I came to this spot yesterday to buy yet another instrument for Thing One. This is now his third instrument. He plays the guitar, tuba and now the doublebass. If he doesn't turn out to be some type of someone in the music industry when he's older, lawd help me..he's gonna be disowned! However, I have been communicating with this business via text for about a month now to get a doublebass ready for Thing One. In the communications, we have discussed the required height, type of bow, and type of use this instrument would get to determine which base would be the right fit. When we arrived to pick up the bass, we were greeted warmly and given a quick lesson on the proper care of the instrument. This process took no longer than 30 minutes from arrival to signing the paperwork. I am looking forward to hearing the tones of this beautiful instrument in my home. read more

See all

I came here to get a violin restrung and bow rehaired after my parents found my old childhood violin. I had no idea what to expect since I stopped playing a long time ago, but Russell and Derek were so helpful! I was completely out of my element, but they explained everything patiently and I felt so welcomed and at ease after talking to them. When I said that a friend was going to use the violin to help her little sister practice, Russell mentioned that they have bright colors for bow hair! I chose purple hair and was so excited even though I'm not even the one playing the violin. I wish it had been an option back when I played! read more

Austin Strings - Restrung violin and bow with new purple hair - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Russell at the Austin Strings is pretty awesome. You can tell he's someone who loves what he does so much that he genuinely wants to give away everything he has so others can enjoy the journey of music. LOL. I had to insist on paying. What a gem of a place and people. read more

Excellent service and handiwork. Got a new bridge on my violin and it came back to me looking like the day I bought it. They cleaned the buildup and shined it up it's gorgeous! Also got my bow rehaired and it's a high quality job but the price didn't break the bank. Very friendly service as well. read more

Wonderful experience at Austin Strings! Today was my second visit to Austin Strings, and I was even happier today than the first time, when I was entirely impressed and pleased. If I could give more stars, I would. First of all, the Brieann, Russell, and Derek were interested in my problem with stiff planetary tuners on a mountain dulcimer. Russell quickly and expertly re-strung the instrument, which was why I came in, and he also gave me pointers to help me better tune. Derek and Brieann also gave me expert advice, and the result is that they are researching new tuners for my instrument and will be able to replace what I have, to make for a much better daily tuning and playing experience. I am so happy with the service, attitude, and expertise at Austin Strings! They are the best! read more

I came into the shop fairly close to their closing time to have my guitar restrung. The gentleman at the front, Derek, was super helpful. I'll be coming back whenever my instrument needs maintenance! read more

Not having played my violin in 20 years, my bow needed to be restrung. I was also interested in researching best options to electric violin. The store is open during business hours. The violin maker went over so many interesting facts about violin making and options for electric. Then he showed me an option to an accessory on my acoustic violin that I could take on and off and I can hook to an amp. He was so professional, kind, knowledgeable and I felt right at home with all my questions. I highly recommend this violin shop! read more

Got some fine tuners put on my violin and viola and they did such a quick and wonderful job. Very friendly people! They have my continued business for any of my instrument maintenance needs read more

I started going to Austin Strings around six months ago. I'd bought a cheap Chinese cello online and, after calling all over Austin for the best prices on setup, took it in to their shop. Lori, the owner and main luthier, did an excellent job making a cheap instrument sound much more expensive. The shop looks like what I've always thought a string shop should look like. There are violins, violas, cellos, and basses in all states of finish and repair all over the place. There are lesson rooms in the back where all manner of instrument lessons are going on at any given time. I'm a life-long musician, and this is the kind of place I want to find in my afterlife! I ended up buying an EXTREMELY nice sounding Gliga that sounds as good or better than any $40,000 cello that I've ever heard. It's a rarety though; I just got lucky. I started taking lessons from Lori shortly thereafter. She's a very patient, understanding instructor and doesn't mind working around my schedule. As far as rentals go, I couldn't find a place in town that could beat 'em on their deals. It's $32 a month for cellos, and that includes a hard case and bow. Unless it's changed recently (which I doubt) you can apply your rental payments to purchase. There was also an 18 months same as cash option for purchase (which is what I'm doing). Of course, the more expensive the instrument the higher the payments for this option. Also, if you're buying for a child, they can change out the instruments for larger sizes as they grow without losing any ground on the lease-purchase. I give five stars for quality, personal service from a small local business that does their best to provide quality instruments, lutherie services and musical instruction at reasonable prices. read more

We went there this afternoon to get my daughter a violin. The minute we walked in we were greeted by Lori and after a few minutes we can tell that how much she loves music and what she does. She took the time to explain every little detail about the violin to my daughter. We did get a violin and our experience was very pleasant. read more

Austin Strings - Inside the store - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Austin, Texas

