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As a kid in the mid/late 80s I used to love to take the bus in from Jersey and visiting all the 48th Street Guitar shops. Was in Rudy's shop jamming (poorly, as I still do) on Sultants of Swing one day and Mark Knopfler was in the back room and started actually playing along with me (or rather, playing just a mind boggling incredible version of his masterpiece). Came out, gave me some encouraging words, and he continued on with his visit with Rudy. Treasure that memory for a long time. Those Pensa Suhr guitars were amazing.
@@thomaspick4123 Indeed. Though I don't know that Sultans of Swing was regarded as the epic song then that it is today. I thought it was a super cool riff though that my guitar instructor had taught me earlier that year.
Rudy is one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. I went to this store when I was 17-18 years old, saw a 64 strat in the glass, and he caught me eyeing it and insisted I played it. I never forgot that moment and how awesome it felt to play that guitar. Fast forward another 17 years, I go to another store of his for a repair, I tell him that story, and he gives me a hug. He forever has my business. Thanks for posting this, Gibson. The world needs more people like Rudy.
That is from King Solomom in the Bible. He had a little bit of money and was into materialism before he realized the futility of such pursuits. This is in Eclisiastes.
For those that have never been in this store, when you go to the top of the stairs behind Rudy and Mark, all those guitars are Rudy's private collection of beautiful and amazingly rare guitars. Most are inside glass cases. As amazing as the main selling floor is, that upstairs is truly magic for people that love the beauty of guitars.
Rudy was really cool to me when I was a struggling musician in NYC; he helped me out when I needed guitars; gave me advice and very fair deals - he is the “real deal”; an old school good dude that loves music and musicians. I will always appreciate how nice he was and he even let me play the very first D’Angelico guitar at his shop once!!
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I loved the 48th St store. Went in many times to be amazed at the historic and rare instruments. It was a guitar exhibit and museum for me. I was there one time and Pat Martino was there! Nice guy!
What a fascinating gentleman. His passion and love for the guitar runs deep in his veins. And he is right, why retire when you haven’t “worked” a day in your life? That store, his clients, his friends and those guitars hopefully will keep Rudy around for many more years. And yeah, once again, thanks Gibson TV for your wonderful spotlights. 🤘
What a great interview. I bet this episode could have been hours and hours of footage. Rudy truly seems like you could just sit and talk with him all day long until closing time.
I used to go in Rudy's on 48th street since my school (HS of Performing Arts on 46th) was just 2 blocks below him. I remember him well... many of my friends ended up working on 46th and his was always the most inviting store on the block - because Rudy was always smiling and welcoming.
Exactly! Sam Ash and Manny's would run me out, make me feel inferior to their "professional" cliental. But Rudy's shop was always encouraging to this young guitarist.
@@mcformica I had the exact same experience at every other store but Rudy's. Then I walked into Manny's when I was 16 and bought a stereo SG. They laughed at me at first until the cash came out. We ended up buying from Rudy the rest of our young band's equipment. This was all exactly 50 years ago!
I bought my Pensa-Suhr way back in the 80s from the 48th St store. Ten years later, bought a Tone King Continental and a Breedlove acoustic. I haven't been to the new store, will be heading over in the New Year.
I went to NYC this past year with the specific intent of visiting Rudy's. I was generally ignored and made to feel like a nuisance when I asked about protocol. I was in the market for a Martin, but not comfortable with buying something like this without playing it, and knowing it's "the one". The gentleman upstairs literally scoffed when I asked about a particular guitar. He said very gruffly, "I only know what I have in this room", and turned away from me. I am sure Rudy is a great guy, but his staff just assumed I was a tourist, and treated me as such. I guess middle-aged dads with their sons in tow just don't look the part.
It was the same back in the day in the 48th street store. Everybody at Rudy's was rude. Best store on 48th street was across the street from Rudys and Sam Ash "We Buy Guitars." Anybody could play any guitar and everything was priced to sell.
My dear late friend Joe Chambers told me guitars were made to be played & that’s how you sell them. Someone drops one, he said that’s why he had insurance.
Same story. We went to the SOHO store last year. The guy upfront told us not to touch anything. We are 3 guys in our 40s. I owe 2 vintage Strats and one LP. Was very unwelcomed experience. I liked the store. I am sure Rudy is super nice guy.
I had the same experience when I visited this store in NYC. The associate was dismissive when I asked questions about a PRS. If you work in a guitar store then sell guitars, but please don’t cop an attitude with customers!
