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The Plectrum Music Company is the only authorized Teton guitar distributor in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho.

Harney County musicians now have an outlet for their musical needs. On Dec. 5, 2020, The Plectrum Music Company opened for business. The new music store is located at 29 W. Washington in Burns (just behind Paramore Real Estate).

Owner/Operator Daniel Porter has been involved in the music industry for more than 36 years.

He said, “I always knew I wanted to be a musician.”

Watching televised concerts — such as Peter Frampton, Kiss, and other popular bands — only fueled his desire to become a performer.

“It all began when I grabbed my tennis racket and would play ‘air guitar’ during their televised performances,” Porter said.

After purchasing his first bass guitar and teaching himself to play, Porter landed a gig at the Big Easy in Boise, Idaho where Roadhouse Bands would play.

Porter also became involved in the production aspect of shows and concerts and learned the ropes of sound and lighting.

One of the main events that he was involved with was called Rock the Mountain. It started off with about a half dozen bands and 50 attendees in the mountains. It eventually grew into a three-day festival featuring more than 40 bands and up to 5,000 patrons. Porter was part of this event for 12 years (from 1998 to 2010).

Eventually, technical issues — such as permitting, security, advertising, BLM, and traffic control — became overwhelming, and the festival ended.

“I have been a musician for 36 years, and the most important thing I have learned is that you don’t really make money as a performer,” Porter said. “The real money is in promoting.”

Originally from Southern California, Porter had the opportunity to watch bands like Motley Crew and Poison in their early years, which grew his desire to perform. He has no formal training in music and is completely self-taught.

Porter eventually relocated to Boise, where he performed with local bands and was a DJ for 16 years.

Boise was getting too big, so the decision was made to move to Burns. The cost of owning and operating his own stage lighting company and the competition with larger national lighting companies became unmanageable. It was time for a change.

Porter had visited Burns several times, and after deciding that it was where he wanted to be, he contacted Tim Clemens (Country Realty) and started looking for property.

“I drove to Burns in my van and stayed in a local motel for a week,” Porter recalled.

He was able to close on a house in four days and had a job within the week.

After developing business relationships and working at few local businesses, he decided to get back in the music business. Howie Rosebloom invited him to join the Desert Rose Band.

Porter credits his wife, Misty, for his success in the music industry.

The Plectrum Music Company is the only authorized Teton guitar distributor in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho and carries a large inventory of Teton guitars. Plectrum also offers guitar repairs. In addition to guitar sales and service, music lessons are available, including drum lessons.

“We plan to have a vocal coach available in May,” Porter added.

Plectrum will be reaching out to local school music programs as well as the Chamber Music Society to offer support.

When asked how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected his new business venture, Porter replied, “In reality, I believe it has been somewhat of a blessing. People are stuck at home, and they may decide it is a good time to pick up that old guitar and start playing again.”

The Plectrum Music Company is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. In addition to guitar (and other musical instrument) sales, Plectrum offers vocal lessons, gift certificates, and portable DJ services.

The music company’s motto is, “Nurturing musical inspiration.”