Manny's Music in New York City is closing its doors at the end of this month. Kind of. For years now, it's been owned by the mega music store chain Sam Ash, and now it's going to become the Sam Ash guitar store. Apparently not even the current staff is going to change much. So yes, Manny's Music is "going out of business," but it's been out of business for years. It's just now the name is gone as well. But being a good guitar player, I made my pilgrimage to 48th street and 6th Ave to pay my respects. I do eventually need a tele and would love a hollow-body, and I'm still toying with the idea of getting a more versatile bass.
Of course, with current budget concerns, I still couldn't afford anything I wanted. I found a few cool guitars and basses, but the price tags on all, even with the deep discounts, were too rich for my blood. But I did find a couple method books. Not wanting to leave empty handed, I bought 2 guitar method books and a bass method book, and I've been playing out of them every day.
It's reminded me that I need to stay in shape as a musician. I'm working mostly out of a guitar method book, which is mostly scale exercises in all positions up and down the neck of the guitar, and I'm struck by how out of shape I am. Sometimes, with all the worrying about what my next blog is going to be, or when my next songwriter's event is going to be, or what my next song is going to be about, the need to stay technically proficient on my instrument gets lost in the shuffle.
So thank you, Manny's Music, for reminding me that I need to be a musician first.