Sometimes you stumble upon a gem of place that is world famous and you don't even realize it. Here I am 5 years on and realize just how amazing this store is! 2019 Was traveling around the 50 states and hopped into this place as I was passing by... Just blown away by the instruments they had! Not sure how long I was in there, but everything from droolworthy original D'Angelicos, original Epiphones and more... So much of music's history of the past to the present. After I get home and watching guitar videos I keep seeing this store pop up. Keep saying 'Hey, I was there!'... Do. yourself a favor and stop by. See the amazing selection of instruments they have on hand / display. The staff was super friendly and always willing to help when I asked. Thanks guys! Look forward to seeing you again! read more

Sometimes you stumble upon a gem of place that is world famous and you don't even realize it. Here I am 5 years on and realize just how amazing this store is! 2019 Was traveling around the 50 states and hopped into this place as I was passing by... Just blown away by the instruments they had! Not sure how long I was in there, but everything from droolworthy original D'Angelicos, original Epiphones and more... So much of music's history of the past to the present. After I get home and watching guitar videos I keep seeing this store pop up. Keep saying 'Hey, I was there!'... Do. yourself a favor and stop by. See the amazing selection of instruments they have on hand / display. The staff was super friendly and always willing to help when I asked. Thanks guys! Look forward to seeing you again! read more

Awesome high end guitar selection. Staff were helpful and attentive without being pushy.

Excellent guitar shop very nice people well worth the trip to this store. They have a very good sellection of guitars and extras.

I was ready to give up playing guitar. Was struggling with a CCR song for months on a Gibson SG. Started selling my gear but decided to get a cheap Telecaster just in case I wanted to start again. Went to Guitar Center and Sam Ash but didn't find anything appealing. Went to Rudy's as a final attempt. Don't go there looking for anything cheap. They stock quality instruments only and they cost. I was drooling over some of the inventory and saw a Professional series Tele that looked great and was set up with low action the way I like. Rob gave me some background on the product line and suggested I give it a test drive. Once I held it and felt the neck the difference was obvious that this was not a cheap instrument. I plugged it in and the joy of playing came back. It played great, sounded great and fit my hands perfectly. I basically HAD to buy it. Since then I'm hitting the chords on that CCR song much better than with the Gibson. Never thought a quality instrument would make that much difference. Big thanks to Rob for getting me excited about playing again! read more

Rudy's Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - New York, New York

Great experience! Been around for a long time and the treatment and expertise is always top shelf. Rob was fantastic and certainly knowledgeable! The selection was amazing and leaves you speechless. Great bang for the buck / value to own something special. read more

On the plus side they do have an amazing selection of guitars, and they were helpful guiding me in testing some classical ones. Feeling reassured they were professional, I trusted them with fixing my Classical guitar, a 70's Dauphin I got from a well known artist, this was his studio guitar (replacing the tuning mechanism and checking a small crack). All good, EXCEPT they put a small notch by the bridge on the soundboard. Not a big one, but clearly from some sharp instrument. Unfortunately I didn't notice it right away - brought it back, they reluctantly tried to fix it, not a good fix at all, it still shows. Really disappointed. read more

Calling all musician guitarists! With time to spare in the passage of my travels, I curated my browsing for a general overview. Rudy's Music is primary guitars (both electric and acoustic) and guitar equipment or tools such as amplifier wires and guitar picks. I did not see any professional upscale quality guitars or particular upscale professional quality name, Paul Reed Smith guitars. No teaching instructions nor other music instruments are in visible sight. Atmospheric conditions of the space is a loft that appears of hard wooden floors where beautiful guitars resonate adorn the walls from ceiling to floor. Staff did not welcome me being a woman unlike their warm hospitality for the men who were seriously curating browsing. read more

Rudy's Music - 461 Broome Street, New York, NY - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - New York, New York

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Grammy nominated music producer comes in to try out new bass guitars. Workers tell him the guitars are too expensive for him and they won't allow him to play. Also, he has been buying guitars from there for over 20 years. Oh well, All good things must end. read more

There are lots of new and used electric, acoustic, and bass guitars, and amplifiers.

