Searching for a QUALITY violin shop in Texas
I am a violin student at a top conservatory in the US. I've been given the opportunity to begin exploring new instruments to replace a relatively inexpensive one which has served me well for 6 years but is beginning to become a slight hindrance in my technical AND musical development. At this point I am looking for a career instrument in the $50-75K price range.
I'm hoping to get some good violin shop recommendations from those of you who have tried instruments at a similar price range.
I already know of some quality shops on the East coast and I am beginning my search with Reuning and Sons and Marco Coppiardi in Boston and the String House in Rochester.
I will be home in Texas for a brief period and I was hoping to begin looking at some instruments. The only music stores in Texas that I am familiar with are ones which deal in lower-end instruments, accessories, and student outfits. Can anyone recommend shops in the Dallas, Austin, Houston, or San Antonio areas which would have high quality instruments available in my price range?
I would appreciate responses with both shop names and explanations of personal experiences. Please let me know if there are any places you would advise against, or shops you can highly recommend.
Replies (9)
I would suggest looking at auctions given your price range. J. & A. Beare, which I believe is affiliated with the famous stringed instrument auction house is in Dallas.
Here is their info.
3303 Lee Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 521-6778
If you are going to spend 50,000, would it be worth 2000 in expenses to travel to New York or Chicago, and visit the shops that specialize in those violins?
2k should be enough time to trail the violins for a few days. It would be stressful, but give you alot of choices.
Hi Joshua, I'm in the same situation, I have your same budget.
I'm wondering if you already found a violin? I know is hard, please, can you suggest me where to go, I'm just starting to look, and I'm determined to find a great violin by Thanksgiving!
Thank you.
P.S. I'm from the east cost.
Hello Joshua....you might check out the Blackerby Violin Shop in Austin Tx. The owners are top notch and run a great business.
oops....check date of post before responding...lol Hope you found your violin Joshua ;-)
Live on Houston- depending on your needs you might want to travel. Nyc and Chicago just have the inventory you won't find anywhere else. Boston too.
For adjustments strings etc, your local shop with a trained luthier should be fine. (Amati violin shop here)
Robertson in Albuquerque is not exactly close but you could drive it in 1 ( long )day.
I have never been there but have heard good things about them. Their inventory looks very reasonably priced eg Carl Beckers for less than
50,000 retail sounds low nowadays. They have a fair selection above 50,000 looking at their website.
I second that, robertsons is great and have shipped me 6-figure instruments via sw airlines cargo. Ask for Aaron he's great.
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March 14, 2013 at 03:02 PM ·