I actually purchased my violin from Facebook Marketplace and at the time, knew nothing about violin. Someone sold me their beautiful Dynasty, and 4 years later, I am still thrilled with it! I've upgraded to a 5 string, and a couple of others since then, but I always fall back to my Dynasty. I put geared pegs into it and some Evah Pirazzi strings and it is absolutely phenomenal! The sound is clear, loud, and I've had numerous fiddlers ask me who made my violin and they all comment on the nice tone. Thank you Antonio Strad! Even though I didn't buy directly from you, I still got a 2nd hand phenomenal Dynasty and I will definitely purchase here when/if I ever choose to upgrade! read more

I needed a high quality instrument for rental, and after some searching it seemed that Antonio Strad was one of the few shops offering this. I decided to trial their "master" level instrument with the possibility of moving up to the "professional" level. But when I get the the checkout form, they are asking for the last 4 digits of your social security number? I don't think this is an outright scam, but it Is nuts to ask for this information for an instrument rental, and I have never come across this before (in renting anything!). Beware of this shop. read more

Extremely helpful with repairing my fiancé's cello for a wedding gift! The guys told me what to expect and everything went as planned! read more

I've been renting a viola from here for almost a year. The staff was very helpful in sizing and explaining the rental process. It's also a brand new viola and the payments go towards the balance if I decide to purchase it, which I really like. The front staff and management have always been very courteous and nice when I need anything. They also have insurance on the instrument and fortunately, I haven't needed it yet, so I also feel like I have a good quality viola and bow. read more

Atrocious service and product. They lied about adjustable capos on an extension, packed it poorly, it arrived broken, and it's been weeks without a refund. By far the worst people I've done business with in the string world. Thank god I used paypal, because there's no way they're competent enough to issue a refund. Edit- they finally refunded me and responded to me when they saw this review and I sent my credit card company after them. read more

Seriously, they are the best for first violin purchase, as they will personally fit the violin for you. I have been looking for a hand crafted violin that can fit my hand for a few years, and I was overwhelming when they offered the personal fitting. The store is tastefully decorated, there are a lot of Masterpiece in their collection. The service is highly professional, and caring! They really cared what I needed, paid attention to the details in the product they sold to me. Seriously, fitting is the most important thing you are looking for when you purchase a new violin. I will difinitely recommend them for my family and friends! I will visit again! read more

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I have 2 rental instruments for my kids. I absolutely love this place. Every single employee is knowledgeable and extremely attentive and courteous. Every single one! They always go above and beyond. They take their time explaining any issues we might have and how to fix them. I tried a different place before, a big chain store and I am so glad I decided to come here instead. read more

so sad today. i took my bass to antonio strad for seam sep. after a week, this is what i got back. they did not charge for the repair since i had purchased the bass there for $ $,000.00 (hard eared money). they were informed to check both sides. what say you. wow! what service! what a luthier! a carpenter...of sorts. warning! warning! warning! atrocious service. do not take your instruments to antonio strad violin. goulian zhou is no longer the owner and most of his people do not work there. look at what i got back. shame! shame! shame! the "luthier" did this. they have not had the decency to call me back after i emailed them. i had a gut/bad feeling about them when i left my bass. talked to a friend who has a son the plays cello. he had to take the cello back twice and made them fix the cello in front of him. they want your money and they dont know what they are doing. wow! antonio strad no more!!! read more

Tense environment - they don't seem customer-friendly at all. Prices are a bit high and they just act stiff and nervous. My recommendation: Visit Terra Nova down the street and get a friendlier atmosphere and helpful staff. Also, instrument repairs are top-notch at Terra Nova. Most of the SA Symphony strings players recommend Terra Nova and at the same time, advise against Antonio Strad. read more

I am delighted to have found Antonio Strad Violin. I play on an 18th century Austrian violin and bow, which recently needed some maintenance and repair work, including a new bridge and new bow hair. The work was done 3 days ahead of schedule, and the results were fantastic. The pricing was extremely reasonable for the high quality of work done. I'm a teacher as well, and several of my students (including two of my own children) are renting from Antonio Strad. The rental policy is generous and allows for different instrument options. I've been impressed that they were also willing to carry materials that I requested for my teaching studio. I've been to the store a handful of times. Sometimes it is quite busy, sometimes I'm the only one there, but I've always been pleased with the service. This is a top-notch establishment. read more

