Appalachian Bluegrass Shopper

Appalachian Bluegrass is one reason why they call Catonsville Music City Maryland. This small, but well stocked music store focuses on acoustic instruments including guitars, basses, and dobros. Emory now runs the shop that was started by his father back in 1960. They have a live bluegrass jam every Tuesday night. more

How about learn to play the fiddle? Sometimes you just don’t know what mood will strike – but if your mood takes a musical bent this is the place to go. Yes, you can buy a banjo there (I did). Or you can take lessons on how to play many of the acoustic folk instruments – even the ones you have never heard of (Dobro, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, bass, and so on). So, if the banjo is too off the wall, try the guitar. Everyone loves guitar music – you will be the hit of your next party! Or, get new strings for the guitar you already play – or pick up a new CD of your favorite folk band, country singer, or bluegrass legend. The terrific, friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you channel your creative energy in the best direction. Have fun! more

Before I moved to Catonsville, I had never heard of this store, then I passed it many, many times before venturing in. What finally got me in there was that I wanted to take Irish fiddle lessons and not only is this the only place in town for this sort of music, it's actually one of the best stores in the state for acoustic music (House of Musical Traditions in Silver Spring is maybe a bit better, but not as convenient). I love this store. It looks and feels like an old-time store--old wood floors, big display windows in the front, guys playing music almost anytime you stop by. The staff is amazing--they work here because they really know and love traditional folk music (they call it Appalachian Bluegrass, but there is much more on offer than just bluegrass). The selection of instruments and recordings is excellent, and if you're interested in taking lessons, you can find someone teaching almost any folk/acoustic instrument you'd ever want to play. Even if you aren't a big fan of bluegrass or folk music, this store is worth a stop just for the experience. Parking stinks--there are a few spaces behind the building, but you're more likely to end up trying to find a spot on the street. more