Founder Stu Cohen opens The Music Emporium on the second floor of a Pittsburgh art gallery, selling folk instruments and ebony carvings - acquired on Peace Corps trips - setting the stage for a deep-rooted passion in stringed instruments.

Cohen partners with banjo expert Jim Bollman and artist Eric Schoenberg to open a second storefront near Harvard Square. It becomes a gathering place for musicians, fostering connections and community.

The Pittsburgh store closes and the focus shifts fully to Massachusetts, as Cohen and team consolidate operations closer to home.

The Cambridge store relocates further up Mass Ave to Lexington, where Joe Caruso brings forward a vision of a living‑room‑like showroom filled with a carefully curated selection of high-quality instruments.

The Music Emporium becomes known for supporting and showcasing independent luthiers and leading small-production makers, blending legacy craftsmanship with modern innovation.

The store moves deeper into the electric guitar market with a focus on boutique builders. The shop's online presence expands significantly, driving the majority of business and enabling global access to curated inventories.

Now a trusted, internationally known online retailer and beloved, brick-and-mortar destination, The Music Emporium continues to build upon its legacy. Drawing on our rich history, crafted around musician-to-musician curation, we proudly offer an enduring commitment to helping you find instruments that inspire.