Was able to find a picture that shows the inferior quality of the hardware used. It also makes me wonder why they did not just use my original Martin hardware when the tuner was not broken. Shady af if you ask me. read more

Rudy's Music - The actual tuner was not broken so I don't know why they kept my original Martin hardware and used this clearly inferior product. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - New York, New York

The most beautiful guitar store I've ever visited and the best among many special NYC guitar stores. This is the destination for high end gear. If you're looking for your dream guitar, Rudy's should be on your must-visit list. Although they carry an impressive line up of great condition vintage Gibson Les Pauls and Fender Strats/Telecasters, their custom "Pensa" line of guitars is where it's at. Pick up a Pensa and just strum it for a while without an amp and experience the superb vibrations course from the guitar body into your torso. The Pensa I played was the most resonant guitar I've ever handled. Wow! One reason for this is that each neck is custom carved for each body to ensure a perfectly tight fit. Folks, it makes a difference! I could feel the quality of workmanship judging purely from its acoustic characteristics before plugging into one of their boutique Magnatone amps!! I played a Pensa MK-90 with an amazing ice blue finish. The finish is done by Kip Elder's Starr Guitars (www.starrguitars.com) and was flawless from every angle. Perfect finish on a perfect guitar. It is likely that a Pensa will be added some day to my guitarsenal. Rudy's also carries some premium brands of acoustic guitars. I was especially impressed by a Froggy Bottom H12-RSW guitar that made several Collings acoustics seem rather plain when I was A/B-ing them side by side. Wonderful, rich balanced tone. I used to think Taylor acoustics were the bomb, but now realize there is another level above that if you're willing to increase your budget. Very memorable store. read more

Rudy's tried to rebrand on Yelp to avoid their pitiful ratings by the common folk, so I'm doing my yeomen's service and re-uploading my original review on this elitist cesspool. Bunch of A-holes running this place. They act as if they are constantly bombarded by tourist-y types who come stomping in with kids who casually run their hands along the strings of their vintage and high-end guitars. The only people who come in there are those who know it's value and status. Stop being pretentious dicks to guitar players who aren't named The Edge or Eddie Van Halen. Funny thing is, I watched a U2 documentary that followed The Edge around NYC and he literally named-dropped Rudy's as such a great place to go, that every young guitar player should make the pilgrimage. I love the guy, so of course I had to take his word. Both times I went in there, I walked up all the floors to check out their stock and got nothing but smug looks and some hotshot staffer riffing on an acoustic guitar upstairs like he was the next John Mayer. Please buddy, if they hired you, I'm sure you can play, no need to act like you'd rather be somewhere else than helping customers. You have nothing to prove other than being knowledgeable on the instruments you sell and who knows if he was because he was too busy brooding in the corner on his Santa Cruz acoustic writing the next "Your Body Is A Wonderland". You know, I may look on the younger side, but I've been playing guitar since I was 11 which makes it 19 years and I'm certainly not some gutter punk who can't play. Unreal to be so judged and completely neglected and shamed as a customer. Speaking of Santa Cruz, the SOLE reason I went in there is because they DO in fact have a GREAT stock of amazing guitar from Collings to Santa Cruz to Taylors. All I wanted to do was play one of these great guitars for comparison purposes. What makes them so much more expensive than their brethren that they are basically copying? Was I willing to buy it that day? HELL NO. But do I need to be willing to drop $3,000+ just to be afforded the "prestige", the "supreme opportunity" only afforded to me by the GREAT Rudy's?!!!! What a bunch of dicks. I'm never going in there again even if I become famous some day. I hope you all stay away to. Go over to Sam Ash and their new location. It's so worth it and I literally pulled down a Jimi Hendrix Voodoo Strat straight off the wall $5,000+ and the guy just said "Have fun"! And wouldn't you know...I did! I'll be going back to that Sam Ash for years now, suck it Rudy's. read more

Wonderful staff and beautiful guitars and basses here. Prices are mostly competitive with other NYC stores. The woman that showed we basses could not have been nicer. read more

