022: MATT UMANOV/Owner, Umanov Guitars NYC

With a passion for both tinkering and music, Matt Umanov opened up his first guitar store in 1963 and has not stopped since. I had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Bleecker Street himself, and we covered topics ranging from Marijuana use to Buck Owens, to Jazz. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, it was clear from a very young age that Matt had a talent for understanding the inner mechanics of things, as well as the passion to explore any musical genre that came his way. His curiosity would drive him to pursue a future as a guitar maker and repairman. During his teenage years, Matt worked doing final setups at the Guild Factory in Hoboken while taking notes from master luthier John D'Angelico. At the age of 18 he was already a well-established guitar repairman having gained a reputation admired enough to have clients such as Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton seek out his talents. Some decades later Matt is still known to be one of the best in the business. His Greenwich Village shop has become an iconic New York establishment known for serving everyone from neighborhood kids to A-list celebrities. Matt's dedication not only to his craft but to music as well has made him one of the most sought after and respected names in the guitar world. So what are you waiting for? Get your ass in the car and go pay Umanov a visit at his world famous shop, Matt Umanov Guitars. Tell him Larry sent you.