Mandolins in Boston

[michaelhooper]

Hello,

I will be in Boston for the next two weeks and was wondering where the best shops for mandolins (and strings) are?

Thanks,
Michael

[Dave Reiner]

Check out the#Music Emporium in Lexington, MA. A lot of mandolin choices, new and used, plus a reasonable selection of strings. #I live 5 minutes away, and have bought a number of instruments from them.

[Walter]

I can also recommend the Music Emporium.

I stopped in a couple weeks ago. They have a great selection of mandolins, and I was very impressed with the friendly staff.

[evanreilly]

Acoustic Outfitters, Stratham, New Hampshire.
Sandy's Music, Central Square, Cambridge, Mass.

[ira]

all mentioned are fine stores, but i go with music emporium. they know their stuff, and you can play a whole range of mandos. enjoy!

[2partinvention]

Definantly contact August Watters at Gallery of Strings he has some awsome mandolins like, Holoubek, Janish, and Capek. I'm not sure about strings but I know that he will have some very, very fine mandos ... and other instruments. He's a dealer not a retail store so you should contact him at www.galleryofstrings.com. I'll be in Boston the 13th - 15th at Joe Val Bluegrass Festival, if you are around come by and you should be able to check out some instruments there too. Hope it works out.


....Br¥cE

[evanreilly]

August Watters also had a very good display of instruments at the Joe Val fester last year. I had to wait on line to try one!!! The Very Nerve!!! <VBG>
He'll probably ahve a better line-up this year.

[Mattd]

Check out the#Music Emporium in Lexington, MA. A lot of mandolin choices, new and used, plus a reasonable selection of strings. #I live 5 minutes away, and have bought a number of instruments from them.

music emporium is a very good store. i was just there thursday checking some stuff out. very helpful staff.

[August Watters]

I will indeed be showing instruments at the Joe Val festival next weekend. I have a killer varnished A5 from Pavel Janish, among other things. Gallery of Strings will be a sponsor this year. My band is playing the Sunday 10am gospel set too. More info here:
http://www.bbu.org

If you're not going to make the festival, I show mandolins by appointment in Brookline.

If you make it to the festival, keep an eye open for Bryce -- 11 years old and already burning. Watch out, Chris!

August

[michaelhooper]

Thanks for all your advice, I will try to get to as many places as I can. As it happens I am staying right next door to Sandy's music store (though they only had very cheap instruments)...

Thanks,
Michael

[Steve L]

Michael, the Music Emporium is your best bet for instruments. #But on a side note, if you still own a turntable, you will be in the center of the used vinyl universe. #Tons of used record stores in Central and Harvard Square and no telling what you'll find for short money. #Cheapo Records, Stereo Jacks, Looney Tunes. #Just lay off the good Celtic stuff...that's for me!