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[Mouse]

I'm off to NYC on Friday for 5 days. Just wondering if anyone on here has been and can recommend any music (particularly guitar) shops?

[Trigger]

If I remember rightly, there is a whole street of guitar shops near Times Square. Think it is about 47th or 48th street and between 7th and 8th avenue. Basically, head down 7th ave from Times Square and the street you are looking for is off to the right.

[Graham Knight]

Don't forget the Pawn Shops.

Musicians are often hard up and pawn guitars for ready cash. If they don't redeem the pawned item and pay the extra charges within 4 months - it goes on sale.

There are even pawn shops on Broadway but the rougher the district the better the products in the shops. Take a walk along 42nd street and then check out the pawns out towards the Apollo Theatre on 125th Street.

[Trigger]

Further to my last reply, the street I'm thinking of is 48th st and between 6th and 7th avenues (not 7th and 8th like I previously said). The directions from Times Square will get you there regardless. Manny's is on that street and considered a bit of an institution as far as I'm aware.

As mentioned above, pawn shops may be worth a shout if you're looking for a bit of a deal.

[Sam L4]

You could go to Manny's Music. I don't have a clue where it is, or if it is any good, but i got given a t-shirt of theirs which i wear rather frequently. Would be nice to know what the shop is like.

[sonhenry]

Manny's for sure. It's on West 48th Street between 6th & 7th Avenue.

Also, check out 30-street (Welcome to 30th Street Guitars) and (if you've got the time) check these out....

Rudy's-
Rudy’s Music: New York City since 1978
169 West 48th Street
New York, NY, 10036
(212) 391-1699 | (212) 768-3782


Ludlow Guitars
Ludlow Guitars - Vintage Guitars, Used Guitars, New Guitars
164 Ludlow Street
New York, NY, 10002
212-353-1775 | 212-353-1749

and

Mat Umanov's
Matt Umanov Guitars
273 Bleecker Street
New York,, NY, 10014
(212) 675-2157 | (212) 727-8404

[sonhenry]

AND GO SEE LES PAUL!!!!!!

and post photos. You gotta see the man, he' what, 90? Probably your only chance to shake his hand....

[Alan Cynic]

Second the Les Paul suggestion.....he won't be there (Iridium) much longer!

I've been in Umanov's (OK....bought an echo pedal there), Ludlow Guitars (quite liked it) and Chelsea Guitars .Home ....folks do say never to buy a guitar in NYC though!!!!! Bigsby is probably the man in the know....

If you get to Ludlow's , there's Rivington Guitars just round the corner....some folks say they are rip-off merchants, mind!........ Rivington Guitars: NYC’s Best Little Guitar Store

edit...I see they've moved to East 4th St, so they're not 'just round the corner' from Ludlow St anymore.

[Jan]

Originally Posted by Alan Cynic

folks do say never to buy a guitar in NYC though!!!!!

Is this a cost thing or because of some sort of terrible curse?

(hopes for the latter, especially if Ark of the Covenant face melting is involved)

[Alan Cynic]

Originally Posted by Jan Deal

Is this a cost thing or because of some sort of terrible curse?

(hopes for the latter, especially if Ark of the Covenant face melting is involved)

That explains Bigsby then!!


Nah...it's just a cost thing... a lot of the NYC shops are viewed with suspicion by non NYC types, due to rip-off experiences apparently. (As far as second-hand buying goes...I think there a re plenty of good deals on new ones).