Two men who understand the awe of walking into a music store or a pawn shop and seeing cool guitars on the wall.

As a native New Yorker, I spent many an hour at Manny’s testing and buying gear over the years. I was privileged to see and hear many a legendary player doing the same there and I am heartbroken that 48th street as I knew it no longer exists. Thank you Joe for saving this important piece of history and fond memories of what was once the most musical street in the world.

My wife drove me to 48th street on our first Christmas and bought me a Stratocaster. It was the place to go. So many visits as a teenager, different times.

Joe is a working man's guitar player, who has earned everything the hard way. Totally independent, no help from a label or radio. Congrats Joe Bo.

Thanks to both Joe's who actually understand the MAGIC! And supporting Mom and Pop music stores!

I love that Joe paid you such a fitting tribute for all your hard work Joe. Thank you.

I'm a nobody player in Australia. Thankyou for the hard work & dedication to this art & industry. You are appreciated by many.

On a visit to Manhattan with my 13-year-old son 15 years ago, I met my high school friend who moved to New York. He took us to Manny's. Unforgettable. Sorry to hear it's no longer with us; happy my son and I got to visit. It was a one-of-a-kind experience. Another great post.

I WORKED AT MANNY''S for over 22 years, walking under that sign eight times a day, six days a week. I'm so glad Joe saw value in that piece of history. Man, can I tell you stories that sign has seen!

I used to get a sense of everything Joe Bonomassa is explaining just buying a set of guitar strings in Mannys! Along with thousands and thousands of others. This was an awesome thing to have done. Even better if they manage to set it up outside the Musicians Hall of Fame museum. Get that clock running again, keeping time for musicians everywhere!

MHOF is by far the best attraction in Nashville. Thank you Joe for having Joe B. as a subject for this video series. Awesome interview!

48th street was Mecca for Musicians. My heart would pound just going there; it aches just knowing that's all gone now. I got my Les Paul at Rudy's after trying out every LP in my price range on 48th street (including Manny's) + all throughout North Jersey. Great guitar from my great "guitar (mini)safari".

Not only a great guitarist but a super historian.

Manny's was THE MUSIC STORE to go to. All the pictures, completely covering the walls, of the musicians that had shopped there grabbed me the first time I walked through the doors. One of the greatest memories I have was when I was rolling drum sticks (for younger drummers there was a time when each of us had to weed out the warped and odd weighted ones ourselves) and Steve Gadd asked if he could share the counter space so he could pick his.

48th st. Was Mecca for me throughout my years. I would make a pilgrimage there at least once a month to see the latest guitars and try things out. I bought my first Fender Strat at Manny’s. It was heartbreaking to see that street dismantle. Not just Manny’s , but Rudy’s , Sam Ash, We Buy Guitars, 48th street custom and Alex’s music were all staples on that street. Sam Ash began to take over stores as they vanished. High rents began to push all the stores to other locations or close completely. But damn, that street was absolute heaven. It’s good to know the sign still exists .

Within any chosen field, we all need to be students of history to understand who we are and where we came from. Obviously, each generation builds upon the work of those who came before. And, for that very reason, it’s important to make an effort to appreciate the work of those previous generations. Saving Manny’s sign was important to that endeavor. Kudos, Joe B. Same to Joe C. for establishing the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum...kudos. We thank you both for what you do❣️

I spent a lot of time at Rod Baltimore's and Manny's and 48th street... Manny's meant a lot to me. They always let me play their trumpets even if I didn't buy one recently. Good NY people

Used to take the train from Chatham NY on the Harlem line to the city for $8 round trip skip school and be back by the end of the day go to Manny's drool over the gear. I ended up running my own sign company in NYState for 38 yrs! Good on Joe for saving the sign!! Oh yeah played guitar and bass all those years and still do! Keep up the good work, hope the sign can be reinstalled!

I love the small mom and pop shops. I got that feeling Joe was talking about when I first walked into a music store. Still do sometimes. I'm like Joe in so many ways as I'm sure many are. I can totally relate.

This has to be a one-of-a-kind story. Man, the more I learn about and hear Joe the stronger my faith gets. Long live the faithful!

