This is my favorite violin shop. They are very friendly and accommodating and always make me feel at home. They have worked on my violins and I have always been satisfied. It's also wonderful that they have a female luthier, Jessica.. and the shop represents 4 generations of the family now, I think that's pretty incredible read more

We used this shop for a school violin rental and had a frustrating experience overall. Over the course of the rental, we ended up paying around $1,500 for an instrument with an approximate value of $800. I understand rentals can cost more over time, but there didn't seem to be a clear or meaningful path toward ownership, which made the value feel questionable in hindsight. The bigger issue came at return, when we were charged an additional $150 for a bridge replacement that had to be done for my son to play it after it broke during orchestra class upon normal use (confirmed by orchestra teacher). For a student instrument used by a child, this felt more like normal wear and tear than something that should result in a significant extra charge. Not to mention they didn't offer to give us the replacement bridge back but demanded we wait for the new one. Customer service also felt fairly rigid and not particularly accommodating, especially for families navigating school music programs. Overall, the experience felt expensive and lacking transparency. We went out of our way for this ship and sure wish we hadn't! I'm sure they are great for those that live in this world, but I would highly recommend other families look closely at rental terms and consider alternatives that are more straightforward and family-friendly. read more

Bischofberger Violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Jessica is a true artist and musician! She is extremely talented, skilled and helpful with her recommendations and adjustments to my son's cello! And we traveled here all the way from Coeur d'Alene Idaho! I highly recommend musicians to stop by to get your instrument adjusted and improved by Jessica - one of the best‼ read more

Bischofberger Violins - Bischofberger Violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Beautiful instruments, great selection for different budgets. They have a private room to try them out in, and they didn't make me feel rushed. I really like the violin I bought from them. read more

First off, an apology: Despite asking for your name and your telling me...I've already forgotten it. So, I'm sorry and will call you 'Jessica' for this review. I'm an old guy who used to play the violin and viola--50 years ago, but very rarely since then. I finally opened the old viola case and wondered about practicing a bit. I also saw that playing would be tough with a broken A string. I also wondered if the instrument still had some problems given that it had been worked on lo those many years ago. I decided to stop by Bischofberger and ask about their checking it out. Jessica was friendly and informative. She also assured me, importantly, that their assessment would not cost a fortune, something important at this stage of life. So, I came back with the viola and she examined it. Jessica suggested a replacement A string at modest cost that would work well, while commiserating that string prices have skyrocketed. After her assessment she played my instrument and noted that the few minor issues uncovered in her assessment would most likely not affect the viola's sound and that I was good to go. For me, just taking this step in a process to play once again was a big deal. And could have foundered, but didn't because of the help I got. Jessica was personable, knowledgeable, positive, and technically skilled (without making a big deal about it). The whole experience--our conversation, her work, and the outcome--was an important step forward. So, thank you very much Jessica. I'll happily return to Bischofberger as needs arise. read more

Bischofberger Violins is a great musical store, offering a melody of services including violin repair and rentals and assorted cello and string related things. I visited recently for a violin tuneup and string replacement and their friendly staff did an amazing job! I'm always glad to visit their showroom which features assorted violins, cellos and string instruments of various sizes from a child size to adult. It's probably the #1 Violin Shop in Seattle and maybe beyond... read more

A beautiful violin shop on the top of Capitol Hill. While the shop seems to always be busy with repairs, I know it for it's reputation for quality instrument rentals. Violins, violas and cellos of all sizes are on display, and you're welcome to try them all out. Rather eccentric staff. read more

Bischofberger Violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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To wit: Bischofberger Violins is easily the most pleasantly in-tune violin shop in the Seattle area. Although referring to this PALACE of violin-family instruments and regalia as a mere "shop" is an understatement. Friendly, knowledgeable and refreshingly longstanding (i.e. happy to be there) staff, extensive selections, gougelessly reasonable prices, reliably excellent repair work...sound too good to be true? Nay! That's just how they do business. Not entirely satisfied with this or that aspect of a given repair or item for some reason (luthiering being such an anachronistically complex art brimming with subtle variables...and musicians being such the potentially annoyingly picayune little princesses who don't like sleeping on top of peas)? Don't worry, if your pickiness is remotely reasonable, they will (rest assured) go out of their ways to turn you into a satisfied customer. Why? Because they are self-evidently good people who know how to run a superb establishment. Having been around the mulberry bush quite a few times, and having been disappointed by the intentionally impersonal sharkiness of many other, lesser violin establishments, I know from whence I rambunctiously blab. Sincerely, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmTbP39J4XM read more

