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    Ifshin Violins

    3.9 (115 reviews)
    Closed 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    The superb repair job by Colin at Ifshin!
    Melissa Y.

    I have been to Ifshin various times over the years for violin-related purposes, but this review is specifically about their excellent service on an unconventional task. I have an erhu and the ornamental head broke off when the instrument fell over (I should not have left it standing upright!). I called Ifshin and spoke with Colin, and he knew which instrument I was talking about and agreed to help. When I brought the erhu in, I was received kindly by the lady at the front. Colin examined the instrument and explained the process for repairing it. Because the glue was slow drying, the instrument would need to sit clamped overnight. I returned for it the next day that Colin was in the workshop and saw that he had done a superb job! The repair price also remained constant from the initial quote through payment and seemed reasonable especially considering the more unorthodox nature of the job. I'm very grateful to have had my erhu professionally repaired at Ifshin even though that is not their usual line of work. They went above and beyond here, and I will not hesitate to return with my future violin needs (hopefully this erhu repair will be the last though!).

    Books
    Tiffany C.

    This place is beautiful. It's huge and bursting with instruments and books and other string instrument related supplies. The staff were super attentive and kind even though our 2 year old basically spent the entire time running and screaming through the store. Love it here.

    Emi J.

    For some reasons every time we come here to rent or make changes to new strings, or upgrade to a larger size violin for my son, we walk away feeling talked down to. The tone from the rental department managers and staffs carry a very condescending tone of voice....through the 5 years renting for my little one. Every time! Mind you we pay a deposit, replacement of strings/bows then almost $29 per month about per month for 5 years! The violin we check out and rent always comes with pre-existing dings, scratches all around. And I will always ask how come there are so many existing dings? Well what seems to be down to a well rehearsed response. The staffs assured us that these are existing ones so we wouldn't be worried. It's "noted" on file. Supposedly! Well, let me tell you something. Each every time we return to switch to a larger size due to growth the staffs inspects the violin what seems to be down to the minute microscopic inspection. Making rather rude comments as if they are doing you the favor by accepting this so called "damaged" goods back...damaged. Seriously upsetting as my responsible child respectfully knows value and keep it safe! And we started to record video zooming in to note existing scratched small chips nicks go protect ourself just as one would do a walk through move in/move out. Highly recommend it to all rental parents. Parents, be forewarned Ifshin rental staffs did this to us each and every time! When it was time to buy now that he is full size 1, a friend suggested I go check out A&G Music in Oakland instead and sure enough I did. Wondering Why was I not aware of A&G here in the first place? At A& G I received attentive service with an appointment with the owner. We immediately bought a size 1 violin at A&G right away. So refreshing to receive positive welcoming service at A & G!!! then it makes you realized you have not been treated very nice here at Ifshin rentals. Ifshin, You didn't do me a favor with condescending tones. You may have been in business forever because there limited stores in this industry. However please treat people who walks in your store and give you business and money and pays for your rent and food with some respect please!

    Jay Haide 104's have great sound.
    Camille P.

    Every time I have visited Ifshin Violins, I have had the best treatment there--whether I'm just there to get rosin or buy a violin. The store reps (I know each and every one now) have treated me respectfully and fairly for the past 25 years. I wanted to buy a violin and bow for my daughter and they let her try a dozen violins and a dozen bows (of different prices and didn't tell her which one was which) in a big, private, gorgeous room. She felt like she got the royal treatment and they told her to take her time and pick out the right one. She chose a Jay Haide 104 violin and a pernambuco bow. What's cool about their JH violins is that they never depreciate and we can trade it in (must be in pristine condition) and upgrade to the next tier (price range) of violins. Ifshin Violins is the only stringed instrument shop that I trust. Their prices are fair and they sell quality instruments for every price range. I will remain loyal and keep referring people to them.

    Gamba cello (with 7 strings)!!

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    2 months ago

    Wonderful service! The staff was nice and helpful, my violin has now lasted a few years and is holding up wonderful, worth the price.

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    3 years ago

    My daughter has gotten 2 different violins from here. Very good service from the staff member and high quality of violin.

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    4 years ago

    Friendly and knowledgeable. I got my cello strings replaced in just a few minutes. Beautiful place.

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Love Ifshins. Got very patient expert help for a beginner viola player to fit the chin rest and shoulder rest. Much appreciated.

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    5 years ago

    Very pleasant experience renting my daughter's violin from there. Excellent customer service and reasonable prices!

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    Ask the Community - Ifshin Violins

    Review Highlights - Ifshin Violins

    They have high quality (Jay Haide) rentals, take care in measuring, and even allow long distance rentals.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Silly Strings Guitar Services - Lounge with drinks for sale

    Silly Strings Guitar Services

    (11 reviews)

    What can I say, I fell in love with this place the first moment I walked through the door. Sarina,…read moreBilly, and KK are some of the most down to earth folks you'll meet. They are not there to coerce you into parting with your hard earned remuneration; they are there simply to brighten your day. Should you ultimately decide you are there to purchase an instrument or piece of equipment, they will guide and advise you accordingly in making the ideal choice, based on YOUR needs, not theirs. The layout of this shop is systematized in such a manner that is easy on the eyes, a ubiquitous immaculacy, rarely found in a guitar shop. A complimentary coffee bar and hangout nook is such a welcome and beguiling feature. It's not difficult to imagine spending more time in this shop than one has budgeted for; and that's the point, you'll never feel anything but welcome to lounge about, test out some amazing gear, and enjoy all the store and its owners have to offer... Speaking of the owners, Billy's proficient skill with guitar repair has left me in awe. The first two guitars (Ibanez and Fender) I brought in were in need of some serious love. When I picked them up, I plugged them in and found they played better than what I had first purchased them or at any point after. The level of skill and care applied is immeasurable. He treats every instrument as if it were his own. This shop and its owners are a true treasure and a most welcome addition to the town of Petaluma. Do yourself a favor and stop by, you won't regret it. \m/

    What a great shop! Beautiful guitars on display among some of the friendliest folks in all of…read morePetaluma. Very knowledgeable staff and all sorts of supplies on hand for your guitar needs plus coffee! Great location and plenty of parking! Beautiful store inside and out!

    Ifshin Violins - musicinstrumentservices - Updated May 2026

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