Pittsburgh Guitars Celebrates 45 Years

Pittsburgh Guitars, located in Pittsburgh’s historic South Side neighborhood, celebrated its 45th anniversary on May 22. To mark the occasion, Pittsburgh Guitars hosted specials, customer appreciation sales and debuted a new T-shirt design.

Founded in 1979 by Carl Grefenstette, Pittsburgh Guitars was originally located in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood, moving to the South Side in 1986, and to its current location in 2006. On Nov. 11, 2011, the business was sold to longtime employee and fellow guitar enthusiast, John Bechtold.

“I started this business because I love guitars; I love looking at them; [and] I love playing them,” Grefenstette said. “And I love studying their history. I feel grateful that over these many decades, Pittsburgh Guitars has inspired multiple generations of players. And I am equally grateful that John has carried that legacy forward.”

“I started shopping at Pittsburgh Guitars when the shop first opened. I was in 9th grade! I was always in awe of the guitars on the walls,” Bechtold said. “Here I am 45 years later, now owner of the shop and still just love looking at guitars all day! I am honored to have been able to carry on the legacy of this shop and what Carl created. I love the community vibe that this shop has and really enjoy interacting with so many great friends and customers on a daily basis.”

Notable visitors to Pittsburgh Guitars have included Russell Crowe, The Kinks, The Jayhawks, Social Distortion, Nirvana and more.

pittsburghguitars.com