Tommy’s Guitar Shop: 19 Years of Heart, Humbuckers, and Honest Work

This story is brought to you by: Sean Straub // Senior Real Estate Broker — Thinking of moving to Everett? Wanna know what your home might be worth? Feel free to reach out to Sean and his team.

Images by Sean Straub.

---

If you’ve ever wandered down Hewitt Avenue and heard the faint strum of a well-loved Fender or caught a whiff of fresh guitar polish, chances are you were near Tommy’s Guitar Shop—a cornerstone of Everett’s downtown music scene for nearly two decades.

Owner Tommy Steinley first opened the shop in the summer of 2006, following a lifelong fascination with how things work – starting with taking apart his bicycle as a kid and eventually moving on to guitars. 

“It’s been a fun ride with highs and lows,” Tommy says. “I’m so blessed to be immersed in my passion.”

For Tommy, the philosophy has always been simple: earn an honest living and treat people right. That’s been his north star since day one – and it’s served him well. One of his proudest moments as a shop owner came when he and an employee tracked down a stolen guitar collection and helped get it back to its rightful owner. “That was a good karma day,” he recalls.

Most of Tommy’s builds – Strats and Teles –  are rooted in classic design and his passion for reviving old, forgotten instruments. Lately, he’s been restoring a 1950s Danelectros, a ’63 Jazzmaster, and a mid-’60s Gibson SG Special. He calls himself “old school,” preferring traditional tools over trendy gadgets.

“I like to rescue guitars that have been mishandled and destroyed,” he says. “Instruments are an extension of your heart and soul. It doesn’t need to be expensive or fancy – it just has to speak to you.”

Over the years, Tommy’s bench has hosted guitars belonging to some big-name musicians, including Nels Cline, Eric Johnson, and even a few owned by Stephen Stills. But he’s not one to name-drop. 

Tommy’s Guitar Shop // 1911 Hewitt Ave. in Downtown Everett

“People are people,” he says with a shrug. “All of the famous musicians I’ve worked with have been wonderful. No bad experiences.” He admits that working on Stephen Stills’ guitars made him a little nervous.

Tommy’s been part of downtown Everett through countless waves of change – new neighbors, new buildings, and a few empty storefronts along the way. “The only constants in my building are me and Brooklyn Bros.,” he laughs. 

Like many local business owners, he’s felt the shift since COVID-19, but remains optimistic about the future. 

“I’ve seen a lot of new construction, like on Broadway, and that will bring new life downtown,” he says. “I’m also excited for the new baseball stadium. I’m a big fan of the game and the AquaSox have had some monster players take the field over the years.” 

Despite challenges, Tommy’s loyalty to Everett runs deep. 

“Why do I stay? That’s simple. I love this city and the people who make it what it is,” he says. “Even though I don’t live here, I consider it my second home.”

After nearly two decades, Tommy has seen entire generations of musicians grow up in his shop. There are customers who started here as young kids. Now they’re getting married, starting families, and still playing guitar. He says it brings great joy to his heart.

He’s a big supporter of the local scene, often sponsoring shows and praising local talent like Steel Beans. He also gives credit to the Everett Music Initiative for keeping the city’s music scene alive and thriving.

As Tommy approaches the 20-year mark, he’s already thinking about how to celebrate. “I’ll probably throw a big party at Tony V’s like I did for the 10th. It was a blast!” he says.

He also knows that one day, the shop may find new hands. “I’m 59, so eventually I’ll retire. But I don’t have an endgame in sight right now.” 

Tommy showing off a 1987 Gibson Les Paul Custom.

His advice for anyone looking to start a small, creative business in Everett is classic Tommy wisdom: “Follow your passion, show up every day, and treat people right.”

When asked about his favorite guitar, Tommy doesn’t hesitate: his old Kramer, covered in stickers and battle scars from decades of gigs and memories. His dream jam lineup includes legends like Ronnie James Dio, Chris Squire, and Jon Lord, and if there’s one song that sums up the shop’s spirit? “Probably ‘Guitar Man’ by Jerry Reed,” he says with a grin.

Between the steady hum of amps, the smell of sawdust, and the stories etched into every fretboard, Tommy’s Guitar Shop is more than just a business – it’s part of Everett’s soundtrack. And one we’re confident will continue serving Everett-area guitar-aficionados for decades to come. 🤘

---

Tommy’s Guitar Shop
1911 Hewitt Ave // Downtown Everett
Follow Tommy’s on FB

---

Sean recently took over as Publisher + CEO of Live in Everett. He enjoys all things outdoors but specifically mountain biking and skiing with his son. You can also sometimes catch him at an open house on weekends or sipping a frosty craft brew with friends on the patio at his favorite Everett brewery.

---