Re: [Harp-L] A Marine Cost?

[Ken Deifik <kenneth.d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 03:01 PM 3/19/2012, you wrote:
> When I started playing harmonica in 1964, I could buy a Marine Band 
> harmonica for $2.25 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.

Manny's, 49th St., 1966: $1.75.  Best price ever.  Manny's was not the only 
musical instrument store on 49th, and yet it had the best prices on everything.

Here's an interesting Manny's factoid: New York musicians of my generation 
will recall that until the late 60's, Manny's was in a brownstone closer to 
Sixth Ave than its current location.  Manny owned the brownstone.

The Rockefellers approached him, wanting to buy him out so they could build 
a high rise.  (This was the era when Sixth Ave was completely converted to 
gigantic glass skyscrapers.)  Manny said he'd sell them the building if he 
could move his operation into the brand new giant glass building they owned 
a few doors to the west.  He told them how much space he needed, that he 
wanted a 100 year lease and, oh yes, he only wanted to pay a dollar per 
year.  They accepted his terms.

I'll bet Manny's prices are still fine like wine.

K