New York Music Shop Sued for $2 Million After Alleged Consignment Scheme

After their instruments "simply disappeared," five separate instrument owners have sued Kolstein Music, in Long Island

New York music shop Kolstein Music, which specializes in double basses, is being sued by multiple instrument owners to the tune of $2 million, according to a report by the New York Post.

The shop is accused of selling instruments and bows on consignment, without passing the profits to their owners. The instruments in question included two basses and 43 bows, which they received from the estate of Marvin Topolsky, a longtime member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra who died in 2021.

Two further lawsuits concern the sale of a Matteo Gofriller bass worth $255,000 (owned by Yoshio Nagashima), and a bow and copy of a Testore bass worth $185,000 (owned by Yoshio Aomori).

Finally, two more lawsuits were filed in Nassau County Supreme Court, NY, about a £60,000 Nicolas Vuillame bass and an $18,000 bass from Prague.

Attorney Daniel Schiavetta, who is representing the players, described Kolstein Music as the largest double bass shop on the East Coast. It is run by Manny Alvarez, and Schiavetta noted that Alvarez "has not followed up with inquiries" after the instruments "simply disappeared." Alvarez took over the business from its original owner, Barrie Kolstein, in 2019.

"We are aware of the recent legal claims by certain customers and understand the concern this may cause for our clients, employees, and community," a representative of Kolstein Music told The Violin Channel. "After over two decades of partnership and mutual trust, what is currently unfolding through the legal process is hardly representative of the rich operating history of Kolstein Music which continues to operate and provide quality sales and service for our clientele.

"We are fully committed to addressing these issues through the appropriate legal channels, where the entire truth will be brought to light. We have faith that the judicial process will reveal the facts and expose the unjust nature of these accusations.

"We appreciate the continued support of our clients, partners, and community during this challenging time and can assure our client base that an appropriate response to the recent allegations is forthcoming."