I'm an adult learner, and went to the shop without an appointment to buy a quality violin. It turns out that appointments are appreciated, but the staff took me in and within 15 minutes had me trying various violins. They were helpful, respectful, and knowledgable. I had little experience in playing violin, but have a lot of musical experience with other instruments. They demonstrated both of their student violins and I could hear a clear difference. There was a nice sale in progress and I walked out within the hour with a Shop Model B violin. I have been playing this instrument daily for 8 weeks and really appreciate the craftsmanship and the sound of the violin. I had a great experience with the shop, from introductions to taking time to understand my musical experience level to the final sale. read more

Mike was fantastic. I'm 31 and decided to jump into the world of string instruments with no prior experience. He knows his stuff and sent me on my way with everything I needed. Looking forward to another visit. The shop makes you think you're in a museum and it's awesome. read more

I have been renting from baroque violin shop sense I was 10 years old and I've had nothing but pretty decent experiences. I am 31 years old and my last experience with them was very weird. I called them getting the status on a cello I had been renting from them and the guy was very rude and said he couldn't find the cello. The next day I called another guy picked up and I had the tracking information and told him it was delivered on the 3rd. Both of the gentlemen's tone was very condescending and rude. I felt very unwelcome. I will never rent from here again. read more

We went in to find the right size violin to rent for my daughter. I believe it was the owner that helped us. He was really nice and helped us figure out exactly what we needed. Their rental prices are very good and it comes with insurance and free repairs. Fun extra is that the building is a beautiful historic home with lots of beautiful antique instruments displayed. read more

Rented an instrument in 2019 for the school year. 2020 came and everything was shut down. We couldn't return and I guess they expected us to still pay. Cause here we are in 2022. Just got a call from collections (first call) that we've been in collections and owe $200. Thanks for the call Baroque. read more

Paul and his staff are amazing! They have a huge selection of high quality instruments. They are skilled craftsman, extremely knowledgeable and they go above and beyond to take of their customers. read more

I recently got my bow rehaired here. I was amazed at how quickly the bow rehair was done, especially considering that bow rehairings can take 2-7 days to be accomplished. This bow rehair was done in 90 minutes - yes, you read that right, 90 MINUTES. The hair was loose, almost falling off the bow, and the hair had absolutely no rosin on it. I spent a solid day putting rosin on the hair today, even using cello rosin, and NOTHING stuck. I'd also like to add that there was no one there when I went for the bow rehair. It looks like business is bad at the Baroque Violin Shop, and I would advise the musical public to STAY AWAY and SAVE YOUR MONEY. read more

I ordered an expensive handmade violin fittings from Italy. I asked them to install it and they ruined the pegs while doing so. They had to be reordered from Italy. The end button was also not shaved right and stuck out of the violin. The set had a Kevlar tailpiece cord and they installed some cheap plastic cord instead. In my 30 years of violin playing, I've never experienced such poor workmanship or integrity in handling this situation. Baroque Violin Shop may be okay for cheap student rental instruments, but if you have a nice violin, stay away!!! Horrible experience. read more

I rented and they always covered, from re-gluing to when a piece fell off. I also am unhappy because when they replaced my cello, I got back all different items. Same with the re-gluing. So I had to ask my music teacher each time to re-put the tapes for my fingers. Whew. I also lost all my music papers in my case every time I let them fix my cello. I would recommend a different place if you like to get attached to things. Or if you have a short temper. Oh well. I feel bad if I give them a 2, which I would really put, but I feel bad for them. Oh well x2. read more

We rented my son's double bass for 4th grade strings here. Within a week it had fallen and exploded all over the hard tile kitchen floor. The headstock had broken clean off. The shop replaced the instrument at no charge. The luthiers in the back joked that "not to worry, it will live again". We were relieved beyond words. If that doesn't deserve a 5 star review then I don't know what does. My biggest complaint was always the drive there. That section of North Bend is a rough part of town with lots of aggressive road-raging drivers. read more

The Baroque Violin Shop is the best violin shop I have ever experienced! Paul Bartel, the owner, is extremely well versed and knowledgeable. The staff are extremely courteous and they always work very hard to ensure customer satisfaction and quality assurance. My violin teacher has been going to this violin shop for over a decade, and always recommends it to others who are looking for new shops to go to. read more

They were very friendly when I rented one of their instruments. Then they were unhelpful when I needed assistance with the instrument. They wasted my time and were condescending and rude. Poor customer service. read more

It's awful that amateurs are commenting on this review. baroque violins is easily the best violin shop in the Cincinnati area. I haven't gotten my bow rehaired there yet, but i bought an amazin James Reynold Carlisle violin with the Thumbprint for an amazing deal for its sound. I also got an incredible bow there too. Needless to say, as a a Miami Alumn, Paul Bartel would be disappointed in the poor reviews that he has received through this site. His passion for the craft is incredible, his wisdom behind the history of the violin and other stringed instruments is incredible, and overall, he is a great businessman and an important figure in our community. If you are a musician who truly needs an upgrade, a professional, or somebody who wants more than a crappy rental, Paul Bartel and the Baroque Violin Shop is definitely the place to go if you want an expert to handle your instrumental needs. read more

We have been renting from the Baroque Violin Shop for years, since 2007. They ship to NY and included in the cost are hidden bonuses that are not found anywhere in NY. We have tried a few local NY shops and NOTHING comes close. The instruments are better quality than anything in Westchester County and the prices can't be beat. Your money spent on yearly rentals goes towards the cost of owning an instrument you would actually want to own. read more

Be careful if you bring something here. Take several photos for documentation, and insist upon a receipt. They lost our instruments (not highly valuable, but this is still unacceptable!) and don't respond to phone call or email inquiries. read more

I Came here about a Year ago for a new violin with my mom and the Owner was Very helpful and kind, getting a new instrument does not take very long and they are all in great shape. I would Recommend The Baroque Violin Shop to anyone that has needs concerning their string instruments. I love this shop and I think it is Terrific. read more

The best thing I can say about Baroque is that is conveniently located near my daughter's school so that when we have problems it is easy to get to. This is our first year renting any instrument and since I am not musically knowledgeable I relied on their expertise to help me make the right selection. Over this school year we have had to change violins 5 times. Two times she was given the wrong size and her teacher had to send us back with the correct size. Then her bow hairs started just falling out so we have had to have those replaced. Her teacher complains that her violin is always out of tune, more so than the others. My daughter just recently switched to viola so we changed instruments. Once she got it to school, it was the wrong size, way out of tune, the shoulder rest is too big, and the bow hairs are already coming out. Her teacher asked "since this viola was so badly rented, was it a professional who rented it to you?" I guess everyone's experience is different but I have heard good things about two other shops in Cincinnati.... Antonios and Strings and Things. read more