I find it difficult to believe that people were negative about your guitar playing. You are fantastic and a inspiration to so many of us out here following you. Miss Spender you are a exceptional musician in every way.
A very cool guitar store but also a nice lesson in how helping people feel valid and welcome can be a gift to the whole world through the talent it facilitates and brings out.
When I was younger, me and my friends loved going to Rudy's, just to buy stuff, check out guitars we couldn't afford, and so on. It was always a friendly place. I bought my first acoustic there, a Yamaha, and I still have it, all these years later. Anyway, I always loved Rudy's. Glad you love it too! Cheers, Mary!
I loved visiting the old Rudy’s on 48th. I’ve only gotten down to the Soho shop once and it’s lovely, but a pain to get downtown. Fortunately Rudy opened a second shop in Scarsdale just north of the city which is a short bike ride and, while smaller, still is awesome. I’ve even run into Rudy there a few times, plus they just expanded and added a huge acoustic room that looks like a museum of guitar loveliness!
Great advice Mary. Artist myself, visual artist, and having fire is the only way to survive through the low times and stream of criticism. I make music as well, but only for myself. It's my creative outlet where I am truly free to be myself. Love your channel.
Nice choice, Mary. I went to Rudy’s late spring 2018, but didn’t know much about guitars. I had a new MiM Tele back home in Japan; I went to Rudy’s to kind of soak up what I could. Now, 4 ½ years later, I’m ready to go back and perhaps take something home. Love your channel and insights.
Oh my gosh, I only wish that TH-camrs would allow me to love it more than once! I can only imagine what the music scene would have been if this type outlet was available when was your age. Keep up the wonderful work and never doubt yourself. ❤️❤️❤️
You're correct Mary. Some stores just have that vibe where it's the place to be. There was a store in my hometown in Wisconsin that all the top musicians in the area would patronize. As a beginning player i got to hang out with them and pick their brain. Went quite a ways to improving my overall musicianship.
Once again Mary you live your words as a doorway to inspiration. I come from a family of musicians my father taught me to play the guitar when I was seven my brother and cousins are professional musicians. In all this time I have never had the conversations with them that elicit the depth of meaning that surrounds us in our pursuit to tell the stories of our souls. Thank you for contributing and for bringing to the joy of music the words of reflection and deeper meaning.
No instrument is more beautiful than your voice Mary. Your guitar playing is well suited to enhance your voice and not to mask it!. Great vid! Loved the acoustic you played
You inspire me to write more and sing again. Sometimes I look at my instruments and I get bummed out not having any inspiration to play, but when I watch your videos you remind me of what's important; they all have a story to tell and I'm there to translate their language into music. You remind me of what music has done to help me and so many other people. It's re-connected my family and friends time and time again. I tend to get rambly with these sort of bits so I'll cut to the chase - Thank you for being you and giving me and many people the energy to pick up their instrument and create art
Guitar stores are a wonderful place to be! There are so many amazing instruments out there and I have found lots of helpful folks willing to help you locate the best guitar / amp / pedal. Thanks for taking us along Mary. I have wanted to go to Rudy's ever since finding out about it when Mark Knopfler worked with him to develop a guitar.
Love your guitar excavations, exploring sounds and singings! Mary is my favorite exploring and searching for perfect sounds for many reasons. Mostly for her music, approche and her way of feeling her guitars and their sounds.🤓👍 The songs are no.1
This is heartfelt, honest and just lovely…….My family and I are heading to NY in November, I am now visiting Rudy’s 😊🎸🏴 🇺🇸. Thank you for sharing
Such a wonderfully inspiring video Mary. It shouldn't surprise me at this point how incredibly into everything guitar you are, but as I hear you describe your feelings about the instrument and guitar stores I always am reminded just how dedicated you are to your craft. I still marvel at the lovely melody you play on "Primrose", what a gorgeous song too. I think we can safely say that's a keeper-ha ha! I've been listening to your Lone Wolf album quite a bit and lots of strong tunes on that as well. Glad to hear you have a new one coming out soon! Great advice as always-much appreciated.
Really nice episode Mary! The acoustic piece at the end was very good indeed. You’re coming into a maturity in your artistic expression that is laudable - the church bells love song at the old church, the RHCP cover in the canyon in LA - all good stuff!
