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Marquis Violins

289 S. Santa Anita Ave.
Pasadena, California

Phone: 626-793-4567
Website: http://www.marquisviolins.com

Builds violins and/or bows? Yes
Sells? Yes
Repairs? Yes

Featured Instruments and Bows:

Violin - Ferdinand Gagliano, Napoli 1778, Reuning and Son certificate

Violin - Enrico Rocca, Genova 1915,Kenneth Warren & Son certificate


Opinions expressed below are those of their authors alone.

From J.B. Wieners
Posted via 76.173.158.117 on June 2, 2009 at 10:36 PM (MST)
My experience with Marquis has been excellent thus far. Mr. Hou has been a pleasure to work with and I am extremely happy with the bow I purchased from him. When a small problem presented itself during the transaction, Barry went out of his way to rectify the situation and limit my inconvenience. He'll have my continued business because of it.

The shop, if fairly small, is clean, elegant, and well appointed. Both the work and the inventory appear to be excellent.

Having visited most of the shops in the area, I have no hesitation in recommending Marquis.

From Scott Price
Posted via 207.200.116.12 on May 19, 2009 at 8:43 PM (MST)
I called Barry after seeing his add in "Strings" magazine, to talk about a rehair job. He made me very comfortable in sending my old bow to him. I had questions and he happily answered them. In one week, I received my old bow with the best rehair that i have seen. The quality of the hair and the even distribution on both ends is perfect! I got home, applied rosin and played hard for 2 hours. I have played 2+ hours every day since I my bow back from Marquis Violins. Thanks Barry and Vera for doing a GREAT job!
I will call you again.
Till then,
Scott Price

From Rhea Fowler
Posted via 71.232.51.125 on January 18, 2008 at 1:28 PM (MST)
I recently purchased a Gagliano family violin from Marquis, and I only have great things to say about the shop after working with Barry. I went to many shops in Los Angeles and in Boston, and Marquis was by far the most helpful and has the best selection that I've seen. Every violin in the shop has good qualities and is in fine condition, which demonstrates, in my opinion, that Barry is not only knowledgeable about repairing/making/restoring violins, but also has a great ear and cares about the sound of the instruments he sells, not just the name. I definitely plan on doing business with Marquis in the future, and encourage any violinists in the LA area to visit the shop!

From Vera Yang
Posted via 68.190.219.82 on December 1, 2007 at 4:47 PM (MST)
Hi James:

This is Vera who served you when you came into the shop. I am sorry that you have the impression that you weren’t properly assisted. Due to our limited real-estate resources, the front room is our main showroom and most of our customers have no problem trying instruments in that room.

Perhaps I was not aware of the entire inventory, if you could come in again, I’ll make sure Barry is available to assist you with his undivided attention.

With warm regards

Vera Yang

From James Weissenbach
Posted via 216.175.110.77 on November 19, 2007 at 6:53 PM (MST)
I guess I should have taken the advice of others and asked for Barry. They weren't very interested. Seemed a bit turned off when I told them my price range was a (measly) $5-6K. Showed me a new Cremona that they said was $8000 list (but could make a deal); also a new Romanian (that sounded plastic), and a few other cheap violins. Didn't give me a room to try them; played in their front area with no privacy.

This is probably a shop that only cares for the big spending or a student that they are familiar

From Rachel Sandman
Posted via 68.190.219.82 on October 22, 2007 at 4:21 PM (MST)
I am a senior in high school, and I study violin at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. About a year ago, I purchased a very nice 1964 Sderci violin and a WE Hill bow from Marquis. I had never heard of Marquis before, but my teacher encouraged me to look into it after a strenuous 8-month search for a new violin. I found Barry Hou's service to be more personal and helpful than any other shop in the LA area. His instruments are always in good condition, the price is reasonable, and he has a wide range of instruments for any level player. Furthermore, the bow rehair at Marquis is better than any bow rehair I've ever had (and I've tried them all). Mr. Hou is extremely enthusiastic and genuinely interested in finding a player the right instrument. I was so satisfied with his service that I applied for a job here about 2 months ago, and luckily I got hired! I encourage anybody in the LA area who is searching for an instrument, bow, or simply maintenance services to consider Marquis. Violinists from outside California should also consider Marquis when looking for a higher-end instrument. I have never read or heard a bad review of Marquis, and I assure anybody that they will be satisfied with the service that Mr. Hou provides.

From Joshua Hong
Posted via 66.171.48.202 on September 18, 2007 at 1:01 AM (MST)
Definitely one of the best shops I've ever been to. Barry Hou is great to work with.

The Peter Guarneri in his shop has a beautiful sound.

From Laurie Niles
Posted via 69.234.119.104 on October 21, 2005 at 10:24 PM (MST)
This shop does a really nice bow rehair.

From Jenni Thompson
Posted via 63.13.232.27 on November 4, 2004 at 11:52 PM (MST)
I bought my violin there August of 2003! Very pleased over all. Would highly recommend to always see Barry Hou for problems however, over other associates at Marquis.

From Rachel Massey
Posted via 198.81.26.42 on October 1, 2004 at 8:04 PM (MST)
I bought my violin from Barry Hou's shop (AKA Marquis Violins), and I'd highly recommend him. He has excellent service, great repairs, great instruments, and is quite good at making his own violins and bows as well.

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