Ever since I started working with Austin Strings, I've played my violin daily with renewed passion. The job Brieann did on re-hairing and balancing my bow has made it feel/sound better than it ever has! Russell and Brieann have also spent hours talking with me and helping me look for my next violin to purchase. They set me up with a couple violins and bows to try out in my home for a week. In doing so, I fell in love with an old violin that the owner, Lori, converted into a 5-string violin. I was not planning to purchase a 5-string violin, but I simply could not part with this instrument. So, I bought it. And I'm on cloud nine about it. Not only is it physically beautiful to me, but the sound is exactly what I'm after. I'm still on the hunt for a traditional 4-string violin, but I'm so thankful and grateful to have found this 5-string beauty along the way. I will be returning to Austin Strings for all my fiddle needs. Love this shop!! read more

Austin Strings - Beautifully restored pre-1900 violin purchased from Austin Strings. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Austin, Texas

I really wanted to give this place 5 stars. I am no music expert but this seems like a nice little shop that is well stocked with instrumental books as well as string instruments. The place is not hard to find and there are ample parking when I arrived. I liked the store the moment I walked in. With all that being said... I was at the shop at promptly 11am on a Saturday because I had a scheduled trial lesson with Lori. I am usually not a morning person on the weekends, so it was especially frustrating when I was told that she will not be in until 2pm that day. I was then told that she has been feeling under the weather lately. I don't know, she sounded fine 2 days ago when we were on the phone. Still, her employee offered to text her while I patiently waited for her for 20 minutes. Until this day (2 days later), I have not heard from her. She could have at least apologized for forgetting me. For this, I give her a big fat ZERO STAR for being not responsible and unprofessional. It's only human to make mistakes, but you should really make an effort to apologize those that are effected by your mistakes :( At 11:20am that day, I told her employee at the front that I have other plans at noon that I need to attend to, he apologized sincerely and then offered to help me at least fix my cello's broken string and get me started on some basics. I didn't want to make my trip totally not worthwhile so I took upon his offer. He was very patient, easy-going, and pleasant. I enjoyed working with him greatly and am hoping to take some lessons from him in the future. However, his 5 star service and attitude cannot undo the bitter taste left in my mouth by the unprofessional owner. 2 stars for you. But only because I had the pleasure of doing business with your awesome employee... read more

My daughter has started orchestra and will be learning the cello. I am a trumpet player so any journey outside if the brass family is foreign. We went to Austin Strings and were very happy with the amount of attention paid to ensuring she had the correct fit as well al the cello she liked (based on looks at this point). I forgot the list from her school that specified which book to get so they let us borrow their own copy. Turns out it was the right book :-) The rental (rent to own) plan is great. They also offer 2 free cello lessons with a new rental. We are definitely going to take advantage of this. Thank you so much for all your help Austin Strings! read more

What a difference service makes. I have primarily been dealing with a sweet cello player at this location. I was hunting for a new chin rest and met with a young violinist behind the repair counter. After trying two different styles she sighed and said "this is the best I can do for you, if it doesn't work you'll have to go somewhere else." Seriously? I just left the store. I may call in advance to see who's working. Clearly I inconvenienced the violinist by walking in the door. read more

My daughter has been taking cello lessons with Lori for 4 years now and is doing quite well under her patient instruction. The shop has a nice selection of good student-quality instruments available for rent or purchase at very reasonable prices. They also carry a good, though not extensive selection of books and accessories. All in all a pleasant place to do business. read more

I've been renting my cello from Austin Strings for 4 months now. When I wanted to get started with cello I searched locally for different rentals; Austin Strings has the best policy from what I've gathered. 100% goes towards the purchase of the instrument and they give you 2 complimentary lessons as well! I've been taking lessons with Russell, who is great and very knowledgeable. The entire staff has always been pleasant and helpful. I highly recommend, I love this place. read more

I was extremely satisfied with repair done by Austin Strings. They went above and beyond my expectations.

Friendly and knowledagble! I've been looking for a violin to replace my broken one for a long time. Briana did a great job providing the selections in my price range. Not only this, she was very tenative to the type of sound I was aiming for and gave enough space and time for me to try them out. Needless to say, I left with a violin I loved! All the staff really cared. They definitely love their job and is there with you every step of the way. read more

Quentin Oliver and his assistant greeted me with the news that although I couldn't get violin appraisals the month of July, they would be happy to fix the broken tail piece, make recommendations for varnishing, nicks, scratches, and they even found a slight crack in the body near the neck. Lori Faerber has always been great with string recommendations and the free rosin build-up removal I tend to have, but her assistant repair persons are just as helpful and the price was very reasonable. read more

Wonderful experience from knowledgeable and genuine people. Recommended to anyone and everyone.