Same thing here, was checking the store last week when i was on vacation in NYC. They are not really friendly unless u will buy something BIG (they where a bit pushy) I have a whole collection of Gibson’s CS and some vintage stuff… and just want to check the store.
My first guitar experience ever was walking into Rudy's on 48th street when I was about 8 years old with my dad. It changed me. While I only got a pick, it stoked a lifelong love of guitar. Still pop into the shop in soho every once in a while 21+ years later. Thank you Mark, Rudy, and Gibson!
Wonderful interview with a man who I’ve always heard about his store and finally get to see. I ’ve been to the store once as a young musician. I wasn’t working then, but I wanted to see the best guitars around. They treated this young man of color well. Great interview and bless Rudy for being a wonderful human being.
I first shopped at Rudy’s back in 1994 when Magnino used to be in charge of the guitar dept. I was an illegal alien living in NYC with the dreams of being a rock star….and Rudy always treated me with special care. He is such a lovely human being. I’m glad to see that he’s still around after so many decades. Saludos mi hermano!!!!!!
What a wonderful man, thanks for this Gibson. It’s so nice seeing people passionate about guitar and it’s history, not just playing the most ‘perfect’ tool into a laptop like a lot of guitarists these days. The hobby is much richer than just playing!
I remember visiting Ruby's back in 2015 when my family went to New York over my March Break (I was in grade 10 at the time) and it was such an awesome store, it was also the first time I got to play a Rickenbacker 12-string. I can also remember Rudy was in the store at the time and was incredibly kind and welcoming to this 16-year-old Canadian kid that came into his store, such an absolute gentleman and I'm definitely visiting it again next time I go to New York
Epiphone was one of the biggest brands in the early acoustic and electric guitar years in America. Along with Gibson, they were the most recognized and coveted brands of guitars. The variety of musicians that traverse the history of Epiphone is remarkable and extensive. Jazz greats like George Van Eps, country pioneers like Hank Garland, blues musician John Lee Hooker, the Liverpool boys: John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, and even Les Paul himself, just to name a few were users. of this century-old brand.
I'll never Forget it when I was a kid when he opened up that store when we used to take the path train over from Jersey City and walked to 48 street... Respected me even though I wouldn't buy nothing until when I finally did walk in invite. Thanks when I was able to afford but he always laid the red carpet out. Love him❤❤❤❤❤
I met Rudy a few years ago in his shop and he told me stories about his late friend Gustavo Cerati and how his music, if in English, would have reached the top of the world. Rudy is such a warm and kind person and his store is a must when you're in NY.
Love these episodes! So many places to visit and so little time. 🙂 You can hear the enjoyment and love in Rudy's voice when talking about guitars. What a great guy.
Used to live in NYC and this place, along with Matt Umanov's and 48th Street Custom Guitars, was just wonderful to visit. So many gorgeous instruments and Rudy was always so inviting and hospitable.
Great to see Rudy Pensa and the shop on Gibson TV. Rudy is a tried and true pioneer of everything that makes a great guitar store. He is also one of the most easy going and nicest guitar store owners you’ll ever meet. I have been going to Rudy’s for 40 years. My first guitar teacher John S worked there and that’s how I was introduced to the establishment. I been going there since I’m 12 years old. Rudy always helped me , gave me great deals and always made me feel good still after 40 years. Thank you Rudy! You and your family are the best. Well deserved being on here. See you soon Curt
Great video, enjoyed it very much! I have had the pleasure to talk to Rudy at his store in Scarsdale, NY on more than one occasion and I can honestly say Rudy is a great, personal guy! His daughter Stephanie is very nice as well! I even bought a beautiful Gibson ‘59 Murphy lab LP in factory burst, great looking and great playing burst! If you’re in the Scarsdale area make sure you stop by the shop. Rudy has a great staff there and his tech, Zac, does a great job if your axe needs some TLC! Hats off to Rudy! 😊
The first guitars and the beginning of the rivalry with Gibson In 1928, Epiphone introduced its first line of acoustic guitars to compete with the company that Epi determined was the greatest rival, Gibson.
Rudy's is the best guitar store in NYC. I met Rudy first when he worked with Alex, must have been the mid 70s. I was a kid who started visiting 48th street at 12 or 13 years old with my friends. Later Rudy opened his own store and it was the place to go to. He had the best instruments and you could try out any one. Now, his beautiful store on Broome Street is my favorite guitar store. I have purchased several new PRS guitars and a new Collings, all custom ordered through Rudy. When the guitars arrived from the manufacturers I was called to come in and everyone in the store would be there to check it out when I opened the case. Rudy makes you feel like family. When I want to try out a new guitar I go see Rudy and my friends there. That's always the first stop, and often the last.
