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The sounds of rock ‘n’ roll, classical music, friends laughing and chatting, guitar lessons, children’s piano lessons and discussions on how to repair an amplifier filled P.C. Sound Music Store for 30 years. 

But on Jan. 18, 2025, the volume of those sounds lowered to a quiet solemnness as customers read a post on P.C. Sound’s Facebook page announcing the retail store would close. 

“From the very beginning, this community has been at the heart of everything we’ve done. The relationships we’ve built over the years mean the world to us. We are deeply grateful for your loyalty, trust, and unwavering support. This store has been our life’s work, and though we are closing this chapter, we look forward to continuing our journey with you in new way…,” the post read. 

P.C. Sound (1826 W. 5th Street) was a hub for all musically inclined people in eastern North Carolina. Most would stop in just to say hello and have a casual conversation about instruments, equipment and even how their families are doing. Being in business for three decades, Kenneth, Terry and Stephanie Braddy built relationships with customers who became like family. 

“Customers are like your family,” Kenneth said. “It’s like this is their hangout. This is their building, too. The guitars and the amps are one thing, but the customers are definitely number one.” 

This is why closing the retail portion of P.C. Sound was a “bittersweet” decision for the Braddys. 

Stephanie, Kenneth and Terry’s daughter, said it will be different not coming into work several days a week and seeing her parents. “It’s hard to see it go,” she said. “It’s harder for them, because it has been their thing and what they’ve grown over time and I’ve been coming up and helping them , trying to help improve the business and keep it going and be a supportive daughter.” 

While the retail store will close, the Braddys will continue to operate the installation division. P.C. Sound specializes in audio and video installation. 

Ken and Terry have not set a firm date of when the retail store will close. The plan is to close it once all of the inventory has been sold. 

P.C. Sound started in the Braddy’s home near Belhaven in 1994. Kenneth helped a gospel group get guitar strings from Texas so they could record music on a cassette tape which snowballed into asking Kenneth to find guitar straps, amplifiers and guitars and later, opening a shop at the Braddy’s home “that exploded” with popularity and demand in a mere six months, Kenneth said. At that time, he was a merchant seaman working in Canada, the Great Lakes and many other places. He left after 24 years to operate P.C. Sound. 

In 1994, people were starting to use the internet on a regular basis, but it was well before online shopping was their preferred method to purchase what they want and/or need. 

In fact, online shopping is one of many reasons why the Braddys decided to close the retail store. Though they have an online store, it was difficult to maintain with the amount of staff who worked at P.C. Sound. The website offered between one-third to half of what the brick-and-mortar store offered, Stephanie explained. 

While online shopping may be efficient, the Braddys argue that it doesn’t provide the great customer service that in-person shopping does. For instance, new musicians could go to P.C. Sound to get advice on which instruments and equipment will best meet their needs. 

“People knew they could come here and we would advise them, showing them what they need. They may want that $2,000 guitar, but they’re just beginning. They can start out with a $250. They just learned to trust us,” Terry said. 

“That’s the part of what hurts the most about closing the retail part – is helping people with their musical needs,” she continued.” 

Caring for the music community in Beaufort County and beyond is the legacy the Braddys want to leave behind. 

“We did it, because we love music. We did it, because of the customers. We love all of our customers,” Kenneth said. 

Kenneth and Terry look forward to spending more time traveling and fishing. Kenneth is looking forward to playing more gigs with CBR band.