Music Row

Music Row describes a series of musical instrument shops located on 48th St. in midtown Manhattan. Though several chains are represented in the row, many small, independent, family-owned dealerships thrive. Though the stores many not be individually as compelling as some of the others scattered throughout the city, as a whole they represent the most consolidated shopping point for musicians in New York.

The street is populated mainly by guitar shops. However, an accordion store (Alex Musical Instruments) and several brass instrument dealers are also on the same block. There is a Sam Ash broken up into several storefronts, each devoted to a particular instrument. The original Manny's Music Superstore is also located in the area.

In addition to the stores on W. 48th, Music Row is home to many musician's services and nonprofit music organizations, most notably the Jazz Foundation of America and the Associated Musicians' Union.

Contents

[edit] Location

Music Row is located primarily on W. 48th St. near Broadway.

[edit] Snobbery

[edit] Pros

  • If you're a touring musician or a tourist looking to see New York's instrument district, Music Row is it.
  • Music Row is a great place to a browse a wide selection of instruments.

[edit] Cons

  • It's reputation as a tourist hot spot occasionally results in higher prices.
  • Many of the more unique instrument shops in the area have moved elsewhere or closed down, though there are exceptions.
  • The area is not the center of musical commerce it once was, with many of the dealerships supplemented by more Times-Square-tourist-friendly outlets.

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