50 Years of Gratitude
Thank you.
As we close out 2025 and start a new year we would like to express our gratitude. 2025 marked 50 years since Rosewood Guitar was started. Stephen Novacek and Gary Bissiri started the store in 1975 at its original location in the University District as an extension of their performing career. Rosewood Guitar was the teaching studio for Stephen and Gary and also offered a selection of classical guitars, sheet music and LPs. Current owner Bill Clements bought the store from luthier Kurt Osterby in 1990 and moved to our current location in Greenwood in 1998. Over the years our inventory of classical and flamenco guitars has expanded to include new and used guitars from workshops and individual luthiers around the world as well as a curated selection of fine acoustic steel string guitars. Importantly, we have always had a large selection of affordable classical and steel string guitars for beginners, students and serious hobbyists.
Our teachers have taught hundreds of guitar players starting as young as age 3 and with some into their 80s. Our students have gone on to study at conservatories and become private and college level teachers themselves. Some students have gone on to professional careers and had Grammy-winning recordings, and of course many more of our students have found the joy of a lifetime instrument and all that music can do for the mind and the soul.
Many thanks to our customers, students, our teachers, employees, our suppliers, our luthier friends, the Seattle Classic Guitar Society and the music community who have supported us and the music world we love. It has been and continues to be a pleasure and an honor to be part of this community.
