Blackerby sells and rents stringed instruments that are played with a bow, as well as the associated equipment. They have plenty of sheet music. I hadn't played a violin for roughly 18 years, so I asked about their rental plan. It's pretty reasonable. They have two rental tiers. Comes with the instrument, bow, case, rosin. Shoulder rest purchased separately. Half of the amount you've paid in rent can be used towards purchase of an instrument of the same type, although such a credit expires 30 days after the rented instrument is returned. This location also contains a recital hall and some studios, both of which can be reserved. The staff here are very friendly, and they seem to carry a wide selection of instruments. read more

Blackerby Violin Shop - Subset of instruments - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Amazingly helpful people very nice and considerate. Completely restrung my daughter's violin and tuned it while I waited. Also Dropping a violin off that is a family heirloom to be completely redone. Super nice people super helpful. When our kid started out trying to play the violin, we bought a small one. As she grew, we traded it in and were able to buy the next size up until she reached adulthood and we got an adult size violin. This made it affordable as we got a lot of money back for each violin as long as we took care of it. That way in the end you're able to afford a decent violin. I know it's been a while, but I'm sure they would still have that program. read more

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All my experiences here have always been above and beyond here. My violin teacher told me about this place and ever since I switched to here it's been clear skies They really know what they're doing and at one point I had obtained a broken violin and took it here thinking maybe I can restore it. They took a look at it and inspected it and spoke to me about it, pointing out that it was most likely an amateur violin maker because certain structural parts were not added - and let me know it would be a waste to have work done on it. Although I was a little glum about not having been able to restore it I was so glad they let me know because otherwise I would have wasted a lot of time and money for something that was not worth it. - long story short is that I really do feel that they care which is why I'll always come back to this place - plus I love the name it sounds cool read more

I am deeply disappointed that Blackerby has lost it's heart-- they are no longer a friendly local business, but are focused only on their bottom line. Their customer service is lacking, their policies rigid, and they are overpriced. read more

They have everything you would need to get a violin, rent one and/or lessons. Very knowledgeable!

If you're into playing the strings, then this business should be on your radar. The shop is located along a very busy stretch of Anderson Lane not far from Lamar. They have a great selection of stringed instruments both big and small. Keep in mind they deal in classical strings not electric guitars. They do sell these instruments but they also have a great rental plan. The staff is fantastic, they are attentive and knowledgeable. This is a great place to get your first violin or cello. read more

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Although we have just started our violin rentals with Blackerby, we were very pleased by the level of service, the ease of the process and obvious passion that Mike and others in the shop show for music and stringed instruments! It's also a super competitive rental rate. 10/10! read more

This place is a true gem in Austin in terms of both inventory and exceptional, conscientious customer service. I came in and was immediately greeted and offered assistance by both employees. I was looking to get a new cello string that had popped off during a recent move. I couldn't recall the brand but then recognized it when the girl working the front helped me out. She also broke down other options with that brand and gave me a bit of a heads up on different gauges and how that would alter the tone and feel. The other guy working with her was also helpful and knowledgeable. I've come here before to use their performance space for some piano sessions and equally had a great experience. As a local musician, it's heartwarming to know this music store is here and provides such a welcoming and top notch experience that's dependable and doesn't disappoint. They deserve every penny of the community's support in my book. read more

I continue to come to this strings shop. They have a great variety of instruments and accessories, and they are very knowledgeable. Their costumer service is outstanding: they're friendly, and they are very thorough answering all your questions. And they are much better than Terranova. read more

I stopped in to have a violin restrung. I expected to have to pick it up later but the work was done while I waited and they made a small recommendation to replace the tail piece since mine was old and not in good shape. I was very impressed with the service and the price. We will be back for any future violin needs! read more

