Brian's Guitars is a boutique guitar shop that opened in Hamden, Connecticut in September 2010. It…read morewas founded by guitarist Brian Giampietro. An avid guitar player since age 12, Giampietro eventually enrolled in the Jazz Studies program at Western Connecticut State University. After graduating with a degree in Jazz Guitar Performance, Giampietro began working at G Guitars: a guitar shop in New Haven that was owned by his uncle. Before long, Giampietro was practically running the store himself. Eventually he opened his own shop, Brian's Guitars, at a strip mall in Hamden. In 2017, after seven successful years, Giampietro relocated the shop to a larger space in his hometown of Cheshire. That same year, he and his wife Katie also opened West Main Music Academy: a multi-room music lessons studio across the street. Brian's Guitars carries a wide variety of electric and acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, and accessories. They are an authorized dealer Paul Reed Smith, Fender, Taylor Acoustics, Swart Amps, PRS Acoustics, Dr. Z, Victoria Amps, and more. In addition to the aforementioned brands, the shop also carries several used guitars and equipment from brands like Gibson, Gretsch, Suhr, Mesa Boogie, and more. It just so happens that I know Brian Giampietro pretty well because we were both music students at WCSU during the same time. We even performed in a few jazz ensembles together. In recent years, both of my young sons have shown an interest in music as well. My older son takes after me; he likes drums and percussion. However, my younger son has shown an interest in guitars. I told my wife, "I know just the place where we can show our son some serious guitars." Although I've known about the store since it opened, my recent visit was actually my first. My family and I were blown away by the selection. My son's eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw all of the different colors and body types. My whole family and I were very impressed with the selection. Unfortunately Brian wasn't there when we stopped in, but his staff were helpful, knowledgeable and very friendly. If my son still shows interest in guitars when he is a little older, I know that we'll be coming back.

I purchased a used Fender American Professional II Telecaster Limited Edition Butterscotch Blonde…read morefrom Brian's Guitar online. This was the first time using Brian's and they were quick to respond via email. They provided a decent price for the model I was looking for. Item was delivered quickly and the guitar was packaged very well. The condition was very nice and I was pleasantly surprised to see the tuners were upgraded to the premium fender vintage tuners. I really like the look of these better and they also included the original tuners in the case as well. Nice bonus! I highly recommend Brian's Guitars!!

I was having a hard time finding someone good to restring my guitar. John does an excellent job…read moreand he has been very helpful with other issues I have had with my guitar. I really appreciate having this small family owned shop to go to that is really available to help and takes his time to meet your needs. I like supporting a small business in our community as well, this shop offers the service that is lost in the bigger corporate stores. Thanks John. Mark S.

I'm an almost 60 yrs old beginner and went in to purchase a couple of medium picks, and John spent…read moreas much time as I needed. I took a walk around and was looking at some amps and john asked what if anything I was interested in. I really didn't have a clue but John spent as much time as I needed. He took out a Les Paul and gave me a demonstration of the lowest cost amp he had and said this will get you by until I am ready for somethimg better. I love the amp, (I'll keep it forever. First amp right?) John was an incredible help to a complete newbie and now I can't wait until I need something else. The days are dwindling when you can walk in to a store and speak to the owner and receive that kind of support and caring. Please go and receive it. Bring your children so it will not be lost. Ron F.

Absolutely recommend Joe Mondi. He teaches more than guitars! Patient, knowledgeable and definitely…read moreloves what he does!

These guys are the real deal, this is the kind of thing you can't find online. I was blown away by…read morethe boutique setup...high end, incredible guitars. Everything was highly priced...the guitars ranging $800-$3000 approximately, I was scared to move as I walked through the store hoping I don't accidentally knock something down. Store in the front, repair shop at the back and 3 sound proof rooms where they conduct lessons by certified instructors during the week. $35 for a 1/2 hr session and goes up to $55 for an hour. The staff is helpful and very informative.

