Mandolin Brothers

Took over a month for a guitar setup, even though I was informed numerous times that the guitar was ready, but when I went in to collect it I was told to come back another day. Place isn't what it used to be and I won't be coming back.

Re: the complaint about Mandolin Bros. failure to be of "use" because dealer doesn't stock violins--
True, Mandolin Bros. does not stock/sell violins. Huge issue, but even more problematic:
Mandolin Bros. does not carry collectable wash-boards, home-churned butter products, quail eggs,
Bobble-Head Judas Iscariot figurines, or human reproduction journals that refer to all male offspring starting out as females, anatomically, prior to developing as males in gender.

Don't know which is more catastrophic -- i.e., leaving the shop for home without the quail eggs,
or refraining from approaching George Harrison when he visited the shop years ago... without doubt, because Harrison knew full well that the founder & owner of Mandolin Bros. was a genius pioneer in the business of vintage string instrument collections & sales.

I should know, having been an employee at the shop way back when. Thanks, Stan.

I would like to thank Alison, her brother ( who's name escapes me at the moment ), and their guitar tech, Jason, for making my experience at Mandolin Brothers such a pleasure. After much research into a myriad of Gibson 335 alternatives- looking for Something that would not send me to the poor house, yet still provide me with a solid build, and professional sound- I landed on the Eastman t-386. The folks at Mandolin Brothers had one in antique sunburst, the exact finish i was looking for. I played the instrument, immediately fell in love, then proceeded to get the best price I have seen anywhere. Mentioning that the factory action was a bit high for my taste, Jason quickly came upstairs to address the issue. Fifteen minutes, and a perfect setup later, my fingers were running up and down the fret-board as though the guitar had always been an extension of my hands. What sweet, beautiful sounds!!! Thank you Mandolin Brothers, another dream fulfilled.

What more could you ask for from a legendary acoustic instrument shop? This place has amazingly beautiful merchandise. So many guitars, banjos, mandolins, it makes for a great afternoon. It is also a grand adventure, taking the ferry to Staten Island and taking a taxi or bus to the store. The staff knows their stuff and they have a decent shop for working on instruments.

There are some stores that are simply like no other place in the world. This is one of them. Their selection is incredible: one-of-a-kind pieces from luthiers large and small, new and vintage. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Most amazingly of all, every one of their fine instruments is available for you to play, compare and ponder how you're going to afford (you will.)

That said, yes, these instruments are not cheap (though they do have a good selection of more affordable ones too), but if you're looking for a step-up, or a real professional and beautiful piece, I couldn't imagine going anywhere else. Their repair shop is also reasonably priced and there's nowhere else I'd trust to work on my vintage acoustics. I am still amazed at how perfectly they re-glued a snapped-off bridge on my favorite Lowden without a trace.

So yes, go there. The ferry is free. Make a day of it. You'll be happy you did.