New York and Maryland...

**Richard Eskite** · Jan-23-2012, 5:44pm

I am going to New York City for a few days, followed up by a trip to Maryland to visit family. I figure I'd like to get out to Staten Island to see Mandolin Brothers and in Maryland I will try to drop in on Gypsy in New Market. I was wondering if there are any other remarkable musical instrument stores I should visit, especially in NYC. Of course, my primary interest is in mandolins. Thanks!

**Bob Grieco** · Jan-23-2012, 10:33pm

Just as a heads up - Don't bother waisting any time on 48th street between 6th and 7th. I was there before Xmas and Sam Ash had one New Breedlove and 2 cheapo brands/models (nothing used) and Rudy's had a new Collings MTO and a MF and mebee 2 other 'intro' brand models that I forget. I didn't expect to see much more than that since The Big Apple and surrounding area is like a mando desert. Thank God, and Stan Jay of course, for Mandolin Bros.

**Justus True Waldron** · Jan-23-2012, 10:47pm

Originally Posted by frshwtrbob

Don't bother waisting any time on 48th street between 6th and 7th..

Amen to that. Unless you're looking for sheet music (Or an awesome woodwind shop manned by a guy that makes his own clarinets and used to fix miles davis's horns and toured with stan getz once... but I'm also a clarient player so that's my kind of thing) stay clear of 48th street. I've heard that's the city's music section for the foreign tourist crowd... seems about right.

HOWEVER don't let that keep you from Manhattan altogether. Rudy's guitars has a newer, higher end shop in SOHO, and I stopped in twice last month and had a good time. They have a few higher end webers and collings, but also one of the new style Macica F's. I may be slightly biased as I have one of Marty Macica's mandolins myself, but this was his first F with some of his newest options: texas steer horn binding, top secret super truss rod and hand rubbed varnish finish. With a radius fretboard and totally stunning one piece cherry back, Marty dubbed this his "hippy" mandolin. Anyways I think it's a really cool piece. If you stop in, talk to Gordon, he was really nice and after chatting a bit he let me play the '80s Monteleon grand artist they had upstairs. I'd highly recommend it if you have the time...

**Jim Garber** · Jan-24-2012, 8:41am

Yes, 48th Street has gone downhill. Rudy's upstairs used to have a nice selection but I haven't been there in some time and it sounds like all the good stuff is now downtown -- have to make that trek there someday.

Another store worth checking out but off the beaten path is Retrofret in Brooklyn. They always have some nice vintage and other mandolins and their vintage guitar selection is pretty amazing as well as some real interesting things such as harp guitars.

If you just happen to be in Greenwich Village -- don't make a special trip -- there is Matt Umanov's on Bleecker Street.

**allenhopkins** · Jan-24-2012, 12:35pm

In Maryland, you might hit House of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park, if you're nearby...

**mrkrgr** · Jan-24-2012, 5:44pm

I always liked Appalachian Bluegrass in Catonsville when I grew up there.

http://www.appalachianbluegrass.com/

**multidon** · Jan-24-2012, 5:48pm

It's too bad Manny's closed. It was worth the trip in just to see all the pictures on the wall!

**Barry Platnick** · Jan-24-2012, 5:54pm

Manny's closed??

I'm from NYC. Havent been back in a whild but in my younger days I loved to go there and check out the electic guitars and tall those pictures...ouch!

**rgray** · Jan-24-2012, 5:54pm

Appalachian and HMT both great but consider Melodee Music in either Leesburg or Sterling. Closer than Takoma, and about the same distance as Catonsville. Been to all three and Melodee had a much larger selection.

**Bob Grieco** · Jan-24-2012, 6:30pm

I'm sorry for hijacking this thread ----only this one post- I promise.

Barry Platnick, Not only did Manny's close but Alex's Music / We Buy and Sell / etc etc all closed and were taken over by Sam Ash....they have seperate storefronts for Horns, Drums, Woodwinds, Strings, Keyboards Etc... Kinda Like a Home Depot for Music - no more Mom & Pop....I remember in the 70's and 80's living in Manhattan and going there once a week - If I only knew then what I know now. Rudy's the only one left....I remember in the mid 70's they had Clapton's 59 burst (w/ the C on the headstock that he played w/ Mayall on the 'beano' album) with a cardboard sign that said "Best Offer Accepted" at the time- the highest offer was $3800...aaarrrrghhhhh

Okay I'm done reminising -

**Jim Garber** · Jan-25-2012, 10:21pm

Last time I checked Alex was still upstairs in a very small shop that mostly dealt with repairs. Carlo Greco was there. But that was a year or so ago.