About Jim Ruland

Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Over the years, Jim’s store expanded and relocated to larger premises, each move accompanied by an enhanced variety of music genres, books, videos, and posters. By 2006, after transitioning through various locations, 52.5 settled at 561 King Street, offering a more user-friendly space and fulfilling a long-held dream of hosting regular in-store performances.

Jim’s commitment to spotlighting artists outside the commercial mainstream has been a guiding principle of his business, ensuring a diverse and rich selection that values music over commercial success.

Jim Vermin

The Transition To Blog Writing

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age. Jim’s blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.

Jim covers a wide array of content on his blog, ranging from in-depth reviews of musical instruments and audio equipment to evaluations of the latest in music technology and accessories. His approach is grounded in authenticity and a deep understanding of both the artistic and consumer sides of the music industry, making his blog a go-to resource for both new enthusiasts and seasoned audiophiles. Through his writings, Jim continues to influence the music community, ensuring that quality and passion remain at the forefront of the conversation.

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Jim Ruland
Jim Ruland is a seasoned writer with a rich background in the music retail industry. His journey began with the opening of his small, niche music store, 52.5, in 1997 at 52 1/2 Wentworth Street.

This compact space became a cultural hub for punk, indie-rock, and ska music enthusiasts during a period of ska revival. Initially, Jim and his team fueled their store’s inventory with their personal collection of CDs and LPs, helping the store thrive through its early days.

Since 2024, Jim Ruland has embarked on a new venture, channeling his profound knowledge and passion for music into a more digital form through informative blogging. His current work focuses on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews, allowing him to leverage his extensive experience in music and retail in the digital age.

Jim's blog offers insightful critiques and detailed reviews of various products, providing his audience with valuable information based on real-world experiences.
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