Great motivational Video Mary! Always keep your head up. Being a huge fan of Songbook I+II, I stongly believe that one day people will speak about you, like they speak now of artists like Joni Mitchell. There are only a few albums that have a special place in my heart and those two, truly have. I am very exited about your new album comming up as well. Cheers.
@@MarySpender I love hearing you sing and play. It's like a breath of fresh air for me. I know Adele is popular but your voice is much more what I love to hear. Keep up the awesome work. I will take notes from all your encouragements in your videos
I remember visiting Rudy's on my only NY visit and I played more than one original vintage D'Angelico years ago and they were so kind. It was a magical moment for me.
Thanks Mary you are such an inspiration to guitarists like me who never made it in any shape or form and probably if steered in the right direction at a younger age could have made some sort of career in music but as the saying goes 'every day is a school day' ! keep on keeping on.
I took my sons to Rudy's this summer. They're new to guitars and Stephanie was so welcoming. The boys both had a play of a relic'd Pensa MK1. My favourite store. Fantastic.
Those of us fully taken by a love of music, our instruments are indeed the people. You, all of us are artists of energies to and fro of the provider and recipient. Our mettle indeed must be of the finest and enduring patience. Thank you for gifting all of us with deeper truths, where they are found, not so hidden if we just look, be gentle, vulnerable and yet strong to share. I am the moth, happy within the flames dashed upon a life within the rocks. Playing with the band was wondrous today. Just had to share.
Thanks for this, Mary. It was so very needed today. I'm thankful, too, that cause-and-effect is a thing, and that this positivity is headed right back to you. Keep on keeping on.
Rudy’s is an amazing place where I had the chance to cross path with Sting and other amazing musicians, coming here simply as you or I would do… plenty of wonderful guitars… and so nice staff ! Thank you for this video about this great place and also what it takes to be a musician, what we feel…
I wish a teenage me could have had a mentor like you Mary, my life may have taken a much different path. Equally, I hope there are lots of young people listening to your words and taking note of your advice. You are truly inspirational.
Rudy’s is one of the Meccas of guitar stores. Much like Norm’s, some of the most influential musicians in the world flock there to find that special guitar or bass that they’ve sought out. I’m glad you shared your experience with us. 😊
Your voice is beautiful and you understand the art of playing guitar very well. Don't worry about the haters, they will just move on to the next artist to comment on. Your craft just keeps improving. ( And l love Rudy's music also, they repaired many of my instruments since 1983. 👍
Awesome, awesome stuff, Mary! Wise words! Love that Stephanie and Mr. Rudy Pensa love you and your stuff. That says a lot. You’re a very gifted musician and your videos are top notch! Can’t wait to see where you go from here!
Okay, here's my comment on your singing - it's beautiful! Your voice is velvety with lots of depth. I enjoy your videos...and I love quality guitar stores (I used to visit Rudy's old mid-town store back when I worked in the city). Cheers!
Wow straight from and to the ❤️ 💙 💜 HEART. Great advice. The local music seems to be making a comeback. Thanks Mary you the G.O.A.T. You are loved. Shalom.
I like Getaway Sun! That one has something special going on. Nice rhythm. Nice groove. Bit different from the usual percussive strumming. And I like the melody. Good song!
A wonderful and cleanly organized guitar shop indeed! Guitar shop people are a special breed! If ever you visit Amsterdam you really need to stop by the 'special' but amazing guitar shop owned by Peter Boelen called 'De Plug'. It is a small shop in the Latin quarter of Amsterdam by a canal. I'm sure you'll love hanging out there, and I'm sure you'll find an axe or two to put your fingers on while you are there. Tell him 'I said hi', when you meet Peter. ❤ XO, Michael
Since I am a guitar player who has written both instrumental pieces for guitar and Songs with Vocals, I completely understand your feelings about guitar stores.😊❤️✌️
Great post Mary! Loved it! I haven’t been in New York in years but still remember Rudy’s in Soho fondly! Very much appreciated getting to visit them with you virtually once again. The short bits of your songs have given me the strong desire to here the rest so I’m off to turn up my HiFi gear and put on some Mary Spender! Thanks for the delightful visit!
