BLUE RIDGE MUSIC

By Dan Purkey

Plato once said: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Such was the case for a young boy, adopted by a Canadian/American father and an American mother, who instilled in him a love for music and instruments at a very young age.

Karl “Charlie” Klassen started his journey in Fargo, N.D., spent time in Tunis, Tunisia (His father was an orthopedic surgeon for CARE), two years with his family at the Mayo Clinic, then on to the University of Wisconsin at River Falls. In college and a vocational tech school, Charlie studied musical instrument repair.

Charlie’s instrument repair career began in Stillwater, Minnesota, then Davenport, Iowa for four years. With a love for skiing, hiking, woodworking, drift boats (which he made!) and fishing; Charlie accepted a position with Lights for Music with Frank Light in Springfield, Oregon (1989).

After Lights for Music closed down in 2009, Charlie started his own instrument repair business out of his garage, which was the beginning of Blue Ridge Music. One year ago, he moved his business to the McKenzie West Shopping Center, where he is today.

Charlie Klassen specializes in band and orchestral instrument repairs, where he has a “...one week turn around on most repairs!” In addition to repairing instruments, Charlie leases and sells a variety of instruments. After spending a brief time with him, the passion that Charlie has for the music world .... Plato’s statement definitely applies to him!

Come and see what Charlie has to offer: 4217 Main Street, Ste. E, Springfield - 541-746-7804. The hours are Tuesday - Friday: 10 am - 7 pm and Saturday: 9 am - 3 pm. [email protected]