Kolstein’s, a harmonious heritage

Over 75 years of old world craftsmanship

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If you live in Baldwin, you’ve probably driven past the Kolstein & Sons shop, with its distinctive purple awning, many times, never realizing that it houses a number of string instruments that are older than the United States itself.
The shop has been in business since 1943 and in Baldwin since 1980. Barrie Kolstein and his team of experts repair, appraise and build a variety of string instruments. Currently the oldest bass in the shop dates back to the 1600s.
Kolstein said that every instrument and repair is unique. An instrument must “produce the livelihood of the musican who’s using it. Since we’re dealing with functional art, there is no one formula that works,” he said.
The company is renowned for its Old World craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The shop’s commitment to traditional repair methods has kept customers coming back for 75 years, including the many famous classical and jazz players from around the world whose photographs decorate the shop’s hallway entrance.

To view a more in depth story about the shop, click here