We visited Antonio Strad from out of town as we were in the market for a cello. We arrived and looked around and there was a man arguing with a customer at the front desk. A saleslady that followed us around said she would help us, but she seemed condescending and uninterested and we didn't feel comfortable with her or the "vibe" of the store. We left and visited a very nice stringed instrument shop located near the intersection of 410 & Blanco Rd. After reading the reviews of Strad Violin, I feel we made the right choice in leaving! read more

This is one of the rudest companies that I have ever dealt with. They have made billing mistakes and instead of correcting them they tell you to go pound sand. Their customer service reps in billing are absolutely horrendous. I am sure you can find a better option and a place that wants your business. I have three daughters. The oldest loves violin, the younger two are just getting into music. Yeah, I won't be buying from them. That is literally decades of potential customers and recommendations that they burned up with their terrible personalities. Find a place that wants your business. read more

I was looking for a music stand and had gone to a couple other music stores to find one and the prices were outrageous. So I made a call and the person that answered the phone had quoted me a price of $35. It actually took me a while to find the place and in fact I pass it up twice. And when I got into the store, the sells person told me that they didn't have any music stands at that price. But, the manager was nice enough to sell me another stand at the price quoted on the phone. I appreciate that. Not too many store owners would do that. read more

Horrible customer service from the owner (older Asian man)! I've been coming here for years and have made several big purchases as well as lessons for my daughters. In September I bought a $1900 cello and since then I had to get a new bow because it wasn't made very well and fell apart! Then last week a string broke when the cello hadn't been used that much. A younger gentleman helped me and put a new string on the cello right away saying if the others were still good then the one shouldn't have broke so soon. Well that string broke a few days ago so I brought the cello back to Antonio Strad today and unfortunately was greeted by the owner who immediately started to argue with me. When I called him out on it, he went to the register to pull up my account but couldn't find the cello purchase so he argued with me some more. I finally told him I would get a string someone else and that he was acting very petty over a string and that I would never make another purchase from him again. I also told him he was losing a customer over being cheap and petty when all he had to do was replace the string to keep a customer but he just kept arguing with me as I walked out the door! Sad when you're willing to lose a customer over a $7 string. DO NOT BOTHER GOING HERE. read more

Quality instruments for the more experienced and serious minded performer. I would not use this business for a young child that's being introduced to instrument playing. There are many other businesses in city that are more appreciative of the customer namely a young student in the learning stage. They "claim" to have a rent to own program - complete rip off and shame. If you use this business buy the instrument straight out but I assure you there are other businesses in the city that can give you a more affordable option for your child and family. Then if you child shows interest beyond say elementary/middle schools then invest in a better performing instrument. I found the staff and management cold. read more

Today my daughter and I went to this location for the rental of a cello. Unfortunately due to work I got there 15 mins before they closed. I have to say their customer service is EXCELLENT. They had a line of customers waiting and they helped each of them in the same matter. They didn't turn us away and provided all the information that was needed. My daughter has never played an instrument and the owner took the time to show her how to hold the cello and basic care and carry instructions. Best of all they even offer free classes which we signed up for along with a groupon that gave us a $45 savings on the spot. Highly recommend !! read more

We are currently renting a violin for my 5th grader through Antonio Strad. I first learned of their company when she came home in May with their flyer and when I saw they had a groupon in June I decided they would be the place we would rent from. We went a few weeks ago to rent her violin for the start of strings at her school and I was SO pleased with the level of service that we received while she was quickly fitted for a violin. They were a little busy but adequately staffed. I absolutely love whenever a company has a lot going on and treats you like you are the only customer there, and gives you the time and attention you deserve. I am so glad we chose this company and when we are ready to actually purchase her violin this is the place we will visit to do so. read more

Great store with many selections. Their salesman Elijah helped me pick out a cello for my nephew and we really appreciated his service and the quality of the instrument! 10/10 would recommend read more