That means a lot to me that Joe was able to save the sign. Manny’s was a magical place. I took a friend with me down there once and as we were standing at the checkout counter he said “Hey I knew we’d see someone famous.” I looked to my left and standing right next to us was Buddy Rich. Buddy was buying a big bundle of sticks and had his limo double parked right outside. They used to have a beat up yellow Danelectro laying on a stool that was used for guitarists to try out amps. I remember there were a lot of people that signed it. I picked it up and played a little on it. Turned out that George Harrison and Paul McCartney played that guitar plus many others. There were lots of signed promo pictures of artists that were hanging all over the store. I remember calling down and the guy who answered the phone with a thick NY accent said “Manny’s…wha du you want?” A New Yorker’s way of getting right down to business and being real direct. The Merv Griffin Show theater was right next to Manny’s or just a couple of doors down. It’s been a long time but those trips down there bring back some great memories. Sandi Bachom has some great Manny’s footage on her KZfaq channel.

All 3 parts were great, Joe. You deserve that Manny's sign! Your museum is at the top of my bucket list!

Back in the early '80s I met an old sales rep, his name was Johnny Kay. He was the Fender sales rep in the Northeast in the early '50s. He told the story of walking into either Sam Ash or Mannys, in 1952 (I can't remember which), with a P-Bass and a Telecaster and in his words "They laughed me out of the store." We had a fine chuckle over that.

I never got to Manny's, having grown up in Houston, but we had our great local stores also. I completely understand why Joe bought the sign. Maybe we can never go back, but we can still remember that feeling when it was all just a magical experience!

My first guitar was bought at Manny's. Magical experience. The guitar was a Harmony! Had it for years!

Awesome awesome interview, thanks Joe and Joe!

My parents bought me my first guitar at Manny's in 1979. My Uncle met us there and we bought an Ephiphone Les Paul style guitar and a Pignose amp. I still have that guitar and the amp. Long time ago. Thanks for bringing back some good memories, my Uncle is gone, Manny's is gone, I am still hanging in there though..

Never been to the East Coast but I live in Bakersfield about a mile from where the Bakersfield sign is after Buck Owens saved it. Thank you Mr. Bonomassa for saving another great piece of music history!!!

Joe is an inspiration..his passion for the instrument and all things related are amazing...his playing is incredible....he really gets the nostalgia thing and this really shows here....saving history for us all....being a guitarist myself i would love to spend an afternoon with this guy....a legend....thank you so much Joe.

The Sights and Smells of those music stores in the 60's were mesmerizing and inspirational.

Two Joes = two gems. Mr Joe Chambers, you are doing irreplaceable work with all of your interviews. Always excellent in every regard. Thank you so much! Mr Joe Bonamassa, thanks for your fantastic music, and for keeping the fire ALIVE!

Legacy... you're preserving... you're custodian of the legacy. Priceless and not much to add to that Joes - except - thank you.

Enjoyed these interviews with Mr. Bonamassa. I was at Fan Fare in 2006, they had changed the name of it by then, and we got to go through the MHOF. What a treat! I need to come and visit again.

I walked under that sign...and through the door...and was totally engulfed in guitar nirvana... Unfortunately those days no longer exist...but thanks to MHOF for all they do to preserve this precious history. Love Joe, btw...my dream experience would be to guitar safari with Joe or Mike H.

Thank you so much Joe for the Manny’s sign. Went there a few times in the mid 80’s. My late great friend and guitarist contemporary in my town, Billy Hilfiger( Tommy Hilfiger’s younger brother) worked there in the 80’s after he moved away from Elmira NY. Our trips there were to see Billy but the store was amazing because of the history and inventory. Steve Kahn was sitting there playing a guitar one time I went. He’d been playing on Letterman at that time before Sid took the gig.

God bless you, Mr. Bonamassa... We all know how you invest in authentic vintage & the revival of it. You are deeply admired & loved. Thank you

Yes get that sign!! That would be great!

Liked first, then watch.. Joe is the real deal

I love Joe's (Bonamassa) blues soul, mind, and heart and thank you Joe C. for these great interviews with Joe B. I will have to come see your museum, soon. I'm a 68 yo. retiree and Blues...run thru my soul.