With the hollowing out of American bricks n' mortar retail because of online shopping, especially…read more'one click shopping' on Amazon, it is refreshing to walk into a beautiful, well-run shop that completely understands the needs of the customer, and can accommodate virtually any kind of budget. The owner of this shop, Nate, obviously loves and understands the business, and he also takes his time to show and explain the different types of guitars that he offers, and why they might make sense. There is also an awesome Golden Retriever in the store to keep you company if you just want to hang out with a dog instead of buy a guitar. The most impressive thing about Whole Tone is the completeness of the shop -- not only can you buy the guitar, but you can service it there as well, get your lessons, and also come in for demos of talented guitarists to see what is actually possible. I suppose you could just click and buy your guitar for the lowest price plus shipping on Amazon -- but you'll miss out on the rest of an important part of the experience, not to mention, the chance to actually try the equipment and hear what it sounds like before you do make a purchase. Its not merely about the lowest price. It also has to sound right. And if it makes you feel any better -- Nate did match the price of my guitar to whatever the lowest price was online -- without me even having to ask. That's pretty cool. Hopefully the dog will help out the lessons. No luck so far....

Phil Forbes is a Master! Just purchased one of the best CUSTOM Tele's ever. Fantastic guitar from…read morea master builder and teacher. Best of luck my friend. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to my next purchase!

From the owner: Experience matters when looking for the right instructor. Many choices in todays guitar landscape…read more With over 30 years teaching and have studied with top instructors myself I bring a very organized and hands on approach to my lessons. I have written 2 guitar method books so I have a method in place to get you playing. I use the state of the art online platform with live whiteboards, file sharing and enhanced video and audio for a great online lesson. Let's get you playing

Incredible shop! Family owned and operated. They took the time to explain things to me as I'm…read moregetting back into playing. The selection is great and their pedal selection is insane!!!

I can't say enough about the great people instruments, instruction, gear and service at the…read moreMartel's music store. Quite honestly, I'm writing this review because I have just recently received my guitar back from Corey (one of the owners) who restored my damaged fretboard with a much better Tusq nut to boot and upgraded the pickups and all electric switches/jack hot-rodding my first ever guitar an Epi special. I happened to be in the shop (as I usually am- Great place to check out new gear and play some awesome instruments), and seen he treated with the care and skill he would one of the more expensive guitars and at a great price!! I am in love with this instrument again and have not put it down, he showed me his wiring and it was top-notch; I am absolutely blown away at the quality of his craftsmanship and the tones coming out this guitar. All that being said I also have two children taking instruction there and they love it. The instructors meet them at their level but continually challenge them. My wife and I are quite happy with how the children have been improving and how happy they are with their instructors. Their prices are better than most places and the instruction is great. I have also have had the opportunity to go the monthly jam night they host and it was a great time. All in all, Martel's is a great place to be and shop for your music needs in my humble opinion.

Rick is a wonderful man, I've been utilizing his services since the early 00s, and will continue to…read moredo so! I've bought guitars, amps, gotten repairs done, you name it. Rick can do it all. And with a smile no less! He even recorded my high school band's EP with him, and I still get compliments on the quality of it 20 years later. Rick's prices are on point, and he offers quality product. Bring your music needs to him, and you will get the best of service. You will thank me down the road!

I did see some reviews about this place that made me nervous to buy a guitar here but I also saw…read moresome good ones and decided to try it out. I didn't mind so much getting a guitar that had minor issues, what I really hated was the attitude and unhinged behavior of the owner. It's a very "old-school" approach in the guitar and music world for older men to act belligerent, as if they are the only ones in the world with any common sense, when in truth they are simply the loudest and most arrogant. Times have changed and I hope the owner, instead of arguing with this review (which I imagine he will) goes to therapy and learns how to converse respectfully with others. Also the negative reviews where he says "you're referring to a different store " are BS, they are absolutely about this shop and he is trying to gaslight.

This store is a gem if you are looking for high quality guitars and amps. Many vintage, some newer,…read moreall incredible. The staff here are kind and welcoming, allowing you to see and play what you're considering to purchase. Store is well-organized, clean, and well-kept. Prices are fair! If you're a musician and you're in the area, check it out!

This is a new place and the staff went above and beyond to help me. The guitar and amplifier…read moreselection was plentiful as they had vintage and relatively new equipment. They also had good prices on everything, let you play the guitars, and the place was well organized