There was (and sadly no longer around) a great music shop in Cardiff, metres away from Cardiff Castle in the centre of city. I used to love visiting the place when I got the chance to visit Cardiff. Cranes was a family run business, with such elegant timbered cabinets at the front of the store holding the most expensive Gibson, Fender & PRS guitars. The shop's windows would be full of guitars, pedals, woodwind, brass and drum kits. A various selection that would make anyone be lured inside for a look. The middle of the shop was always graced on the left hand side with special guitars, 2nd hand deals and rarities....while on the right was a massive stuffed moose head, a neon sign and a Budweiser guitar that a customer had brought to the shop for a setup...and then promptly left for over 20 years. There were harmonicas, strings, guitar picks....you name it, they had it. And at the back of the store was this huge box shaped room full of more guitars. Squier, Fender, Epiphone, Gibson and many more brands. And if you were lucky and looked at the cabinets in that room too, you would see the holy grail of guitars. An old 1959 Fender Strat or Telecaster....or a double neck Les Paul from when they first came out. Or a gold top Les Paul.....or just something else as incredibly rare with a massive price tag on it. I won't go into the keyboard and amp selection there, that too was a crazy sight! I was grateful to them for letting me play a 1981 Fender Strat Elite, in white, in a private back room stuff with various rare amps. And another time, playing my MIJ Strat into a Fender Super Sonic 60 watt amp at a generous level of noise. They closed down a few years ago. They were the best music shop in South Wales in my opinion, and influenced me into buying a Fender Super Sonic 60w last year. Sadly I couldn't afford getting that lovely 1980's Strat Elite. But what I can say is, music shops when done right, can be a great place to be. To hang out and be inspiring. Oh...and the Budweiser guitar (with it's custom double triangle body) was finally claimed by someone months before they closed down. There were a lot of people asking for that one I believe.
I remember Percy Prior's shop in Salisbury as it was local to me along with Sarum Guitars in Castle Street. Used to drop in on Saturday afternoon's when in town.
Those new Magnatone amps are truly something special. The Panoramic Stereo one is jaw dropping. If you like clean amps, that one is at the top of the list.
Your videos are terrific and inspirational. Your playing style has lit a fire in this old guitar player to broaden my skills to take songs and rework them for self accompanying. My songs and others. Guitars themselves have souls. I always imagine when I see them in a store, or even my own collection that they are looking back at me and saying silently "pick me, please pick me. I have a a voice to share and a story to tell." As corny as that might sound, everyday before I go to work, I put me Snark turner on the head stock of the guitar I'm going to play when I get home. I make sure to carefully rotate among the 6 I have to ensure that each one gets to express itself on a regular basis. I know it sounds goofy, I believe each one is alive, yearning to be heard. Playing them is an expression of the love I have for each.
Wow. This takes me back. I remember Rudy's when it was on 48th St. In fact, my recollection is when I got my first acoustic guitar, a Washburn, circa 1980 or so from a music store in Brooklyn that was closing, when I inquired to multiple sources where I should go to have a Martin Thinline under-bridge pickup installed, everyone recommended Rudy's, so that's where I had it done. I still have and use that guitar to this day. Thanks for posting this, Mary.
Rudy’s are welcoming and low attitude. I’ve always been greeted with a smile and encouragement to try whatever suits my fancy. The incredible choice can cause the ‘deer in the headlights’ effect but it’s worth it.
Shout out to Musicroom Salisbury, my local guitar shop! Percy Priors 'prior' to that and Stangers prior to THAT! Spent a small fortune in there over the years and love the team in there now. Nice one Mary.
This video touched me on many levels. I love when people’s paths cross such that afterwards it seems it was meant to be. The story with the soho store is so cool! 🖤
I'll have to check out Rudy's next time I'm in NY. This video made me a bit nostalgic. The place where I got my first guitar and took my first few years of lessons doesn't exist like it was. They moved to a different location, and have completely different people. But you talking about your first music store brought back memories of how the people at the old place really supported and nurtured 13yr old me. I still use lessons learned there in my playing, and also how to treat enthusiastic new and/or younger players that are just learning. It's inspiring to see someone picking up a guitar, or any instrument really, and get that spark to just play and learn. Where they can't put it down. I try to be as nurturing and supportive as the people at my old music store were with me. That positive support that I had left a powerful impression that I always want to pass along.
