1 Topic by vim (edited by vim 2010-01-25 17:54:03)

  • vim
  • vim
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  • From: Norway
  • Registered: 2009-06-03
  • Posts: 108

Topic: N-Y. guitarshops - a travel report

For a norwegian guitarplayer, going to New York can be a mixed experience.
I spent last week there, and my experiences can be summarized (and shared)  as follows:

1) Where have all the shops gone? I went to NY some 7 years ago, and 48th. street used to be heaven. Now there are only two shops left. I guess Internet is partly to blame, as with the good record stores (I found none, apart from Best Buy and other boring chainstores).

2) Prices: are about 1/2 the norwegian prices. Tempting and quite possibly also expesive, as you may end up buying a guitar you really did not need or plan on buying. This time I managed without though roll

3) Service: Sam Ash was great. Almost bought a 3600,- PRS only because I enjoyed the atmosphere there.
Rudys: Jeeez, New Yorkers aren't famous for being too friendly and welcoming, but honestly! No customer service what so ever, and you really feel like they have no time for customers. It was the same 7 years ago actually. Rudys ampstore and their new Soho-shop was quite the contrary. Very nice guys!

4) Voltage: See pt. 1 "prices". Unfortunately voltage is also 50% of the norwegian level. As none of the shops could tell me if the Marshall 1974x transformer may be "modded" and tapped for 240V, I did not take the chance on buying one. But damn that amp is good!

Compared to the size of our local shops and the prices, NY is still quite an experience for guitarplaying tourists offcourse, but I must admit it has lost som of it's magic. Maybe one has gotten too spoiled by the huge online possibilities....

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: N-Y. guitarshops - a travel report

New York is fun to visit and has a great wealth of guitar gear.  New Jersey is also very active in that regard believe it or not.  Some of the best US guitar/amp builders reside there, possibly started by Ken Fischer.  Anyways, if you dig a Marshall RI 1974x then do not fear.  There are tons of kits, clones, and European boutiques that can offer you one for far less than the Marshall reissue.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: N-Y. guitarshops - a travel report

Honestly 48th Street sucks, its now music row anymore, its Sam Ash row and its way overpriced.  30th Street Guitars is pretty cool, but haven't been there in a long time.  I'm only 21 and live in NY, but from what my dad has told me, it was something back in the day.

Ben