48th Street (NYC) is depressing

[rogerbmiller]

I moved my offices about a year ago and ever since, I walk down the infamous 48th street to and from work every day. I do so hoping to be inspired by something I see in the windows, but alas, the current state of retail is so pathetic.

Manny's has a limited selection of basses and most of them are new Fenders.

Sam ash has a larger array of basses and most of them are Fenders and cheesy far eastern made basses of varying label.

Rudy's is a joke. They do have a nice array of custom jobs, but they charge more than retail for stingrays and new Fender, and charge absurd prices for older vintages that have been cruely modded. They have a Musicman Sabre modded VVT, no switches (capped off), modded preamp, and mutes removed and asking $2500.

I used to go to the music store and stand in awe of the many different makes and styles of instruments. Sadly, consolidation at the maufacturing and retail ends of the distribution chain have made ebay and TB the last remaining music stores with any character or variety. And I think it'll get worse-- don't you think it is just a matter of time before Fender opens their own stores and cuts out retailers in certain markets completely? They already manufacture every instrument and accessory required to stock a full stop store.

Am I the only one who feels this way? This is depressing.

[primussucks9126]

For the most part, I agree. Also, I don't know if you're aware, but Manny's is owned by samash. They typically have some higher end stuff than what I've seen across the street (like rics and spectors) but the selection is still very limited. Samash does have a little bit more, but as you said, its usually not very interesting (although I've seen a TON of U.S. Cirrus basses, some nice warwicks, Laklands, and an original Dan Armstrong bass there). Rudy's definitely has the nicest stuff, but it is very expensive there.

30th Street guitars was pretty cool though, they had some stuff I've never seen before (Gibson RD, Vox Panther, a Danelectro, 60s, 70s, and 80s fenders, an urge bass, etc). Cool people to deal with, and a huge selection of effects.

[TrooperFarva]

Rudys is expensive, but they're willing to work with you on prices. I got my Bergantino NV215 there for quite a price.

It's certainly not on 48th Street, but if you really want to check out some basses, Guitar Center on 14th Street has a nice selection of new and vintage basses.

[Phantopeth]

I'm in agreement, although I think Rudy's selection puts them a cut above Manny's/Sam Ash. I picked up a G&L L2000 there at one point that I couldn't put down to save my life. I didn't notice the price tag on it, though, as I wasn't actually looking to buy at the time

30th St is where it's at, at least in the "drooling over old gear" department.

[James Hart]

I'm pretty sure 48th street hasn't been what it once was since the early 90s

[Marcury]

yeah 48th street ain't what it used to be, but at lest it's not the nasty place it was in the 70s and early 80s. In those days if you weren't a well known player the guys working in most of the stores didn't want to give you the time of day let alone let you try out instruments or answer your questions and the Used shops were the biggest rip-offs going. In those day 48th street was known as the Den of Thieves.

[contakt321]

Bass shopping in NYC is depressing.

It's great that we have wonderful luthiers like Sadowsky, Fodera and Thompson here.

Is it too much to ask to have a few stores that have a good selection of basses? To be able to play a Lakland or an MTD? Maybe a Roscoe? A Zon?

No, that must be too much to ask, it's only the center of the music industry and the most densely populated city in the US.

Seriously, bass shopping here sucks.

And yes, before I get flamed - 30th Street is great for repairs, but they never have more than a handful of basses in at a time. There are a few boutiques in the LES that have a handful of basses in. But overall, THUMBS DOWN.

[JimS]

It's definitely turned to crap since the late '80s and early '90s.

I'd stand out in the cold after hours and drool in the windows after going miles out of my way to the location. Now it's history and even I'm there I'd keep on walking without a glance. Very sad.

[tkozal]

IN NYC you gradually learn where to get certain models. G&L's from Guitarman on the LES. Great deals, and he really knows them.

Fenders...buy online, they have not been beat to ****.

Rudy's has the high end..MTD's, Laklands, Roscoes, etc.. I once criticized Rudy's vintage prices, and how I didn't believe that all 6 of the 64-66 custom color jazzes he had with all ashtrays and such were real. The person who I trust quickly corrected me, that Rudy looks, and will pay the price for the pristine..and he will deal.

30th st turns over a lot of stuff. You need to go their frequently. They had 5-6 great old Gibson EB's recently, if thats your thing. They also have a 65 Jazz. A great 73 P Bass with a J bridge pup added that sounded like the bass of the gods lasted a little over a week.