They quickly found the source of buzzing in my violin! Everyone was very nice and helpful (and knowledgeable!). Excited to get my bow rehaired by them, and they had good rosin and string products. read more

We stopped in and picked up a 3/4 violin for our son. We received prompt and friendly service.

I remember the wonder as a kid buying his first violin. After a couple of years of squeeky, awkward, scratch on blackboard violin RENTALS, I was ready for my own instrument. And of course, it was these RENTALS that were so horrible, with a LOG of a bow strung with FAKE nylon horsehair that was the reason why that violin sounded more like a cat in heat, than real music. Certainly, it was the RENTAL -- NOT me! Once I got my own instrument, I sounded like an ANGEL, sure I did! I went through several instruments in my "career" playing violin, and while I think it took me about 5 years to pronounce his name right, Bischofberger always came through with both buying and upkeep needs. However, there's a handful of choices in town, and those that I've heard about have pretty bomb street cred, such as Olsen Violins (very good work and maybe a bit cheaper that the big "B"), and Lasley and Russ in Ballard (can't vouch for personally, but heard good things). But this place is still kind of the first place that comes to mind for me -- call me sentimental. I didn't learn how to pronounce his name for nothing! Nowadays, I wouldn't go here to buy something like strings (MUCH cheaper on the internet, if you know what you need). But if you are sort of new starting out, or need a refresher, or to "tune up" your instrument, this is a great choice to get expert, reliable advice. I always had good work done here. Also, if you are in the market to buy a new instrument, or a bow (YES! This is JUST as important for your playing -- don't skimp on this one with a stick you might as well pick up from your driveway after a windstorm!), this is a good place to start. Personally, I'd recommend shopping around at the other shops, too, to insure you're getting a good deal for what you are getting instrument/bow-wise. It is an important decision, and it pays to do your research, plus the tactile sensory experience of actually playing different instruments, and bows, is not only fun, but an important way to find a match for you. It's a lot like dating -- it might take a few tries before you settle down with the "one", ya know? Anyway, Bischofbergers' (Bish-uf-burg-urs) is a great place to start. PROS: Experts in their field. Trustworthy. Reliably good work. Fun shop to visit! CONS: Can be a bit pricier than others, so it could be useful to shop around -- an instrument is such a personal thing, it's a good idea anyway. read more

As a boy who grew up playing bluegrass fiddle in the Ozark Mountains of Southern Missouri, believe me when I say that I trust very few people to care for my fiddle. After reading reviews online I settled on this place with the impossibly hard-to-pronounce name, one that would have me giggling were I in middle school. Okay I admit it, I still giggled when I tried to say it out loud. But I went in for a broken peg, and came out a happy customer. Ramona, the one who did the repair, did it same-day and with such a friendly attitude, I'm not sure I'll be able to consider anywhere else for my future violin/fiddle-related purchases. Tip: Park in the QFC parking lot across the street - just don't stay in the store long enough to have your tires time-stamped! Do yourself a favor and stop in here, even for just rosin or a new set of strings. It's like stepping back in time. read more

Jacqui was amazing and gave me the best service I have had in this part of town. She was extremely helpful and made me feel at ease and not at all uncomfortable about the fact that I couldn't afford to get anything other than the cheapest strings and bow in the shop. I will definitely buy my violin here when I make some $$$. read more

I love this place, and if you're an orchestra nerd so will you. Great instruments on loan (violins, violas, cellos, upright bass) - I've rented several violins from them. Where rentals are concerned, they have a great sound, great bows, and a great case too. Good price! This is not a place for guitars or such things. They sell all varieties of rosin, chin rests, mutes, strings and such. They do repairs, and I think they make their own instruments too. A real local treasure of a shop. They even keep a binder of all the local music teachers and are able to make recommendations. Above all, they have a beautiful space - two floors in an old house in a lovely part of Capitol Hill (rumor has it the house was a bordello at the turn of the century). You are free and encouraged to try out instruments before you rent or buy in the private playing room upstairs. You can take your time, relax and try to remember that 6th position trick. Though I've never taken advantage of it, you're able to apply 9 months (I think? check with them) of your rental fees to any instrument purchase. I love this business. And they clearly love what they do. read more

