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Thread: Mandolin Stores in NJ

  1. #1

    Default Mandolin Stores in NJ

    Hello everyone,

    I've been picking mandolin on and off for a number of years, but only recently joined this website. This is my first post.

    Right now I have an Epiphone MM-30AS that is set up with Martin light strings (.10 - .34). The intonation on it is fine, but I am not happy with the sound I am making. There is a local guitar center that has a "The Loar" LM-300, and it has a much better sound than my Epiphone (I stop by after work sometimes just to play it). Its $300, but I am hesitant to get it because I don't feel like it is too much of a step up from the $200 Ephiphone I have.

    Are there any places in the New Jersey/Philly area where I can go to try lots of different Mandolins? I know online is an option, but I am reluctant to buy something without playing it...

    Thanks,

    Jersey Picker

  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    The quick answer is not really. Lark Street in Teaneck has some. You've got Retrofret in Brooklyn. They both carry vintage stuff, not sure how much new you'll find at either. We did have Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island but they are gone. Vintage Instruments in Philly has new and old. I've never been in that store. One of these days I'll cross the river and check it out.

    Beyond that none of the local guys carry a whole lot that I'm aware of and I live in Monmouth County. Perhaps someone else has some hidden gems. A whole lot of stores have come and gone.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  3. #3

    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    The quick answer is not really. Lark Street in Teaneck has some. You've got Retrofret in Brooklyn. They both carry vintage stuff, not sure how much new you'll find at either. We did have Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island but they are gone. Vintage Instruments in Philly has new and old. I've never been in that store. One of these days I'll cross the river and check it out.

    Beyond that none of the local guys carry a whole lot that I'm aware of and I live in Monmouth County. Perhaps someone else has some hidden gems. A whole lot of stores have come and gone.
    Yikes, was afraid of this. Is there anywhere in a 3-4 hour radius of Philly that would be worth the drive?

  4. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    Somebody else will have to answer that one. I really miss Mandolin Bros.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  5. #5
    Barn Cat Mandolins Bob Clark's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    Check with Joe Todaro at Todaro's Music in Lansdowne, PA (NFI). Joe has an amazing music store right on Lansdowne Ave, just west of Philly. He is heavily involved in all aspects of mandolin life in the city. He is likely to have mandolins that would interest you. No harm in giving him a call to find out. I have bought a few instruments from Joe. He's very knowledgeable and a really great guy.
    Here's the shop's URL http://worldfrets.com/ and phone number 610-623-3555.

    Where in Jersey are you? I'm in Salem County.

    Best wishes,

    Bob
    Purr more, hiss less. Barn Cat Mandolins Photo Album

  6. #6
    Registered User Steve Repinec's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    Since Mandolin Brothers closed we don’t have many options. I live in Central Jersey and I drove down to Appalachian Bluegrass in MD when I was shopping for a higher end Mando. I suggest you set a budget and check inventories on line for some of the stores mentioned in the above posts and then drive to check them out. Good luck!

  7. #7

    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    Good suggestions, thank you both.

    I am in Gloucester County, so anything near Philly would be a quick drive.

  8. #8
    Mando accumulator allenhopkins's Avatar
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    Registered User Mike Arakelian's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    You might also check with The House Of Musical Traditions in Takoma Park, MD. They will usually carry a few Eastmans or The Loar, and also have used mandolins for sale from time to time. Certainly worth a call.
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    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    Without looking, there used to be good store in Bergenfield called Di Bella Music, they had mandolins, banjos, etc. I actually had their repair guy put a new nut on my A-40 (purchased at MB in 1978). I would not be surprised if they are no longer in business.

  11. #11
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    I didn't realize you were a Bergen County guy.

    https://www.odibellamusic.com/

    Many years back there was another guy on Teaneck Rd. in Teaneck that did banjos and mandolins. He was old in 1980. That shop has been gone for more than 30 years.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  12. #12
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Mandolin Stores in NJ

    Quote Originally Posted by allenhopkins View Post
    It looks like Fred stocks new Eastman and Kentucky's.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

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