Epi was also aware of the success of the Rickenbacker steel electric guitar models. In 1935, Epi made his move with the introduction of the Electar series, originally known as Electraphone, from Steel Guitar. Epi’s unique design features include individually adjustable pole pieces on the Master Pickup. The Electar line furthered Epiphone’s reputation as an innovative brand. Epiphone Electar Zephyr steel / lap guitar. Epiphone De Luxe 1936 Masterbilt Series Guitar
So cool to see the old sign there! I used to go there (48th Street) a lot from the late 70's through the late 90's. I bought 4 guitars there over the years. Excellent people. Rudy was always so cool and so kind. No wonder I kept coming back!
Love the Boca Juniors story. I visited Buenos Aires once and toured that stadium. Lived in NYC for 30+ years, but didn’t get to shop at this newer Rudy’s location. Looks like a beautiful experience.
I still have my Prescription Electronics Yardbox that I bought at the 48th St location back in '98. I was 16 and saved up just enough money to get it. When I went in to buy it, the price was raised, but the salesman spoke to Rudy and sold it to me for the original price. Thank you Rudy!
Used to visit Rudy's shop on 48th Street. He showed me a Les Paul that once belonged to John McEnroe. What a great guy. The Broome St. store is beautiful.
Went to SUNY Stony Brook in the mid 70’s. My roommate was a talented musician from Saratoga who played at various local gigs. He wanted to buy a new guitar so I introduced him to the 48th Street scene. A magical experience. One store took him down to their basement. Talked and played guitars for what seemed hours. He still plays the guitar he purchased from there.
During the 90’s I had frequent layovers in lower Manhattan, so I would walk up 6th to 48th St to take in the Rudy’s Stop experience. The behind glass one of a kind instruments were a wonder to behold.
I traveled from Stockholm/Sweden to USA/New York back in 1982 to buy a guitar and I bought a candy apple red Fernandes Strat at Rudy's Music Stop at 48th street and, I still own the guitar. I remember that the shop was very small, I had a very tight budget and I did not know that the prices in US were without tax/VAT...... but, Rudy sold the guitar to me
Yes! I used to work in Manhattan a few blocks from Rudy’s 48th store. And would drop in about once a month. He always had the absolute best selection, especially jazz guitars. Plus a tiny little “try out” room so you could really get to evaluate an instrument.
As a player, Rudy’s has always been one of my go to shops. On 48th and in Soho, i have done many guitar deals here. Once when I was in there they had a ‘57 strat on offer and they ket me play it
If you are in NYC (SOHO), you must visit this shop. What they didn't mention are the occasional masterclass sessions that take place on the showroom floor. One random day in 2011, my daughter & I stopped-in to Rudy's and saw John Pisano & Gene Bertoncini conducting a masterclass and playing "Satin Doll".
Love Gibson TV. These are great. Keep them coming. Totally get where Rudy is coming from. Beat up, played immaculate probably not. Nobody that I knew in the 70s thought about resale. We thought about how it played and sounded. I see folks now who buy them and haven’t even played them in the first month of owning. What a waste. I’d ask, so how does it sound and play? They’d have no idea🤣 Guitars are meant to be played. They’re just tools and an extension of us.
Mr. Rudy has met a lot of people including the famous, but the story was focused on the everyday people that he has met. He learned a lot from the everyday people…there’s great musicians out there…keep rocking and may Rudy’s continue strong in NYC
I remember when Rudy’s was located uptown on 48th Street and when that street was ground central for NY musicians. I bought my Strat in Rudy’s and rubbed elbows with some great players on that fabled street. So sad that those days are gone.
The specs on a 2019 epiphone exclusive deluxe limited run Sg Pro G 400.. look how it was crafted Gibson boys ..and don't mention the AAA flamed because we can discuss Gibson uses veneer also
My friend Peter sold his 1968 Marshall Plexi Full Stack a few years ago. His brother in law sold it to him for $300 Canadian in 1982. He got $9,000 for it upon sale. It was from Rudy’s originally. It was a show room floor demo queen. Rumour has it that Hendrix played it when he visited the music store…..
Great place to go and try guitars. My best friend used to work there and we spend hours a day playing every kind of guitar. I feel very blssed to have tryed so many incredible guitars at Rudy´s
Nice seeing Rudy still rockin' and healthy! Man, that shop really have rich history. Even Suhr guitar start from here. John Suhr is pensa guitar (Rudy's brand) builder after he left fender.