The folks at Blackerby truly know their stringed instruments. The shop was started by a professional cellist and violinist, and all the staff there plays some variety of stringed instrument in a rock band or classical ensemble. It's still family owned. They used to be located on Dean Keeton near the UT campus, but they've now moved up to W. Anderson between Burnet and Lamar, right across from Buffet Palace and Hobby Lobby. Parking is now easier, and the space has just about tripled, so you're not bumping scrolls or bows with fellow customers. Because of their new, larger location, they now offer on-site music lessons, and they will soon have a recital hall where they'll hold special events. They do repairs and rentals. They have the largest stringed-instrument sheet music library I've ever seen. Their instrument, strings, and accessory selection is incredible, and if you get Jennifer (cellist) or Joseph (violinist) to help you try out instruments, you'll be amazed. Don't forget to ask Jennifer to play you some Metallica. And Joseph is a walking library of classical music. read more

Quick and painless. I had a collapsed bridge and soundpost and Violins etc. informed that it could take up to two weeks to repair. Please! So I spoke to the kind woman at Blackerby and she said I could probably see my violin fixed on the same day. Sure enough, that's exactly what happened. Ten minutes and the man had fixed the bridge, sound post, and he even tuned everything for me. All of this customer service for the price of FREE. Now I don't know if that's a standard move right there, but fast, friendly service just for the hell of it wins every time in my book. I will return to Blackerby whenever my violin needs to be serviced. read more

This shop is good. I've been using them for about 10 years now, and I have the utmost respect for the knowledge of the people working there. Especially concerning sheet music---the guy who works there can get a hold of just about anything that's published. And if you order music through them, you don't pay shipping. I buy strings, rosin, and sheet music from them. And just about all my students rent instruments from them. I get my repairs done somewhere else, mostly because it's a student shop. They are always really friendly and well-stocked. Decent prices, and it's always nice to support local businesses. read more

I love this store. The service is always top notch, the advice given honest, and the craftsmanship of the luthier is superb! I have been an occasional visitor from their days across from UT and am really happy with the added space in their new location. They were willing to examine my instrument that I didn't purchase there and give me a fair evaluation on it's playability. In the end all we did to it was adjust the soundboard, they could have been huffy or sang the praises of their instruments, which by the way are fantastic, but instead they gave me great customer service, and that's why when I upgrade I will buy my instrument from them. If you are going to go to a stringed instrument store, please have this be your first stop. You will not be disappointed! read more

My experience with Blackerby is as a local Suzuki violin teacher and performer... and I hear good reviews from my students across the board. The Eastman instruments in Blackerby's "rental fleet" are excellent quality - to get student instruments that are so predictably excellent is rare. Plus, the fact that the shop is right here in town is pretty much necessary for when the clueless parent (see their only negative review) inevitably breaks a string or needs service. Face it - if you're going through the effort of getting a kid started in violin lessons, having as much local support as possible is important, and Blackerby is there for you. The first thing that I noticed about Blackerby when they were still located in their old location (a quaint little house on Dean Keeton) was the prominently-placed placard stating that they do not give teachers kickbacks. I was impressed with their entire room devoted to sheet music - it's now even bigger and more complete after their move to the current Anderson Lane location. And I was intrigued that there were CDs of local string players near the cash register. But most importantly, they had in stock the Bernardel Rosin and Wolf Shoulder Rest that I came for. Over the years I've gotten to know the staff of Blackerby, several of whom have been there since my first visit. They've helped me out with about everything a string guy could ask for - an appraisal and full cleanup for my antique violin, bow rehairs, sheet music, accessories, even now retailing the CDs that I play on. This is the one that I still can't believe - they worked out a unique "on approval"/rental situation when I was trying out carbon fiber bows, knowing full well that I intended to take the $1K CodaBow on tour with me, and in the end when I decided not to buy I only owed a few dozen dollars! Whether you're seeking a rental instrument for a 3-year old beginner or seeking your step-up instrument for grad school, Blackerby is the place. read more