Joe Bonamassa is truly one-of-a-kind! Not only is he a seasoned industrial-strength road-dog but has incredible creativity and talent. He is so authentic and knowledgeable about the business from producing music to the technicalities of putting on an incredible live performance; even if his bandmates never showed, Joe could still set-up and give a killer show! One of his greatest qualities, is that of a generational-connector of music-past with music-future. My appreciation, for not only the roots of blues and rock but the characters, events and how they interacted get preserved when Joe Bonamassa speaks to why he connects with them. And Joe Chambers is just the guy to showcase this rich history that both informs and entertains. Time and time again people say the older music is pass'e but a hundred years from now, people will come across it, and it will make another connection and they will be just as inquisitive about the people and history. And they're be a Musicians Hall of Fame video about it!

It's good to know there are folks like you in this world😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love brother

It's all true! You didn't know THE guitar existed until you saw it hanging on the wall in a store! Great interview, and mr Bonamassa seems a very nice guy. Well spoken and comes across as an honest man. Just like you, Joe! Oh, stop it...

Wish ole Joe was still around. He was really enjoying this channel and it’s special. Someone should take it over.

Nostalgia eventually gets us all. I remember the music store in our area. Later years when my son wanted to be Steven Vai I took him there for lessons. Great memories. Personally I took two lessons in 63 then Vietnam got in the way. I’ve always admired and loved the music world. They say you’re never to old to learn so I now own a guitar and started lessons. Doing pretty good too. 😁 Joe Bonamassa IS the the most dedicated guitar performer I’ve ever seen. He gives way over a 100% at his performances. Roy Clark was it in my day. Even though he preferred country he could play it all. Just another outstanding interview with a prince of a human…Joe Bonamassa. Thank You !

Joe is so right, about walking into a music store. I don't play the guitar -- in fact, I play the humble soprano recorder -- but when I went into my local music store to buy a recorder, and I saw all the guitars on the wall, and the pianos on the showroom floor, my jaw dropped. Its like walking into a church, and seeing the stained glass windows, and smelling the incense. It sends a charge through you.

As a kid in Jersey City I was able to jump on a bus and be in NYC in 15 min. 1965 being a Ventures nerd my Father and Cousin took me to Manny’s and I walked out with a Mosrite Ventures model along with a Fender Vibrolux Reverb amp. $320 for the guitar and $180 for the amp… I’m still playing

Two Joe's with class here! To Joe Chambers: I believe you were a customer of mine when I opened the Dixie Hi-Fi stores locally in the mid 1970's which evolved into Circuit City where I ended up a manager and "The Nerve" was gigging around town... We got most all of the players, writers and artists of the day in the West End store due to its proximity to music row because they all needed gear. Those were the good ole days in Nashville. A family member of mine has a PRS 20th anniversary 10 Top bought new at Manny's that is amazing. Great interview JC & JB!!

Great interview, Joe You seem to connect to all the artists you interview with such genuine interest and passion. Thank you for all you do to preserve Americana and all forms of music. Very inspiring sit down with Joe Bonamassa!

Those brick n mortar music shop sold us instruments on credit ,not credit card! The days of 1 on 1 with experience of let's make a deal! You walk in those stores and your a kid in a candy store, Luv it! Sad today with those shop's mostly gone! Great interview with both of you ! Historical society of musician hood! I'm from Chicago take artist to Ludwig factory- now condo,s, last Hammond organ factory now offices ! Sad and artist that walked the halls of building's!

Still remember my first time into a music store "drooling" at guitars (50 years ago )...magic!

The cultural and musical impact the Beatles had on the world is evident. Joe's point about the economic impact was an eye-opener. It's something easy to take for granted, but once you give it some thought, it's really mind-blowing. And they're still having that impact up to this day!

I walked under that sign in the `70`s, visiting from the UK, bought an early Ovation Matrix (terrible guitar - - kept it for about 2 weeks), and a Ludwig drum kit.

Such an awesome interview! Thanks Joe C. and thanks Joe B.for saving the Manny's sign! I'm from Queens NYC and bought my first pedal at Manny's, it was an Ibanez Phase Shifter(blue) and I still have it!

Nothing like watching people who give a shit talk about things that matter. Thanks!

Since I was born I have always been drawn to the guitars, amps mics and stands. The old curly cords and drum sets. All of it has been so exciting for me. This interview just fueled my passion so much. Not that I ever lost it. But this is total geekdom for me. I loved his 3 King stuff and his Nerdville videos. It's all been very inspiring. This interview series is awesome Joe. Thank you so much 👍🏻😎

What a FANTASTIC interview! Love these Joe! You’re so comfortable and you make your guests feel at ease. God Bless you!

