This is a store built by musicians for musicians - and - anyone who has a love for fine American craftsmanship.
We are a collective of passionate musicians and guitar junkies, offering the finest instruments to discerning players, collectors, and artists. Our expertise centers around hand-crafted luthier-grade guitars, rare vintage pieces, and quality beginner-level instruments.
Over the last 50 years, our vision hasn’t changed. While our inventory may have broadened since the days of the folk boom, our passion for curating the instruments we represent is as visible and vibrant as it was in the 1960’s.
We invite you to visit us, just outside of Boston, in historic Lexington, MA. Stroll the Battle Green, take in a meal at a local tavern, and then while away an afternoon at The Music Emporium. We look forward to welcoming you in our store!
Proprietor
Joe Caruso
With close to 30 years at the helm of TME, Joe has grown the shop into an industry-leading tastemaker known for its dynamic style, passionately curated inventory, and unrivaled staff. A trained guitar tech and builder, Joe has a breadth of experience in craft and practice that places him in the upper echelon of music retail's independent business owners.
General Manager
Adam Dardeck
Boasting a 15-year tenure as the general manager at TME, Adam has grown our acoustic inventory by leaps and bounds; and he's the reason we're consistently recognized as the leading retailer of Collings Guitars (not to mention Santa Cruz, Froggy Bottom, and countless others).
MEDIA & WEB MANGEMENT | ACOUSTIC & VINTAGE SPECIALIST
Andy Cambria
Andy has been the main photographer & videographer at TME for more than ten years, and oversees the production of the media content you see on our website & social media channels. He's also responsible for our luthier-grade acoustic inventory (Arcara, Circa, Brondel, et. al.), and oversees the consignment & acquisition of our vintage instruments.
ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT MANAGER | WEB DESIGN & MANAGEMENT | MARKETING
Eliot Hunt
In just over five years, Eliot has turned TME's electric inventory into a real-world gallery of the most highly sought-after instruments you're likely to see in your Instagram feed every day. Alongside years of experience as a touring musician and recording artist, his passion for tone and exacting standards have helped transform the website and shop into what you see and experience today - whether in-person or online.
Electric Guitars | SERVICE TECH
Joe Klompus
There's likely no Boston-based musician who doesn't know the name 'Joe Klompus' as a barometer of friendliness, taste and knowledge. Joe brings decades of experience as a luthier, touring musician and guitar tinkerer to TME, where he handles our in-house repair work and co-manages the Fender inventory.
Shipping & Receiving Manager | Ukes
Tim Mann
Tim is a TME veteran of more than 20 years, overseeing our shipping & receiving operations and the ukulele inventory. His passion for music extends to everything he does; and frankly, he's the bedrock of the shop when it comes to our own history, instrument trivia, and making sure everything gets where it needs to go.
New & Vintage ELECTRIC GUITARS
Dan King
Although Dan straddles the line between the acoustic & electric departments here at TME (he's also an accomplished mandolin player), his knowledge of the boutique amp & pedal markets has made him a go-to guy around the shop. With time spent as a touring musician, recording studio owner, and custom pedalboard builder, Dan is uniquely positioned to guide our customers to gear that'll fit their needs no matter what the situation demands.
mandolins & Acoustic Guitars
Ian Goldstein
Now in his second stint at TME, Ian's tenure at the shop dates back to 2001. Ian has returned to guide the mandolin department once again. Fluent in Spanish, accomplished on the mandolin, oud, and guitar, and holding a PhD in Music from UC Berkeley, Ian is our resident global music expert, with an interest in everything from traditional Arabic music to The Black Crowes. Ian's patience and broad knowledge base have him uniquely positioned to assist both our international clients and the student who walks through the door looking for that inspirational first instrument.
Media & Content
Jacob Kleinberg
Jacob assists with our videography and media production here at TME. Don't be charmed by his good humor and quick wit if you see him working around the shop: he's got lots to do!
MEDIA & SALES
STEVEN MANWARING
A graduate of Tufts University, Steven is an accomplished guitarist & mandolinist. And he's a photographer with a keen eye as well! If you frequest our site, you've seen his work on all our product pages--and if you frequent our shop, you've likely heard him coaxing beautiful tone from the newest mandolin to grace the sales floor.
PEDALS | PEDALBOARD BUILDS & ELECTRIC GUITARS
DIEGO ESPINOZA
A recent graduate of RISD, Diego heads up our custom pedalboard niche; and he's incredibly knowledgeable about all things electric guitar. You'll see him racing around the sales floor, constantly attending to three customers at once, if you visit the shop. And if you're looking for a consultation about a new pedalboard build, give us a call and ask for Diego.