Rob, Makoto and their handmade guitars brand, Pensa, are what makes this place magic. Rob will find for you your dream guitar, and Makoto will spend the next 6 months building it. Of course, be ready to spend more than $5k for a guitar, because I'm sure Rob will find the guitar of your dream. And dreams are expensive! read more

Cool music shop in SOHO. They have some rare gear here - some custom shops. Feel free to stop by to play some of their instruments. Their workers were very helpful to the questions I had about their guitars. I bought an Ojai Power supply here and it was actually missing a wire. I called and they were happy to ship the missing piece and it came in within a day or two. Good customer service. read more

Oh man these places are so dangerous for me. I waited a good two years before buying my first sick (and expensive) guitar. A friend suggested I drop by this place while I was in NYC, I happened to be walking by so couldn't help myself. The guy helping me was really kind and was well versed in the ins and outs of guitars both new and old. I really wanted to buy everything, but somehow managed to pry myself away, but still managed to manhandle a couple of beauties first. Think I'll be back when I'm ready for guitar number three, four or five... read more

Rudy's Music - Awesome guitar store - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - New York, New York

Rudy's is a guitar icon. Sometimes this shop feels more akin to a museum than a store. The selection of arch tops is at an echelon of Stradivarius stature - also financially unobtainable. The store is clean, centrally located, and has stuff you cannot find anywhere else. My one peeve with the store is that every single guitar is either locked in the hanger or behind glass. I get it - they cannot have every single person coming in off the street and putting wear on guitars worth $5-10k. However, makes the atmosphere somewhat less inviting. The "play around and find a guitar that clicks" mentality doesn't exist at Rudy's. But hey - that's what you've to do with top tier gear in NYC. read more

As a 16 year old, I went in not expecting to buy anything since I am unable to afford $2,000+ guitars. Because of this, this one employee would not let me play anything for more than 5 minutes before he asked me to put it back. Eventually, he kicked me out of the store and had said I'd been there long enough. They have a great selection of guitars and it's a shame that they don't let people play them unless they know for certain that they are willing to drop a couple of thousand on a guitar. I will say, I had a very nice conversation with a man named Zeke at the upstairs Martin room. He let me play even after I told him I didn't plan on buying anything. I must say after hearing about this store so much online and wanting to go there for so long, I'm very disappointed. read more

This is a very special place. It is a boutique store that sells quality instruments and gear. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. In a world of big box stores, Rudy's is a treasure. I visited and purchased from both the NYC and Scarsdale locations. I greatly appreciated the service I received and fell in love with the guitars I purchased. I highly recommend visiting the Scarsdale location if convenient. A big thank you to Rudy, Steph and the whole team. read more

Do you want quality instruments?! So it's in the right place, they are handmade guitars, vintage professional, have guitars for all tastes, I highly recommend it!! read more

The workers here are not friendly. The entrance has a weird set up where its blocked by some desks where you have to wait until the staff lets you in. The staff themselves are cold and unwelcoming. I had to interrupt one of the workers because he was having a conversation with two other workers. I waited because I didn't want to be rude and he finally half turned but not all the way to acknowledge me. I asked the worker a question and he simply responded "no" while continuing to not make eye contact with me. I was going to buy a Gibson guitar down the line, but I'm definitely not spending my money here. read more

I've known and been a customer of Rudy and Dean for at least 35 years. If you're in the market for quality instruments and accessories there is no better place. Rudy's music operates on the highest ethical standards. Buying a vintage instrument is a big deal. There is no worry with Rudy, it is what he says it is. There is no nonsense. read more

Beautiful store, but awful customer service. My father loves to visit NY so we can check out guitar stores together. He rarely leaves the city empty handed -- he usually has 1-2 guitars shipped home every time he makes the trip out here. The salespeople treated us like garbage and hardly let us play any instruments because they assumed we weren't going to make a purchase. We didn't have nearly enough time to fall in love with any guitars. What an incredible disappointment. Music should always fill your heart with joy and this place is stone. cold. read more

I live in NY and happened to be walking past and went in with my wife, they have a great selection of guitars and not so many basses, that's what I play, however I felt like a shoplifter, every time I looked there was a guy directly behind me, I could easily drop $5k on a bass but not here, I was wearing jeans and street clothes, my understanding is this shop caters mostly to the Wall Street crew who like to buy decorative guitars to hang on the wall like paintings. My advise is wear a suit and you may get treated better read more

