Re: Matt Umanov Guitars (NYC) to Close
First Mandolin Brothers, now Umanov's. Is Retrofret the last store left in NYCity? Shows again how personalized the business of buying, selling and repairing vintage instruments can be; when the founder decides to retire, or is forced to by illness, age, whatever, the business closes -- no heirs waiting in the wings to carry it on. Sandy's in Cambridge too, a few years ago.
Think of how many of the stores we discuss, respect, and deal with are one-person shows, or nearly. I'd cite Denver's Folklore Center as an exception, as there seem to be successors to run it after Harry Tuft doesn't do the day-to-day.
Here in Rochester John Bernunzio said he was going to cut back his involvement, just do the big "buys" and appraisal and dealing in vintage instruments, leave the rest to Julie and the staff. Know what? He's in the store every time I go there. So much for "cutting back."
I only hope that our other "fave" dealers have a succession plan of some sort. Not seeing a whole bunch of Gen-X's or millennials starting vintage instrument dealerships. They may be out there, but I've missed 'em...
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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