Come to NYC I want to see you live and thank you because during the pandemic i used your fingerstyle course and I learned the basics and then further progressed. Big fan Miss Mary Spender. Also love 2 people who helped me on my guitar journey are both english and their last names both ryhme....Mary Spender +Sam Fender
No harm in mentioning Pensa, which of course were in the beginning connected to John Suhr guitars! John went on 31 years ago to run Fender’s Custom Shop established just years before.
I'd just like to add some praise for Mary's skill in delivering her talks to the camera. Sure, there'll be editing involved here and there, no doubt, but she is so articulate and obviously intelligent and this allows her integrity to shine through. Combined with a very, very, listenable speaking voice (and those eyes) it is hard not to be captivated. I'd be interested to know how much you script in advance, Mary, or do you have a list off-camera of points you want to cover and then it is "stream of consciousness" stuff? Either way, it is very impressively done and if you weren't in music, you have all the talents that TV likes in female presenters. But stay with the music, though, please!
I loved Saturday in the local Drum shop and going to a drum clinic to see Ian Paice of Deep Purple play Fireball and I came out of the womb tearing up a drum kit as my great uncle was a Jazz drummer in London. Excellent video to inspire musicians. Always live your dreams and remember success equals preparation meets opportunity. Hahaha.
Wow, I just realised how much you've progressed since I've started following you! Not even sure how long ago that was, but I'm really impressed by the level of productions you put out: corporations, full video clips, behind the scenes stuff like this, Impressive!
Ignore the critics, especially the one inside of you, UNLESS, they have something helpful or useful to say Mary, and never let them get you down. And that guitar shop truly is beautiful!
Hi Mary I was in New York last week for holidays and I passed by the shop. A person told us that we could enter. i told them i was not a musician just a mark knopfler fan, they said great sit there grab a guitar and take pictures. fantastic welcome great memory of nyc
Rudy Pensa is a legend and to receive that recognition from him and Stephanie is quite special and telling of your wonderful artistry. Cheers, Mary!
That's the most beautiful music store I've ever seen, wow!!!!
I find it difficult to believe that people were negative about your guitar playing. You are fantastic and a inspiration to so many of us out here following you. Miss Spender you are a exceptional musician in every way.
What a compliment, having a luthier say that your playing brings the best out of their instrument. Kudos to you Mary!
A very cool guitar store but also a nice lesson in how helping people feel valid and welcome can be a gift to the whole world through the talent it facilitates and brings out.
When I was younger, me and my friends loved going to Rudy's, just to buy stuff, check out guitars we couldn't afford, and so on. It was always a friendly place. I bought my first acoustic there, a Yamaha, and I still have it, all these years later. Anyway, I always loved Rudy's. Glad you love it too! Cheers, Mary!
I loved visiting the old Rudy’s on 48th. I’ve only gotten down to the Soho shop once and it’s lovely, but a pain to get downtown. Fortunately Rudy opened a second shop in Scarsdale just north of the city which is a short bike ride and, while smaller, still is awesome. I’ve even run into Rudy there a few times, plus they just expanded and added a huge acoustic room that looks like a museum of guitar loveliness!
Bought my J-45 at Rudy's on 48th.
Great advice Mary. Artist myself, visual artist, and having fire is the only way to survive through the low times and stream of criticism. I make music as well, but only for myself. It's my creative outlet where I am truly free to be myself. Love your channel.
Thanks for sharing!
You are indeed a special person. Don't think we'll ever meet. But I love who you are Mary Spender...
Enjoyed this video with my morning coffee...Thanks Mary
Good morning!
Nice choice, Mary. I went to Rudy’s late spring 2018, but didn’t know much about guitars. I had a new MiM Tele back home in Japan; I went to Rudy’s to kind of soak up what I could. Now, 4 ½ years later, I’m ready to go back and perhaps take something home. Love your channel and insights.
I love guitar stores too. Friendly atmosphere and beautiful guitars.
Oh my gosh, I only wish that TH-camrs would allow me to love it more than once! I can only imagine what the music scene would have been if this type outlet was available when was your age. Keep up the wonderful work and never doubt yourself. ❤️❤️❤️
You're correct Mary.
