OUR STORY
Vintage Instruments has long been one of America's most eclectic shops specializing in vintage and antique acoustic musical instruments. In our unique shop you will find guitars, banjos, mandolins & ukuleles, fine violins and cellos, and instruments of historical interest. Vintage C.F. Martin and Gibson guitars are a particular specialty.
Established in 1974 by proprietor Fred Oster, Vintage Instruments was a detour from his academic path. Fred was inspired to play guitar by a cousin, mandolin and five-string banjo by a buddy & the Philadelphia Old-time music scene, and concertina by an interest in Celtic music. Vintage Instruments evolved around these interests. Over the decades, the business has remained true to this core of specialization in acoustic music, improved by the experience of working with instruments and customers from around the world, and the new ideas they have brought into the mix.





Who We Are
We have a dedicated staff with a breadth of knowledge and experience. Fred Oster and Catherine Jacobs, as the shop owners, wear dozens of hats. The very talented Natalie Dewey -- violinist and opera singer -- is our cheerful and capable Assistant Manager. Luthiers Raija Eggert, Sara Peck, John Thorell and bow maker Stephen Salchow specialize in violin maintenance and restoration. You will receive very personal attention in our shop. We’re dedicated to doing well what we do, building expertise in the instruments, and working one-on-one with people to help them find an instrument that gives the greatest satisfaction for their needs and preferences. This may sound simple, but we understand that finding the right instrument is a different process for every musician.