Specialties
We stock a comprehensive selection of acoustic guitars (steel and nylon strings - all ranges - for students and professionals), ukuleles, mandolins - printed music and methods (classical, flamenco, Latin, Brazilian, pop, rock, folk, jazz), strings, and all needed accessories.
New and used instruments we carry include Taylor, Collings, Kremona, Hauser, Fleta, Ruck, Martin, Blueridge, Yamaha, Alhambra, Prenkert, Marin-Montero, Plazuelo, Solista, Spurling, Ramirez, Kohno, Sakurai, Bellido, Contreras, Porter, Larrivee, Cordoba, Ibanez, Altamira, Kanile'a, Teton, Bristol, Gold Tone, Kentucky, Contreras, Cervantes, Rover, Pono, Kala, Ohana, Makala, Kamaka, Amahi, and more...
Accessories are always in stock: Strings, Tuners, Capos, Picks, Polish & Cleaners, Acoustic Amps, Instrument Cases, Gig Bags, Instrument Stands and Hangers, Straps, Pickups, Music Stands and more...
Browse our complete selection in all styles of Methods and Music for guitar, ukulele, mandolin, bass, harmonica, banjo and more...
Our expert repairmen can fix just about anything - from basic setups to complete restorations. We will clean and restring your instrument for the price of strings and a minimal labor charge - often while you wait.
We ship anything worldwide.
We appraise instruments
A recommended Bay Area Teacher List is available at the shop or via pdf.
We're open 7 days a week: Monday-Saturday 11-6 and Sunday 12-6.
History
Established in 1974.
I started on Gough Street as a teaching studio named Guitar Studio. Within a few years, I moved to Clement Street and soon after, changed the name to Guitar Solo.
From the start, I knew that there was a great need for printed classical guitar repertoire. I started to find sources for this music and imported the repertoire from many parts of the world. While making all of this music available through the mail, our inventory soon became one of the largest in the world.
Early on, we started importing hand made concert guitars from the most important luthiers in the world. Acoustic guitars have been our focus since the beginning.
The store's popularity eventually led to publishing (Guitar Solo Publications) the guitar music of important composers. Recordings (GSP Recordings) of great guitarists followed. All of this led to worldwide recognition for Guitar Solo/GSP starting in the 1980s.
We continue being a source for professional and amateur guitarists at our SOMA location.
Meet the Business Owner: Dean K.
For a complete bio of Dean Kamei, go to guitarfoundation.org - hall of fame - industrial leadership.