Stan Jay, who had managed Mandolin Brothers music store in Staten Island, NY since 1971, has died. He was 71 years old.
Mandolin Brothers became known as one the nation’s top brokers of vintage fretted instruments, mandolins in particular. Stan started the business with a partner, Harold “Hap” Kuffner, who departed after 11 years. Since the ’70s, visitors to New York, including a who’s who of musical artists, would ride the ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island to browse through the many fine banjos, mandolins, and guitars on display.
Their printed catalogs provided a wish list for serious instrument collectors and hobbyists alike, with page after page of valuable pieces described in tantalizing detail. In recent years their inventory level has been curtailed, but you can still find a ’24 Loar and a ’52 P-bass on their web site.
Jay had been hospitalized for the past month suffering from Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare blood cancer. His children, Alison and Eric have been keeping the store open during his illness, and have not yet announced any plans for its future.
R.I.P., Stan Jay.