Some stores just have that vibe where it's the place to be. There was a store in my hometown in Wisconsin that all the top musicians in the area would patronize. As a beginning player i got to hang out with them and pick their brain. Went quite a ways to improving my overall musicianship.
Once again Mary you live your words as a doorway to inspiration. I come from a family of musicians my father taught me to play the guitar when I was seven my brother and cousins are professional musicians. In all this time I have never had the conversations with them that elicit the depth of meaning that surrounds us in our pursuit to tell the stories of our souls. Thank you for contributing and for bringing to the joy of music the words of reflection and deeper meaning.
thanks my Mentor am loving what you're doing, so am loving the instruments too
:)
@@MarySpender are you the one talking to me on Telegraph? am confused!! maybe it's a scam
@@TheReactorNdere No! it isn't me. I'm sorry. Please never respond. I made a whole video about it.
No instrument is more beautiful than your voice Mary. Your guitar playing is well suited to enhance your voice and not to mask it!. Great vid! Loved the acoustic you played
You inspire me to write more and sing again. Sometimes I look at my instruments and I get bummed out not having any inspiration to play, but when I watch your videos you remind me of what's important; they all have a story to tell and I'm there to translate their language into music. You remind me of what music has done to help me and so many other people. It's re-connected my family and friends time and time again. I tend to get rambly with these sort of bits so I'll cut to the chase - Thank you for being you and giving me and many people the energy to pick up their instrument and create art
Guitar stores are a wonderful place to be! There are so many amazing instruments out there and I have found lots of helpful folks willing to help you locate the best guitar / amp / pedal. Thanks for taking us along Mary. I have wanted to go to Rudy's ever since finding out about it when Mark Knopfler worked with him to develop a guitar.
Love your guitar excavations, exploring sounds and singings!
Mary is my favorite exploring and searching for perfect sounds for many reasons. Mostly for her music, approche and her way of feeling her guitars and their sounds.🤓👍
The songs are no.1
Rudy is awesome! He's a good man. I know from first hand experience. Thanks again, Rudy!
Absolutely. Thank you Rudy!
Hi Mary,
I'm pretty sure you are stoking the creative fire for many of us! Big thank you for that!!!
This is heartfelt, honest and just lovely…….My family and I are heading to NY in November, I am now visiting Rudy’s 😊🎸🏴 🇺🇸. Thank you for sharing
I can watch and listen to you all day, i love when you sing in guitar stores
Such a wonderfully inspiring video Mary. It shouldn't surprise me at this point how incredibly into everything guitar you are, but as I hear you describe your feelings about the instrument and guitar stores I always am reminded just how dedicated you are to your craft. I still marvel at the lovely melody you play on "Primrose", what a gorgeous song too. I think we can safely say that's a keeper-ha ha! I've been listening to your Lone Wolf album quite a bit and lots of strong tunes on that as well. Glad to hear you have a new one coming out soon! Great advice as always-much appreciated.
Really nice episode Mary! The acoustic piece at the end was very good indeed. You’re coming into a maturity in your artistic expression that is laudable - the church bells love song at the old church, the RHCP cover in the canyon in LA - all good stuff!
Great motivational Video Mary! Always keep your head up. Being a huge fan of Songbook I+II, I stongly believe that one day people will speak about you, like they speak now of artists like Joni Mitchell. There are only a few albums that have a special place in my heart and those two, truly have. I am very exited about your new album comming up as well. Cheers.
Wow this means the world. Thank you. I'll keep on working hard and yes, the album will be out March 2023!
Can't wait to hear it. I've enjoyed all of your videos for years so an EP will be VERY welcomed !!!
@@MarySpender I love hearing you sing and play. It's like a breath of fresh air for me. I know Adele is popular but your voice is much more what I love to hear. Keep up the awesome work. I will take notes from all your encouragements in your videos
The guitar you're playing is beautiful! So are the ones behind you. Thank you for this wonderful video!
WOOOW 😯Getaway Sun so sweet charming and triton song!
I remember visiting Rudy's on my only NY visit and I played more than one original vintage D'Angelico years ago and they were so kind. It was a magical moment for me.
Mary, you have a sweet spirit of encouragement.
