Probably you came to this page hoping for an online violin shop. Sorry to disappoint if thats the case. What I do offer instead is a personal buying experience for beginner and intermediate instruments – something thats hard to do online. I’m committed to upcycling and sharing my love of playing violins with others (see about me). While I don’t have the buying power, fancy websites (or overheads) of the big shops I do offer a range of new instruments that I think are good value. I am happy also to consider trade-ins. Read on for my preloved, new, advanced new and antique instruments.
Preloved/upcycled instruments (~$160-1000)
From my home based workshop I offer range of preloved violins, that I bring up to spec so that they look and sound as good as the day they were first sold. Actually they probably sound better, because they have aged and been played in. the timbers used in student beginner and intermediate instruments generally haven’t aged all that well , so getting one with a few miles on it, that has had the once over and a service, to make sure its solid and running like it should. It likely not only sounds better, but is easier on the hip pocket as well. I usually have 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 on hand (sometimes 1/4 and 1/8 as well). I have sourced a range of new instruments for just a little bit more for when I don’t have enough
New Instruments ($250+ )
I also offer a range of new instruments, that in my opinion sound as good as the European instruments (but without the price tag). Their tone will continue to develop as they age as well.
For starter students on a 1/2 size I have the Vivo Neo Beginner Violin at ~$250. It sounds great for the money, is a good match to the abilities of someone just starting and isn’t to hard on the pocket .
For those on the 3/4 I recommend a slightly higher quality instrument, the Vivo Neo Plus, which has a higher quality top plate (for just another $50) at ~$300
For students on a full size (or advanced 3/4 students) I carry three instruments that sound as good as European instruments that cost 50% more. These have full flame tone woods, ebony fitting, the only compromise is they use a more durable finish than the traditional style (which is expensive)
- Vivo Montanari Elite Violin (~$500). The big brother to the Neo’s these violins sound great and are exceptional value for money
- Kreisler Violin’s (~$475)
- Hidersine Violins ($780- $2000). Intermediate / advanced instrumentsThese are hand selected instruments from one of the UK’s oldest violin instrument shops
These violins are ones that I have sourced and often restored myself, they are older factory instruments from European with rich histories and tonal qualities to match.
New Bows ($70-$200)
I also offer new bows (as buy them for secondhand instruments that need them ) together with carbon fibre bows that I have researched, assessed and sourced myself (see all about bows). The are outstanding value for money, which deliver power and projection, if not quite the sensitivity of a $1000 pernambuco bow, but at a fraction of the price.
New student bows are $50-$75 (Vivo or FPS)
Strings
I also carry a range of strings (Tonicas, Dominants and Alphayue ) are my go to’s for 3/4 and 4/4 along with Clarion Silver for 1/2 and cheaper 3/4 instruments (see my Violin String Selection Guide). As well as Dominants and Visions from Thomastik
Rosin and shoulder pads
I also carry good student quality rosins and shoulder pads
Something Else
need something else , some of my suppliers can deliver overnight (on a good day) including specialty products and custom violins. i am happy to work with you to find what you need.