Mandolin Brothers: The Next Generation

[BradKlein]

It is heart-warming to see Alison and Eric Jay's photo in their latest email blast - continuing the tradition of 'then and now' photography established by their late father Stan, who founded the famous instrument retailer.



I have not been in touch with them directly since writing the story of Stan's decline for the Cafe - but I am personally delighted that they've taken the reins from the reigning clown-king of vintage instrument dealers. They both exhibited a lot of guts during a tough time, and wanted to talk 'straight', via the Cafe, to their many long time customers and window shoppers.

Whatever comes next, I wish them all the best in the coming year and beyond.

[MikeEdgerton]

I was delighted to get that e-mail this morning from Mandolin Bros.

[AlanN]

Same here. Stan would no doubt be very proud.

[Eric F.]

Gotta love it: "put down that beer, son, and try this McPherson."

[BradKlein]

Gotta love it: "put down that beer, son, and try this McPherson."

It's not easy to rhyme, McPherson. Stan would approve!

[Ken Waltham]

This is excellent news! Glad to see they are going to continue. I thought there was talk of closing up shop?

[adauria]

+1.

I grew up in Staten Island, and visited Mandolin Brothers frequently as a teenager. [side note: imagine that Mandolin Brothers is your local music shop as a buddy teenage musician - yes, that's how lucky I am]. Stan and staff were always welcoming. And if there's a better place to try dozens or hundreds of quality instruments to your heart's content, I haven't found it. I actually still have a couple of instruments purchased there (a Babicz jumbo acoustic guitar and a Deering Goodtime Banjo), but no mandolins.

I too heard that they were thinking of closing shop. It would warm my heart to know I can still go back to Staten Island and visit my happy place on Forest Avenue. If they are indeed staying open, I wish them all the best.

-Andrew

[gregpost]

When I called they were not interested in purchasing any instruments even though Stan Jay called and inquired about the instruments over the years.