I get hypnotized by them, too (the sound, shape, and space).
i must say you have a really calming voice
Thanks Mary you are such an inspiration to guitarists like me who never made it in any shape or form and probably if steered in the right direction at a younger age could have made some sort of career in music but as the saying goes 'every day is a school day' ! keep on keeping on.
I took my sons to Rudy's this summer. They're new to guitars and Stephanie was so welcoming. The boys both had a play of a relic'd Pensa MK1. My favourite store. Fantastic.
This is the video to show friends of musicians who are starting. This is it. Honest, from the heart, and beautiful.
Those of us fully taken by a love of music, our instruments are indeed the people. You, all of us are artists of energies to and fro of the provider and recipient. Our mettle indeed must be of the finest and enduring patience. Thank you for gifting all of us with deeper truths, where they are found, not so hidden if we just look, be gentle, vulnerable and yet strong to share. I am the moth, happy within the flames dashed upon a life within the rocks. Playing with the band was wondrous today. Just had to share.
hi Mary, luv the quality of Your voice and Your playing. Thanks for all of the lessons You have shared with Us, You've made Me a better guitarist.
Getaway on the 00-18 - just amazing!
Thanks for this, Mary. It was so very needed today. I'm thankful, too, that cause-and-effect is a thing, and that this positivity is headed right back to you. Keep on keeping on.
I’m really enjoying these videos! They’re motivational and relaxing at the same time
Another heartwarming wonderful video
Rudy’s is an amazing place where I had the chance to cross path with Sting and other amazing musicians, coming here simply as you or I would do… plenty of wonderful guitars… and so nice staff !
Thank you for this video about this great place and also what it takes to be a musician, what we feel…
You're freaking amazing! Absolutely gorgeous as well (Inside and out). Love your music and your channel! Never stop doing you. 😍🔥❤️
You're the best!
You are really inspiring Mary. glad that Rachel Collier let me know about you. 😀
I wish a teenage me could have had a mentor like you Mary, my life may have taken a much different path. Equally, I hope there are lots of young people listening to your words and taking note of your advice. You are truly inspirational.
Garry just remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life. You can rendem the time. Enjoy the ride.
Rudy’s is one of the Meccas of guitar stores. Much like Norm’s, some of the most influential musicians in the world flock there to find that special guitar or bass that they’ve sought out.
I’m glad you shared your experience with us. 😊
Your voice is beautiful and you understand the art of playing guitar very well. Don't worry about the haters, they will just move on to the next artist to comment on. Your craft just keeps improving. ( And l love Rudy's music also, they repaired many of my instruments since 1983. 👍
Your videos, the sound everything is always so clean. That is the only way I can describe it.
Great strap line in there- Mary Spender "a breath of fresh air" More power to you 👍
Awesome, awesome stuff, Mary! Wise words! Love that Stephanie and Mr. Rudy Pensa love you and your stuff. That says a lot. You’re a very gifted musician and your videos are top notch! Can’t wait to see where you go from here!
This is a cool store. I wish there were stores like this in the Pennslyvania USA. Other than a couple Guitar Centers, everything is online here.
I’m in Salisbury! Salisbury Maryland though. Still..
Okay, here's my comment on your singing - it's beautiful! Your voice is velvety with lots of depth. I enjoy your videos...and I love quality guitar stores (I used to visit Rudy's old mid-town store back when I worked in the city). Cheers!
I enjoyed this video. You’re a very real person Mary,… well spoken and seemingly very personable. I just subscribed.
Mary... Working hard, you prove Stephanie and Rudy right... quite a lot!
Seriously, you have the best vocals to me, one of the best of all time! And you thingerstyle is really unique
Wow straight from and to the ❤️ 💙 💜
HEART. Great advice. The local music seems to be making a comeback. Thanks Mary you the G.O.A.T.
You are loved. Shalom.
I like Getaway Sun! That one has something special going on. Nice rhythm. Nice groove. Bit different from the usual percussive strumming. And I like the melody. Good song!
