New York City might be one of the best places for music stores, and if you want a nice guitar it’s likely you’ll find it in one of the many guitar oriented stores around town.
MANHATTAN
Rudy’s Music SoHo
The Guitar Boutique, one of the finest music stores we ever visited. Rudy’s has a nice selection of many classic models of Gibson, Fender and Gretsch as well as a room with acoustic guitars. Moreover, it is something of a guitar museum with many D’Angelico and D’Aquisto, the Stradivarius of guitars, on display on their loft floor in the back of the store. It is probably an unique collection and a rare opportunity to see as many of these fine instruments in one place.
Address: 461 Broome Street New York, NY 10013, United States
Phone: (212) 625-2557
» Rudy’s Music SoHo Website
Matt Umanov Guitars
A store along Bleeker Street in the West Village with a good selection of new guitars as fine old vintage ones. Opening hours Monday to Saturday 11-19 and Sunday 12-18.
Address: 273 Bleecker St. NY, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 675-2157
» Matt Umanov Guitars Website
Ludlow Guitars
In the Lower East Village, just a short distance from Houston, Ludlow Guitars offers a fine selection of guitars.
Address: 172 Ludlow St. New York, NY 10002
Phone: 212 353 1775
» Ludlow Guitars Website
Rivington Guitars
This East Village shop is a little worn down but with a selection of vintage and newer guitars.
Address: 73 East 4th Street New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-505-5313
» Rivington Guitars Website
Cobra Guitars
An unique instrument maker in the Lower East Village that do cool guitars that both looks and feels vintage.
74 orchard street New York, NY 10002
» Cobra Guitars Website
Chelsea Guitars
A small music store in Chelsea
Address: 224 West 23rd Street
Phone: 212.675.4993
» Chelsea Guitars Website
30th street guitars
In midtown south you will find this store that both sells guitars and provides service on them.
Address: 236 W 30th St # 1 New York, NY 10001-49040
Phone: (212) 868-2660
» 30th street guitars Website
Sam Ash – (previously Manny’s Music)
Manny’s Music, The “original music superstore” opened in 1935 and is known for being the music store where all celebrities bought their instruments. For the musician, it’s well worth visiting with a friendly staff and great service! For those who are not interested in the instruments they can still entertain themselves browsing the signed pictures on the walls from all the celebrities who purchased their instruments here. Jimi Hendrix, Bill Clinton, Ramones, Madonna, Bill Cosby are just some of the names … Unfortunately, Mannys was sold to Sam Ash a few years ago and some of the store’s charm has faded, but the stock is still large.
Address: 156 West 48th Street (between 6th & 7th Av)
Phone: (212) 819-0576
» Mannys music Website
BROOKLYN
Main Drag Music
A store in Williamsburg that we’ve been recommended.
Address: 330 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718 388 6365
» Main Drag Music Website
Southside Guitars
Address: 303 Grand St. Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 218-8201
» Southside Guitars Website
Retrofret – New York String Service
Address: 233 Butler Street | Brooklyn, New York 11217
Phone: (718) 237-2532
» Retrofret Website
Street Sounds NYC
Address: BAY RIDGE: 9206 3rd ave. Brooklyn, NY 11209
Phone: 718-680-7946 ask for Tony
» Street Sounds NYC Website
STATEN ISLAND
Mandolin Brothers
You’ll probably not pass by during a vacation in New York, it’s not on Manhattan, but Mandolin Bros. has a wide range of instruments and is well worth a visit if you have the opportunity to go there. And yes, they can set you up with a great Mandolin.
Address: 629 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10310-2576
Phone: (718) 981-8585
» Mandolin Brothers Website
Closed/Moved Store
Rudy’s music – 48th Street
Rudy’s original store was located at 48th street just north of Times Square, which long was a neighborhood with many music stores nicknamed the Music Row. The store was relatively small but spread out over three floors. At first floor featured electric guitars, acoustic guitars was on the second and third floor offered basses. The store in SoHo is now the only one.
Address: 169 West 48th Street (between 6th & 7th Av)
Phone: (212) 391-1699
» Rudy’s music Website
