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I was on Staten Island today and had a chance to walk into this legendary guitar shop. I was stunned at the quality and variety of guitars, resonators, banjos and mandolins hanging on the walls. For the first 15 minutes I just walked around with my jaw on the floor just looking at the instruments. For the next 15 minutes I played a few guitars that I had never seen before...Collings, Bourgois, Santa Cruz, Goodall until someone tapped me on the shoulder and told me they were closing...it was 6:00 PM and it was like being awakened from an erotic dream.

Of course, I'll be back again and make sure I have at least 2 hours to play and talk guitars with the experts.

I was wondering if anyone else has been there and might be able to shed more light on their experience. It sure beats any guitar store I've ever visited.

Stay tuned...I'll be sure to have a better report next time I'm on Staten Island.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Sure would like to go visit that place one day!

Serge

I have been there, they sure have some gems on the walls! I think they had 5 or 6 vintage D'Angelicos on one wall, many old Gibson mandolins, I played some killer prewar Martins and of course a bunch of the newer top name brands. I talked a bit to the owner, Stanley Jay, who is a real nice guy. Unfortunately I didn't bring an instrument to show, because he was interested in seeing an example of my work. It turned out his wife is Norwegian (so is mine!), so we had that experience in common to discuss too...Well worth the trip.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin

Sounds like a fun time. When I lived in the SF bay area that used to happen more often than not on the way home from work. I'd stop in at Frank Fords store (Gryphon Strings) for a taste of Froggy bottom or SCGC or some such like that and the next thing ya know somebody thinks you work there and hands ya a broom.

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

Hi JJ,
I live about an hour and a half away from Mandolin Brothers (AKA "The dream fulfillment center").
Over the last 6 years I have sold 4 of my archtops through them on consignment.
The way I figure it, the percentage they take is small potatoes compared to the tremendous exposure and "credibillity" I get from having them sell my instruments.
Stan Jay is great guy.
They have an unbelievable showroom!!
I love the "living room" atmosphere.

I am lucky enough to live in Manhattan and so I get to stop by the shop every few months. You are correct - just a great place with great vintage stuff -- and it is on the walls. But for a few real expensive things you can pick up and play whatever you want. Other stores won't let you do that -- other than Guitar Center Vintage in NYC.

I have travelled a lot and look up guitar stores where ever I go. HAve not found one that beats Mando and I am surprised at the lack of them, as I collect vintage. I think Chicago Music exchange, in Chicago IL, may have tons of stock too.

LUCKY MAN! For twenty years I lived thirty minutes away and never went. BOY I wish had ...many a time the last twenty years since I've been here in Florida.There isn't one good place I know of...even the vintage show in Orlando had mostly junk!

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"