Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Guitars & Music Gear in NYC
Rudy's Music has been a cornerstone of New York City's music scene since 1978, offering an unparalleled selection of guitars, basses, amplifiers, and accessories. Founded by Rudy Pensa, a passionate musician and visionary, the store has grown from a small shop on 48th Street to a world-renowned destination for guitar enthusiasts. Our team of experts, including Rudy's daughter Steph Pensa and seasoned professionals like Dave Polakoff and Rob Nuovo, brings decades of combined experience in music and instrument craftsmanship. We specialize in both vintage and modern instruments, including our own Pensa Custom guitars, built in-house since 1989. Our commitment to quality is evident in our curated inventory, which features iconic brands like Fender, Gibson, Martin, and Taylor, alongside rare and collectible pieces.Beyond sales, we offer expert repair services, custom builds, and personalized guidance to musicians at every stage of their journey. With two locations in Manhattan and Scarsdale, we serve a diverse clientele, from beginners to touring professionals. Our dedication to preserving the artistry of guitar-making and fostering musical growth has earned us a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the industry. We pride ourselves on maintaining the same passion and integrity that Rudy instilled in the business over 45 years ago.
Services
Guitar Sales
Bass Guitar Sales
Amplifier Sales
Guitar Repairs
Custom Guitar Building
Vintage Instrument Appraisals
Pedal Sales
Acoustic Guitar Sales
Guitar Lessons
Instrument Trade-In Program
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Established in 1978 with a legacy of excellence in guitar sales and service
- Exclusive Pensa Custom guitars built in-house since 1989
- Expert staff with decades of experience in music and instrument craftsmanship
- Curated inventory of vintage, rare, and modern instruments from top brands
- Two convenient locations serving NYC and Westchester County
What people say
World-class selection
Expert staff knowledge
Iconic NYC music landmark
Top-tier vintage instruments
Personalized service
Services
Guitar Sales
Rudy's Music offers an extensive selection of electric, acoustic, and bass guitars from premier brands like Fender, Gibson, and Martin. Our inventory includes vintage collectibles, modern production models, and exclusive Pensa Custom guitars built in-house since 1989. Expert staff provide personalized guidance to help musicians find their perfect instrument.
Vintage Instrument Appraisals
Our experts specialize in authenticating and valuing vintage guitars, basses, and amplifiers. With decades of experience handling rare instruments, we offer accurate assessments for estate planning, insurance, or sale purposes. Clients benefit from our deep industry knowledge and historical expertise.
Guitar Repairs
Our skilled technicians provide comprehensive repair services for all guitar types, including setups, fretwork, and electronics. We maintain vintage instruments while preserving their original integrity. The shop's repair department has serviced professional musicians and collectors since the store's founding in 1978.
Pensa Custom Builds
Since 1989, our in-house luthiers have created bespoke Pensa Custom guitars tailored to individual playing styles. These instruments combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations, featuring hand-selected tonewoods and premium components. Each build receives personal oversight from our master builders.
Amplifier Sales
We carry a curated selection of guitar and bass amplifiers ranging from vintage classics to modern digital models. Our inventory includes tube amps from Fender and Magnatone, bass heads from Aguilar, and cutting-edge digital solutions from brands like Supro and Carr Amplifiers.
People
Rudy Pensa
Founder
Born in Argentina, Rudy Pensa established the store in 1978 after moving to New York. His passion for guitars and musicians shaped the business into a Manhattan institution. He continues to influence the company's direction while mentoring the next generation.
Steph Pensa
Scarsdale Store Manager
Rudy's daughter Steph has worked at the store since 2014, managing the Scarsdale location. A lifelong music enthusiast, she takes pride in continuing her family's legacy while connecting with new generations of musicians.
Dave Polakoff
SoHo Store Manager
With over 15 years in the music industry, Dave leads the SoHo team. His expertise in vintage instruments and passion for helping musicians find their sound make him a trusted advisor to customers.
Makoto Noguchi
Pensa Custom Guitars Builder
Mak has built over 900 Pensa Custom guitars since joining in 2000. His craftsmanship ensures each instrument meets the high standards set by the brand, including creating signature models for artists like Mark Knopfler.
Zeke Schein
C.F. Martin Showroom Manager
A veteran guitar expert with 32 years in the industry, Zeke manages the Martin showroom. His encyclopedic knowledge spans from vintage acoustics to modern innovations, serving both casual players and professional musicians.
Questions
What types of guitars does Rudy's Music specialize in?
We specialize in electric, acoustic, and bass guitars from brands like Fender, Gibson, Martin, and our own Pensa Custom line, including vintage and rare instruments.
Do you sell amplifiers and effects pedals?
Yes, we carry a wide selection of amplifiers and effects pedals from brands like Fender, Mesa Boogie, Strymon, and EarthQuaker Devices.
Are there repair services available?
Our expert technicians provide guitar repairs, setups, and custom modifications at both our Soho and Scarsdale locations.
Can I trade in my guitar?
Yes, we offer trade-in services for guitars, basses, and amplifiers—visit our Soho or Scarsdale store for evaluations.
Do you ship instruments internationally?
We offer international shipping—contact us directly for quotes and assistance with customs documentation.
Reviews (7)
Paul Casino
Jun 07, 2022
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Great guitar store in NYC with wide range of selection of electric and acoustic guitars. They even have dedicated sections for Martin and Taylor guitars. Recently had my Fender Strat setup by them and they did a good job. Highly recommended.
Bob Thorpe
May 26, 2022
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Rudy's Music is an incredible guitar store with friendly, knowledgeable staff and an incredible history. They have a lot of rare and hard to find items in stock from the big names to some exceptional smaller custom manufacturers. The service was great, and the guys really went the extra mile for me with the pickups I bought.
Jed Pavlovich
May 14, 2022
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Joe Wilga is the best guitar builder you will find in NYC. His knowledge and wisdom are beyond his years, and his passion for his craft is contagious. His attention to detail is second to none, and the end product is an inspiring guitar that will make you a better player. Thanks for everything Joe!
Liz Ostler
Jan 09, 2022
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I had a great experience purchasing my first guitar from Rudy's. I felt a little intimidated walking into the shop, but the staff put me at easy right away. They were warm, generous, knowledgeable, and answered my bazillion nubby questions (Nate's the best!). It was a joyful experience - exactly what I was hoping for - people who love guitars genuinely interested in helping you find a guitar you will love.
Rebeca Cornejo
Dec 20, 2021
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I made an appointment because I was told to not a problem, I came in to browse and see if anything called to us and the gentleman tells us before we've even seen anything that appointments are for people who are going to make a purchase. Ok fine but the pretentious, rude, smug attitude of the staff definitely put a damper on our experience and a bit of our day. 10 out of 10 would not recommend.
Arin I.
Dec 19, 2021
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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.
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.
Andrew B.
Dec 03, 2021
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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!
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!
