Tone Dispensaries : Philadelphia
Anna Blumenthal
Philly, Philly, Philly. Where do we even begin? Home to the Rocky statue, Liberty Bell, Hall & Oates, the Fresh Prince himself, cheesesteaks, and most importantly, two absolutely fantastic guitar shops - Russo Music and DiPinto Guitars.
DiPinto Guitars are famous for Chris DiPinto’s super groovy vintage inspired guitars, played by artists like Los Straitjackets, Earl Slick and of course, Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen (you really thought I could write a blog and not squeeze in a Rick Nielsen mention?) Beyond his own designs, Chris, his wife Sophy and their A+ team sell lots of awesome vintage guitars, accessories, and some fine pedals.
Russo Music, a New Jersey staple since 1960, opened their Philadelphia location last year, and their stunning design and layout is matched only by their impressive collection of mostly new electric and acoustic guitars, basses, pedals, keyboards, drums, accessories and recording gear. Like DiPinto, their entire team completely rules.
We love how different these two shops are, meaning, of course, that no trip to Philly is complete without a shopping spree at both shops.
Russo Music
1004 Spring Garden Street
Spring Arts
Year opened: Russo Music started in 1960, and the Philadelphia shop opened in 2021.
Tell us a little bit about what makes Russo Music special.
To me, the element that really makes Russo Music so special is that we have such a large reach without abandoning a local pulse. We call ourselves "your local music store, no matter the miles", which encapsulates it perfectly. It feels great to be able to have strong relationships with folks who live in the neighborhood, but also capable of giving that same experience to you if you live in California.
What’s the coolest or weirdest piece of gear you ever sold?
The coolest piece I've ever sold would have to be a 1965 Gibson SG Special. It was heavily modified, but all by the original owner who walked me through each step personally. He added binding to the neck, and even did his own position markers alongside the fingerboard. I'm also currently consigning a 1992 commemorative Wayne's World "Excalibur" Squier Stratocaster. Might not be 'weird' per se, but I routinely wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it.
What’s your favorite item in the store right now?
Fender Custom Shop '69 Stratocaster Heavy Relic, in Vintage White.
What’s your favorite lunch spot in Philly?
Triangle Tavern is the spot. You can bring a touring band there, or your parents when they come to visit. Great options for both meat eaters and veggie folks!
What’s your favorite Philly venue?
I'd be remiss if I didn't say Union Transfer since we share a roof with them. Best sounding room in the city. On any given week you can catch the likes of Leon Bridges, Waxahatchee, and/or High on Fire. We're also lucky to be walking distance from Underground Arts, Franklin Music Hall, and The Met.
Any celebrity customers?
I am waiting not so patiently for local hunk Bradley Cooper to stop by.
What’s your favorite non music store in Philly?
There's an amazing record store called Vinyl Altar that specializes in mostly heavy music that I suggest all out-of-towners scope out. Great selection, owned and operated by a true die-hard.
What’s your favorite Philly band/musician?
It’s either Sheer Mag or Cinderella. Tough call. I'm going with Cinderella since they did a TV jingle for a chili dog restaurant in the 80's.
DiPinto Guitars
407 E. Girard Avenue
Fishtown
Year opened: 1995
Tell us a little bit about what makes DiPinto Guitars special.
We are the biggest vintage guitar store in Philadelphia and we design and make our own line of guitars known as DiPinto guitars. DiPinto guitars became the first all retro line of guitars when we released them in 1994.
What’s the coolest or weirdest piece of gear you ever sold?
The first Klon Centaur pedal. Serial number 002, which made it the first one because the maker saved 001 for himself and then made that pedal at a later date. It sold for $4200 about 6 years ago within hours of listing it. That pedal has been listed at $100k since!
What’s your favorite item in the store right now?
A DiPinto Starry Night Galaxie 4.
What’s your favorite lunch spot in Philly?
Castellino’s Italian grocery at 1255 E. Palmer St.
What’s your favorite Philly venue?
Any celebrity customers?
Many celebrities have come through our doors including Thurston Moore, Earl Slick and J. Mascis, but I’ve also made guitars for some great musicians/comedians including Jimmy Fallon (seen here with a Mach 4 and Drew Barrymore on drums), Steven Colbert (seen here with Rick and Robin from Cheap Trick and holding Ricks’s Belvedere Jr.), Adam Sandler (seen here with one of 3 DiPinto’s he owns), and Conan O’Brien (seen here with his Galaxie Los Straitjackets guitar).
What’s your favorite non music store in Philly?
Creep Records! A great record store and amazing recording studio/record label.
What’s your favorite Philly band/musician?
Creem Circus (shameless self promotion), but when I’m not on stage and want to enjoy a great live band, Foxycontin delivers the goods!
Anna Blumenthal handles Sales and Artist Relations for EarthQuaker Devices. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, plays guitar in an all-girl band, DJs 60s soul and R&B at various Brooklyn bars, and has seen Cheap Trick over 30 times.
