Carmine Street Guitars NYC: Where Magic Happens & Guitars Are Built!

Krystel Feeney 20 May 2025

Can a single shop, nestled in the heart of a rapidly changing metropolis, truly embody the spirit of a bygone era while crafting instruments of enduring artistry? The answer, resoundingly, is yes, and that shop is Carmine Street Guitars, a Greenwich Village institution that has become synonymous with the soul of New Yorks guitar scene.

Amidst the shifting sands of gentrification, where historic landmarks give way to luxury condos and the echoes of bohemia fade into the hum of a more polished world, Carmine Street Guitars stands as a testament to resilience. It's more than just a guitar shop; its a time capsule, a workshop, and a haven for musicians and connoisseurs alike. Located at 42 Carmine Street in New York City, this unassuming space has quietly, yet powerfully, carved out its place in the citys cultural landscape, providing instruments and fostering the artistic spirit for many decades.

The beating heart of Carmine Street Guitars is undoubtedly Rick Kelly, a name whispered with reverence in guitar circles. He is a master craftsman, a walking encyclopedia of guitar lore, and a veritable cult figure. His passion for guitars is rivaled only by his deep connection to New York City, a connection that informs every facet of his work. Kelly scours the city for reclaimed wood, rescuing the "bones" of historic buildings destined for demolition. This wood, often centuries old, tells a story and gives each Kelly guitar a unique history and character.

Attribute	Details
Name	Rick Kelly
Occupation	Luthier, Owner of Carmine Street Guitars
Known For	Handcrafting custom guitars using reclaimed wood from historic New York buildings.
Key Skills	Guitar building, repair, modification, wood selection, knowledge of guitar history and construction.
Location	Carmine Street Guitars, 42 Carmine Street, New York, NY
Notable Clients	Bob Dylan, Bill Kirchen, Ge Smith, and many other prominent musicians.
Website	Carmine Street Guitars Official Website

Kellys workshop isn't just a place of craftsmanship; it's a reflection of the man himself.Described as "chaotic but controlled," the space is filled with the scent of wood, the hum of tools, and the quiet dedication of a craftsman at work. Its a place where the past and present collide, where the spirit of old New York is literally built into the instruments.

The instruments Kelly builds, known as Kelly Guitars, are more than just objects; they are pieces of art. They possess a beauty that is both visible and felt. The reclaimed wood, whether it's pine from a former speakeasy like Chumley's or from other historic buildings, imparts a unique tonal quality and a story that resonates with the player. Each guitar is a one-of-a-kind creation, born from Kellys skill, his deep understanding of the instrument, and his love for his city.

This is not merely hyperbole. Those who have played a Kelly guitar, or owned one, speak of their exceptional quality. The guitars are rarely sold and highly sought after, a testament to Kelly's skill and the respect he commands within the guitar community. As Bob Dylan, Bill Kirchen, and Ge Smith and countless other musicians would attest, the instruments possess an undeniable magic.

Carmine Street Guitars is not just a place to buy a guitar; it's a place to have an instrument expertly set up, modified, or repaired. It's known as the best deal in town. Its a place where the knowledge and experience of generations of luthiers are brought to bear on every instrument that comes through the door. The staff are masters of their craft, and the level of care and attention to detail is unparalleled.

The history of the shop intertwines with the history of the neighborhood. Once the center of New York's vibrant bohemia, Greenwich Village is now home to a mix of upscale restaurants and boutiques. While some might see the transformation as a loss, Carmine Street Guitars has managed to thrive. Its a testament to the shop's enduring quality and its ability to adapt while staying true to its roots.

The shop's relationship with other businesses in the city has also been key to its longevity. For years, Carmine Street Guitars had a strong relationship with Matt Umanov Guitars, referring business to each other and creating a sense of community among guitar enthusiasts in the city. Oral histories reveal that the collaboration between the two shops were instrumental in making the guitar market accessible to a larger crowd.

The shop's identity is also preserved in the form of merchandise. The Carmine Street Guitars black hoodie, for example, is a simple piece of clothing, but it represents something far greater: a shared identity, a connection to the community, and a sense of belonging.

The journey of Carmine Street Guitars has seen many moments, each adding to the richness and depth of the shop. One particular project has caught the attention of many. Rick Kelly's handcrafting of instruments using the bones of old New York buildings has been appreciated by music lovers and has become a key characteristic of the shop, helping in its popularity.

The appeal of Carmine Street Guitars isnt just about the instruments; it's about the experience. It's about stepping into a space where time seems to slow down, where the stories of the city are woven into the very fabric of the instruments. Its a place where you can connect with a tradition of craftsmanship, a place where the past and present harmonize, and where the magic of music truly comes alive.

The shops location at 42 Carmine Street, New York, NY, is more than just an address; its a destination. It is where the guitars are handcrafted, where Kelly's vision takes shape, and where musicians of all levels come to find their perfect instrument.

The enduring success of Carmine Street Guitars within the vibrant and ever-changing New York guitar scene is a remarkable feat. It is a testament to Rick Kelly's dedication, his artistic vision, and his commitment to preserving the spirit of New York. The shop is a living testament to the fact that in a world of rapid change, tradition, craftsmanship, and community can not only survive but thrive.

The tale of Carmine Street Guitars is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art. It demonstrates that with passion, dedication, and a deep connection to a place, one individual can build a legacy that resonates far beyond the walls of their workshop. It is a story about music, about the beauty of reclaimed wood, about the enduring spirit of New York City, and about the creation of something truly extraordinary, one guitar at a time.