New York Steel Shop

Alan Cook · Post by **Alan Cook** » 11 Apr 2005 1:22 pm

I am going to New York in May for the first time, are there any good music shops that sell pedal steels etc ?

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 11 Apr 2005 1:32 pm

No.

Matt Umanov down in the village as a few lap steels, but there are no stores that have anything else. The best music store in the area is Mandolin Brothers which is fantastic if you are looking for vintage guitars, mandolins, dobros, banjos, etc. But no one has any pedal steels.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 11 Apr 2005 1:35 pm

I should add that Mandolin Brothers is definitely worth the trip, but definitely out of the way. Its in staten island and would require a ferry ride from Manhattan and then a taxi from there. (if they even have taxi's in Staten Island, which I'm not sure of. Maybe there is a bus.

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 11 Apr 2005 2:05 pm

when in New Yawk, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry is a must
the Village is not far away
Matt U had a nice lil ol shop way back when
some resos & banjos
very little steels
better hook up w: a Fo'Bro Alan

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 11 Apr 2005 2:10 pm

Just came back from Umanov, picking up some picks. They have a Silver Hawaiian for $2100. They have some Fender Champs close to $1000. No, don't think of buying a steel, pedal or otherwise in any NY shops. I'd say that they are out of touch with reality except that they aren't idiots and chances are, they eventually get somewhere close to their price.

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 11 Apr 2005 2:12 pm

What Jon said... NY is probably the WORST place in the US to even attempt to buy a pedal steel.. Actually NJ is ok, but they are usually in small shops,and can be had at decent prices,but you need to be there at the right time... bob[This message was edited by Bob Carlucci on 11 April 2005 at 03:13 PM.]

Steve Knight · Post by **Steve Knight** » 11 Apr 2005 2:55 pm

Rudy's guitar shop on 48th Street has had a 2003 black D-10 Fessy in stock for awhile now. It's still listed on the www.gbase.com site, so maybe it's still there. If I remember right, it was upstairs with the acoustic guitars.

SK

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 11 Apr 2005 4:20 pm

Well if its there I didn't see it last time I was in probably 3-4 weeks ago.

Steve Knight · Post by **Steve Knight** » 11 Apr 2005 4:47 pm

The Fessy is still on their website. It was upstairs in the acoustic room that faces the street awhile ago. I *think* it's the same one they've had for a couple of years.

Who would think to look for a psg in the acoustic room!

SK

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 11 Apr 2005 4:53 pm

They had two, a year or two ago, that got talked about some here. I sure thought they both got sold. (I know the buyer of one). But I may either be mistaken or they have another.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 11 Apr 2005 6:00 pm

So Alan,

Your answer is: go to Nashville for Pedal Steels.

But I really recommend a visit to Mandolin Brothers, which is the best store of its type I've ever been to. No Pedals, but an amazing collection of acoustic instruments just sitting there waiting to be played. And when you are in new york, feel free to contact me for a pint.

And of course the best place to see great instruments: HowardR's shop on 38th street. Call ahead.

And get prepared for the 3rd degree by Howard's very protective staff.[This message was edited by Bill McCloskey on 11 April 2005 at 07:02 PM.]

Mac Lloyd · Post by **Mac Lloyd** » 11 Apr 2005 10:55 pm

Heard back stage at the Opry....
"So buddy, where'd ya git that steel?"
"A little shop upstairs in New York City."
"NEW YORK CITY!!! Git a rope!!!"

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 12 Apr 2005 2:48 am

Don't miss Mandolin Bros!

You don't need a taxi - get the #48 bus at the ferry terminal on Staten Island. It's only a couple of miles on the bus - at 629, Forest Avenue.

RR

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 12 Apr 2005 3:22 am

And get prepared for the 3rd degree by Howard's very protective staff.

"Nobody gets in to see The Wizard! Nobody! No how, no way!"

"Bill McCloskey?"

"Well,......Why didn't you say so? Now that's a horse of a different color!"

[This message was edited by HowardR on 12 April 2005 at 04:32 AM.]

Buck Dilly · Post by **Buck Dilly** » 12 Apr 2005 4:14 am

You will not find a shop, but you can see some of the many great steelers in NYC and region. Dittos on Mat Uminiv oand Mando Brothers, and 48th steet. Post your dates in the announcements section and steelers will reply. Or email individuals in the NY area. Check out the Rodeo Bar. It has more steelers consistently than most other venues in the Big Apple.

