Peter Prier & Sons Violins
Just want to give a warning to fellow violinists about the Peter Prier shop in SLC. I assume the shop was at one point honorable and reputable but they have become nothing more than a hustler/scam shop. Went in for a simple open seam glue job and when I went back later in the day to pick up my violin, my bill is $90 before tax. Yes, 90 DOLLARS for gluing an open seam. I've been to plenty of shops when I was living in NYC and have been to shops in Chicago and Robertson's in NM and I have never been charged more than $30 for a glue job. After expressing my disbelief and what I've paid in the past for similar repairs, the receptionist agreed to lower it by half, which is still $20 too much especially considering the fact there were scratches on the violin that wasn't there when I brought it in.
When I first moved to SLC, I asked a bunch of my colleagues about the best shop to go to, and while they have differing opinions, there is one thing in common, and that is "don't go to Peter Prier". I should've listened, but I didn't so I ended up paying more for shoddy workmanship. It seems like their clientele now is generally clueless parents and local music students who can be easily hustled and overcharged because they don't know any better. It is very unfortunate that Peter Prier's offspring have turned the shop into such a dishonest practice. SAD!
Jerry Chiu
First Violin, Utah Symphony
Replies (13)
Since I, as an amateur, have done this a few times myself, I would think at current labor rates, $90 might imply 3/4 hour and would be abut 50% high. You have to consider checking for openings, cleaning up the area, applying the glue (from the already "hot pot"), clamping, cleanup, careful storage while drying, removal of clamps and final cleanup. I would have thought that 30 minutes charge would be sufficient.
For $1, you could probably buy a bottle of glue at Wal Mart and do it yourself.
Or, did you want a nice professionally done repair using the proper tools and experience?
:-)
Beside the price (I dont know american prices, here it would be 30-50€) there is no excuse for scratches!
I had an open seam repaired a few years ago and the shop in Chicago charged $3.00 per inch. My total came to $12.00
I don't know if they charged more for professional instruments. This was $3,000 fiddle.
I think around here (DC, high cost of living), it's about $30-40, for shops that mostly work on student fiddles. That's assuming it's just a basic glue job, though, without complications. Did they quote an estimate before doing the task?
The scratches are inexcusable, though.
I have been charged from $15 to $40 in NYC, $15 being the amount charged last time it was done.
$90.00 is a serious rip-off, unless it was a more complex repair or many seams were being glued... though even if the latter was the case, it seems excessive to me.
By the way, yes, always ask for an estimate first, unless you trust the shop and have been working with them for a long time.
If you go to a high end shop where labour rate are $150/hr or more, this is what one would expect, given we don't know the particulars of exactly what the repair entailed. If you have, as we assume, a really expensive instrument you're free to take it to an amateur maker that charges $20 at your own risk.PS there should be no sales tax on labour.
"PS there should be no sales tax on labour."
Different in different states, Lyndon. Here in WA, I must charge sales tax on my labor, but appraisal is considered a "service" and is not taxed.
Ah, California there's no sales tax on labour, at least I'm not charging it???? Don't turn me in!! No, I did check, that's what the sales tax literature said.
I am a Concert Violinist and recording artist and perform all over the world. I have been going to Peter Prier my entire life (my mother took me there when I was four to purchase my first violin, and I have gone there to purchase numerous violins and cellos for my own children). I have always been very happy with the work they have done on my instruments, and thrilled with their prices and knowledge. I send all my students there and trust them. I knew Peter Prier well, and also know his sons who now run the shop. They are knowable, trustworthy and completely dedicated to their craft. I encourage people to continue to shop for and take their string instruments to Peter Prier Violins.
Jenny Baker, just watched two of your videos and enjoyed them.
I think it is unfortunate that Mr. Chiu is angry over a percieved overcharge for the minor repair of his violin from a large reputable shop. I do not make a lot of money and am thrifty in so many ways, such as buying a bunch of strings when they go on sale, but I have never been unhappy and complained about repair costs, or paying for set up variations of bridge and sound post and tailpiece. I think I prefer my current guy because he seems to intuit just what my violin needs so much better than most others that I have been to. He never charges much and I always pay him more because I appreciate his skill and talent.
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April 26, 2017 at 02:49 PM · I do not think $90 is overcharging for repair of an open seam. I am sure that you have a very nice instrument Jerry and and they took the time to do a professional job. Just my opinion.