George A. Peate
Founder
Elbert G. Peate
Second President
Robert A. Peate
Third President
Richard E. Peate
Current President
The Turn of the Century
In the late 1890's, George Alfred Peate, a teen-aged mandolin virtuoso, toured North America and Europe as a concert soloist. Although his concert tours were on a different scale from those of a rock mega-star today, he played to sold-out houses and garnered rave reviews. In 1899, a year after George Gershwin was born, George Peate settled down in Montreal, put together his life savings of a several hundred dollars and opened a small musical instrument shop. Montreal at the time was a city of gaslit streets and horsedrawn carriages, but there was a strong interest in music and George Peate's store prospered.
A Commitment to Music
Today, Peate Musical is the oldest family-owned musical instrument distributor in North America, and a leading wholesaler & agent in Canada. Our commitment is to promote participation in music, and Peate Musical works closely with a nationwide network of full-line and specialty music dealers to achieve this goal. Peate Musical is widely recognized as the primary source for superlative musical products in Canada.
The Tradition Continues
Peate Musical has witnessed many changes in music, not the least of which
are the birth of Jazz, the Blues, and of course, the electric guitar. We imagine
there are many more to come.
The company continues under the stewardship of Richard Peate,
grandson of the founder. Together, with our many friends in the music industry,
we look forward to the challenges of tomorrow.
Private Collections
The following instruments are in private collections in Canada and the USA.
We have been contacted by these collectors over the years.
- In the early decades of the 20th century, Peate Musical was involved in the
manufacture and repair of musical instruments.
Peate Mandolin Collection
Hundreds of Peate mandolins were produced in Utica, New York and Italy, between 1890 and 1925. Many are still in use or are part of private collections in Canada and the United States.
Peate Musical maintains a collection of various models, styles and conditions.
We are still actively adding to this collection, depending specifically upon style & ornamentation.
If you have a Peate Mandolin, know of someone who does, or would like further information about these instruments, please let us know.
History
