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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Mighty-Rosebud t1_jachmt8 wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:20 PM

https://themusicemporium.com/

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Most good shops are in the suburbs.

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

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.

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

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

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

link is broken

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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