I stopped into Atlantic Strings in late July to find information about buying, renting or "whatevering" an instrument for my middle school viola student granddaughter. Because I had played some brass in grade school and do play some guitar now, I foolishly believed this was sufficient background to at least do some casual research and decide my granddaughters best options instrument wise. I was sadly mistaken. Fortunately I had the pleasure of a quick facts tour by Marley, a most patient, capable and friendly individual who knows darned well we outsiders have no clue what's at stake in this process and yet treats us with respect while educating us to the fine points of choosing an appropriate instrument. I didn't even know that violin type instruments are sized to each individual and will need to be upgraded once the student grows. Marley explained the advantages of renting verses buying (they offer both), the extras they provide in their customer service and that each deal is a complete package with instrument, bow, rosin, fitted hard case and excellent suggestions for anything else needed. While visiting the middle schools open class night, my granddaughters music teacher stressed to my daughter the proven Atlantic Strings advantage over other options, certainly a qualified recommendation. I felt that because of the Atlantic Strings policy of providing a generous trade back value, the purchase of an instrument provides a viable long term investment in my granddaughters education. We therefore decided to purchase the viola. So, a week later I returned with my granddaughter to be sized and to select a beautiful instrument from their inventory. I feel we purchased much more then an instrument, we have a relationship with a viola one stop shop for materials, parts or repairs and staffed with people like Marley who know precisely what they're doing. read more

I purchased this for my 12 year old daughter who has been playing violin for two years. The staff at Atlantic Strings were excellent, they played each instrument we were interested in for us. At first, I had selected the Stefan Petrov Workshop Model (due to cost and an ongoing sale) and placed an order for the next day (middle school gives you almost no time to get an instrument, we had two business days notice). Unfortunately, the workshop model and the bow I selected for it were both "extremely" back-ordered. As a result the owner, Allen, became involved and he was amazing. He truly cared and didn't want my daughter to lose quality because of the manufacture being back-ordered (something completely outside his control). He helped ensure the prices for a standard Stefan Petrov violin instead of the workshop model and an upgraded H. Lugar VPB40 Bow were within our budget. In addition, he upgraded the strings on the violin as well to ensure a high quality sound and provided a bundle discount for also purchasing a new case, shoulder rest, and upgraded rosen as well. My daughter has been using this violin for about two months now. She loves it and I love listening to it. Even the mistakes she makes while practicing sound beautiful. I definitely recommend this violin if you are looking for a superior quality, "step-up" instrument. But more importantly, I recommend this store and especially Allen the owner - who truly cares for his customers and as a result has made a customer for life. read more

I live out of town and decided to try Atlantic Strings because I am in Melbourne often and my local luthier doesn't have a good reputation. I came in and the luthier, Brett, looked over my violin and made some recommendations on tonal adjustments and bow hair. I asked him for his opinion of my bow, and rather than try to sell me a new one, he inspected it and told me that he thought it was a decent bow. He recommended an upgraded bridge and soundpost, and a "pro" bowhair. I picked up my violin the next morning and gave it a try using my 30 year old fiberglass bow that had never been rehaired. I could already tell there was an improvement. My bow arrived via Fedex three days later, wonderfully packed. I will be keeping the packing material for future bow maintenance. I now thrilled with how my violin sounds. I am still working rosin into the bow hair, but gone is the raspiness while attempting to play harmonics and upper positions. The bow grabs the strings with a lot less conscious effort and it seems to be improving with play. I am thrilled with how well they listened to me, and how they did not treat me dismissively or with any snobbery. Highly recommended! read more

We had the absolute best customer service and experience we could have hoped for in purchasing a violin for our son. Mr. Gatchell, the owner, took his time and gave us complete care in finding the right instrument. Our son was able to sample different instruments and accessories while Mr. Gatchell waited patiently and walked us through any differences in the instruments and questions that we had. It's evident the owner is well respected in the industry and is a master in his craft. With the in depth type of knowledge that he has we were impressed that he did not just tell us or our son the differences, instead, he took the time to allow our son to experience them for himself. At one point when our son could not chose a bow, Mr. Gatchel played with each of the different bows for him to hear the difference for himself. We were very appreciative of this approach. We could not have asked for a better experience and whether we live local or not will be customers for life. read more