I've been taking cello lesson with Lori since last September without any prior knowledge to music at all, she is a very patient teacher and is flexible with my schedules. read more

Lori has been mending our family fiddles for over 15 years. There is no one we trust more. Her employees are the best. When looking for strings, rosin, tuners and cases Austin Strings always has the best prices. If they can't help you, They will send you to a place that can! Austin Strings is the best. read more

I am an older adult beginner that played violin 6-9th grade. I visited this shop at the end of August when I decided to take up the instrument again after a 42 year hiatus. Jenn and Brianna where there and brought down 3-4 student instruments for me to listen to (both of them play beautifully). I chose my instrument and began lessons with Russell, who is a great teacher. He's very patient with me regarding music, in the 70's I learned by Suzuki and reading music doesn't come natural. When I decided I wanted to continue to play and thought about buying an instrument, I decided to check out some other violin shops in Austin. I went to two other shops. The sales people seemed cold and dismissive, I felt intimidated and insignificant because I didn't want to pay $5-$10k for an instrument. I practically RAN back to Austin Strings! Wednesday I went in early (before my lesson), to ask some of the questions they didn't bother answering in the other stores. Jenn was there and knew me by name as soon as I walked in. She answered all the questions I asked her completely, and when I asked to look at some instruments she pulled some down that were in my price range. Russell arrived at that time and took them out for a test run and then gave me his opinion. It's very important to have someone with you that can REALLY play when you buy an instrument. I was able to take the instrument home on loan before I purchased for up to a week. It didn't take me that long though, two days later I was back to buy. I got credit off the price for the 2 months I rented, and another discount for buying within my rental period (I'm not sure both discounts apply to all instruments though). Before I left on Friday I had a beautiful instrument that Jenn and Brianna customized for me, a great bow and an awesome case as well. They were so excited for me and I'm excited to show up for lessons next Wednesday with my new baby! If you are looking to rent or buy and instrument, there is no better place and no better people than the ones at Austin Strings. I'm grateful to them for helping me uncover the musician still hiding inside me. read more

Wow... I was blown away with the care and LOVE of music that this business shares with their customers! Lori and Quintin in particular helped me when I decided to take up the cello after many lost years of "not" playing it. They were very helpful in picking one to rent, until a purchase decision. They also shared with us an invitation to come hear a group of adult beginners that were having a concert that next week. Feels like family at this business, and yet, very professional. I feel their rental prices and purchase prices were fair. After visiting other places in Austin for cello rental, I am VERY glad I went to Austin Strings! Just gotta love the passion that they share with music lovers! read more

I don't normally write reviews, but wanted to do something to say thank you to this business and the folks who run it. I am an adult beginner and am just starting my adventure in learning violin. I was intimidated out of two other stores in the area when I went in to ask about renting an instrument. I don't know why, but so many places are not interested in taking the time to actually help educate a newcomer and I did not feel welcome to join the musician's club at two other stores (I won't name them.) My other experience with renting an instrument felt like purchasing a pack of gum, where if you want a violin, they just pull one off the shelf and start ringing you up. - I walked into this shop and it was a completely different experience. I was welcomed, the staff member who helped me is the daughter of the owner (I wish I remember her name). She was so enthusiastic and excited for me to get started. Even though I was only renting an instrument, she took the time to play all of the available violins for me so I could walk out with one with that I liked the sound of the best. She did the same with the bow, helping me choose the right one. She fitted my chin rest and shoulder rest with care. She made sure I had access to my free lessons and even invited me to a group that I could join once I get a few notes under my belt. I felt like I found not only a violin that was right for me, but a community of people to help support me and encourage me in my late in life journey into music. If you considering renting from them - don't hesitate. - Thank you so much! It was likely just another day at the shop for you ladies, but it meant the world to me. You have won a life-long fan! read more

I have been playing for about 8 months and went in to look for an upgrade. I was very excited to try a bunch of different instruments, and had heard many good things about the shop. They lived up to and then far surpassed all my expectations. Lori and Brieann were so nice and helpful! Not only did they pull several violins for me to try, but as I got an idea of the sound I was looking for they kept pulling down new violins in my price range for me to try, offered opinions when I asked, and volunteered to help me do blind listen tests so I could figure out the perfect violin for me! I was trying violins for about three hours, and they really got engaged with the process of helping me choose a new violin, making it clear that they were happy for me to try violins until the shop closed if that's what I wanted to do. It was really everything I could have hoped for from the experience and more. I don't think I'd go anywhere else in Texas for my string needs. read more

Does not keep good records. Owner is not available much of the time. Other employees aren't able to make decisions about transactions. I would use someone more organized especially if you are thinking about going into any kind of contract with this business. read more

I've been using Austin Strings since I got back into playing about ten years ago. Lori has always been so helpful to me. Whether I needed an emergency repair or needed some lessons, she has always been gracious and easy to work with. :) I've bought a cello from here, which everyone who hears it in CONVINCED it's a much more expensive instrument that it is. She's just awesome! read more

The best string shop I've been to.The staff is friendly and they have a good selection of instruments for a reasonable price.