New owners bring new vision to Monterey's Music Unlimited.

For decades, Music Unlimited on Alvarado Street in Monterey has been a staple for local musicians; there’s now a large sign that reads, “Going out of business sale.” But worry not, because Music Unlimited isn’t really going anywhere.

Longtime store manager John Prock and his wife, Joy, are taking over and will keep the doors open for the foreseeable future.

“We’re going to take the store into a different direction,” Prock says. “We want to turn it into a real positive experience.”

Longtime owner Douglas Lee, who also owns another location in San Leandro, was looking to shut down his Monterey operation, but the Procks stepped in and offered to buy the business.

“There’s been a music store at this location since 1932 and I didn’t want to see that change,” Prock says.

When they take over on April 1, the Procks will also change the name to Monterey Music Shop. In addition to new music equipment – guitars, amplifiers and a few horns – they will start selling instruments on consignment, citing growing demand for used pieces.

Prock has been playing music for more than 40 years, and the 52-year-old namedrops musicians from iconic 1980s rock bands with whom he has played, including members from Journey, Iron Maiden and Tesla. He now plays guitar every Sunday at Compass Church in Salinas.

Local fans of chart-topping rock group Journey will have a unique opportunity to get their hands on instruments used by the band. Journey’s bassist Ross Valory, a longtime friend of Prock, will put some of his vast instrument collection up for consignment. “The Internet has changed the market,” Prock says. “We need to make ourselves unique.”

While the new owners will ease into the transition by slowly remodeling the store and adding inventory, Prock says he plans to have a grand opening celebration in the coming months with an appearance by Valory and possibly other rockers.