I wanted to purchase a quality violin, bow, case and accessories so I went to Atlantic Strings in Melbourne Florida. I went there twice, once for one hour and the second time for 5 hours. Both Marley and Rebecca treated me as if I was there only customer. I had not played the violin since I was a young boy and now that I was retired wanted so badly to pick up this fine instrument again. They played many violins within my price range until I picked out the violin that had the sound that I liked. Then they played many bows on the violin I picked out until I found the one that I liked again. When I left I knew I had made a wise choice and sound decision. Thank you both Marley and Rebecca for taking the time to educate and share your knowledge with me, to help me pick out the perfect violin and bow!! I highly recommend Atlantic Strings if you are serious about the violin or any orchestra instrument! read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! I played Viola in my younger years(20) and now my daughters plays the violin. I took her to Atlantic Strings to get her first H. Luger. We had such a blast. We go back once or twice a month for stings, a new bow and stand, all kinds of sheet music, buttons and tee shirts(her fav). I love sharing this with her. Since she has started the violin 3 years back she has added the oboe and now the keyboard. She comes alive with music and seeing her light up(me as well) when we walk into your store is awesome. Her and her friends all play. Bass, cello, viola and violin(their little quartet). All bought instruments from your shop.Thank You So Much To Atlantic Strings and Employees there for Helping and Encouraging My Daughter, Her Friends and So Many Others. read more

Nicole was the greatest! I have never had such a positive experience looking for a viola. She brought out at least 5 different violas plus the great pernambucco bow to play each one of them. The first one I played hit me like no other viola. I continued to test the other 4, but none of them measured up to the Parola (1st). After 4 years, I have finally found a viola that is musical and truly a "viola". Thank you so much, Nicole. I can't wait until my group returns from up north in November. I am transcribing music for a 50th wedding anniversary that took place in Hawaii. There are 13 numbers for the opening concert. I play viola, direct, and transcribe. It will be stupendous! Cameron read more

I have shopped at both locations of Atlantic Strings (Orlando and Melbourne) and have always had a very positive experience. Between the two stores, I have purchased three violins, one that I turned in and upgraded for a better instrument after a year, and one for my daughter. My most recent experience was in the Melbourne location with Marley, who could not have been more helpful. We were in the shop for well over an hour, had the newly purchased violin set up for fiddle, and had my instrument adjusted for tone as well. The store has an excellent inventory and a great staff, I highly recommend Atlantic Strings for your instrument purchase and/or service! read more

Took my daughter to pick out her upgraded violin back in June of 2014 the staff was very supportive, and were amazing assistants with the whole process. We continue to take her violin back at least every six months (or less because she loves to play it so much) for new strings and check-ups. We could not be happier with the level of professionalism and kindness that has been shown to us. They have an outstanding selection of stringed instruments, music and accessories, not to mention very skilled luthiers! Thank-you Atlantic Strings for helping me support my child's love of music. read more

Marley gave me the best deal for my son's bass bow replacement along with a hard case for it. She was able to exceed any deal I'd found online by far. She was fast and thorough and I really appreciate it. She is always knowledgeable when I come in with my son. Each time I've come in there, she or one of the other youngsters that work there teach me something else new about my son's bass that I didn't know and wouldn't think of asking. Thank you for the great service, the unbeatable price and the education! read more

I have been thinking about purchasing a violin for several years and was always drawn to Atlantic Strings. After all, they have been around for years! Finally got it last Saturday! Prices and quality are great. Many to choose from. All of my questions were answered. I look forward to having them fulfill my instrument maintenance in the future. Thank You Brett for your patience and assistance! read more

Have been coming to A.S. for 5+ years since my son started violin in 5th grade. They always have knowledgeable people that are friendly to help you. Last week i bought a new bow for him and they said the higher quality bow would make a difference is his play. I bought it. My son tried it and within 5 minutes he was amazed at the quality sound he was able to make. thanks! read more

Have been going to Atlantic Strings since I was in middle school and have always found a friendly and knowledgeable staff willing to help me find what I needed and recommend high quality products. Just came in yesterday to choose out a violin for college and Michael was super helpful working with my price range and sound preferences. read more

This is the place for stringed instruments! They have a large inventory of both new and vintage violins. Michael is very knowledgeable on the history of the older instruments. I enjoyed listening to the stories of these fine violins! Make it a point to stop by and see Michael! read more

Atlantic Strings served us greatly. The one who serves us was Marley. Marley had helped us find a beautiful new viola package on sale. While Marley had served us she also said a few hilarious jokes. Atlantic Strings is a great place with friendly and helpful people. 10/10 read more

The staff at the Orlando store is amazing. They helped us pick the perfect cello for our daughter. They're knowledgeable and helpful - and SO awesome with questions. Marley helped fix a string that had come loose and offered to speak with our daughter about playing! read more

Atlantic strings staff is informative and knowledgeable. I have enjoyed my experiences everytime I go in the store. Thank you in my violin playing journey...you all make it such a joy!!! I am well on my way to my Petrov purchase. ...happy violining read more

This is a wonderful shop! Michael helped me tune my new violin and provided me very useful information. He was polite, kind, and took his time to insure that all my questions were answered. Thank you Michael! I will come back for all my needs :D read more

I need a new strings. I asked him what is the cheapest medium quality for violin and the manager found some quickly I paid for it and she even strung them on my violin for me! They are my absolute favorite! read more