My husband and I headed to Austin for a long weekend getaway. I have been playing violin for 2 years, and loved the idea of spending time in Austin going from store to store trying violins, and maybe finding some new inspiration to practice more. Taylor helped us on the first day, and even though we didn't walk in saying "We are going to buy a violin" he still spent time talking to my husband, answering his questions, and listening to my somewhat off key playing. We went to 4 other shops in the area in total, between Thursday and Friday, and no one helped us at any of the other shops. They were kind, and greeted us, but no one really stopped to talk with us. So we chose to go back to Blackerby to see if I could find something I loved. The manager was there this time, and he also was kind and helpful, answered all of my husbands questions, and helped me find a new violin that I love so much. It is hard when you really do not understand a lot about what you are looking for, but really want something new and want someone that is willing to help you. I definitely can recommend them.. read more

My experience with Blackerby's has been great! I went there to rent a violin and appreciate that the guy took the time to explain to me how to care for and store the instrument since I said it was my first time picking up a violin. They are friendly and helpful and even have a good sense of humor joking around together about YouTube videos. I didn't call around to compare, but think $20/month for renting an instrument is very reasonable. (Plus, it's a rent to own deal, so half goes towards the purchase of it.) Can't go wrong there. A big plus is their referral list of teachers. A lot of options there. I chose Kyra. At the back of the shop is an attached recital and practice space where I take lessons. I am a beginner player of violin and have been taking lessons from Kyra. She is fabulous!!! I recommend her if you're looking for a teacher. I think she also has a studio more Central you can meet her at. I don't remember, but just ask her. Also, they have books for purchase and were helpful finding me a better chin rest. I recommend them! read more

They did an amazing job repairing an old family violin that we brought in.. Will be back!

Joseph was extremely helpful! Thank you for assisting us in our guitar selection after three years of violin rental for my son. You guys are the best! read more

Reliable, friendly business catering to string players and their families. Staffed by experts in all aspects of instrument service, repair, accessories and sheet music. read more

Great little violin shop! I had to get my violin now rehaired, and they did a great job with high quality Mongolian horse hair in a timely manner for a great price! I will be coming here for all my violin needs from now on. read more

I'm so happy I finally got a violin. Well, rented one. Still, the staff was quick, helpful and very knowledgable. Got me a book to learn from, is one of the best books I've found. They provide a list of teachers all over the area, all different price ranges. I opted to teach myself, having two other instruments under my belt. But, I do stop by for adjustments and questions. There are no stupid questions here. I'm considering a cello next. They've got me hooked! read more

I hadnt played my violin in about a year and when I took it out the bridge was warped and it sounded strange and buzzy. I took my violin to Blackerby and explained the situation- they were very understanding and didn't make me feel silly or judged. The man working in the front tried for a while to adjust the bridge but told me it was still a little warped. He told me how much a new bridge would cost if I wanted to replace it, but when he saw the terrified look on my face he told me he would check with the luthier to see if my bridge could be repaired instead. It got fixed quickly and well! I loved that this place was not pretentious, didnt try to sell/oversell anything to me, and really worked with me on what I wanted! I will definitely go back for any future repairs. read more

We've rented instruments from Blackerby for 5 years now. We've always encountered good service and feel we've gotten a good value for the money. This weekend, my daughter forgot her viola at home and was about to miss a very important rehearsal. Since the rehearsal took place in North Austin, we drove over to Blackerby to see if they can help us. They helped us out incredibly quickly and courteously. In three minutes we were out of the shop with a replacement viola, bow and shoulder rest. Fantastic! I highly recommend them! read more

GREAT place!! Rented my violin from them...all the personnel are very knowledgeable and helpful! read more

Knowledgeable and super friendly staff made the process of buying my son's school viola quite easy. I would highly recommend them!