A wonderful and cleanly organized guitar shop indeed! Guitar shop people are a special breed! If ever you visit Amsterdam you really need to stop by the 'special' but amazing guitar shop owned by Peter Boelen called 'De Plug'. It is a small shop in the Latin quarter of Amsterdam by a canal. I'm sure you'll love hanging out there, and I'm sure you'll find an axe or two to put your fingers on while you are there. Tell him 'I said hi', when you meet Peter. ❤ XO, Michael
Since I am a guitar player who has written both instrumental pieces for guitar and Songs with Vocals, I completely understand your feelings about guitar stores.😊❤️✌️
Great post Mary! Loved it! I haven’t been in New York in years but still remember Rudy’s in Soho fondly! Very much appreciated getting to visit them with you virtually once again. The short bits of your songs have given me the strong desire to here the rest so I’m off to turn up my HiFi gear and put on some Mary Spender! Thanks for the delightful visit!
You make it more beautiful by your presence 🎼”here, there and everywhere”. 🎸😇
Nice Video Mary! Beautiful guitar shop for sure......A big shout out to Normans Rare Guitars in LA who also have featured you!!!
There was (and sadly no longer around) a great music shop in Cardiff, metres away from Cardiff Castle in the centre of city. I used to love visiting the place when I got the chance to visit Cardiff. Cranes was a family run business, with such elegant timbered cabinets at the front of the store holding the most expensive Gibson, Fender & PRS guitars. The shop's windows would be full of guitars, pedals, woodwind, brass and drum kits. A various selection that would make anyone be lured inside for a look. The middle of the shop was always graced on the left hand side with special guitars, 2nd hand deals and rarities....while on the right was a massive stuffed moose head, a neon sign and a Budweiser guitar that a customer had brought to the shop for a setup...and then promptly left for over 20 years. There were harmonicas, strings, guitar picks....you name it, they had it. And at the back of the store was this huge box shaped room full of more guitars. Squier, Fender, Epiphone, Gibson and many more brands. And if you were lucky and looked at the cabinets in that room too, you would see the holy grail of guitars. An old 1959 Fender Strat or Telecaster....or a double neck Les Paul from when they first came out. Or a gold top Les Paul.....or just something else as incredibly rare with a massive price tag on it. I won't go into the keyboard and amp selection there, that too was a crazy sight! I was grateful to them for letting me play a 1981 Fender Strat Elite, in white, in a private back room stuff with various rare amps. And another time, playing my MIJ Strat into a Fender Super Sonic 60 watt amp at a generous level of noise. They closed down a few years ago. They were the best music shop in South Wales in my opinion, and influenced me into buying a Fender Super Sonic 60w last year. Sadly I couldn't afford getting that lovely 1980's Strat Elite. But what I can say is, music shops when done right, can be a great place to be. To hang out and be inspiring. Oh...and the Budweiser guitar (with it's custom double triangle body) was finally claimed by someone months before they closed down. There were a lot of people asking for that one I believe.
hell yea Mary, you hella chill keep it up.
Wow, that guitar store. I miss visiting guitar stores. Hardly any left in Brisbane, Australia. Most have closed down due to online stores.
I remember Percy Prior's shop in Salisbury as it was local to me along with Sarum Guitars in Castle Street. Used to drop in on Saturday afternoon's when in town.
Thanks for your helpful words, you the best 🙏😎🎸nice song 🎵
Those new Magnatone amps are truly something special. The Panoramic Stereo one is jaw dropping. If you like clean amps, that one is at the top of the list.
Another lovely video Mary. I can certainly identify with this video. Your music is absolutely amazing!!!
Your videos are terrific and inspirational. Your playing style has lit a fire in this old guitar player to broaden my skills to take songs and rework them for self accompanying. My songs and others. Guitars themselves have souls. I always imagine when I see them in a store, or even my own collection that they are looking back at me and saying silently "pick me, please pick me. I have a a voice to share and a story to tell." As corny as that might sound, everyday before I go to work, I put me Snark turner on the head stock of the guitar I'm going to play when I get home. I make sure to carefully rotate among the 6 I have to ensure that each one gets to express itself on a regular basis. I know it sounds goofy, I believe each one is alive, yearning to be heard. Playing them is an expression of the love I have for each.
That first blue thin-line strat looked and sounded incredible ! You definitely need it Mary
Wow. This takes me back. I remember Rudy's when it was on 48th St. In fact, my recollection is when I got my first acoustic guitar, a Washburn, circa 1980 or so from a music store in Brooklyn that was closing, when I inquired to multiple sources where I should go to have a Martin Thinline under-bridge pickup installed, everyone recommended Rudy's, so that's where I had it done. I still have and use that guitar to this day.