I went to Rudy's in Scarsdale to check out a specific guitar, expecting to actually buy it online. However, I ended up buying that day.  Got a NICER instrument at a BETTER PRICE than I could get elsewhere, and I feel good about supporting a family-run brick and mortar business. The set up of the space allowed me to better hear the Taylor guitar I thought I preferred (when at Guitar Center) in contrast to the PRS Acoustic I actually bought.  I felt welcomed, with service that was attentive without being obtrusive.  Stephanie was focused on making sure I got the kind of instrument I wanted and could afford without any pushiness to buy anything else. Had a minor problem after purchase, and she truly went out of her way to make it right. read more

Came into Rudy's expecting a large selection of premium instruments, and was not disappointed. However, slightly perturbed by the customer service. They're super touchy about helping you get instruments to test them out, and if you even look slightly amateurish they won't give you the time of day. Won't actually be buying anything in there, I would have to whole heartedly recommend Sweetwater based in Indiana for that. Huge selection, exceptional customer service, I practically didn't survive my last tour without their overnight shipping and helpful staff. Small and family owned, just like Rudy's I'm assuming. Overall, worth a visit if you want some classic "New York hospitality" or happen to be exceptionally famous and up to their "standards." read more

I was testing out some acoustic guitars today and didn't feel pressured at all. I thought the guy was helpful. Seemed like a good guitar shop to me. read more

Excellent setup and modifications by Jeremy. Guitar playability is always phenomenal after his work. A++ and listens to what you like. Amazing guitar repair and maintenance for many years. read more

I love stopping in this beautiful guitar shop when in NYC. Great staff and excellent selection of guitars. Not the hugest selection but all great stuff. Don't be put off by the high end look of the shop. They also carry moderately priced guitars. read more

I had bookmarked Rudy's in a dream state thinking about how some day I might buy an electric ukulele, and then suddenly mid shopping and girl talking we were smack in front of it. The store feels amazing inside, specially stepping in from the pressing crowds around this part of SoHo. It's warm, wooden, spacious, inviting and like others here have said, it has a museum quality heightened by the incredible boutique guitars mounted around the ceiling. The rows of perfect Rickenbackers, Gibsons, Fenders, and the humming mezzanine with its glass cases of heart breaking acoustics, Eastmans and other art deco-looking just beautiful instruments, all elicit quiet gasps and make you long to strum and hold them. And then, in the back, I stumbled upon the little sweetheart I didn't even know I was looking for. A Les Paul Epiphone concert electric-acoustic ukulele - Maple and Mahogany with a Rosewood fretboard - a gorgeous sound when unplugged and a pickup for rocking out! Excellent price too, topped off with totally adorable friendly service, with no hint of the condescension you sometimes get in music stores as a girl (or as a mere mortal daring to intrude upon guitar gods.) Stumbling into Rudy's was a magical NYC experience that totally turned around my day. NYC is a crazy and, as today's heartbreaking shooting outside the Empire state building forcibly reminds you, an unpredictable and sometimes devastating and disappointing place. There is so much life and history happening here, all messy and humbling and bewildering and connected and electric, and for this little visitor that's what makes stepping into the wise and peaceful joy and craft at Rudy's all the more gem-like and special. 5 stars all the way. read more

