Recommended Guitar Shops in Boston
Students often ask where to buy a guitar in the Boston area. As your guitar teacher in Boston, I'm here to guide you to the best shops and help you make informed decisions about your instrument purchase.
Entry-Level Guitar Shopping Tip
If you are looking in the typical "entry level" range ($300-400), most guitars in this price range are equally mediocre. I do often keep a select few instruments in this range in stock.
Recommended Guitar Brands
Acoustic Guitars
For acoustic guitars, I recommend these trusted brands:
- Martin Guitars - Legendary, timeless acoustic guitars with a focus on tradition.
- Seagull Guitars - In my opinion the greatest value-for-money guitar in the world.
- Breedlove USA Series - My preferred guitar builder for higher-end instruments.
Electric Guitars
For electric guitars, there are even more options available:
- Quality control tends to be better overall on electric guitars
- They're much better suited for factory production than acoustics
- More consistent build quality across different price points
Top Guitar Shop Recommendations in Greater Boston
Music Emporium - Lexington, MA
If you want a shop where you can check out some truly excellent instruments, I'd recommend you go to Music Emporium in Lexington. They carry high-quality instruments and have knowledgeable staff who can help you find the right guitar.
Location: Lexington, MA (about 20 minutes north of Boston)
South Shore Music - Weymouth, MA
South Shore Music in Weymouth is also worth a visit. They have a good selection and are located south of Boston.
Location: Weymouth, MA (about 25 minutes south of Boston)
Smaller Music Stores
Many smaller music stores in the Boston area focus on low-end products, and I can't say for sure which store to visit, especially in the entry-level price point. It's important to do your research and know what to look for.
Essential Guitar Quality Checks Before You Buy
The most important thing to do when you buy a guitar in a shop is to make sure that it's satisfactory out of the gate. Many new players don't know how to do a basic check of an instrument's condition and health, causing them to buy an instrument that's potentially already in need of repair.
What I Check Before Buying Any Instrument
- String Height Check: I check the string height with an action ruler (rules out many setup problems)
- Fret Edge Inspection: I check the fret edges for fret sprout by feeling up and down the neck to see if they're pokey
- Fretwork Quality: Good quality fretwork is consistent and smooth up and down the neck
Summary of Top Recommendations
Primary Recommendations:
- Music Emporium (Lexington)
- South Shore Music (Weymouth)
Alternative Options:
- Online shopping for entry-level guitars
- My personal collection (limited selection)
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