But things like 70's P's disappear real fast.

[Gard]

Originally Posted by tkozal

Rudy's has the high end...Roscoes...

Dunno 'bout the other brands, but they don't have any Roscoe product that we are aware of or they are selling as new with permission.

If they're selling "new" product, it is not a valid new sale right now, as they are not an authorized dealer.

At this time, we do not have a dealer in the NYC/LI/North NJ area, if anyone knows a shop that would be a good fit for us there, I'd appreciate a tip...

[RAM]

Originally Posted by Gard

Dunno 'bout the other brands, but they don't have any Roscoe product that we are aware of or they are selling as new with permission.

If they're selling "new" product, it is not a valid new sale right now, as they are not an authorized dealer.

At this time, we do not have a dealer in the NYC/LI/North NJ area, if anyone knows a shop that would be a good fit for us there, I'd appreciate a tip...

Man...you've become such a SLUT!!! Pimping your stuff in these honest, ad-free threads?

j/k...good to "see" you.

Anyway, fwiw, Chicago has many of the same problems...there is the occasional cool bass popping up, but very few stores to check them out. In fact, within the city limits, I only know of 1 dealer that carries anything beyond the typical Fender, Ibanez, Warwick, etc seen at GC, and that's Bass Club. In fact, before BC moved into the city in the last year or two, you'd be hard pressed to find a Lakland or Elrick within the city limits, at least that I've ever seen. The reason that's so odd is because Chicago's home to these two companys.

[guy n. cognito]

I'll have to agree with the consensus on 48th St. I travel to NYC a few times a years, but I've never been back to 48th after my first trip.

I did, however, find a guitar shop in the Village that had a decent selection of basses. Sukop, old and new Fenders, G&Ls, just to name a few. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name or street address.

[tkozal]

Originally Posted by Gard

Dunno 'bout the other brands, but they don't have any Roscoe product that we are aware of or they are selling as new with permission.

If they're selling "new" product, it is not a valid new sale right now, as they are not an authorized dealer.

At this time, we do not have a dealer in the NYC/LI/North NJ area, if anyone knows a shop that would be a good fit for us there, I'd appreciate a tip...

sorry, I was thinking of RITTERS, not Roscoes, two brands I dont pay attention to, sorry

(I'm a Sadowsky guy now)

[tkozal]

On your subject of a Roscoe dealer, 48th gets all the tourist types, which makes things problematic, and explains many peoples negative views of 48th st.

Looking at your site, I would say Rudy's probably has the best potential customer base for your stuff.

Matt at Guitarman on the LES is one possibility, but its a teeny shop. Umanov is for tourists and losers. Ludlow and Rivington, forget it, run by LES types with atttitudes that change monthly. That pretty much leaves Sam Ash and GC.

[rogerbmiller]

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

I'll have to agree with the consensus on 48th St. I travel to NYC a few times a years, but I've never been back to 48th after my first trip.

I did, however, find a guitar shop in the Village that had a decent selection of basses. Sukop, old and new Fenders, G&Ls, just to name a few. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name or street address.

Wass it Matt Umanov Guitars? Good shop!

[guy n. cognito]

Originally Posted by rogerbmiller

Wass it Matt Umanov Guitars? Good shop!

Maybe. There was a really good pizza place across the street, which was my intended location. Unfortunately, this was two years ago and I don't remember it's name either.

Gee, now I hope it wasnot Umanoz. Apparently, it is for tourists and losers.

[Marcury]

Originally Posted by rogerbmiller

Wass it Matt Umanov Guitars? Good shop!

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

Maybe. There was a really good pizza place across the street, which was my intended location. Unfortunately, this was two years ago and I don't remember it's name either.

Gee, now I hope it was not Umanoz. Apparently, it is for tourists and losers.

That would be Umanov's across the street from John's Pizzeria. They're pricey. Really one of the better shops in NY for vintage and new acoustic guitars (Mandolin Brothers on Staten Island being the best), but they do have a lot of Fenders and Musicmans. Don't know where you get the Losers and Tourists thing though.

[tkozal]

Its from me, thats what all of my musician friends here in the city call it. Frankly, out of all my friends and others, I know of NO ONE who shops there...sorry....

[Marcury]

Don't apologize, i don't shop there, just never heard it put down like that.

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by James Hart

I'm pretty sure 48th street hasn't been what it once was since the early 70s

fixed