The last star has to be left off because I'm not worthy of the guitars in this hallowed house of holy instruments...and I resent that. However, despite the fact (as mentioned by other Yelpers, but I just have to say it again) that Rudy's houses glossy, color-rich D'Angelico and Monteleone specimens as seen in the "Guitar Heroes" exhibit at the Met (if you missed it, you definitely missed out)...the atmosphere in the lofted two-story space is very welcoming to the commoner. So much so that you might start to believe that you could afford a $5,000 6 string beauty just like that, since its worth is not the question at hand. I liked that most of the instruments on display had plain, tiny pricetags on them - none of this boutiquey "price upon request" tomfoolery which serves only to intimidate some customers and gratify conspicuous consumers. A couple experts were in different areas of the store, helping customers in hushed tones fit for a library or a church (but not in an anal-retentive way). Even the customers seemed chill; no one played the "may I help you" riff or yammered loudly about having jammed with Bob Dylan or something like that (as if Dylan is inherently notable for his guitar anyway...SORRY, fans, don't be swayed by the CONCEPT that makes him so revered...) Upstairs was an even older feel with only an antique kidney shaped desk presiding in the corner. Here, there were extra special instruments mounted behind glass but also equally special ones hanging from the walls, begging to be touched by the grubby digits of the wannabes. And touch I did. Brushing my fingers over the nylon or steel strings of several guitars, even my novice ears noticed the difference. First of all, each one was in tune with itself, and with the others. The slightest pressure from my fleshy fingerpads produced brilliant sounds, evocative of a drop reverberating through an Arctic pool. The frequency of the notes made my nerves hum and my eyes water. Unable to bear the sweet agony any longer, I ran back outside, fingers still tingling like those of an exhilarated thief. read more

I can't overstate how great this place is. The guitars are just incredible. So much to look at. There's a great vibe in the place and I've always had a good customer experience. Great service. Knowledgable people working. read more

I have been wanting to post a review for months! This is a high-quality music store with excellent repair technicians. I brought in an instrument to install strap buttons on and they did it right there. I was pretty picky about it but the technician was patient. The price was much higher than other places but I was happy to have come here because I didn't want some amateur at a smaller shop or whatever intern at Guitar Center to break my instrument. It took just 10minutes and I had a lovely time hanging out in this beautiful store and checking out their instruments and the photographs with legendary musicians that they have on the walls. I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because of the high labor cost. read more

My 15 yo was dying to come here. The pictures on the walls were fantastic. The staff was great. My kiddo & hubs played a few guitars. Bought a cool guitar strap that was hand made in NY & some other great merch. Fun place. read more

Rudy's Music - Sign & 1 guitar wall - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - New York, New York

These are the places you need to visit and buy from. These are icons that will eventually disappear from regenerated areas. I went in looking for a USB audio interface but they didn't have the kind of if I was looking for. Helpful guy gave me a few suggestions for other local shops. The place was well stocked for guitars and guitar related items at a wide range of prices. Staff were helpful but unfortunately no-one was playing stairway to heaven so I have to give it 3 stars. read more

What a gem! If you are looking for a magical experience on par with some of the worlds best then this is your spot. A selection to die for of high-end gear mixed with some affordable pieces. A sales staff with a depth-of-knowledge that will knock your socks off, and an experience that will inspire you to buy Rudy's swag. There's a reason people make the pilgrimage to this store. If you haven't wandered SoHo, you are missing out. If you haven't stopped in Rudy's just to chill out and chat, let alone try an unreal selection of instruments, you are missing out. The sales staff are accomplished players who know their craft. I wasn't even shopping the price range of a Collings I-35 hollow-body but the associate insisted I learn about this masterpiece of design and build quality as to put it on my list of desired guitars. He plugged me into a Carr Imperial amp, tuned it up, suggested a setting and I proceeded to feel notes bloom from the fretboard that were so rich and beautiful I almost wept. Do I sound like I'm going overboard? Yes! Am I exaggerating? No! read more

Rudy always has a lot of interesting guitars on the wall, and knowledgeable staff to help you with them. It's especially nice when Rudy is in, because you can tell he loves what he does. Rudy's is a rare find, so I try to stop by whenever I can. read more

This is a classy, well-decorated store jam-packed with beautiful instruments. Just keep in mind, however, that a lot of the stuff is in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" category. Nonetheless, the store has a nice, mellow vibe to it and the staff is fairly knowledgable. If I was to get back into playing guitar, this is where I'd head. It's simply a much better buying experience than the fast-food type joints that deal in volume, volume, volume. read more

Excellent. Very cool staff, helpful and informative. The selection here is so amazing that it is a bit intimidating, but the guys are laid back and helped me feel comfortable. Bought a wonderful Martin (subsequently stolen - heartbreak). Highly recommend this killer shop. read more