Mandolin Brothers
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Musical instrument retail |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Founder | Stan Jay, Harold "Hap" Kuffner |
| Defunct | 2017 (physical location) |
| Fate | Acquired by a buyer from California; brand continued online |
| Headquarters | Staten Island, New York City , United States |
Area served | United States (originally), online presence post-2017 |
Key people | Stan Jay (President), Harold "Hap" Kuffner (co-founder, left 1982), Flip Scipio (repair department manager 1991–1997) |
| Products | Musical instruments, specializing in mandolins and vintage instruments |
Mandolin Brothers was a retailer specializing in musical instruments based in New York City. Founded in 1971, the store was situated on Staten Island, New York. The physical location ceased operations in 2017 after being acquired by a buyer from California, who has since maintained the brand's presence through an online platform.
Overview
Situated on Staten Island, New York, Mandolin Brothers served a clientele that included prominent musicians such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, and Paul McCartney.[1] Additionally, notable figures like Bruce Springsteen and George Harrison frequented the shop. It is reported that Joni Mitchell acquired an antique mandolin from this establishment, an instrument she later referenced in her song "Song for Sharon."[2][3]
Mandolin Brothers is recognized as a point of interest on The New York Music Trail, a curated map highlighting significant "Sites of Sound" created by the City of New York in partnership with The Host Committee for the Grammy Awards.[4]
History
The business was launched in 1971 by Stan Jay and Harold "Hap" Kuffner. Kuffner departed from the company in 1982. The founders selected the name Mandolin Brothers to emphasize their belief that the mandolin had not been adequately appreciated within the musical community.[5]
Between 1991 and 1997, the repair department at Mandolin Brothers was managed by Flip Scipio.[6]
References
- ↑ "NYC Music Trail: Mandolin Brothers | WFUV".
- ↑ Moynihan, Colin (November 22, 2015). "Mandolin Brothers on Staten Island Angles for Graceful Exit". The New York Times.
- ↑ Vitello, Paul (October 27, 2014). "Stan M. Jay, Seller of Strings to the Stars, Dies at 71". The New York Times.
- ↑ "NYC Music Trail: Mandolin Brothers | WFUV".
- ↑ Hastedt, Alexander J. "Guitar Aficionado".
- ↑ Baskin, Michael (2021-09-29). "Luthier on Luthier: Flip Scipio - Fretboard Journal". Fretboard Journal - Dedicated to the history of guitars and other fretted instruments. Retrieved 2024-10-30.
External links
- In-depth video on Mandolins by Smoke Music TV at Mandolin Brothers
- Image of Stan Jay, President
- Forbes.com feature covering Mandolin Brothers
- Chris Leslie from Fairport Convention shares his experience visiting Mandolin BrothersTemplate:Fix/category[permanent dead link]
- WNYC SoundCheck’s Staten Island and Mandolin Brothers segment, July 24, 2003
- June 1, 2007 WNYC SoundCheck interview with Stan Jay of Mandolin Brothers and George Gruhn of Gruhn Guitars discussing vintage instruments
- Gruhn Guitars official website
- Travel guide entry for Mandolin Brothers on outside.in
- Gibson Guitar’s profile page for Mandolin Brothers
- The New York Observer article titled "The Local: Mandolin 'Mecca' on Staten Island," July 15, 2008
- Insiderpages listing for Mandolin Brothers
- Photo gallery featuring Mandolin Brothers
- WNYC blog post profiling Mandolin Brothers, June 21, 2012
- WFUV profile of Mandolin Brothers dated July 16, 2012
- Obituary of founder Stanley Jay from Staten Island Live.com
- Template:Usurped