Where Guitar Gods Got Their Fix - Umanov Guitars
Following his dreams to have a life in music, Matt Umanov opened his first store in 1963 and became one of the world’s leading experts on guitars.
Although Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Eric Clapton and Prince were all Umanov’s customers, not all of his customers were rock stars.
Folks could never get past his storefront on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. Omanov said “there are people staring into this window in a blizzard. There will be noses pressed against the glass. And I love it. I love the instruments. I love the people coming in here all the time,”
Matt was famous for his ability to fix instruments that are battered and broken for generations of Guitar gods, the store was a temple and Matt was their guru.
Unfortunately, on December 3rd 2017, Matt had to close because of the rising rents costs after over half a century.
While they have closed the retail side of the store Matt Umanov Guitars, top-notch guitar restoration and repair department remains open by appointment only.
David Garland Mar 26, 2026 New York NY History Music Retail Stores
Mar 26, 2026
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