The San Pedro store manager, Fabian, has lied to me more than 3 times in our dealings over the last 2 1/2 weeks and I can't help but feel like he has relied on my confusion to take advantage of me, financially. We have been Strad customers for ALL our string instruments, repairs, and accessories over the last many years; to the extent that we have accrued just shy of $800.00 in rental credit through their store. This dollar amount was conferred months ago as I inquired after it in their satellite location and once by Mr. Fabian. We also have a beautiful 3/4 size cello we are ready to upgrade to a full size. We had rented it until about a year ago when we paid the balance in full. I was told, by Fabian once, that it was worth just shy of $800.00 as a trade in toward the purchase of another full size cello! "How generous" I thought since as a new instrument it retails for around $1,000.00. By this math, one could construe that the total value I had to spend with Antonio Strad would be just about $1600.00. There is a nice cello kit (Strad 31) listed online for $968.00 with a back to school sale. To me it made perfect sense to apply the trade in, and/or a portion of the rental accrual I have toward the purchase of this new cello. He asked me how much money I was willing to spend over the value of the rental accrual in a new or used cello and I told him only $200; he asked for $400 and I consented. A few days later, he phoned to say he had a beautiful used cello for $1500.00 and he would apply the rental credit and trade in to it and ask for $350 in cash and would enter into a payment plan for the remaining money owed= $700 and change. How did an extra $400 accumulate to $700? He did let slip that the actual value of this cello was only $1,100 for the whole kit, case and bow included. Seeing I noticed, he then proceeded to say the added cost of case and bow brought it to the full $1500.00 (quite a markup- about 40% by my math). What he didn't ever say is that the rental accrual could only comprise 50 percent of the total value of this purchase. When I explained that I didn't want the $1500.00 used cello but instead the new cello kit online, I was told that rental credit can not be applied to the purchase of a sale item. When I retorted that this is my money they've been holding on to all these years, and I have every right to spend it any way I wish, in the same way that a bank has no right to tell you what you can or cannot spend your savings account on, he simply replied that his bank, Chase bank, absolutely does tell him what he can or can't spend his savings money on. (Someone ought to investigate this claim because it's wholly untrue.). Besides, he further explained that he was being overly generous to allow the money from the rental accrual to be used at all since it expires after two weeks of the purchase of any instrument. Here is what their online policy currently reads:"OPTIONS: Renter may accrue 100% (90% for billing option B or C) of rental fees (not including Protection Plan) as credit toward the purchase of this or a finer instrument. Payments must be made on-time, the account kept current, and the outfit returned in its original condition to qualify. Discount may not exceed 80% of the total value of the rented outfit. Rental credit may also be applied towards the purchase an upgraded instrument not to exceed half its regular value. This is not a "rent-to-own" program. It is a rental with the option to buy. All rented instrument outfits remain property of Antonio Strad Violin until the renter has exercised their option to buy. Notice to buy must be made in person or in writing." Further, their online terms and conditions does say: "Purchase and Sale Price Sale prices are for purchase only and cannot be combined with any other coupons, credits or promotions." Please notice that no where does it mention a two week statute of limitation or expiration. Ok, so the rental credit will not work in the case of the new cello, even after him telling me that it will up to this point. Fine, I still have the value of the 3/4 size cello to upgrade, worth nearly $800.00. "Oh no" he explains: the $800 is combined with the trade in AND rental credit. When I asked him to break it down for me, very simply, so I could understand the exact value he was offering for the used cello and the exact value of the rental accrual, he continued to say that the cello was worth $100.00 and the rental accrual worth $600 and a little more. I followed up by explaining it made better financial sense for me to sell it privately and use that acquired cash toward the purchase of another instrument in his store. He said it seemed foolish to do so because he was willing to give me $800 for it. So I asked him to give me $800 for it to purchase the sale priced cello with the cash from his buy back and a little of my own. However, he explained that they don't do buy backs, ever. What was the overall intent with my used read more

No question about the quality of the instrument and the overall service when we first rented. Concern is the rent to buy option. We've been renting almost four years now. We've paid almost $1200 for a $700 instrument. While I take responsibility for not ending my contract sooner or making an outright purchase, this is ridiculous. The owner told me I should have stopped payments a year ago. He offered to give me about $550 of credit toward the purchase of the $700 violin but I would need to come up with difference to purchase it. I don't think so. No credit was given for the additional years worth of payments. No phone calls made. Did receive emails but were to the wrong email address. Be careful of the 50%, 80% and 100% numbers they throw around and even put in their contracts. I would not rent again from this place. read more

Stopped by today with my daughter to pick up her first full sized violin. Amazing experience and she was truly speechless.. The owner showed us how to pick out the perfect violin in our price range and we could not be more satisfied. read more

Don't take lessons from Antonio Strad. We have been customers for years and signed a contract for lessons when we first signed up. Apparently, whenever they change their contract, it magically changes the one you signed and the can ignore the reality of the original agreement. Their staff is rude and inconsiderate. Our contract required 24 hours notice of a cancellation to get a credit, and we were actually giving 48 hours notice because they said the contract had changed. However, they just decided to stop giving credit for cancelled lessons regardless of how much notice we gave. They didn't even have an issue with throwing their own instructors under the bus. It seems there is little commitment to customers and total commitment to the bottom line. We cancelled our lessons and all instrument rentals as there are more affordable places in town the don't treat customers like garbage. They can afford to lose two weekly lessons and three instrument rentals, so business must be booming. read more

