Where to Buy/Rent/Repair Stringed Instruments
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Where to Buy/Rent/Repair Stringed Instruments
Jan 2012
I have a violin that is at least 50 years old and is in
great condition but could use a new set of strings and other
minor repairs. Are there any repair shops in the East Bay
or South Bay that specialize in repairing vintage violins?
Thanks. jen
I recommend beginning your search with Ishfin Violins on
Fairmont Ave, just above San Pablo, in El Cerrito.
coco
I'm glad you're wanting to get your violin in shape! And I
hope you'll enjoy playing it. But, first of all, a violin
that is 50 years old is not really a 'vintage' violin; it
would actually be considered fairly new. (My violin was made
in 1712! Not kidding!) For most repairs, and certainly for
re-stringing, Ifshin Violins on Fairmount in El Cerrito is
perfectly adequate. You can ask them to look over your
instrument (and your bow) to see if any additional work is
needed. They're trustworthy and competent. Check out their
website at http://www.ifshinviolins.com A Berkeley violinist
I would like to recommend Rachael Soroka. She used to have a
website but it looks like it is down? Although I have not
experienced her repairs myself, I know that this is her
specialty. You can reach her at (415) 317-0581 or email
rachael@sorokaviolins.com. She is in the East Bay and does
this by appointment only.
Good luck.
anon
Where to buy a cello
December 2001
I am looking for a cello for a 9 yr. old. Any suggestions
old or new welcomed. Thank you
diana
Whether or not to buy a cello for a nine year old depends
on many factors. How serious a player is your child and
for how long have they been playing? What size cello are
you looking for? Do you plan to trade the cello in for a
larger size when your child outgrows it or will you be
reselling it yourself? What is your budget?
Decent small size cellos, the maker called Jay Haide,
can be rented from Ifshin's in Berkeley for $50 per month.
They have cheaper, lesser quality cellos for rent as well.
To buy, a good quality small sized cello will cost from
$2,000 to $3,000 (or more). Joan Balter, a private studio
in Berkeley, 524-4333 has a good collection. Kamimoto
String Instruments in San Jose is a good source, 408
298-8168, and Roland Feller in San Francisco, 415 567-3708.
Sometimes, as in our case, a Master teacher will have
fine cellos to lend to students. It is very difficult
to find good small cellos, easy to find mediocre ones.
There is not much of a re-sale market for cellos smaller
than 3/4.
Lucy
And now a response to the where-to-buy-a-cello request:
Try Ifshin violins on University Ave. in Berkeley.
Jane
We rent our cello from Ifshin Violins at 1633 University
Avenue. They outgrow cellos so quickly, even though it's
costly, it seemed less costly than buying. Also, if you
rent, Ifshin will take care of any problems (buzzing strings,
slipped bridge, change strings when needed, etc). They
also sell cellos, if you really want to buy.
For rentals (if Ifshin doesn't have the right size at the
moment), you could also try Aeril Whitback, who runs "The
Cello Orphanage" in Danville, at (925) 837-3814. She repairs
damaged cellos and generally rents them out, although
sometimes sells them as well.
There is also a catalogue company, Shar Music, that has
reasonable priced cellos (relatively, the least expensive
begin a bit below $1000 and go up from there). They have
a web site, http://www.sharmusic.net/home.htm.
Cynthia Kroll
How wonderful your child is taking up the cello. I have a nine year old son
who has been playing for a year now. Perhaps even more important than where
you buy, is that you get assistance from your cello teacher. I do recommend
Ifshin on University Ave. in Berkeley, and they are knowledgeable, helpful,
wonderful. Ideally, meet your cello teacher there and he/she can help you
through the process, choosing the right instrument for your child. Ifshin
does rent, but we purchased an older cello, which Henry has now almost
outgrown. Ifshin has an excellent buy back program when you trade up to a
larger instrument. Hope this helps
Nuckypuff
March 2008
I am looking for a reliable shop to rent a violin for my son. I was renting
at Ifshin in Berkeley, but upon returning the instrument, found they and I
did not agree on what the insurance I had been paying for covered. I
understand that there are good Chinese instruments available and am looking
for one.
violin mom
I don't know anywhere else to rent, but if you want to BUY a good
Chinese violin at a good price, Peter Van Arsdale
(www.vanviolins.com) sells one, $400 for the violin, bow, and case.
I bought one from him a few years ago and at the time he had this
trade-in policy: will buy the violin back from you for the amount you
paid minus cost of repairs when you buy another violin from him.
My violin teacher was VERY impressed with my violin.
Francesca
A really good resource you'll want to know about is Ifshin Violins
(1633 University Ave., (510) 843-5486). In addition to renting and
repairing string instruments, they can provide you an extensive
listing of teachers in the area, iincluding their specialies (classical,
fiddle, etc.) ages taught, and methods. They, too, have their own web site:
http://www.ifshinviolins.com/
From: Becky
My daughter played viola for a few years and we really enjoyed the
atmosphere at Ifshin Violins at 1633 University Avenue. They give lessons
there, and I'm sure they could recommend some "at home" instructors.
There's another place at 2035 University called Berkeley Violin Center, but
I know nothing about them.
Consider Ifshin Violins at 1633 University Avenue (between Jefferson
and McGee). Phone 843-5466. Also has a rental business upstairs -
phone 843-5486. We purchased a "Jaye-Hayde" violin for my sixth
grader there for $1000 + after he spent a year on a $100 violin from
an ordinary music store and showed some talent. He loves the better
violin: so much easier to play. For us uneducated folks, violins all
seem to look alike, but not so! We're currently renting a
good-quality viola for my fifth-grade daughter. --Bonnie
Feb. 2003
My daughter has outgrown her 1/4 size violin and we are now
looking to buy a 1/2 size violin. Do you have one in decent
condition you would like to sell or can you recommend a good
place to find one?
Thomas
I'd talk to Ifshin Violins on University Ave. in Berkeley. They
sell a line, Jay Haide, that all of our teachers thought sounded
very good for the price. They are a model of probity, and a
pleasure to deal with.
You may want to consider renting, instead of buying, especially
if you have no younger child to inherit an outgrown instrument.
Ifshin rents, too. I believe Ifshin will credit 6 months of your
rental payments toward the purchase price of a fiddle should you
decide to buy the one you are renting, as we did. Some rental
fiddles, though, they simply refuse to sell, no mattered how
enamored the would-be buyer!
sreilly
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