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Guitar-hunting in the States


Nils Salthe Helberg

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So. It have come to this that I have begun to dream about my new guitar. Since I've started leading worship with my Morgan electro-acoustic guitar which works fine for its purpose but I really dream of and save up money my new guitar which shall be a nice quality one either a Gibson, Taylor or a Martin. (today it's a small body gibson in a sunburst finish - which is on the top of the list)

 

Since guitars is so freakin expensive I've begun thinking about maybe taking the trip over the Atlantic to the States next summer to find the "one-for-me". I have a friend who may be going over for the same reason as well.

 

I guess there in loads of great music stores in America this would be a tricky question. But If you were to travel to USA with the main purpose of buying a guitar. Then seeing sights Where would you go?

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New York City: Manny's Music plus a bunch of site seeing & music.

 

Nashville: Gruhn's Guitars plus a bunch of site-seeing and music.

 

Las Vegas: Ed Roman Guitars plus a bunch of site-seeing, music and other entertainment.

 

I believe there are Guitar Center stores in all three cities (I know there is one in Nashville because that's where I live). If you are looking for a new axe Guitar Center or Ed Roman Guitars may be your best bet for price & variety. Gruhn specializes in high-end used and vintage instruments.

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"Work hard. Rock hard. Eat hard. Sleep hard. Grow big. Wear glasses if you need 'em."-The Webb Wilder Credo-

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If you`re in New York don`t miss a chance to look at Sam Ash.

They have a good selection, if you can time it around a sale you can get a good deal (check online). There`s one right across the street from Manny`s but if you can get to the suburbs there`s more space and less noise. Rudy`s, also in that same area, deals more with high-end guitars and amps.

New England has several good stores, there`s East Coast Music Mall, I believe that`s in Connecticut. Boston is another good place, there`s a great shop that I was looking at online but the name is under a pile of paper somewhere.

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So. It have come to this that I have begun to dream about my new guitar. Since I've started leading worship with my Morgan electro-acoustic guitar which works fine for its purpose but I really dream of and save up money my new guitar which shall be a nice quality one either a Gibson, Taylor or a Martin. (today it's a small body gibson in a sunburst finish - which is on the top of the list)

 

Since guitars is so freakin expensive I've begun thinking about maybe taking the trip over the Atlantic to the States next summer to find the "one-for-me". I have a friend who may be going over for the same reason as well.

 

I guess there in loads of great music stores in America this would be a tricky question. But If you were to travel to USA with the main purpose of buying a guitar. Then seeing sights Where would you go?

 

Nils,

 

If you fly into a New York City airport (i.e. JFK), then it's simple. Go to 48th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues in Manhatten. You'll find a nice Sam Ash, Manny's, and several other guitar/music merchants, including several that sell vintage guitars and amps. There was a time when all the big bands bought their equipment on 48th street. There are famous stories of Pete Townshend running into Manny's and pulling a Les Paul off the wall, yelling "bill me", and running out!! I'd not recommend you try this, however!! I actually met Pete Townshend while in the Sam Ash on 48th street a number of years ago.

 

If you go to 48th street, make sure you hit The Carnegie Deli for The best corned beef sandwitch on the planet (it's only 7 blocks from the guitar stores on 48th street);

 

http://www.carnegiedeli.com/

 

That way, you'll keep your ears AND your stomach happy!

 

If you are into Martin Guitar, I'd highly recommend a side trip to tour the Martin Factory in Bethelem, Pennsylvania. It's about a two hour drive (perhaps a bit less) from NYC;

 

http://www.martinguitar.com/visit/tour.html

 

You can not buy a Martin at the factory, but it's a great tour. If you want to buy a new Martin, at about the best prices available, and where the guitars are kept VIRGINAL, there is a small music store in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, located only about a 7 minute drive from the Martin factory, called Nazareth Music. They are a family owned music store that's been there for many many years. They have a room that may be my favorite room in the world...in which they have the largest selection of Martin guitars in one location that I've found. They make you wear an apron before they will let you try any guitar. And, they will not let you use a pick. And, an employee will stand and watch you while you play. Their selection is excellent, and they care for their guitars like no other guitar retailer I've come across. I own a number of Martins that I've bought new, and I've bought all of them at Nazareth, because I've not been able to beat their prices, PLUS the excellent care they take of the guitars.

 

http://www.nazarethmusic.com/

 

Hope that helps. Let us know if you come over, O.K.??

 

Don

 

"There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by."

 

 

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This was reported by Music and Sound Retailer earlier this month, before Ed's part in the GC acquisition by Bain, et al was made public.

 

Roman Guitars Closing

(Port Washington, NY - June 14, 2007) Las Vegas-based Ed Roman Guitars, known as The Worlds Largest Guitar Store, began liquidating its assets on June 13. This comes six months after Roman sold the business to a company operating area car dealerships. According to Roman, nine employees were let go in May, followed by 13 more on June 13. Roman believes a car dealership will replace his store, due to the potential for more profits.

I want everyone to know Ill be back and everything will be made whole, said Roman. I am in the process of buying my name back. I didnt sign any non-compete clause, so I hope to reopen a store, although it wont be as large as my last one.

According to Roman, his potential new store would also open in the Las Vegas area.

 

They may still be open, but not for very much longer. They're already liquidating the store's assets. And I was just there and missed my one chance to see the store last month. Had I known he'd sold it I would've made it a point to visit.. Que sera, sera...

 

Gruhn is a wonderful place if you're a serious buyer. Vintage and boutique guitars by the score in the main sales area, more that can be perused if you know what you're looking for and make an appointment in their upstairs warehouse.

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almost forgot;

 

If you do the NYC trip, don't miss going to Mandolin Brothers, on Staten Island, again a short trip from NYC. They have an amazing collection of vintage guitars;

 

http://www.mandoweb.com/

 

 

Don

 

"There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by."

 

 

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296

 

http://www.myspace.com/imdrs

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almost forgot;

 

If you do the NYC trip, don't miss going to Mandolin Brothers, on Staten Island, again a short trip from NYC. They have an amazing collection of vintage guitars;

 

http://www.mandoweb.com/

 

 

I've been here 14 years, the place is about 10 minutes from the in-laws and I've still never been there.

 

I'm just afraid I'll want to part with my money if I do go there. LOL!

 

Actually, they're mostly into acoustics, right?

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Mando Bros has an outstanding collection of old acoustic guitars. They have a sprinkling of electric, and the odd amp. Mostly old acoustics.

 

YOU MUST GO!!! :grin:

Don

 

"There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by."

 

 

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296

 

http://www.myspace.com/imdrs

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