Store Owner Rudy Pensa
Steph Pensa
Job Title: I do a little bit of everything!
Favorite guitar: Martin 00-18
Favorite music artist/show: Big Thief
I'm from Westchester County, NY and this is my family's business - Rudy is my dad! I've been working here since 2014. Our shop is really beautiful and packed with guitars, so it's great to see people's faces when they walk in for the first time. I also love working with this awesome crew of fellow wacky, guitar-loving New Yorkers. More than anything, I'm proud to be a part of NYC music history and to continue the legacy that my parents started in 1978.
Dave Polakoff
Job Title: SoHo Store Manager
Favorite guitar: Fender 1962 Strat in Daphne Blue
Favorite music artist/show: Tedeschi Trucks Band
I'm from Westchester County, NY and I've been here at Rudy’s since 2018. The most rewarding part of the job is leading a new-ish player to their first really nice guitar. And of course all of the absolutely insane vintage guitars that we get to see are pretty cool, too. Besides playing guitar for the last 20 years I also love studying language and history (specifically Ancient Rome).
Jacob Martin
Job Title: Social Media/Web Sales
Favorite guitar: 1964 Gibson ES-330 in Cherry
Favorite music artist/show: Radiohead
I'm from NYC and grew up downtown. I've been at Rudy’s since early 2021, and I work on getting all the sweet new, used, and vintage gear up on the website for people to check out as well as run our social media. The best part of the job is getting to meet and film all of the great players who stop by to see the store!
Rob Nuovo
Job Title: Sales Expert
Favorite guitar: Gibson Advanced Jumbo, Gibson 1957 ES-175
Favorite music artist/show: Kurt Rosenwinkel
From Boston MA, I've worked for Rudy for 11 years, and I am an expert in archtop guitars, sales, and spec’ing out high end acoustics. Working at Rudy’s has been an amazing journey, meeting and selling to top pro musicians from all different genres of music, which in turn inspires me with my own professional career, playing, arranging and composing my own music.
Ian Faber
Job Title: Taylor Guitars Showroom Manager
Favorite guitar: Pensa MK-1 Plus
Favorite music artist/show: Green Day
I’m from Millstone Township, NJ. I started working at Rudy’s in May of 2022. I've been coming to Rudy’s since I was 15 years old. It was a mandatory stop on trips to the city. From a dedicated customer to a new employee, I now get to share the same joy I had coming into the shop with all of the current Rudy’s customers. If you are in the market for a new guitar, bass, amp, pedal, etc. or just want to see some cool guitars, come on by and I can help point you towards something you like!
Neal Winkowski
Job Title: Repairs & Restorations
Favorite guitar: Anything with f-holes
Favorite music artist/show: New music!
Originally from NJ and living in Brooklyn now. I just started my 4th year repairing guitars at Rudy’s. Working here has provided me with the opportunity to work on some of the finest guitars ever produced.
Makoto 'Mak' Noguchi
Job Title: Pensa Custom Guitars Builder
Favorite guitar: Fender Jazzmaster
Favorite music artist/show: Roots Music
I’m from Japan, and I've worked at Rudy’s since 2000. I started as a repairman then became the primary Pensa builder in 2002. I’ve built over 900 Pensa Custom guitars and basses, including Mark Knopfler's MK-90.
Joe Wilga
Job Title: Pensa Custom Guitars Builder
Favorite guitar: Telecaster
Favorite music artist/show: Depends on my mood
Originally from Pennsylvania, I have been with Rudy’s for 8 years. I love getting to handle interesting and rare guitars. I also build Pensa Custom guitars as well as repair and write up vintage spec sheets for our used and vintage inventory.
Zeke Schein
Job Title: C.F. Martin Showroom Manager
Favorite guitar: All of them
Favorite music artist/show: All of them
I’m a native New Yorker. I've been selling guitars for 32 years and have worked at Rudy's for the past 5 years, managing the C.F. Martin Showroom. My clients range from celebrity musicians to absolute beginners and I enjoy helping them to find the right guitar for their needs. In my spare time I play music and write books.
Howie Scher
Job Title: Guitar Sales
Favorite guitar: 1951 Gibson CF-100
Favorite music artist/show: 1969 Woodstock, 1975 Bruce Springsteen Roxy Theater LA, Paul Simon
I’m from NYC, been with Rudys on and off for 10 years. I like interacting with customers. I also work as a songwriter and guitar teacher at the American Institute of Guitars and as a D’Angelico Group Instructor here in the city.
Jim Joustra
Job Title: Guitar Sales
Favorite guitar: 1964 Fiesta Red Strat
Favorite music artist/show: The Grateful Dead
Born and raised in a small town outside of Buffalo NY. I’ve been at Rudy’s since late August 2022. My favorite part of work is learning more about music & gear everyday.
Zack Garnett
Job Title: Repairs & Restorations
Favorite guitar: 1954 Hardtail Strat
Favorite music artist/show: Hendrix! QOTSA is my favorite that’s still active
I'm from New Rochelle in Westchester County. Coming from a background restoring antique cars, my favorite part of working at Rudy’s is bringing vintage instruments back to life. There’s nothing better than getting a broken down guitar back in action and out in the world again.
Christian Gomez
Job Title: Guitar Sales/Web Sales
Favorite guitar: 1954 Fender Strat Hardtail
Favorite music artist/show: Queen
Born and raised in Scarsdale, NY, I’ve been working at Rudy’s since mid 2022 and I enjoy helping people from all different walks of musical life find their next instrument. I am astounded by the guitars I have had the opportunity to play and care for. It is always a thrill meeting fellow musicians and seeing what surprises they have with them in their cases!
Neil McLinden
Job Title: Guitar Sales/Social Media
Favorite guitar: 1937 Martin D-28
Favorite music artist/show: Any great bluegrass/Dream Theater
I'm from Milwaukee, Wisconsin! I’ve been lucky to work at Rudy’s since late 2022! I specialize in acoustic guitars, although I still love electrics and basses of all shapes and kinds! I love helping people find instruments they connect with, and that help them to express their personal and musical truths to the fullest extent. I’m super proud to work alongside the incredible Scarsdale team, and I’m excited to help you find your next dream instrument!
