Brands We Love.

Welcome, fellow guitar enthusiasts, to the heart of Pittsburgh’s vibrant music scene! Here at Pittsburgh Guitars, we’re more than just a guitar shop – we’re a community built on a shared passion for all things six-string (and sometimes four or twelve!). This page is dedicated to celebrating the incredible brands that fuel our musical journeys, the trusted names that craft the instruments we love to play, and the innovative companies pushing the boundaries of sonic possibility.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional shredding on a high-performance electric, a singer-songwriter strumming heartfelt chords on a resonant acoustic, or a beginner just embarking on your musical adventure, the brand of your instrument often plays a significant role in your sound and playing experience. From iconic manufacturers with decades of heritage to boutique builders crafting unique works of art, each brand brings its own distinct flavor and character to the world of guitars.

On this page, we’ll delve into some of our favorite brands available right here in Pittsburgh. We’ll explore what makes each brand special, highlighting their signature models, the materials and craftsmanship they employ, and the artists who have made them legendary. Discover the rich history behind the names you know and perhaps uncover some new favorites that will inspire your playing for years to come. So, plug in, tune-up, and join us as we explore the wonderful world of guitar brands we love!

Pittsburgh Guitars is a Hofner Premium Dealer, and one of only eight independently-owned shops in the U.S. that is authorized to order and stock German-built basses and guitars. We also carry the full line of the Contemporary and Ignition Series instruments and can order Custom Shop German instruments.

When Karl Hofner started the company in 1887, I do not think that he could have envisioned exactly how his company would evolve and what it would be best known for. If only he could have been sitting in front of a television in the United States on February 9th, 1964! The Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show and Paul McCartney played his Hofner “Beatle Bass” in front of a television audience that was estimated to be 73 million people! On that evening a new generation of musicians and bands was born. The Hofner 500/1 Violin Bass instantly moved from an obscure instrument to superstar status. Beatlemania exploded and The Beatles’ images were plastered everywhere, along with the instruments that they played.

The popularity of The Beatles continues today along with the famous instruments with which they played and recorded some of the most popular music ever. Other notable musicians and bands that have used Hofner instruments include Tom Petty, Cheap Trick, Sonic Youth, Fleet Foxes, Peter Tosh, Barenaked Ladies, Tina Weymouth, Aerosmith … and the list goes on.

Take a look at the Hofners on our site. We always have instruments on order, and if you don’t see your Hofner on our site, we can order it for you!

Pittsburgh Guitars has been an authorized Martin Guitar dealer since 1998. We are proud to be a partner with one of America’s most iconic acoustic guitar makers.

Martin Guitar has been in business since 1833, is still family-owned, and based in Nazareth PA. The list of musicians that have played Martin Guitars is a very long one. Just a couple include McCartney, Neil Young, Kurt Cobain, Elvis, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, John Mayer, Rich Robinson, Tom Petty, David Crosby, Father John Misty, Jason Isabell, and many more.

We are passionate about the instruments that we carry in our shop and we are very proud to carry Martin Guitars. It is an inspiration to play one! Stop in and check out our selection. We carry Martin Guitars in all price ranges.

Take a look at the Martins on our site. We always have instruments on order, and if you don’t see the model that you are looking for, we can order it for you!

It all started around 15 years ago when a couple of folks from Yamaha strolled into our shop, arms full of guitars, and asked if we’d be interested in taking a look. “Absolutely!” we replied. After spending some quality time putting these guitars through their paces, we were hooked. Our immediate reaction? “These are fantastic! How do we get our hands on more?” That very day, we proudly became a Yamaha dealer and placed a significant order.

Our enthusiasm only grew in 2011 when John had the incredible opportunity to tour their factories in China and Japan. Seeing their dedication to quality and the precision of their production process firsthand was truly impressive.

We’re huge fans of Yamaha guitars. They consistently offer outstanding instruments at every price point, and the quality is simply superb. We invite you to stop by and discover the magic of a Yamaha guitar today!

In July of 1962 two young lads from Liverpool would acquire their very first VOX amplifiers, an AC15 Twin and a Top Boost equipped AC30 Twin. Later that year, the group would emerge from the studio with a song called “Love Me Do” and change the world of popular music forever. The unforgettable sound of their jangling guitars would become the standard for great guitar tone for decades. This song, and the frenzy that was to follow this young group in the months to come, would result in VOX becoming the most sought-after guitar amplifier in the world.

Today, Vox amplifiers grace the stages of performers all over the world. Pittsburgh Guitars has been an authorized dealer for over 20 years!

When it comes to guitar gear that’s just plain reliable and sounds killer, BOSS is a name that instantly comes to mind. These guys are legends in the guitar world, offering everything from those classic compact pedals we all know and love to powerful multi-effects, amps that deliver, and a whole arsenal of other essential tools like recorders and tuners.

Good news for you, Pittsburgh shredders (and beyond!): We’re an authorized BOSS dealer right here at Pittsburgh Guitars, and our pedal wall is loaded! You can find BOSS pedals shaping sounds on stages big and small, in pro studios, and even in your neighbor’s basement.

