Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Family-Owned Guitar Store & Music Lessons in Cambridge
Founded in 1962 as Central Sales Company, Guitar Stop has evolved into a trusted family-owned business serving Cambridge, MA and surrounding areas. Our three-generation legacy combines deep industry expertise with personalized service, offering a curated selection of guitars, basses, and accessories from renowned brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Guild. Our certified team provides professional-grade lessons across multiple instruments, taught by experienced musicians who prioritize individualized learning.As a community-focused business, we host student recitals and partner with local schools, donating over 25 ukuleles through our 60th-anniversary charity raffle. Our in-house repair services maintain instruments to exacting standards, with turnaround times reflecting our commitment to quality and efficiency. With decades of collective experience, we bridge traditional craftsmanship with modern musical needs, ensuring every customer receives knowledgeable guidance and reliable service.
Services
Guitar Sales
Music Lessons
Guitar Repairs
Amplifier Sales
Ukulele Sales
Bass Guitar Sales
Piano Sales
Banjo Sales
Accessories Sales
Online Shopping
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- Three generations of music industry expertise since 1962
- Authorized dealer for Fender, Yamaha, and Guild instruments
- Professional musicians teaching all skill levels since 1962
- On-site repairs with 2-4 day turnaround times
- Community-recognized legacy business since 1962
Services
Music Lessons
Professional one-on-one music lessons for guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, voice, and banjo. Instructors tailor sessions to individual goals across all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Conservatory-trained educators combine technical mastery with practical application in diverse genres including jazz, rock, classical, and world music. Lessons available in-person or remotely with flexible scheduling options.
Guitar Sales
Curated selection of acoustic, electric, and bass guitars from top brands including Fender, Yamaha, and Guild. Expert guidance helps customers choose instruments matching their playing style and budget. Inventory spans entry-level models for beginners through professional-grade instruments for touring musicians. Online and in-store shopping options with expert advice available.
Guitar Repairs
Full-service repair facility handling minor adjustments and major restoration work. Services include string changes, fret dressing, pickup installations, and structural repairs using manufacturer-certified techniques. Experienced technicians maintain original instrument integrity while optimizing playability. First-come basis with 2-4 day turnaround times for standard repairs.
Student Recitals
Biannual all-ages recitals showcasing student progress and community talent. Events feature solo performances and group collaborations across multiple genres, providing professional stage experience in dedicated music venues. Recordings available for participants and families. Annual schedule includes spring and fall performances with themed programming.
Instrument Rentals
Flexible rental options for students testing musical commitments or professionals seeking temporary replacements. Available instruments include guitars, basses, and amps with maintenance included. Transparent agreements with clear terms for damage liability and purchase conversion options. Inventory regularly updated with current models.
People
Jeanne Oster
Proprietor
Third-generation music industry leader with 40+ years of retail management experience. Maintains family legacy through community partnerships and curated instrument selection. Harvard graduate balancing business acumen with passion for music education.
Annette Osgood
Retail Manager
Over 35 years in store operations and music education coordination. Manages inventory and lesson scheduling while maintaining customer relationships. Former performing musician applies practical knowledge to retail operations and staff development.
Alex Oster
Instructor
Third-generation music educator with extensive performing experience across genres. Teaches guitar, bass, and ukulele while assisting retail operations. Combines personal performance background with pedagogical instruction for practical learning approaches.
Greg Osgood
Service Manager
Master technician overseeing instrument repairs and maintenance. 25+ years of experience ensuring optimal instrument performance through precise adjustments and restorations. Maintains technical expertise across modern and vintage instrument specifications.
Tali Freed
Vocal Instructor
Award-winning vocalist and educator with international performance experience. Develops technique for diverse musical styles while emphasizing breath control and vocal health. Creates customized learning paths for students from beginners to professional performers.
Questions
Are music lessons available for complete beginners?
Yes, our instructors specialize in teaching absolute beginners using progressive methods that build foundational skills while maintaining musical engagement for all age groups.
What guitar brands do you carry?
We offer instruments from major manufacturers including Fender, Yamaha, Guild, and Cordoba. Our inventory includes electric, acoustic, and bass guitars across all price ranges.
Can I get my instrument repaired without an appointment?
Yes, we accept repair drop-offs on a first-come basis during business hours. Minor repairs typically take 2-3 days while major work requires 3-4 days.
Do you offer online music lessons?
Yes, we provide remote lessons via video conferencing platforms for most instruments. Scheduling options include fixed series or flexible weekly arrangements.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, we offer physical and digital gift certificates in customizable amounts. Certificates can be redeemed for instruments, lessons, repairs, and accessories.
Do you ship instruments outside of Massachusetts?
Yes, we ship to all continental US locations. Large items use ground carriers requiring physical addresses, while smaller accessories ship via USPS with tracking.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Andrey Fedorov
May 21, 2022
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I love this store, and am very happy to support this small business, which at times has a better selection than big retailers. I was saddened to hear they are vehemently opposing the bike lane initiatives of the city. I want to say that I never had a pressing need to park in front of this store. Parking space availability is not going to affect my interest or ability to shop here. Update: I believe the bike lane design being implemented by the city is the best attempt we have at balancing the needs of various stakeholders of the community.
Dan D.
May 18, 2022
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I bought a classical guitar at Guitar Stop 3 years ago that has served me well. They provide set up services. I also bought an electric guitar more recently. Service is friendly, informative, and efficient. They prefer to take the guitars off the racks themselves, which is understandable given the value of the merchandise. I've taken my son there for music lessons and Alex is great. I am rating them here based on their ability to service my guitars and offer great product with great service.
This is a family owned business and they stand by their products and don't deserve negative reviews bc of their stance on traffic. Traffic safety is nuanced and not a bumper sticker or black & white issue. The rules and laws in Cambridge are complicated. If you want a great guitar or music lessons and want to support a family-owned business this is your place!
This is a family owned business and they stand by their products and don't deserve negative reviews bc of their stance on traffic. Traffic safety is nuanced and not a bumper sticker or black & white issue. The rules and laws in Cambridge are complicated. If you want a great guitar or music lessons and want to support a family-owned business this is your place!
Jayson Hreczuck
Apr 10, 2022
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Owner vocally against basic infrastructure improvements. If you care about public and pedestrian safety, take your business elsewhere.
Tony B.
Mar 10, 2022
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It's a nice little family owned shop with a wide selection of quality products; issue is that I've gotten 3 guitars setup here and all 3 of them have buzzed when I got them home. One so badly that I couldn't overcome it and had to bring it back. Maybe they are taking on too many jobs and the tech is trying to crank them out too quickly, but $60ish for a setup that I then have to fix is a dealbreaker for me.
Sa Ta N.
Jan 22, 2022
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I purchased a guitar box a couple of days ago, and both the shop owners were very friendly and nice on the phone and in-person. Had a really positive and pleasant experience so will definitely be back the next time I need anything guitar related! Hope they keep the shop for several more decades!
Paul Trunnell
Nov 02, 2021
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Super friendly and professional, great selection of reasonably-priced stuff, love that they have several left-handed guitars always in stock. I generally drop in for small stuff (strings, guitar hanger, slide, etc.) and they always have what I'm looking for.
Sketches For You
Sep 07, 2021
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I was going to buy a bass guitar here, but the lady wouldn't let me try out any of them, even though there was no one else in there, AND I had brought my headphones. What's more is that she wasn't busy at the moment. I ended up going over to Mr. Music in Allston to get a bass and bass amp from there.
