The Music Emporium

Buyer Guides

With all the options available today, it can be tricky to know if you're buying the right instrument. Not to fear, we've put our collective experiences together into a series of Buyer Guides to help you along your path. We'll be adding more guides as time goes on so check back often!

Great Les Paul Alternatives

These guitars offer exceptional build quality, unique design twists, and refined playability, all while delivering the powerful, singing tone that made the single-cut format legendary. Whether it's a fresh take on vintage elegance or a modern reimagining of this twin-pickup classic, these guitars are proof that inspiration often leads to something even greater.
Our Favorite Guitars For New Players

Great tone, craftsmanship, and playability don’t have to break the bank. Whether you're looking for a stage-ready workhorse, a studio staple, or your next go-to instrument, these guitars are built to last for decades and prove that top-tier performance doesn’t always come with a top-tier price tag.

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Martin Guitars | By Series

Martin’s wide-ranging lineup of acoustic guitars offers something for every player and budget, and the best way to navigate their collection is by exploring them by series. This approach makes it easier to find the perfect Martin—whether you’re drawn to vintage-inspired classics, modern innovations, or workhorse models built for the stage.

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TAYLOR GUITARS | BY SERIES

Taylor’s acoustic guitar lineup is thoughtfully organized by series, with each offering a unique combination of tonewoods, design elements, and specifications that shape its sound and feel. This approach makes it easy to find a Taylor that matches your tonal preferences, playing style, and aesthetic vision—whether you’re after warm, vintage-inspired tones or modern clarity and balance.

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Lowden Guitars | Body Shapes

Understanding the various body shapes that Lowden offers can provide valuable insight into which model might suit your playing style and needs the best. We've put together a brief overview of the four Lowden body shapes to help you make the best choice for your style.

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TME Buyer Guide

A Guide To Buying Your First Vintage Martin

No matter how far you spiral into the vortex of vintage purity, remember this: don't sleep on the '60s.
TME Buyer Guide
Fender | Neck Profiles
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TME Buyer Guide
Fender | Pickup Primer
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TME Buyer Guide

Collings

Hill Country Series

The Hill Country Series introduces a line of 1-Style and 2-Style guitars with a dry, earthy character and a full-bodied low end, making these guitars ideal for bluegrass players who will appreciate their familiar, jam-ready tone. However, their responsiveness and warmth also make them versatile and well-suited to a variety of musical styles.
TME Buyer Guide

Santa Cruz Guitars & The Custom Ordering Process

We here at The Music Emporium love the people at Santa Cruz Guitars. We've got decades of experience guiding customers through the custom-order process. And if you're thinking of building a custom acoustic guitar, the staff at Santa Cruz will make the process a second-to-none experience in terms of service, options, and, oh yeah -- tone! Please contact us and watch our Santa Cruz video via the links below.
TME Buyer Guide
Gift Ideas For Acoustic Players
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TME Buyer Guide
Gift Ideas For Electric Players
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TME Buyer Guide
Gift Ideas For Mandolin Players
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2024 Holiday Gift Guide

Hunting for the perfect gift for the musician in your life? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. To help you celebrate and inspire, we’ve curated our 2024 Gift Guide to ensure your gifts strike the right chord with everyone on your list.