During one of his trips to the U.S., Rudy met Francesca who would later become his wife. Together, in 1978, they opened Rudy’s Music Shop on 48th Street in New York City.  In 1982, Rudy built the “R Custom” — the very first Pensa Guitar. Today, Pensa Guitars and Pensa Bass Guitars are known and venerated worldwide.

In 2009, Rudy and Francesca opened a shop on Broome Street in Soho. They chose the location primarily for its historical connection to archtop guitars: D’Angelico’s workshop was a few blocks away on Kenmare Street. As Rudy put it, “When we came to Soho, I knew that these special guitars were coming home.”  In 2018 Rudy opened a second store in Scarsdale, Westchester County, NY that is run by daughter, Stephanie.

In the world of archtops, Rudy remembers that his first real encounter with one was in 1976. It was a D’Angelico, which immediately reminded him of his father’s cello. He couldn’t take his eyes off of it. Through the years he has invested a great deal of time and attention to learning everything he could about these instruments as well as their makers, from famed luthiers of the past to the ever-growing repertoire of modern-day custom builders. In 2011 he published his incredible book, “Archtop Guitars: The Journey from Cremona to New York”, which led to his success as curator of the historic first-ever archtop exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.  Rudy has garnered a world-wide reputation as a trusted and true archtop connoisseur.

Nate grew up listening to Chicago Blues and playing music with a twang. The most money he made as a musician he made while wearing a cowboy hat. When he moved to Minnesota, he brought his love for guitars along. In 1989, he opened his store and it quickly became a classic in its own rite.

For the past 30 years, the store is a popular destination whenever touring guitarists and bands swing into town. From rock to country, from jazz to blues, from beginners to legends. It’s also a gathering place for many local guitarists and musicians as they look for instruments that are unique and hard to come by.

“At Willie’s, we strive to find the finest instruments we can. We insist that our manufacturers and custom builders have the utmost integrity. This is not about profits; it’s about pride of ownership, tone, playability and that elusive “x” factor that gives a well-made guitar a personality. It represents the height of the builder’s art.”

Willies is a store where you’ll find everything from Marshalls to Martins an old L6S or carved top L5’s. From investment grade to just got paid.

People come from miles around to shop at Dave’s and to view his huge inventory and, if your’e fortunate, he will show you his  incredible personal collection of over 350 guitars and amps. The vast majority of his sales are to customers from all around the world via the telephone or through his web site. He maintains a robust inventory of archtops, as well.

Among the long list of famous guitar legends who have done business with Dave over the years are Billy Gibbons, Joe Walsh, members of Pink Floyd, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Elliot Easton, Keith Richards and Eric Clapton.

Several years ago Dave recently opened a store in Milwaukee, WI and one in Madison, WI.   He invites you to visit any one of his three stores for an experience you’re not likely to soon forget, or you can even browse through his huge online inventory. His stock is changing daily, so check back often!

As he clearly states in his mission statement Dave and his staff are dedicated to earning their client’s trust through professional conduct, their many years of experience, and extensive preparation for their customer’s needs.

His passion has always been archtops and began collecting them when he was 13. His collection grew to well over 400 guitars and mandolins at one point and included every model of every archtop ever made by Gibson- and in every color.

His collection and store inventory has also included archtops from Epiphone, D’Angelico, D’Aquisto, Stromberg and the list goes on. Pete is respected as an authority on all things archtop related.

His store inventory always includes luthier-built as well as vintage archtops.

Van Hoose Vintage Instruments was founded in 1991 and is dedicated to bringing the finest guitars to you in an open, friendly, and honest manner. He specializes in archtop guitars which includes custom luthier-built He can also locate and offer exceptional vintage and collectable guitars, amps and parts for the collector and musician.

A visit to his website is always an enjoyable experience.

“George Gruhn knows more about guitars than anyone on earth,” says Tom Wheeler, former editor of Guitar Player magazine. That knowledge has made Gruhn Guitars the world’s most famous guitar store and has brought George Gruhn worldwide recognition. He is also sought after as a primary source for insight into the guitar market – past, present and future. He has authored and co-authored many books and reference guides, as well as countless publication articles.

Since 1963, George Gruhn has distinguished himself as one to see if you’re in the market for a new, used or vintage stringed instrument. His customers have included many heavyweights of popular music – Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill, George Harrison and Paul McCartney, just to name a handful.

George has been quoted as stating, “Artistic, aesthetic appeal, quality of workmanship and materials, and tonal quality transcend time and monetary concerns. Truly fine musical instruments are some of the ultimate works of art.”

A visit to his website will lead you to a diverse inventory of luthier-built archtop works of art, as well as, vintage guitars and other fine fretted instruments.

A journey to his website will take you to his shop in Manhattan.  His clients include many of the top players, collectors and investors in fine instruments.  He has also been a consultant to Christie’s Auction House, having evaluated the guitars in both of the Eric Clapton auction sales and all the guitars in the Richard Gere auction sale.

Larry is also an accomplished musician on several instruments and has recorded in many genres from bluegrass to jazz. He has authored the mandolin section of “Acquired of the Angels,” a pictorial biography of John D’Angelico and James D’Aquisto, as well as chapters in other guitar publications.