This review is written during the COVID quarantine...SO, businesses, economy, jobs are all uncertain...and even still...Joseph Shuffield could not have been more knowledgable, honest and generous. I came in to repair my daughter's violin (I had broken a string trying to tune it during her zoom lesson). Her violin has 70's/early 80's style pegs (I had no idea) and it was suggested that I replace those with a more reliable style. Joseph was upfront in saying replacing the pegs would cost more than her violin was worth and he thought he could fix the pegs to not slip. Sure enough, not only did he replace her A string with a new string, but he also fixed the pegs' grip when they turned AND showed me how to fix the pegs if they started to slip again. So there we were in an empty shop, both standing 6 feet apart and wearing masks...and I say, "thank you so much. how much do I owe you?" And Joseph says, "nothing. it was such a minor fix. we would do this for no charge for our customers." keep in mind, I hadn't been a customer until that point, but I am now! So I walked out holding, in my gloved hands, my daughter's violin, paying nothing and got to see her face light up when she knew she had a new A string and a perfectly tuned violin that she could continue playing while in quarantine. Thank you Joseph (north store) and also Philip (south store referral) for staying open (but keeping very safe rules), so that our kids who love music can still do what they love!!! And thank you Joseph for being kind and generous in a time where the world is crazy...you make it a better place for us all! read more

Very knowledgeable, have violin pre amps, great place to get your violin set up for live performing with a full on band.

Very helpful staff cordially offered advice and expertise to this newbie violinist. I appreciated their patience and suggestions. Thanks guys! read more

They have a bunch of great violins in stock with beautiful sounds! The staff are so helpful and professional that they know the best size of the violin that fits me, and would follow up on me when there is a better one available. I definitely recommend this shop!! read more

My wife and I decided to start our 8-year-old with violin lessons. I'm a guitar player but was clueless about violins. This became all too clear to me while looking at violins at a pawn shop. I went to Blackerby to do a little recon work and educate myself. I first dealt with a gentleman who was extremely patient with all of my questions - and there were several. He explained everything to me about beginner violins: sizes, construction, materials, etc. I went back later in the afternoon with my daughter to purchase one of their used violins - a rental violin in very decent condition. They put a package together for us at what I felt was a very fair price. We've been back several times since for books and accessories. Each time, we're met by friendly, courteous people. Their selection is excellent. Our experiences with Blackerby, coupled with our daughter's excellent violin instructor, have made our daughter's introduction to music lessons very enjoyable for all. read more

Took a cello in for repair here. Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. They fixed up my cello, and now it sounds great and is a lot easier to play. They have excellent customer service. read more

Took a cello here to be restrung. They were super nice and fast. When I came back later, the guy remembered my name.

I bought my son's violin here a couple of months ago and although I was running late and they were about to close, they waited for me and didn't rush me. The salesman was very nice and knowledgeable. The entire experience was great. I highly recommend them. Oh, and also, if your kid outgrows their violin, you can take it back to them and they will give you up to 100% of what you paid for as credit toward a new one!!! That's great. read more

Not the most honest business around. My son took cello through the string project at UT. We had a pathetic, beat up cello that my son accidentally dropped breaking the bridge. When I took it to Blackerby Violin Shop, They told me that it would be $75 for a new bridge. Several hours after dropping the cello off, I got a phone call from Blackerby saying that there was extensive damage and the repairs would cost over $400. The 1/8 size cello was not worth that much money so I told them I'd pick it up and buy one some place else. I took the damaged cello to another luthier and found out that the damage was from previous repairs that came unglued and Blackerby (and String Project) knew the damage was not my son's fault. Nonetheless they tried to take me for a ride. Be VERY careful of these people. Go to an honest shop for repairs particularly if you're not a professional musician. read more

As the parent of a new violin student and coming from a non-violin background, I was intimidated by the prospect of starting lessons for my son because of my lack of knowledge about violins. The good people at Blackerby put me well at ease and helped guide me through the process, from putting me in touch with the awesome instructors at Suzuki Strings of Austin to helping me bring up to date a hand-me-down violin. We have had interactions with Joseph, Colin and Helen who are all wonderfully knowledgeable, helpful and kind - and not one bit condescending to a non-violin player. Colin even offered to fix a broken latch to hold the bow in our case and refused payment for his services. It was such a short amount of time to fix to even be billable, but his generous act (and the help from Joseph and Helen) ensured that I will always make the drive from South Austin to Blackerby for our violin needs. read more