I like this place so much, I wish I could just bring coffee and hang out. I have rented twice with them, once for myself and once for my daughter. They were absolutely wonderful with my daughter. The rental instruments are in excellent condition with quite a decent tone. I find the rates to be very reasonable. I also purchased an instrument from them for myself. They were so helpful, no pressure, with such an excellent space to practice in. They helped me pick out a few rosins to try and have been great at giving string advice. Customer service - check! Excellent acoustics - check! Great quality and reasonable prices - check! So far, I have needed no major repairs (knock on maple) but when I do this will be my first choice as well. read more

This violin shop was recommended to me by a fellow instrumentalist when I came to Seattle from out of state last December to search for a new cello bow. The staff here is friendly and welcoming and answered all my questions. They are well stocked with many instruments and bows to try. Although they didn't happen to have a brand new bow in the model I was most interested in, they were able to have it shipped directly to me (to Hawaii) from the manufacturer and made sure I received the correct bow and even sent a very nice hand-written note along with my receipt afterwards. I will certainly be back to visit the next time I am in town. read more

I brought my violin bow in to get rehaired, and they did a great job. They answered my repair questions frankly and never pushed services on me. I didn't rent any instruments, but they had a huge selection. read more

Since we've been coming to Bischofberger for 5 years, I thought I'd throw out there our appreciation of a kind, quality, and straightforward small business. We have experienced nothing but professional and friendly service here. We've rented violins and cellos for our daughters, as well as had work done to restore an old family heirloom violin. We would highly recommend trying this business out if you need or own stringed instruments. read more

I recently moved to Seattle and needed a shop that rented violins to continue my practice. I was pleasantly surprised with Bischofberger, she let me try all the rentals to see which one I like. The price was great; came with a beautiful case, good quality violin, and a decent wooden bow. I was very happy with the experience overall. Hopefully one day I'll be good enough at playing the violin to justify buying my own, and when that day comes I will be going back to Bischofberger. read more

This is really a specialty shop, and so for those looking for common musical items really should avoid - but for an avid fan or musician for violins/violas [and a few other string instruments] this would definitly be the place to go. They have great rentals as well as they can repair most damaged pieces or even tuning/cleaning. read more

Went in to rent a violin for my 6 year old. The woman (can't remember her name) was SO helpful and warm. She gave us a tour of the whole shop, we met the violin maker himself, and left with a beautiful -and rented- first violin. When my son is ready to own his own, we will definitely purchase it there. What a nice resource to have here in seattle. read more

Bischofberger has won me over! Everything about this store is great. The employees are very helpful, they have an outstanding selection on instruments and the place oozes good vibes. I'm a beginning violinist and I'm about to purchase my first violin there. I really appreciated how they let me take my time selecting a violin so I could be sure that it was the perfect one for me. You just can't help liking Bischofberger, so do yourself a favor and go check it out! read more

I went into the store looking to sell my violin. The girl who helped me was very nice and explained the process and that the owner would need to look at it first. I left the violin and came back a couple hours later. They said they were not interested in purchasing the violin, but they had went so far as to put new strings on it to test the sound quality. They told me what it needed for repairs and an approximate as is value. When I told them I was just going to try and sell it on my own, they put the old strings back on and thanked me for visiting their store. No charge. This was some of the best customer service I have ever had. I would highly recommend them. read more

I was referred here for help with a violin I purchased for my 4 year old Godson. The woman who helped me was extremely knowledgable and helpful. The shop is just awesome inside too, in a Neighborhood that is changing into more new construction apartments and restaurants, it is refreshing to see that there is still a shop like this on Capitol Hill. read more

Have nothing but great experiences with Bischofberger. Shopping for violins, bows, rentals, and repairs has been a joy. Staff is friendly and patient. We drive here instead of going to a much closer shop because of the excellent customer service. read more