The once thriving music store named "Music Rudy Stop" has closed shop on Friday. A lot of history has come and gone on this once popular music store on 48th Street in Manhattan West. After 37 years, the shop owner has finally called it quits.
Stereogum quotes the New York Post stating that the Music Rudy Stop is officially dead. Stars like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton had their instruments and gears purchased at this shop which opened in 1978. Rudy Pensa, shop owner of Rudy Music Stop, finally gave up. Rudy was trying to keep the store open for as long as he could with the hope that the idea would have a comeback. But rental rates was too high for the past 5 years.
The Music Rudy Stop offered different kinds of guitars, woodwind guitars, brass, pedals, amps, accordions, accessories and so much more according to NY Post. Condominiums, a Dunkin' Donut store, office buildings, a Broadway's Cort Theatre, and a Chipotle are what replaces the music stores. The most noticeable closure happened in 2012 as Sam Ash closed all its shops that counted to about 6 shops on both side of the street. After 50 years of woodwinds, accessories, guitars, bras and sheet music.
The Real Deal stated that the Music Rudy Stop was considered a one-stop shop. Rudy Pensa looked back and said that there was no other way that an artist or fan would be able to purchase their instruments but through 48th street. After moving from Argentina he opened shop and always looked forward to going on 48th. Carozza landlord increased rental rates which skyrocketed from $4,000 to $12,000 a month. Another factor to be considered is the change in shopping habits of music lovers.
Rudy Pensa has finally succumbs to the fact that the Music Rudy shop is history. Carozza isn't emotional to see history drift away in Manhattan West 48th Street. "The time comes for everything," He says.