Joe C. I always enjoying seeing Job B get the accolades he deserves. I always say he is one of us. I am an Upstate New Yorker and Joe grew grew up about 20 minutes from where I live.

I’m not a musician, just a guy who had an opinion. Like was said in the beginning, Joe is polarizing. For no good reason I had an unfavorable opinion of Joe, until I watch these three videos. Thank both of you for doing these videos! I truly made a 180* turn in my opinion of Him. It opened my eyes to how genuinely nice of a person he is.

Great interview. I saw Bonamassa at the Beacon Theatre a few years ago and he was Smokin’ hot! I went to Manny’s a bunch of times. Glad the sign wasn’t discarded.

Joe B. nailed it. Thank you Joe C. for what you do. You always have the great interviews!

I loved that place. Loved all those stores. Bought a Shure SM58 microphone from there as a teen. That was all I could afford. My buddy and I chipped in for a Gibson Grabber bass for our base player broke his Rickenbacker neck. Where did we go? Manny’s, of course. Thank you Joe for saving that sign!

MANNY PERSONALLY SOLD ME HIS LAST PAIR OF BRASS TIMBALES, THAT WERE IN THE WINDOW, SECOND LEVEL, IN THE 80'S. HE TOLD ME THAT HE COULDN'T GET ANY MORE MADE OF BRASS AS THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET GOOD BRASS AT THE TIME. I STILL HAVE THEM. THANK YOU MANNY. I'M 60, SO THIS MIGHT HAVE BEEN IN THE LATE 70'S OR AROUND 1980.

Amazing interview! 🎯

I remember Manny's. Went all through there looking at everything 40 years ago, when I was visiting my cousin. ...Awesome!

I loved it! Got my first LP at Manny's, Custom Tobacco Burst around 83. They couldn't give it away, 450, no case, 7k now. Cheapest, backmost LP on the wall, in the entrance left-front narrow aisle. I loved Manny's. You could feel the vibe, like the all the greats were there, present.

Such an amazing artist, collector and person. Thanks for sharing this interview..

I have absolutely enjoyed watching/listening to this series Thank you

This segment with Joe brought back so many memories for me. I’d like to share something that happened to me at Manny’s. First let me state that I am not a working musician. It has always been a hobby for me, and I still love guitars. Anyway, I used to take the subway from Brooklyn to 48th Street just so I could visit the music stores. I continued doing that for many years from the mid 60's into the late 70's. One day, in the early 70’s I took the subway to 48th Street. At the time I was interested in learning to play some jazz. I did not have a jazz guitar so I decided to check out a Gibson ES-175. I walked into Manny’s and there in one of the front displays was an ES-175. I asked the salesmen a few questions about it and he offered to let me play it. He plugged it into an amp and told me to have a seat. This whole situation was taking place right in the front section of the store. So I began playing my version of “Wave” which I had been learning at the time. A few minutes in, I noticed some activity taking place a few feet in front of me. Guys were setting up lights and plugging in cables. I asked the salesman what was going on and he told me to just continue playing. Before I knew it, there was a TV camera trained on me and Betty Furness, the NBC News consumer affairs reporter was interviewing one of the staff. After they were done, I handed the guitar back to the salesman and asked what had just happened. He informed me that Betty Furness had just taped a segment for NBC News and that it would air the following night. Well sure enough, the next night during the six o’clock news, that Betty Furness segment began to run, and there I was, smack dab in the center of it sitting on that chair playing “Wave” on the ES-175, audio included, all while Betty interviewed that staff member for about two minutes. It was my first and only time on television. And for it to be me playing guitar at Manny’s, made it incredibly special. I only wish VCR’s were around back then. So, that’s my great memory of Manny’s Music. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Joe Bonamassa for saving the iconic sign and also to Joe Chambers for providing the interview along with all of his other wonderful interviews on KZfaq.

Joe and Joe. It really doesn't get any better than this. Thanks for all you've done , Joe.

Thanks Joe for the SIGN and the MoM&PoP 'plugs' on Instagram.

I watched The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. I was just a kid, but I was there for Beatlemania! 😎😎🎶 & I absolutely love Joe 🎸♥️

Joe somehow slipped through the cracks and this has been my introduction to him. can't wait to explore his music. Joe on Joe nice.

Great 3 piece interview Thanks Joe & Bonomassa for all

great interview, i watched all three. thank you sir.

