Since then, I heard from sources on the street that a guitar shop is coming to this space. I doubted the rumors, wondering: It's a big space in a bad economy, and what kind of guitar shop needs a kitchen? But now, two neon signs are sitting uninstalled in the window of the still-empty shop: FRAMUS & WARWICK guitars.
Framus guitars was founded in Germany in 1946 and later took on the name Warwick. The Beatles played Framus guitars. So did "Canadian hard rock power trio" Triumph.
On the Warwick online forum, this address is noted as the "Custom Shop." According to this video, Framus' Custom Shop is expanding into direct sales with a "new headquarters in Manhattan"--and they're bringing their guitars to the "boutique level."
Prices for a custom Framus can range from $1,748 to $17,498. Is it safe to say these are high-end instruments--for rock-n-rollers who buy their shredded leather pants and $700 Cheap Trick tees at the nearby Varvatos maybe? Well, it's better than a Jamba Juice.
The kitchen question, however, has yet to be answered.
Earlier this summer, a man — a tourist (Midwest?) — with his two teenish sons stopped me on St. Mark's and Second Ave. and asked me where "the guitar shops" were. He got into a cab and told the cabbie to drop them off here, assuming he'd find dozens in the East Village. He seemed stumped. Took me a minute to think of where any were...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good scoop, Jeremiah.
this is good news. there are few guitar joints left to just go in and jam. or stare in awe.
ReplyDeleteI'm cool with a guitar shop, even if it is expensive. Bring back the rock 'n' roll!
ReplyDeletejust so long as they're not also serving fruit smoothies
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they've applied for their liquor license yet?
ReplyDeleteI went to Varvatos on the Bowery last summer to see what all the fuss was about.
ReplyDeleteThe two hiptards behind the counter were major douchebags.
They were too hip to answer any of my questions about the $500-$1000 vintage stereo receivers that were for sale near the front of the store.
They were more concerned with standing still and looking hip than doing anything remotely resembling physical labor.
I'm happy to have a guitar shop in the neighborhood even if I can't afford to buy one. FYI: There's also First Flight on First Avenue between 10th and 11th if anyone is looking for an East Village guitar shop.
ReplyDelete