Hey guys, Antonio Strad (from my experience) is more suited toward advanced players, instrument wise. But they do have the occasional great bargain, like that electric violin for $350?! A steal! However, even beginning players can use them for repairs, advice, and accessories. They have helped me find a good shoulder rest, repaired my instrument several times, and given me some tips and tricks. Their repair work is impeccable and is THE only place to go for that type of thing. So tired of going to Sam Ash and the others where the staff knows next to nothing about stringed instruments. The people here actually play and therefore actually know what they're are talking about. Sorry people, but these types of instruments are expensive, not like a cheap guitar you just need the occasional strings for. Violins, violas, cellos, and basses are just more costly to maintain and I think Antonio Strad does a pretty good job of keeping the price reasonable while putting forth expert craftsmanship. Your kid needs a cheap violin that they will not want to play in a year? Go to a pawn shop or some other music store. read more

We decided to save up and outright purchase a new viola for my son in middle school. Our family found the staff very knowledgeable and helpful. They have a temperature-controlled "humidor" of sorts for the instruments. Bridges are made in-house. They took his measurements and fitted him with a wonderful piece - rich, beautiful sound and lovely to look at to boot. The cases are light fabric cases, not the heavy hard cases of way back when. A few weeks after we bought it, though, the handle on the case came off (the screw on one side fell out) and it tumbled to the ground as my son got it out of the trunk of the car. The bridge broke in 3 places. He was devastated. I took it back in and they immediately offered to replace the case and the bridge free of charge, immediately acknowledging the case defect. It was ready exactly on the day they said it would be. While one would think the case quality would lose them a star, I honestly think it was a fluke, and their customer service more than made up for it. read more

I needed a violin to rent for my son's orchestra class. I chose this store based on their main location's yelp reviews and the groupon that was currently being sold. The new location itself is easy to get to. There was no getting lost! The store itself is small but all needs are met. I spoke to 2 different guys while there and both were extremely knowledgeable in violins. These experts never spoke down to me regarding what I wasn't sure of or didn't know. Not the case at another music store I tried first. For that, I was appreciative. The one guy that helped me with the paperwork was patient, answered all of my questions respectfully and went the extra mile in being willing to make changes for me "if I wanted to". Their prices are about the same as other stores I called or went to but the customer service here puts them at the top for me! They know what they were talking about and have great manners. I was very happy with my experience here and would recommend them to anyone! read more

Truly a remarkable group of string enthusiasts and a genuine oasis. Their showroom is beautifully appointed and their selection of instruments is without peer in the San Antonio area. Each member of their staff, from the owners to the repair techs, to the instructors, have one goal in mind... the complete and total satisfaction of their customers. I've not used their rental program, but have used them for instrument purchases, refurbishment, consignment, accessories, and repair, and I'm currently taking lessons from one of their amazing instructors. Young or old, amateur or pro, you'll find a home at Antonio Strad. Does this sound like an ad? It's not. It's just an expression of appreciation from a very satisfied customer. read more

First gentleman gave us price for a violin and after couple of questions; we were referred to the owner, very Knowledgeable. I was disappointed prices kept changing. When I asked for price to fix a violin, I was given several prices for the same work, first it was $25 next $35 then changed to $55, next pay $5 extra for same day then $8 extra to get ahead of the line!!! very confusing. read more

The rental terms for my Violin were not favorable. The only way to ever own the instrument was to submit a ballon payment of 50% of the instrument value. Once your cumulative monthly payments total exceeded 50% of the instrument value all subsequent payments were pocketed by ANT STRAD. That's a rip. read more

Time and time AGAIN - excellent SERVICE and SELECTION from all the staff at Antonio Strad! We have used Strad for private lessons and instruments. Even tho my husband played cello, we were not versed in bass for our young son. (9) The experts at Strad were able to help us in choosing what was best with the instructor - ordering special strings, rosin and helping us with the bow choice. Now we are going into our second instrument. Rental policy is generous if you eventually want to buy too! You truly feel like you have a "team" supporting you and your child. They even give a venue for kids to have a bi-annual recital if they want to play solo! These are opportunities not given in traditional school systems. If it were not for Strad - and their instructors, I am sure our son would not be playing in the Youth Orchestra San Antonio (YOSA) now. Highly recommend for pros as well as beginners. Their facility is fantastic, selection of instruments ranges from high quality basic and school models - up to the finest and most collectable in the world! They treat you like family~ you can not ask for more! read more