Cedar Mill Group acquires Musos Corner

Cedar Mill Group, founded by Winarch Group’s Paul Lambess, has acquired Musos Corner, a popular fixture within Australia’s music scene. This acquisition honours the legacy of Musos Corner’s past under the stewardship of the Lindsay family, while also setting the stage for a promising future for the business.

Musos Corner is Australia’s number one independently owned music retail store, based in Newcastle. Founded in 1967 by Ian and Sandra Lindsay, the store’s legacy spans over 57 years and is built on an unwavering dedication to musicians and a commitment to offering a diverse range of brands catering to every budget.

Cedar Mill Group was established by Newcastle-based Winarch Group in 2020 to lead its ambitious growth plans into the tourism and events sector. Cedar Mill has a vision to create an internationally significant network of purpose-built indoor venues and outdoor amphitheatre and entertainment precincts in Australia, that enhance each of their region’s tourism potential.

From humble beginnings as a small piano store and repair shop located in a modest 150 square metre space, Musos Corner has relocated four times over the past five decades and is now located on Hunter Street, Newcastle. Sandra Lindsay’s son Andrew, a stalwart of the national and international musical instrument retail scene, was born at Musos Corner’s original location. Alongside Sandra, he was a driving force behind the success of the family business, guiding it back from a devastating fire and flooding, and championing the store’s widely recognised ‘May the 4th’ sale, before his passing in 2022.

Co-founder Sandra Lindsay shared “In 2022, the plan was for Andrew Lindsay to take over the reins and lead Musos Corner into a new era with his vision, ideas and energy. Sadly this was not meant to be. Over 57 years Musos Corner has weathered earthquakes, fires and floods, emerging stronger each time. Our dream for Musos Corner’s future is to maintain its love of music, support our loyal staff and continue to cater to talented musicians. While I’ll miss ‘playing shops’, Paul Lambess grew up in Newcastle and shares our passion for music, ensuring the dream will live on under the Musos Corner banner. I’m sure Andrew would have supported my decision.”

Cedar Mill Group’s Founder and Director Paul Lambess has a deep appreciation for Musos Corner’s heritage established by Ian, Sandra and Andrew Lindsay.

Lambess added “Being a Newcastle local, I understand the significance of Musos Corner to our community. From interning at the store in my early teens to purchasing my first drum kit, this store has played an important role in my love of music and is entwined with Cedar Mill Group’s vision for the future. Musos Corner has always been more than just a place to buy instruments and the Lindsay family’s passion for music is reflected in every aspect. Sandra has done an amazing job with the store over the past five decades. This acquisition will take the iconic Musos Corner to the next level, upholding and preserving the Lindsay legacy while continuing its contribution to the music community and embracing its future.

Founded by Paul Lambess, Cedar Mill Group was established by Newcastle-based Winarch Group in 2020 to lead its ambitious growth plans into the tourism and events sector. Cedar Mill has a vision to create an internationally significant network of purpose-built indoor venues and outdoor amphitheatre and entertainment precincts in Australia, that enhance each of their region’s tourism potential.