"Best" is subjective, of course, but having patronized countless music stores across the state since picking up a guitar 25 years ago, I don't hesitate to recommend Martel Music as (IMO) the best shop in CT and even beyond. I've made several significant purchases from Corey and Shelley Martel over the handful of years I've been a customer, and aside from the occasional random instance of stumbling across a piece of used gear elsewhere, I'm bringing my business to the Martels every time.

They have a decent-sized selection of guitars and amps, but what's especially notable is the fact that their collection is masterfully curated, ranging from the best quality to value ratio entry-level gear all the way through hand built/wired museum-level one of a kind builds. Their collection of effects pedals is similarly impressive -- I can't imagine any other shop between NY and Boston comes remotely close in that department, and they are constantly bringing in new and exciting stuff.

Having not taken a lesson in like over a decade at least, I booked one with Ben without a clear goal for myself in mind, and the experience was greatly rewarding -- he shared a ton of valuable insights and resources that have significantly advanced my playing and mindset as a musician, and I look forward to booking another in the near future. Every other instructor I've met has also been exceedingly personable and a wealth of music knowledge.

Corey has done setups and other more intensive luthier work on a number of instruments for me, and his work is always meticulous, top-notch, and fairly priced. The Martels put on cool events like pedal building workshops and jams every so often, they pay fair and transparent prices for quality used gear, they're just extremely nice and welcoming folks... I could honestly go on.

Long story already long, but I'll cut it short: if you're a musician who lives anywhere remotely close to central CT or happens to be traveling through, do yourself a favor, pop into Martel Music, and check out all they have to offer. You won't be disappointed!

Martel Music Shop is a place that deserves all the stars. Not only for dedicated owner, precisely chosen assortment and unprecedented professional care and honest advice you get when purchasing instrument… Corey (the owner) also runs the musical education, providing students of all ages flawless entry and guidance into one of the most beautiful human activities - music. And not just guitars and pianos… There are also drums, violin and brass lessons. The regular all inclusive “open mike” events are just a cherry on this fantastic “musical cake”. Stores like these deserve all of our support. It represents a hope, that in times “easy listening, AI generated”music, the true art has a chance . Thank you Corey and the team.