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 12 Apr 2005 8:24 am

Get in touch when you hit town. This is a great music city. There are always some fantastic gigs to check out. Plenty of busy steel players here. If you are in the market for a new/used steel and you will only be in NYC get in touch and we can find somebody to help you out.

Bob Carlucci:
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>NY is probably the WORST place in the US to even attempt to buy a pedal steel.. Actually NJ is ok, but they are usually in small shops,and can be had at decent prices,but you need to be there at the right time... bob
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

When was the last time you came to a show or hung out with some pickers down here ? There are a bunch of us steel players in NYC that help people find steels all the time.
Also what shops in NJ are you talking about ? Most of the small shops I know of in NJ closed down 20 years ago. ------------------
Bob
intonation help

[This message was edited by Bob Hoffnar on 12 April 2005 at 09:39 AM.]

Cor Muizer Jr · Post by **Cor Muizer Jr** » 12 Apr 2005 10:08 am

hi ,been there a couple a years ago and if i am remeber myself in the 48 street there is a large music shop.
i saw one steel there for sale and it was the carter starter.
i didn't find other steelguitars

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Cor
soundengineer/steelplayer Rains D10 8×5 RED

Greg McMullen · Post by **Greg McMullen** » 12 Apr 2005 10:08 am

there is a great community of steelers in nyc. the few i have met have been very kind.

i have just decided to sell an s-10 msa semi-classic 3x2 white mica. $600. if any forumites may know an interested party contact me at: skronkelroy@excite.com

sam ash on 48th has a carter starter in its acoustic room, i guess that's the marketing trend on 48th st.

Alan Cook · Post by **Alan Cook** » 12 Apr 2005 10:20 am

Thanks everyone I was kind of hoping there was a place like Bobbie's place in Nashville where I could have a good look about, I am not realy looking for a steel at the moment as I already have 4 but its always nice to have good look around and try different gear out if the oppertunity is there, as there are only two shops in the UK that deal with steel guitar gear. I will check out Mandolin Brothers, if I get time. I have a freind out there who is a singer songwriter Chris Mills who uses Jon Rauhouse on steel so I will drop him a line re shows. Thanks again everyone for the advice.
Alan www.alancook.net

Keith Cordell · Post by **Keith Cordell** » 13 Apr 2005 7:39 am

Rauhouse is a killer.

john widgren · Post by **john widgren** » 14 Apr 2005 5:14 am

Dear Alan,

Check the following site: www.westerncaravan.com.
I'm sure we will have a monday in May at the Rodeo Bar (27th street and 3rd ave) and when it is booked it will show up on our schedule. I'll be playing steel, and if you like Western Swing and Honky Tonk music, you might like to come and check it out....never a cover charge, and a square deal on drinks and food. A lot of local steelers tend to show up and hang out, since it's almost always a monday. Bring picks if you want to play. Best wishes, John

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 14 Apr 2005 5:22 am

By the way, I contacted the folks at gbase.com and they have sold the Fessy. It was new (not used) and was selling for usual retail price.

Eric Dunst · Post by **Eric Dunst** » 14 Apr 2005 7:46 am

I seem to recall someone mentioning, on this board, a place in the Cobble/Boeurum Hill section of brooklyn that has really nice stuff, I think on Hoyt or Bergen street.
I actually got the number and spoke to the dealer. It was kind of a loose "by appointment" thing. But I definitely got the info here. I have not been able to find it since. This was about a year and a half ago. I think it's worth a search if you're looking for steels in the city. Brooklyn is a great place, and will give you much more of a feel for NYC than just staying in Manhattan.
enjoy your stay.

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 14 Apr 2005 12:12 pm

Hey Eric----this is the place you mean--
http://www.retrofret.com/index.html

Never been there myself although I could probably take out their window from my roof with a bb gun. But it would be a shame if it rattled around and ding'd a nice guitar.

Mark Herrick · Post by **Mark Herrick** » 14 Apr 2005 12:15 pm

You'll definitely want to check out the Rodeo Bar and Western Caravan while you're there...

And if you're really brave, Hanks Saloon in Brooklyn...

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