Not sure if this is the right way to post and ask this (if it's not, I'll gladly remove this!), but I'm travelling to Boston in a weeks time and it'll be the first time I've been to the US. I come from the UK/ Singapore, and am a guitarist and collector of stringed instruments. Wanted to check if anyone had any recommendations for instrument stores - not big commercial ones like GuitarCentre, but more specialised ones like Rudy's in NYC or maybe the Chicago Music Exchange!

Excited to see what's out there! Thank you in advance!

Comments

neogonzo t1_jach58c wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:16 PM

#2,102,183

Mr. Music in Allston is one of the few remaining local independent stores, serving a lot of rock musicians over the years in the neighborhood who practice nearby.

Mumbles76 t1_jacioka wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:29 PM

#2,102,691

Depends on what you are looking for, others posted their links here is another: https://axepalace.com/

Most good shops are in the suburbs.

SensitiveArtist69 t1_jaciqdt wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:30 PM

#2,102,712

Replying to neogonzo (#2,102,183)

Quite honestly the only way to go. Although if you are interested in orchestral stringed instruments there are some shops for those around Northeastern and Berklee.

bryter_layter_76 t1_jacl9je wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:51 PM

#2,103,514

The music emporium is one of the best acoustic guitar shops in the country.

PrettyTogether108 t1_jacls4z wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:55 PM

#2,103,696

Replying to neogonzo (#2,102,183)

I knew someone who traveled from Japan to go to Mr. Music.

thrillybizzaro t1_jaclu9y wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:55 PM

#2,103,725

Replying to Mighty-Rosebud (#2,102,335)

Came here to say this. Music emporium is one of the nicest places to look at premium guitars (acoustic and electric). They also have a good selection of pedals you can try if you ask nicely. Everyone who works there is knowledgeable and kind. Absolutely love it there.

plugsie t1_jacnlxi wrote on February 28, 2023 at 2:09 PM

#2,104,248

There’s a good list here. If you can/want to go north of Boston, Manchester Music Mill is good as are a few local places in Portland, ME.

Mighty-Rosebud t1_jacowll wrote on February 28, 2023 at 2:19 PM

#2,104,681

Replying to thrillybizzaro (#2,103,725)

My old dobro player worked there in the late 90s. Amazing people and great instruments.

SeraphSlaughter t1_jacqus4 wrote on February 28, 2023 at 2:33 PM

#2,105,315

Replying to Mumbles76 (#2,102,691)

Axe palace is the shit. Especially good if you’re into custom luthier builders and don’t necessarily want to wait out a build time.

PKenny t1_jacxicq wrote on February 28, 2023 at 3:20 PM

#2,107,422

Matt’s Music in Weymouth. Guitar Pedal Shoppe in Plymouth.

scratchhungry t1_jacz87y wrote on February 28, 2023 at 3:31 PM

#2,107,951

Go to any pawn shop. A lot of broke college students. Bound to find a gem somewhere if you look enough.

jfredett t1_jad2yll wrote on February 28, 2023 at 3:56 PM

#2,109,165

Not Boston, but a worthy trainride out to Worcester can get you to Union Music downtown, great little store, the acoustic selection is really nice for a small store, and it's right next to Coney Island so you can get a fucking great hot dog and a polar for like, a few bucks.

Love Union Music.

tjsteiner t1_jad9zqw wrote on February 28, 2023 at 4:42 PM

#2,111,416

Replying to Mumbles76 (#2,102,691)

link is broken

Mumbles76 t1_jadbxwk wrote on February 28, 2023 at 4:54 PM

#2,112,086

Replying to SeraphSlaughter (#2,105,315)

Yeah i'm big into ESP, so it was only natural that i love that place. =)

oneblackened t1_jaf4ffp wrote on February 28, 2023 at 11:55 PM

#2,136,245

Axe Palace in Walpole. Matt's Music in Weymouth. Music Emporium in Lexington.

Boston Guitar and Music Stores?