Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Store for Instruments & Lessons in Cambridge, MA
Guitar Stop has been a family-owned and operated musical instrument store and lessons provider in Cambridge, MA since 1962. Founded by Edward Oster as Central Sales Company, the business evolved into Guitar Stop in 1998 to better reflect its focus on guitars and music education. As an authorized dealer for renowned brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Cordoba, we offer a curated selection of instruments, amplifiers, and accessories. Our team of professional musicians provides private lessons in guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, voice, and banjo, catering to students of all skill levels.With three generations of family leadership, we combine small-store service with a wide inventory, emphasizing community engagement through student recitals and charity initiatives. Our repair services include setups, minor fixes, and major electronic repairs, ensuring instruments remain performance-ready. Located at 1760 Massachusetts Ave, we serve Cambridge, Boston, and surrounding areas, maintaining a legacy of trust and expertise in music education and retail.
Services
Guitar Sales
Music Lessons
Guitar Repairs
Online Store
Student Recitals
Amplifier Sales
Ukulele Lessons
Remote Lessons
Minor Repairs
Major Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1962 with three generations of music industry expertise.
- Authorized dealer for top brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Cordoba.
- Professional instructors offering tailored lessons in multiple instruments.
- Comprehensive repair services for guitars and amplifiers.
- Community-focused with student recitals and charity initiatives.
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Quality instruments
Engaging lessons
Community events
Family-friendly atmosphere
Services
Guitar Sales
Guitar Stop offers a wide selection of acoustic, electric, and bass guitars from top brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Cordoba. Our inventory includes entry-level instruments for beginners and professional-grade gear for advanced players. Customers can shop in-store or online with local pickup or shipping options.
Music Lessons
Professional musicians provide tailored lessons in guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, voice, and banjo for all skill levels. In-person and remote options are available, with flexible scheduling seven days a week. Our instructors focus on theory, technique, and genre-specific skills to meet individual student goals.
Guitar Repairs
We offer minor repairs like setups, string changes, and fretboard conditioning, as well as major repairs including electronic fixes and bridge resets. Most minor repairs are completed in 2-3 days, while major work takes 3-4 days. Services are available on a first-come basis during retail hours.
Student Recitals
Guitar Stop hosts biannual all-ages student recitals to showcase progress and build performance confidence. Events are held at local venues like The Rooted Armory Cafe, featuring solo and group performances across genres. Recordings of past recitals are shared online for community engagement.
Online Store
Shop securely online for guitars, amplifiers, accessories, and lesson packages with local pickup or shipping options. Our website features detailed product guides, video demonstrations, and pricing transparency. Orders are processed within 24 hours and shipped via USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
People
Jeanne Oster
Proprietor
Jeanne Oster has led Guitar Stop since 1986, continuing her father Edward's legacy. With decades of retail and music industry experience, she oversees store operations and strategic direction while maintaining a commitment to community-focused service.
Annette Osgood
Retail Manager & Lesson Program Coordinator
Annette Osgood manages daily retail operations and coordinates the lesson program, drawing on her lifelong experience in the family business. She plays a key role in customer service and inventory curation.
Alex Oster
Music Instructor & Retail Sales
Alex Oster, third-generation team member, teaches guitar and bass while supporting retail and repair operations. A performing musician, he connects with students through practical, genre-focused instruction tailored to individual goals.
Greg Osgood
Service Manager
Greg Osgood leads guitar repair services, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of musician needs. He ensures timely, high-quality repairs for instruments and amplifiers, supporting both casual and professional players.
Tali Freed
Music Instructor
Tali Freed is a vocalist and educator offering voice and piano lessons. With performance experience in contemporary styles, she emphasizes technique, creativity, and confidence-building in her students.
Questions
What types of music lessons does Guitar Stop offer?
We offer private lessons in guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, voice, and banjo for all skill levels, taught by professional musicians with expertise in multiple genres.
Are online lessons available?
Yes, remote lessons are available via video call for most instruments, with flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends.
What repair services do you provide?
We handle minor repairs like setups and string changes, as well as major work including electronic repairs and bridge resets, with turnaround times of 2-4 days.
Can I shop online for instruments?
Yes, our online store offers secure purchasing with local pickup or shipping options for guitars, amplifiers, and accessories.
Do you host community events?
We organize biannual student recitals and charity events, fostering local music education and community engagement.
What are your store hours?
Retail store hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; online store is open 24/7 for orders.
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