CUTTING THE CHORD: Hoboken’s Guitar Bar Jr. to Close as Mile Square Musical Mainstay Consolidates

ABOVE: Chris Capaci photo, 2015

Guitar Bar has been keeping Hoboken in tune since 1996. A decade ago, they opened a location uptown, called Guitar Bar Jr., followed by a third location in Jersey City Heights. Last week, the music shop made the announcement that their uptown location would be closing—citing the impact of COVID on local businesses.

“After 10 years at our 11th Street spot in Hoboken, Guitar Bar Jr. is sorry to say we’ll be closing this location September 1, 2020. COVID has just not been kind to any of us.”

The location at 203 11th Street (between Garden and Park) had been host to classes and a number of live music events. Lessons—and most music events, for that matter—have moved to an online format.

“But fear not,” reads the statement on social media, “our 1st Street flagship store (160 First St., Hoboken) and our JC Heights location (362 Palisade Ave.) are still offering gear, lessons, and repairs in these wacky times!”

Proprietor James Mastro has been a prominent figure in the Hoboken music scene since the early days as a member of The Bongos. He is still an active recording and touring musician who has worked with the likes of Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, John Cale, The Jayhawks, and Robert Plant. He and his entire staff will continue to be instrumental in the Hudson County music scene.

“Thank you all for your support and for building a great community uptown with us,” he says. “We’ll see you around!”

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