Stan Jay was the owner of Mandolin Brothers, the well-known guitar shop on Staten Island. This was a destination for ordinary guitarists, guitar afficionados and serious musicians and collectors since its opening in 1971. Stan became seriously ill last year and passed away in October of 2014 at age 71.
photo by Bruce Ennis |
1642 Forest Avenue, Staten Island NY |
When actor Christopher Guest needed a banjo for the film, “Like A Mighty Wind”, he went to Mandolin Brothers to purchase a vintage Gibson long neck banjo and even got some lessons.
Paul McCartney sent his 1963 Hofner 500/1 bass there for repairs. For years he claimed he could not get the bass to play in tune. Mandolin Brothers fixed it
Bea, Stan’s widow is 68 and hoping to retire. Her children, Alison and Eric have other life plans, but all have stepped in to keep the family business going. But they are now making plans to wind business down. Staffers are no longer employed full-time and the shop is closing early and is only open by appointment.
The stock has dwindled from nearly 800 rare vintage instruments to around 130. Sadly, also gone is Stan Jay’s remarkable knowledge of the vintage instrument market.
Mr. Jay was never a great guitarist, in fact he didn’t learn how to play until after the early 1970’s. He started the shop by trading a $10 mandolin he purchased at a pawn shop for the use of a Saab vehicle for one summer while he was in California.
He discovered he had a knack for this sort of business and along with his business partner, with his business partner, Hap Kuffner, purchased a second story walk-up in Staten Island.
George Gruhn and Stan Werbin |
I can only think of Gruhns in Nashville, Elderly Instruments in Lansing Michigan, Norman's Rare Guitars in Tarzana, Califiornia and Mike's Music in Cincinnati Ohio and Covington Kentucky.
The shop also featured Elvis Presley’s 1958 Gibson LG-1.
And they had a pre-war National resonator ukulele that was purchased by George Harrison during a visit to the store.
Joni Mitchell at Mandolin Brothers |
Some of Mandolin Brothers famous customers |
I certainly hope an interested buyer is found to take over this long standing and well loved guitar business.
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