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!

Tour the Shop

MEET THE TEAM

JOE CARUSO | PROPRIETOR

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.

Adam Dardeck | General Manager

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).

Andy Cambria | MEDIA & WEB MANGEMENT, ACOUSTIC & VINTAGE SPECIALIST

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.

ELIOT HUNT | WEB DESIGN & MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, BOUTIQUE ELECTRIC GUITARS

In just over five years, Eliot 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.

Joe Klompus | REPAIR SHOP MANAGER

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.

TIM MANN | Shipping & Receiving Manager

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.

DAN KING | Vintage ELECTRIC GUITARS

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.

Ian Goldstein | mandolins & Acoustic Guitars

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.

Jacob Kleinberg | Media & Content

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!

STEVEN MANWARING | MEDIA & SALES

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.

DIEGO ESPINOZA | PEDALS, PEDALBOARD BUILDS, ELECTRIC GUITARS

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.

RACHAEL WOLFF | SALES

Rachael was born into a musical family and started playing guitar at the early age of eight. An accomplished guitarist/singer/songwriter in the New England music scene and beyond, she performs alongside her sisters in award winning Americana outfit The Wolff Sisters. Ever since graduating Berklee College of Music in 2015, Rachael has been touring with The Wolff Sisters and other bands, as well as working as a session guitarist recording on many other artists albums. Rachael is primarily a Strat/Tele and slide guitar player, but is well versed in the acoustic world - having learned on a steel string. Rachel is a welcome addition to our sales staff and can confidently help you find your dream guitar!

ANDREW STERN | SALES

From jazz to avant-guard to rock 'n roll, Andrew is an active guitarist, recording artist, bandleader and sideman in many music scenes in Boston/New England.  With decades of playing and guitar collecting experience, Andrew takes great pleasure in helping customers find the perfect instrument for their needs.

GLENN NICHOLS | REPAIRS & RESTORATION

We're thrilled to start of 2024 by welcoming Glenn Nichols to our repair shop staff. While we've been representing Glenn's brilliant Retrograde Guitars since 2018, his experience with repairs and restoration work goes way back (and deep): Glenn was the finish department foreman at Santa Cruz Guitars for close to 10 years; was in charge of French Polish restorations for renowned classical guitar maker Kenny Hill; and worked closely with luthier Bill Tippin in his shop.

Holly Daniels | Repairs

Holly is the newest member of the repair staff and performs setup work for in-store instruments, trades and consignments, and of course, customer's instruments.