Mr.Chambers, thank you so much for all of clip's. This was really cool. And Joe is so right, you don't know you want it till you see it. On Sunday 11/22/98 I walked into my local mom and pop music shop and saw a 76 P-Bass they had taken in on trade, and it was almost mint with original case. It has been my main Bass ever since. So yes, you gotta see em to know you want em.

Both these guys have such A Big Heart and keep this history within grasp. I really appreciate the pictures you throw up there as a story unwinds !!

I just love these interviews Joe. These are real treasures and important stuff you're capturing. Thanks so much.

Great interview Joe! Really enjoyed getting to know Joe!💫

I really enjoyed this interview Joe! Keep up the outstanding work. Nothing better than hearing great musicians tell their story.

Thank you Joe Chambers for what you do 😊👍 Great interview

God Bless you Joe for what you do keeping this kind of memorabilia alive along with the wonderful interviews. .....Russell D.

Love the House of Guitars reference. Used to drive to Rochester from Buffalo to go there. At one time (40? years ago) it was the biggest music store in the western New York area.

Once again I have to say how much what you are doing with the MHOF is so greatly appreciated. And being able to listen in to your conversations with so many of these great artists is a super bonus. I love Joe B, and thoroughly enjoyed this series. Keep up the great work!

What a awesome interview Joe,,,,again ! If your a music and or history lover you have not lived until you go to the Musicians Hall Of Fame, there is so much to see that you cant take it all in at once,,,,WAY too much to absorb in one visit ! I truly cant wait to come back to Nashville so I can go there again ! I truly feel sorry for anyone who could give this a thumbs down,,,,,must be having some severe mental problems,,,,,seriously,,,,,whats not to like ????

Pure Gold! Joe money can't buy what you're bringing to us. No one else even comes close.

What a great story to share! Thanks Joe's!

Great interview, Joe's a beast of a player, glad I got to see him a few years ago I'm definitely seeing him again covid permitting

While I was working at Manny's in the 80s, Greg Lake comes in and asks Henry the owner how many Gibson J-200's he had. We had 12 in stock which was 12 more than anyone else on 48th st, and Greg wanted to play them all. Henry told him he would play the one the stock guy brought down. He did and bought the guitar.

Such a cool story about the sign. Well done!

Another great interview, Joe. As I've said several times before, you have the great ability to get your guests to open up to you with their honest and sensitive inner selves. Always fun to listen to each of your guests. Thanks for sharing.

Another gem! Great conversation, Joe!

As a kid going to the local music store ( Lipham's Music) was always a thrill for me. Thanks to the both of you for keeping the history and music alive and appreciated.

I saw my first Gretsch Tennessean at Nicoteras Music in Utica NY. It changed my life! I’ve been back and talked with Art’s daughter and this segment made me tear up remembering that experience. Thank you both...

What a remarkable story! Thank You, (from a native New Yorker guitar picker.)

Loved Joe’s mention of the first maple neck Tele he ever saw and now owns it. Seemed he was right on the edge of his emotions there, and I was there with him. Another great interview, Joe. Thanks.

I have Joe to thank for seeing the Manny’s sign at Songbirds. Was in Chattanooga to see Joe in concert and spent an afternoon doing the big tour in Songbirds. Covid shutdown happened shortly after and Songbirds museum closed. I have tons of pictures of beautiful instruments and memorabilia I might have missed. I wonder if the Manny’s sign went to the Musicians Hall of Fame? I will definitely go see this museum when I make it to Nashville!

Friggin great trilogy of interviews with Joe B. 🎵🎵🎼🎼👍

When I was a teen , I used to take the NYC X1 express bus from Staten Island to Manhattan, and walk to 48th street and spend my Saturday there. I have very found memories of “dreaming” rigs while at Manny’s. I was pleasantly surprised to see the sign at Songbirds. Hopefully, Songbirds will reopen. Thanks for the videos Joe. Be well.

In June of 1977 i traveled nyc to go Madison square to see Led Zeppelin , which by the way fthe tickets cost only 8.50 $ at that time, but while in nyc my other must see was manny’s music, I don’t know for sure ,but i bet jimmy paige visited manny’s too that week, zep sold out 6 nights in row that week,we went 2 times, what a great memory

It's just amazing to listen to to extremely honest people talk about the love of their lives