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1. Why don't you list your inventory on the website?
For a couple reasons. One - it's a major time drain, and we'd rather be working on instruments. Two - we really believe you need to play an instrument, not just look at it, before you decide to buy it. We encourage you to bring your teacher and try out several instruments in your basic price range. Our customers almost always discover something new and unexpected while evaluating instruments in the shop. So call us - we love to talk about our instruments.
2. Do I need an appointment?
It's always a good idea to call ahead if you want to try instruments or bows. We like to make sure and have things ready for you to try, and we can avoid mad crushes of people that way. But we never turn people away so drop in if you're in the area.
3. Do you do insurance appraisals?
Yes, we do. Dave Reeve is a member of the Rocky Mountain Appraiser Association. He's the one who will need to look at your instrument, so in this case we ask you to make an appointment. He will take all measurements needed, and then we will mail your papers in a week or so. Appraisals are $100.00 for the first instrument, and $50.00 for each additional appraisal on the same ticket. But - good news - any instrument or bow you buy from us comes with a free appraisal - and subsequent updates are only $50.00.
4. What if I just want a verbal quote?
We don't charge for verbal appraisals. So bring in Grandpa's violin - you might be surprised.
5. Can I take out an instrument on trial?
Sure - in fact we encourage you to try it for a week or so and get your teacher's approval. If we don't know you or your teacher yet we may ask for a credit card deposit, but the actual trial process is free.
6. Do you rent instruments?
Yes. Please contact us to arrange for a rental.
7. I bought a student violin from you but I'm ready for a better one. Can I trade in my old one?
Of course. Provided you kept it in good shape we will allow you the full purchase price towards the new instrument.
8. The music store where I'm renting will sell me a $5,000.00 cello for $3,000.00. Isn't that too good of a deal to pass up?
Maybe not. Stringed instruments prices have always been fairly subjective - with little chance for comparison. Some (certainly not most) stores inflate their list prices so they can appear to offer great discounts. You can always take it to a reputable appraiser for a true market value.
9. What about buying an online auction violin? Their prices are so cheap!
We've made a lot of money fixing up auction instruments so they are playable, so we really shouldn't criticize them. But it is all too easy to spend $500 on an eBay violin that requires an additional $500 of shop work to be made playable, for an instrument that is ultimately worth about $400. We've seen some nice instruments offered, and we've seen some we would never think about ever recommending. (read - dogs!) So, it's a gamble. Would you spend the same amount at Vegas?
10. I've heard people talk about having their violin "adjusted." What does that mean?
"Adjustments" are when we make sure your soundpost and bridge, which are held in place by the string tension, are placed in the perfect spot to make your instrument sound its best. Bridges and soundposts can sometimes "travel" a bit over time, or get "bumped," and even a tenth of a millimeter is enough to change the sound dramatically.
11. My violin doesn't sound as good as it used to. What happened?
Most likely the soundpost moved. That's common in a state where the temperature can change fifty degrees in a day. Bring it in and we'll take a look. Adjustments are always free.
12. I've heard people talk about "setup." What is that?
Setup has to do with the height of the strings above the fingerboard, the distance between strings, the height of the bridge, and the arch of the bridge. While "adjustments" can be made by carefully moving things, "setup" involves pieces of special wood that are custom-carved to fit your specific instrument, and often the offending piece must be replaced to make the necessary changes.
12. What is the exact string tension, in pounds, of violin strings by Thomastic, Pirastro and D'Addario?
It's all right here.