking.

I took a few minutes to chat about the new store with the new stores manager, Jaco Goosen.

Many of our customers will know Jaco as the manager from the Somerset West Branch, where he has been for 4 years. Jaco is a self taught bassist who played in the rock band ‘Killing String” (2005-2010). He is currently playing bass for Riaan Nieuwenhuis’ “Collaborator” project. In April 2015 he will be recording a full length instrumental album at Sunset Studios in Stellenbosch.

When a manger moves from one branch to another it can be tough, but to move to a branch that hasn’t opened yet and to be involved in the process of shop fitting and getting the store ready for the general public has had it’s own set of challenges that Jaco has had to deal with. One of the main challenges is ensuring that every element gets equal attention. At no point can one area stand still while waiting for another area to be completed. Jaco has had to keep the vision of what the store would finally look like in mind. Jaco describes it as a life sized jigsaw puzzle.

Stellenbosch is one of the most musically active area’s in South Africa. Paul Bothner Music has existing relationships with Klein Libertas Theatre as well as Aandklas, where back-line is permantly supplied. Jaco plans to further develop this level of venue assistance, making possible for up and coming bands and musicians to play a gig using professional quality gear.

“Even more important though I believe its time to remind ourselves and each other where the journey of music starts, often at a much younger than ‘gigging’ age. [The Stellenbosch Branch] hope(s) to be a part of the bigger picture in terms of developing young musicians.
Often the parents of these youngsters need a bit of guidance in terms of what to expect from music teachers / music stores and even from their own young-ones. I hope to offer a helping hand with schools / teachers and parents alike, all in the interest of giving a young and inspired person a chance to make that dream come true.”

The team that will be join Jaco at the Stellenbosch branch will include Gerhard who many will know as the guitar tech from Somerset West and Olivia who has 14 years experience in the industry.