Step into cool with our selection of legendary Rickenbacker guitars! These aren’t just instruments; they’re iconic pieces of music history, dripping with vintage vibe and a sound that’s instantly recognizable. For decades, Rickenbacker has been the choice of seriously hip artists who carved out some of the most influential sounds in rock and roll.

Think of the jangling 12-string of The Byrds, the early driving sound of The Beatles courtesy of John Lennon and George Harrison, the powerful riffs of The Who‘s Pete Townshend, or the distinctive basslines of Yes‘ Chris Squire and Motörhead‘s Lemmy Kilmister. More contemporary cool cats like Tom Petty, R.E.M.‘s Peter Buck, and The Smiths‘ Johnny Marr have also wielded these magnificent machines.

Owning a Rickenbacker isn’t just about playing music; it’s about owning a piece of rock and roll royalty. Come down to our shop and experience the undeniable coolness of Rickenbacker for yourself!

Dive into retro cool with our awesome collection of Danelectro guitars! These iconic axes are dripping with vintage vibe and a sound that’s uniquely their own. For decades, Danelectro has been the choice for seriously hip musicians looking for something different and undeniably stylish. Offering a unique blend of vintage mojo and modern playability, all wrapped up in an affordable package. If you’re looking for an instrument with character, a sound that’s a little bit different, and a whole lot of hipness, then come check out our Danelectro selection. Get ready to plug in and unleash your inner retro rocker!

Step into the world of timeless cool with our selection of Gretsch guitars! Synonymous with rockabilly swagger, classic rock elegance, and a touch of rebellious spirit, Gretsch has been the choice for generations of seriously stylish musicians.

From the twangy resonance of early rock and roll to the powerful riffs of modern alternative, Gretsch guitars offer a unique sonic palette. Legendary artists like Chet Atkins, George Harrison, Brian Setzer, Tom Petty, Duane Eddy, and Malcolm Young have all wielded these iconic instruments, shaping the sound of popular music.

Pittsburgh Guitars is proud to be an authorized dealer for these iconic instruments.

Get ready to strum up some serious fun with our fantastic selection of Kala ukuleles! These aren’t just instruments; they’re your passport to instant good vibes and musical adventures. Known for their quality craftsmanship and vibrant sound, Kala ukuleles are perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike.

Kala ukuleles are all about making music accessible and fun for everyone. Come explore our impressive wall of ukes and discover the ukulele that will bring a smile to your face and a song to your heart. Get ready to unleash your inner ukulele superstar – the fun starts here!

Plug into a world of sonic exploration with our awesome selection of Electro-Harmonix (EHX) pedals! These legendary stompboxes are the secret weapon of countless cool and hip musicians, known for their innovative sounds and quirky character.

At our shop, we’re stoked to offer a wide range of these iconic pedals. Whether you’re looking to sculpt vintage fuzz, craft ethereal soundscapes, or just add a touch of sonic weirdness to your rig, EHX has a pedal for you. Come explore the sonic playground that Mike Matthews built and discover the cool, hip sounds waiting to be unleashed!

Unleash your sonic creativity with Pigtronix pedals! Known for their innovative and boundary-pushing effects, Pigtronix offers everything from harmonically rich filters to mind-bending modulation, smooth compression, and powerful overdrives – perfect for players seeking unique and inspiring sounds. If you’re ready to explore new sonic territories and add a touch of the extraordinary to your rig, come check out our Pigtronix selection. Your next sonic adventure starts right here!

Experience the raw power and vintage vibe of Supro amplifiers right here at Pittsburgh Guitars! These iconic amps, with their rich history and distinctive tone, are beloved by guitarists seeking everything from warm, bluesy cleans to gritty, overdriven rock sounds. As an authorized dealer, we’re stoked to bring you these legendary amps. Come plug in and discover the unmistakable voice of Supro today!

Dial in legendary tones with our extensive collection of MXR pedals! For decades, MXR has been a cornerstone of guitarists’ pedalboards, delivering iconic and road-ready effects like the Phase 90, Dyna Comp, and Distortion+. Known for their rugged construction and straightforward operation, MXR pedals provide essential sonic tools for players of all styles. As an authorized dealer right here in Pittsburgh, we’re stocked with these legendary stompboxes. Come on down and find the MXR classics that will shape your sound!

Amplify your acoustic potential with our quality selection of Fishman amplifiers and pickups! Renowned for their clear, natural sound reproduction, Fishman is a leader in acoustic amplification, helping your instrument’s true voice shine through on stage and in the studio. ¹ Whether you’re seeking a transparent pickup system for your favorite acoustic or a dedicated amplifier designed to enhance its rich tones, Fishman delivers exceptional clarity and reliability. ¹ As an authorized dealer right here in Pittsburgh, we’re proud to offer you the tools to make your acoustic sound its absolute best. Come explore the Fishman difference today!

Unleash your inner rockstar with Blackstar guitar amplifiers! Hailing from the UK, Blackstar amps are known for their versatile tones, ranging from sparkling cleans to searing high-gain distortion, making them a favorite across genres.  Whether you’re looking for a practice amp with serious punch, a gig-ready combo, Blackstar offers innovative designs and exceptional sound quality. As your local authorized dealer in Pittsburgh, we’re stoked to help you find the Blackstar amp that will take your playing to the next level.