Manny's Music (NYC) is closing

[daveman]

Manny's Music on 48th St. in NYC is closing soon. Manny's was "the" place for decades - where the stars shopped, with the wall of signed photos. In 1999, it was purchased by Sam Ash (which has its big retail store across the street), but they kept Manny's open under that name. I understand that sales have fallen off to the point where it made no sense to keep two shops open across the street from each other, and Manny's was the one to get the axe... now there will be even more unemployed guitar salesmen. (There are also rumors that the entire block - "Music Row" - will not last much longer.)

Anyway - the Ric content relates to Manny's reputation as being a very unfriendly place to shop if you were not a star. Or maybe it was just me. In June of 1973, I was a green boy from upstate NY with money burning a hole in my pocket. I made my way (first time) to 48th St. to get rid of my money and buy a new bass. I was dying to get a Ric but didn't know if I had enough cash. The first place I went was the famous Manny's. It was the only guitar store in NY that I'd ever heard of by name. It was a busy Saturday afternoon. The place was crowded and a total zoo. They had a beautiful fretless FG 4001 on the wall. (In my memory, it was in a glass case, but that seems unlikely.) I finally got someone's attention and asked if I could try it. The salesman growled, "Not unless you're gonna buy it," and within a second he had turned to another customer. (I have read similar stories elsewhere.)

Feeling weird and confused, I wandered down the street into a little shop called Terminal Music (long since out of business). The only person in the shop was the sole salesman -- when I walked in, he was sitting in front of an amp, playing a beautiful new FG 4001 (fretted). I told him I was shopping for a bass, and he said, "We got this one in last week and I can't put it down. Here, check it out."

I still have it.

So long, Manny's. I know you were legendary, but I never liked you!

[spongebob]

Great story!

Proves that a little customer service goes a long way.

[marc61]

+1 David. I agree I don't think I ever bought anything there.

It was Manny's, Alex Music next door, We Buy Guitars across the street, Rudy's down the block from them...that made up most of music row..shame.....I imagine there's still some guitar makers in the area though..I knew a guy Manny Salvadore from years ago. His place was very near the Lincoln Tunnel. Excellent craftsman.

[wints]

Nice story Dave. Yes, "the customer is king" will always work better, and it's cool you still have the same bass after all these years.

In June of 1973, They had a beautiful fretless FG 4001 on the wall. (In my memory, it was in a glass case, but that seems unlikely.)

There's possibly a good chance it may have been this one then...

[wj350]

Gorgeous bass!

Last time I was in NYC ('07), Rudy's had the best selection of stuff--especially Rics. I was never that impressed with Manny's, probably my least favorite shop on the block.

Still, sad to see a long-time icon disappear. Warehouse-music shops just aren't the same.

Bill

[sloop_john_b]

I was never that impressed with Manny's, probably my least favorite shop on the block.

+1. Even since the first time I went to 48th St. (2000), Manny's was nothing special. Just Sam Ash with autographs on the wall and less helpful employees. I won't miss it.

[gibsonlp]

Great story,
I hate these kind of stores, a few weeks ago I've been to the biggest store in Israel (Kley Zemer) to get myself a pair of microphone stands, the guitar rep was busy telling 3 kids who jammed a little bit "Don't you think that it's enough?..."
I told him that this is the reason I don't buy any musical instruments there and went away. (I had to buy the stands there as they are the only ones who carry branded stands...)

[daveman]

There's possibly a good chance it may have been this one then...

If you bought that at Manny's in '73, it's a good bet! Looks just like my memory.

Here's mine:

If I can contradict myself and defend Manny's: back in the day it was the real deal (if you could work with the salesmen!) - maybe the best selection and prices in the USA. By 2000 it had been sold to Sam Ash & the soul was gone.

We Buy was amazing, so was Alex. Now all that's left on Music Row are Sam Ash and Rudy's. Rudy's has very nice stuff but it ain't cheap.

[just_bassics]

A similar thing happened to me in a store in Chicago in 1988 (not CME). I asked to play a Fender Strat that had just arrived and the owner told me "Only if you intend to buy it today".

I've purchased more than fifty high end instruments since then. Not one from her. Never even went back, even though her store was ten minutes from my house. When will some dealers learn?

[JakeK]

I never knew about Manny's until Pete Townshend and Jimi Hendrix.

If there's one thing I hate it's a rude and/or stupid employee who is of no help...if that's what Manny's was full of, then goodbye and good riddance!

[fretless]

Sooo true , see ya !

[qwezirider]

When will some dealers learn?

My favorite dealer for so many years was like a drug pusher. He's hand you stuff off the expensive wall with a grin and a "wanna try it?" First hit was always free.

[s4001]

There's possibly a good chance it may have been this one then...

If you bought that at Manny's in '73, it's a good bet! Looks just like my memory.

Here's mine:

DSCN0734a.JPG

If I can contradict myself and defend Manny's: back in the day it was the real deal (if you could work with the salesmen!) - maybe the best selection and prices in the USA. By 2000 it had been sold to Sam Ash & the soul was gone.

We Buy was amazing, so was Alex. Now all that's left on Music Row are Sam Ash and Rudy's. Rudy's has very nice stuff but it ain't cheap.

That FG looks astounding and very little yellowing. Very nice.

[s4001]

When will some dealers learn?

My favorite dealer for so many years was like a drug pusher. He's hand you stuff off the expensive wall with a grin and a "wanna try it?" First hit was always free.

Oldest business model in the world. Works every time.

[rickenbrother]

My experiences at Manny's were never that bad, but I knew if I went there and I wasn't definitely buying, to go early. Once the store got busy, the salesmen only wanted to spend time with people who were definitely buying. I thought the women who worked as cashiers there were worse than the salesmen and you only dealt with them if you were buying something.
The next time I'm at 48th St in Manhattan and Manny's is gone, it will seem weird. Just like it was weird when seeing We Buy And Sell, Alex Music and 48th St. Guitars were gone.