It was ground zero for fans of musical instruments for more than a century. There people went to buy their first guitar, whether classical, acoustic or electric. Today, all that remains of its glorious past is the old protected wooden mark of the old business on the doors. We are talking about the historic New Phono store, which occupied three premises on Ample Street. After closing a few years ago, today the space is occupied by businesses very far from music: an Asian massage house, a jewelry store and a closed blind waiting for a new activity.
New Phono opened in 1906, founded by Josep Massó Armadans. Very soon it became a reference, both for amateur and professional musicians. In their three stores at numbers 35, 37 and 39, they would buy everything they needed to play a guitar and other instruments. With the arrival of the 21st century and internet sales, the crisis arrived and New Phono, still in the hands of the same family, had to close the shutters after an agony in the form of stock liquidation. It was Josep Massó’s great-grandchildren, Josep and Elena, who had to make the painful decision in 2019, after 113 years of history.
The two establishments on Ample Street
For a time, Tico Música, another emblematic music business in Badalona, took over. But the pandemic and its effects prematurely ended New Phono’s new life. Today, at 35 Ample Street, there is an Asian massage house, which advertises with
the typical signs on the street as a lure to attract customers inside. At 37, there is a handmade jewelry store. Both businesses retain the original wood and glass entrance presided over by a nostalgic advertisement sculpted in wood in which the name of New Phono stands out, the same one that gave access to their wonderful world. Store 39 is closed pending the opening of a new business. It retains a New Phono advertisement, but more modern and pop dominated by the color yellow.
The store at number 39 is closed waiting for the opening of a new business
Walking in and shopping at New Phono was quite an experience. One was immersed in history and tradition and it was worth going to Ample Street even if it was just to get a replacement guitar string or some simple picks to play with. Today a massage at the hands of a young oriental woman can replace it, but it is not the same.
