A former carpenter who spent three decades shaping wood into homes is now channeling that craftsmanship into something entirely different: building a music community in the heart of Minocqua.
Frank Coffen and his wife Sylvia Knust opened Island City Acoustics this March on Front Street, creating what might be the Northwoods’ most welcoming spot for anyone curious about picking up a guitar, banjo, or mandolin — even if you’ve never played a note in your life.
What makes this place different? The owners are beginners themselves.
From Rafters to Fretboards: A Second Act in the Northwoods
After 31 years building houses around Lake Tomahawk, Coffen had to make a tough call. Diabetes meant climbing three-story rafters wasn’t safe anymore.
But walking away from working with wood? That wasn’t happening.
“And it’s still wood!” Coffen said about his new venture, that same appreciation for craftsmanship now focused on the grain of a solid oak guitar neck or the resonance of Norwegian pine.
The couple’s journey into music started just a few years back when they both picked up instruments as complete novices. That inexperience turned out to be their superpower.
They know exactly what it feels like to walk into a music store feeling intimidated.
No Pressure, Just Play: What Makes Island City Different
Knust gets straight to the point about what people might expect: “People are expecting, like, ‘Well you have a music store, you must be good’ and it’s like, ‘Well, no.’”
That honesty is refreshing. And it’s the foundation of everything Island City Acoustics aims to be.
“We want people to take an instrument off the shelf, we want you to sit there and play it, come back next week and play it again. That’s part of it.” — Sylvia Knust
The store at 201 Front Street stocks brands like Klos, Tone Devil, Deering, and Iris Guitars. But inventory is just the beginning.
Here’s what the couple has planned for the Minocqua music scene:
- Open mic nights where fumbled chords are celebrated, not judged
- Public jam sessions at Waterfront Park during summer months
- A dedicated lesson room for one-on-one instruction
- Workshops and play-alongs for all skill levels
- Instrument repairs to keep your gear singing
The shop is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving folks plenty of chances to stop by and noodle around.
Collector’s Items and Conversation Starters
Walk into Island City Acoustics and you might catch Coffen unboxing his latest acquisition — like the time he pulled a “banjolynn” from its blue sack, a Norwegian pine banjo with a solid oak neck nicknamed after Loretta Lynn.
“What a funky instrument,” he said, turning it over in his hands with the same appreciation he once had for examining lumber grain.
Each instrument tells a story, and Coffen’s carpenter’s eye can spot the craftsmanship in every dovetail joint and hand-carved soundhole.
The store carries both new and used acoustic stringed instruments, giving budget-conscious beginners options alongside collectors hunting for something special.
Filling a Musical Gap in the Northwoods
Minocqua’s roots run deep in the lumber camps of the 1880s, where fiddles and banjos provided the soundtrack to long northern winters. That folk tradition carried through generations of resort culture, bluegrass festivals, and fish fry sing-alongs.
But the area hasn’t had a dedicated acoustic music store — until now.
For a region that swells from 4,000 year-round residents to over 20,000 in summer, Island City Acoustics offers both locals and visitors a gathering place that goes beyond retail. It’s about connection.
Oneida County’s economy leans heavily on tourism and service industries. Small businesses like this add texture to the downtown experience, giving people another reason to stroll Front Street between boat rentals and supper club stops.
The store’s beginner focus could spark something bigger too. Retirees looking for new hobbies, families wanting to learn together, even tourists inspired to bring home more than just a t-shirt — they all have a place here.
Community First, Sales Second
Knust and Coffen are clear about their priorities. Yes, they hope to sell instruments so Coffen can keep ordering new treasures. But the real goal is creating space for people to explore music without pressure.
“It’d be nice to sell some instruments, so I can order more,” Coffen said with a grin. “That’s kind of the plan.”
The couple wants to hear from the community about what events and offerings would serve folks best. Open mics at local venues? Bluegrass jams on summer evenings? Ukulele circles for kids?
It’s all on the table.
In a region where people value authenticity and neighborly connection, a music store run by fellow beginners who genuinely want you to succeed feels like a natural fit. No pretension, no gatekeeping — just good folks sharing their love of wooden instruments and the sounds they make.
Whether you’re a lifelong player or someone who’s always wondered what it would feel like to strum your first chord, Island City Acoustics is betting you’ll feel welcome. And in the Northwoods, where community ties run as deep as the lakes, that might be the most important note of all.
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