Thanks for posting this, Mary.
I loved that version of getaway sun at the end, it’s a truly beautiful song, keep it up!👍🏽
Here's my opinion, your voice & playing are lovely. Very calming.
Rudy’s are welcoming and low attitude. I’ve always been greeted with a smile and encouragement to try whatever suits my fancy. The incredible choice can cause the ‘deer in the headlights’ effect but it’s worth it.
Shout out to Musicroom Salisbury, my local guitar shop! Percy Priors 'prior' to that and Stangers prior to THAT! Spent a small fortune in there over the years and love the team in there now. Nice one Mary.
❤👍Thank you Mary,for being you.😉
So wow, just wow. Never heard of you, sorry!!! Now I follow you on Spotify, what awesome beautiful music, thank you for that. All the best!❤
Wow, you are getting so good! Those songs are fabulous. I really enjoy your story telling too. All the best!
This video touched me on many levels. I love when people’s paths cross such that afterwards it seems it was meant to be. The story with the soho store is so cool! 🖤
Interesting perspective on how to keep motivated - very inspiring
You are magic. Truly!
I'll have to check out Rudy's next time I'm in NY.
This video made me a bit nostalgic. The place where I got my first guitar and took my first few years of lessons doesn't exist like it was. They moved to a different location, and have completely different people. But you talking about your first music store brought back memories of how the people at the old place really supported and nurtured 13yr old me. I still use lessons learned there in my playing, and also how to treat enthusiastic new and/or younger players that are just learning. It's inspiring to see someone picking up a guitar, or any instrument really, and get that spark to just play and learn. Where they can't put it down. I try to be as nurturing and supportive as the people at my old music store were with me. That positive support that I had left a powerful impression that I always want to pass along.
Come to NYC I want to see you live and thank you because during the pandemic i used your fingerstyle course and I learned the basics and then further progressed. Big fan Miss Mary Spender. Also love 2 people who helped me on my guitar journey are both english and their last names both ryhme....Mary Spender +Sam Fender
No harm in mentioning Pensa,
which of course were in the beginning connected to John Suhr guitars!
John went on 31 years ago to run Fender’s Custom Shop established just years before.
I'd just like to add some praise for Mary's skill in delivering her talks to the camera. Sure, there'll be editing involved here and there, no doubt, but she is so articulate and obviously intelligent and this allows her integrity to shine through. Combined with a very, very, listenable speaking voice (and those eyes) it is hard not to be captivated. I'd be interested to know how much you script in advance, Mary, or do you have a list off-camera of points you want to cover and then it is "stream of consciousness" stuff? Either way, it is very impressively done and if you weren't in music, you have all the talents that TV likes in female presenters. But stay with the music, though, please!
Qué linda historia nos compartes, gracias. Tu música es aire fresco. Un abrazo María Spender ;)
love that Martin, and that thinline Strat! You indeed made those guitars sound good! Cheers!
Another great video Mary keep it up Im a fan from Philippines.
Incredible singing and playing. Well done.
Life is an "and then" proposition. And then you are not alone is a very wonderful experience.
You are so amazing Mary !!
Thank you Mary. This is inspiring. 🫂🙏🏻💞🎸
I loved Saturday in the local Drum shop and going to a drum clinic to see Ian Paice of Deep Purple play Fireball and I came out of the womb tearing up a drum kit as my great uncle was a Jazz drummer in London. Excellent video to inspire musicians. Always live your dreams and remember success equals preparation meets opportunity. Hahaha.
Wow, I just realised how much you've progressed since I've started following you! Not even sure how long ago that was, but I'm really impressed by the level of productions you put out: corporations, full video clips, behind the scenes stuff like this, Impressive!
Ignore the critics, especially the one inside of you, UNLESS, they have something helpful or useful to say Mary, and never let them get you down. And that guitar shop truly is beautiful!
Wonderful young lady. Great guitarist
Hi Mary
I was in New York last week for holidays and I passed by the shop. A person told us that we could enter. i told them i was not a musician just a mark knopfler fan, they said great sit there grab a guitar and take pictures. fantastic welcome great memory of nyc
Great insight into the heart Mary!